IMG: 71% of Planning to Travel Internationally in 2021

International Medical Group, a medical and travel insurance firm released a survey evaluating the participants’ willingness to travel this year. A takeaway is that 71% of respondents are planning to travel internationally this year.

IMG Chief Commercial Officer Amanda Winkle thinks that “people are beginning to take their anxiously awaited leisure getaways and planning for more travel later this year”. For Winkle, the vaccination rollout plus people’s pent-up desire to travel are the reasons behind the survey’s outcome. When asked what are the key motivating factors that drive them to travel, 69% points out getting vaccinated. Only 57% consider low fares as a motivating factor to travel again.

She added that “IMG is prepared to protect our members’ trip investments and health as they embark on their long-awaited trips”.

Domestic vs. International Travel

Among respondents who are looking to travel, more people are looking to travel domestically this year. 88% of respondents are looking to travel domestically for 2021. In addition to this, 44% want to take more than 3 domestic trips this year.

Though the CDC considers fully vaccinated individuals at a low risk when traveling, many want to play it safe. 52% are more likely to have travel protection or travel medical insurance for their next trip. Winkle said that “the events of the past year have further shown the importance of having proper coverage when away from home”.

Complicated Travel Experience

Planning an international trip is no longer simple. Some countries are still struggling with COVID19. The US recently released “do not travel” advisories to 80% of countries worldwide.

And also, there are many things that you’d need to consider if you are going to travel. Some countries still closed their borders while others will require a COVID19 passport. For countries that allow travelers who haven’t completed their vaccination, you have protocols such as testing and quarantine. From the confusing protocols to the additional cost of testing and hotel quarantine, these are things that can discourage travelers from booking their next vacation.