In an era where health and safety are paramount, a shocking paradox has emerged—international travellers are deeply concerned about medical risks yet fail to assess hospital quality before venturing abroad. The latest Global Rescue Winter 2025 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey exposes a startling oversight in travel planning, highlighting that while 35% of travellers cite major health issues as the primary reason for trip disruptions, only 51% bother to evaluate the quality of emergency medical care at their destinations.
Safety Over Cost—Yet Medical Preparedness Remains an Afterthought
The survey results indicate that half of all travellers prioritize safety over cost, weather, or convenience when selecting international destinations. However, this emphasis on safety does not extend to proper medical preparedness. Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue, warns of the dangerous disconnect between travellers’ safety concerns and their lack of proactive health planning.
“It’s an alarming attitude given that more than one in five travelers (22%) reported needing emergency medical care while abroad,” said Richards, whose organization specializes in medical, security, evacuation, and travel risk management services. “Travelers often assume they are prepared for the unexpected, yet paradoxically, the data suggests that few take the necessary precautions to ensure their health and safety abroad.”
Remote and High-Risk Travel on the Rise
Despite global instability and lingering health concerns post-pandemic, adventure travel remains strong. While 59% of travellers claim they are avoiding high-risk destinations in 2025, a notable 22% are actively planning such trips, and another 19% remain undecided. This underscores a growing appetite for off-the-beaten-path experiences—often in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.
“With a significant portion of travelers venturing into remote regions, the importance of knowing the availability of emergency medical care cannot be overstated,” Richards emphasized. “Many travelers equate safety with crime rates and political stability but overlook the equally critical aspect of emergency medical infrastructure.”
The Hidden Dangers of Neglecting Hospital Quality Abroad
Neglecting to assess the availability and quality of local hospitals can have dire consequences. Many travellers assume their travel insurance or general awareness of local conditions suffices, but this misconception can lead to unnecessary risk. Medical standards vary widely, and even in major cities, hospitals may lack essential resources or English-speaking staff.
A Global Rescue destination report provides critical insights into:
- Hospital capabilities and emergency response times
- Availability of specialized treatments and critical care
- Common health risks and vaccination recommendations
- Language barriers and accessibility concerns
- Regional-specific threats, including infectious diseases
What Travelers Can Do to Protect Themselves
For those planning international trips—whether to a bustling metropolis or a remote adventure spot—experts recommend taking proactive measures:
- Research Local Healthcare Facilities – Check if hospitals meet international standards and offer emergency care before booking.
- Verify Travel Insurance Coverage – Ensure policies include medical evacuation and access to high-quality hospitals.
- Secure a Medical Evacuation Plan—Services like Global Rescue provide emergency evacuation to better-equipped hospitals when local facilities fail.
- Understand Local Health Risks – Be aware of prevalent diseases, vaccination requirements, and possible treatment limitations.
- Prepare for Language Barriers – If travelling to non-English-speaking regions, download medical translation apps or carry a translated medical phrasebook.
The Bottom Line: Safety Requires More Than Just Caution
International travellers must rethink their approach to safety. Avoiding political instability or high-crime areas is not enough. Ignoring the quality of emergency medical care is a reckless gamble that could turn a dream vacation into a medical nightmare. With one in five travellers requiring emergency treatment abroad, the time to act is before boarding a plane—not when a crisis strikes.
For more information on travel safety and emergency preparedness, visit Global Rescue.
Final Takeaway: Whether you’re an adrenaline-seeker exploring the wilderness or a luxury traveller venturing into unfamiliar territories, assessing hospital standards should be as crucial as booking flights and hotels. Don’t leave your health to chance—travel smart, stay informed, and always have a plan.
Written by: My Thanh Pham
