Medical Emergencies Top Fear for Travelers
90% Want Access to an Advanced Medical Facility
WARREN, NJ, January 11, 2005 – More than 70% of Americans surveyed said their greatest concern when traveling is suffering a medical emergency (e.g.,
broken bones, heart attack, other sudden or serious injury or illness), according to a nationwide survey sponsored by the
Chubb Group of Insurance Companies. The survey of 1,585 people, conducted this month by Impulse Research of Los Angeles, found
that the concern regarding a medical emergency (73.5%) is more than double the fear of being mugged (30.7%), three times the
fear of being injured in a terrorist attack (23.4%) and 10 times the fear of being sexually assaulted (7.6%) or being abducted
(7.2%).
Serious Injury/Illness/Hospitalization
More than half the respondents (55.3%) are most concerned about incurring a serious injury while traveling. Nearly one-third
(32.5%) are worried about serious illness, and 12.2% fear a heart attack or stroke. Nearly 13% have required hospitalization
while traveling, and more than 15% of survey participants have had to cut a trip short for a medical reason.
U.S. Treatment Favored
An overwhelming 92.4% of those surveyed said that if they experienced a medical emergency while traveling overseas, they would
want the option of transferring to a U.S. or other advanced medical facility.
Travel Warnings Ignored
When planning a trip, 69% of those surveyed do not check the U.S. State Department’s travel warning list. More than 18% are
not even aware of the list. Ten percent of respondents have canceled trips due to a State Department warning.
Adventurous Vacations
“Americans are traveling more, especially to exotic locations, and they’re engaging in more adventurous activities,” said
Luis Granados, vice president, Chubb & Son, and worldwide Signature manager, Chubb Personal Insurance. While vacationing,
26% of people ski, almost 14% of people go mountain climbing, and nearly 20% participate in what they describe as “other potentially
dangerous activities,” according to the survey.
Rx on the Road
Nearly 60% of people surveyed take medical precautions before traveling abroad, including vaccinations and packing antibiotics
or other medications.
About Chubb
The Chubb Group of Insurance Companies has developed Signature PassportSM, a new product designed to provide affluent leisure
and business travelers with emergency medical transportation and related services. The policy helps protect travelers anywhere
in the world with no limitation on the number of trips that can be taken during the annual policy period. Chubb’s policy addresses
the coordination and expense of emergency medical transportation, such as air ambulance. It also covers excess medical expense,
felonious assault and accidental death and dismemberment. Additionally, Signature Passport offers a variety of services, from
transporting a loved one to the location where the insured is hospitalized to locating translation and legal services.
The member insurers of the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies [NYSE: CB] form a multi-billion dollar organization providing
property and casualty insurance for personal and commercial customers worldwide through 8,000 independent agents and brokers.
Chubb's global network includes branches and affiliates throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Australia.
Chubb is a worldwide leader in providing insurance coverage for fine homes, automobiles, yachts, jewelry, fine arts, antiques
and other valuable possessions
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