A significantly higher number of medical and technical assistance cases were reported this summer compared to 2023 by the travel assistance agencies Touring and Europ Assistance. Periods of high temperatures are behind the surge in medical incidents.
A total of 2,274 medical cases abroad were opened by Europ Assistance between late June and late August – an increase of 16% on the same period in 2023. Touring recorded 1,817 medical intervention cases, marking a 10% increase.
This surge is influenced by the continuous heatwave in Southern Europe, they reported. Both companies note the influence of heatwaves on the rise in infections, gastrointestinal and heart problems, and dehydration. Most calls linked to medical issues came from France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Germany and the Netherlands.
Regarding technical assistance, Europ Assistance opened 7,673 cases between late June and late August, approximately a 5% increase compared to 2023 – a record year, according to the company.
Touring, meanwhile, logged 9,262 technical interventions, noting an increase in assistance for car breakdowns of 8%. According to the company, the rise is "largely due to spontaneous holiday departures sparked by poor weather in Belgium, leading to increased car accidents due to lack of preparation."
The primary causes of car breakdowns included battery issues, tyre issues, cooling problems and braking issues. Most calls for technical assistance came from France, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and Germany.
