Global Insurance Challenges and Travel Risks: Rising Costs, Coverage Gaps, and Health Impacts
Will travel insurance cover wildfires in Europe? Here’s what Brits need to check
August 13, 2025
Wildfires and extreme heat are affecting parts of Spain, Portugal, Greece, and the Balkans, prompting evacuations and travel disruptions. UK travellers should check travel insurance policies carefully, as standard coverage usually protects against wildfire-related flight cancellations or delays, but not if trips are cancelled voluntarily when the Foreign Office hasn’t advised against travel. Airlines and hotels may offer refunds or rebooking under UK law, but extraordinary circumstances like wildfires may limit compensation. Experts advise waiting until closer to departure to assess risks and flexible booking options rather than cancelling early. Following local authority advice during wildfires is essential for safety.
UK: Holidaymakers cutting corners on travel insurance, AllClear warns
August 12, 2025
Rising holiday costs are prompting more UK travellers to cut back on travel insurance, with many choosing no cover or the cheapest policies, AllClear research shows. The number travelling uninsured has risen from 9% to 15%, and those with medical conditions are particularly at risk, often underreporting health issues to save money. Experts warn that treating insurance as optional rather than a safety net can have serious consequences. Older travellers are more cautious, while younger holidaymakers are the most likely to take risks.
Australia: The hidden insurance danger catching Aussies out when travelling overseas and costing them thousands
August 11, 2025
Australians travelling overseas could risk missing out on insurance payouts if they don’t carefully check their policy’s fine print, legal expert Peter Carter warns. Insurers may label activities like drinking alcohol or riding a motorbike as “high-risk” to deny claims. Carter advises booking through an Australian company and considering legal action upon return to improve compensation chances. Failure to do so could have lasting effects on employment and lifestyle after a serious injury abroad.
India: Non-resident Indians buying health insurance in India surge by 150%
August 8, 2025
A recent Policybazaar report indicates a 150% surge in health insurance policies purchased by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in India, fueled by significant cost savings for medical procedures, improved trust in the Indian healthcare system, and convenient access to treatment for both themselves and their ageing parents. This rise in health insurance adoption is a key driver of India’s medical tourism sector, with NRIs increasingly choosing Indian hospitals for treatments that are up to 70% less expensive than in Western countries.
USA: Even in States That Fought Obamacare, Trump’s New Law Poses Health Consequences
August 8, 2025
GOP-led states that refused Medicaid expansion under the ACA face growing health care challenges as the new Republican budget law cuts federal Medicaid funding and limits ACA enrollment support. Non-expansion states like Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi risk large increases in uninsured residents, rising premiums, and financial strain on hospitals. Enhanced ACA subsidies ending could worsen coverage losses, hitting lower-income residents hardest. Experts warn that, without expansion, these states will face higher costs and poorer health outcomes despite short-term savings. Rural hospitals and vulnerable populations are particularly at risk from reduced funding and lower Medicaid reimbursements.
