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As the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris draw near, Australian travellers are urged to exercise caution when visiting Europe, particularly France. Recent research from PassportCard, an instant payout travel insurer, highlights Paris as a hotspot for travel mishaps, including medical emergencies, delays, and theft. The findings are part of the “When It Happens in Europe” report, which reveals that two in five (42%) Australian tourists have had to make an insurance claim during past European trips.

Paris: The Epicenter of Costly Travel Mishaps

Paris has emerged as the most expensive and problematic destination for Australian travellers. More than half (53%) of Australians identified the French capital as the priciest place to encounter medical issues, surpassing London (41%) and the Swiss Alps (35%). Furthermore, in Paris, Australians are most likely to lose their luggage or have cash stolen (41%), leading the continent to flight cancellations, with 21% of Australian travellers reporting such issues.

Official Warnings Amplify Concerns

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs has responded to these findings by issuing travel warnings. Australian travellers are advised to “exercise a high degree of caution” in France due to terrorism threats, civil unrest, strikes, and criminal activities targeting tourists. These warnings are detailed on Australia’s Smartraveller website, emphasizing the need for vigilance and preparedness.

PassportCard’s CEO Weighs In

Peter Klemt, CEO of PassportCard, acknowledges the anxiety among Australian travellers heading to Europe for the northern hemisphere summer. He underscores the importance of proactive planning to ensure a smooth journey.

“European adventures are full of unforgettable experiences, but they’re not always smooth sailing. Our data revealed two in five (42%) Australians who have travelled to Europe have had to make an insurance claim during a past trip, with one in ten making multiple claims. This highlights just how common travel mishaps are across the continent,” Klemt said.

Klemt further emphasized the risks associated with Paris, especially during the Olympics, and the critical need for travel insurance. He pointed out that while the average medical claim for Australians in Europe is just under $1,000, significant incidents can result in medical bills amounting to tens of thousands.

Innovative Solutions for Travel Insurance

PassportCard offers unique solutions to mitigate these risks. Unlike traditional insurers, PassportCard’s clients do not need to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement. Instead, the company provides immediate assistance by loading funds onto a prepaid debit card for approved claims, including medical emergencies, delayed luggage, and stolen cash. This approach helps alleviate the financial strain and stress of unexpected travel mishaps.

“Our customer won’t be caught out of pocket for medical bills or other approved common claims such as delayed luggage or stolen cash with PassportCard’s 24/7 support team automatically loading funds on a pre-paid debit card when our clients need our help, the first of its kind to be offered in Australia,” Klemt explained.

Common Claims Among Australian Travelers

The “When It Happens in Europe” report details the top five claims made by Australians: luggage delays (27%), lost luggage (25%), cancellations (23%), medical emergencies (15%), and travel delays (10%). The data also reveals that younger and middle-aged travellers are more proactive in making claims, with half having filed claims during past European trips. In contrast, only 32% of travellers aged 45-54 and 18% of those over 54 have made claims.

The Importance of Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is crucial to safeguard against unexpected setbacks regardless of age. Travel hiccups can significantly impact holiday time and finances, with travellers often waiting weeks for reimbursement and claim resolution. PassportCard’s instant payout system ensures that travellers receive prompt assistance, enabling them to focus on enjoying their trip.

Conclusion

With over two million customers worldwide and a dedicated 24/7 support team based in Sydney, PassportCard is well-equipped to support Australian travellers. As the 2024 Paris Olympics approaches, travellers must stay informed, plan, and have comprehensive travel insurance to navigate potential mishaps.

For more information on travel safety and insurance options, visit Smartraveller and PassportCard.