Munich – September 13, 2026 -- A new YouGov survey commissioned by Air Doctor finds that 37 percent of Germans consider reliable WiFi or mobile data access essential to a stress-free vacation, ranking it above travel insurance (31 percent) and round-the-clock access to medical help abroad (29 percent).
The poll surveyed 2,182 people in Germany between June 26 and 28, 2026, with results weighted to be representative of the population aged 18 and over.
Safety and health top the list, but priorities shift fast
Sixty-two percent of respondents said feeling safe abroad matters most for a relaxed trip, and 56 percent cited the health of all travelers. Yet immediately after these basics, attention turns to logistics: 33 percent value flexible rebooking or cancellation options, and 29 percent prefer a fully pre-planned itinerary.
Only one in five plans for a doctor's appointment abroad
Just 20 percent said being able to quickly book an appointment with a vetted, licensed doctor locally would reduce travel stress, and only 6 percent see digital appointment booking as relevant. Travel insurance is more commonly considered a safety net -- but actual access to care, when needed, is planned far less often.
Air Doctor CEO and co-founder Jenny Cohen Derfler said travelers put significant effort into researching accommodations, activities and staying connected online, but rarely plan how to find trustworthy medical help if they fall ill abroad -- despite ranking safety and health as their top concerns.
Insurance partner flags gaps in coverage outside Europe
Mareike Steinmann-Baptist, board member at Union Reiseversicherung (URV), a partner of Air Doctor, noted that Germany's statutory health insurance often covers little or nothing for treatment outside Europe. She said unexpected costs from doctor visits, hospital stays or medical repatriation can escalate quickly without a strong international travel health policy, and that direct access to qualified doctors in a traveler's own language turns abstract coverage into practical help.
Air Doctor recommends checking coverage and language options before departure
The company advises travelers to confirm in advance what their insurance covers abroad, verify availability of 24/7 medical services particularly across time zones or in remote areas, save relevant apps or hotlines beforehand, and check whether doctors who speak German, English or another familiar language are accessible. It also recommends clarifying whether treatment costs are covered directly to avoid unexpected upfront payments overseas.