10Life study reveals 34 per cent travel insurance price gap

A recent study by 10Life's Research and Data Analytics team has uncovered a concerning discrepancy in the pricing of travel insurance add-ons for flights departing from Hong Kong. The research compared the cost of a 14-day trip to New York, examining six different scenarios that all included the same travel insurance plan, coverage level, and benefit limits.

Despite these consistent factors, the premiums varied greatly, ranging from HK$859 to HK$1,153. This represents a discrepancy of up to 34%, with the highest quote being 34% more than the lowest.

The disparity in premiums was largely attributed to fluctuations in airfare. The analysis revealed an almost linear relationship between the cost of the flight and the price of the travel insurance add-on. For every HK$1,000 increase in airfare, the insurance premium rose by approximately HK$22. This suggests that airlines may be leveraging higher airfares to justify higher insurance costs.

Interestingly, the study also explored premium variations across different purchase channels. When purchased through an insurance comparison platform or directly through an insurer's website, the premiums remained relatively stable, showing no significant fluctuation. However, on the airline booking page, the premiums displayed a wide range, from HK$859 to HK$1,153. This suggests that consumers may not be fully aware of these price variations when purchasing travel insurance through different channels.

The findings highlight the need for greater transparency in travel insurance pricing, particularly when airfare is a factor. While higher fares may increase the risk of certain incidents, such as trip cancellations or medical emergencies, the study suggests that other factors like trip duration, destination, and traveller age should also play a more significant role in determining insurance premiums.