Indonesian travellers are increasingly buying travel insurance at the eleventh hour, with medical protection emerging as their overwhelming priority, according to new data from Igloo.
The Southeast Asian insurtech said the median gap between receiving a quote and departing was just two days, while 30% of policies were purchased on the day of travel. Medical cover was the top concern for 92% of customers, far ahead of accidental death protection, travel delays, lost personal items and baggage delays. The findings are based on transactions made through Igloo’s Indonesian direct-to-consumer platform throughout 2025.
Demand for travel insurance also follows Indonesia’s travel calendar, with sales peaking during the year-end holiday season. Data from Igloo shows November recorded more than twice the monthly average, while demand weakened in April and May as post-Eid travel shifted closer to home. International trips accounted for 65% of policies sold, with Japan the most popular destination, representing 26% of international policies, followed by China and Malaysia. Long-haul destinations generated higher premiums, averaging $50 for European trips, while international journeys lasted eight days on average compared with three days for domestic travel.
The data also showed that Indonesians remain strongly oriented towards last-minute purchases. Some 67% of policies were bought within a week of departure, with domestic travellers purchasing insurance a median of just one day before travelling. International travellers planned slightly further ahead, at six days. Igloo found that promotions can significantly influence purchases, with quotes containing a voucher code converting at a rate of 97%, compared with 51% for those without one. Meanwhile, 41% of customers were repeat buyers, purchasing an average of four policies each and spending 31% more per policy than first-time customers.
“Last-minute travel insurance purchase tells us people do not plan for travel protection. They buy when something reminds them, usually in the evening, often on the day they travel,” said Igloo CEO and co-founder Raunak Mehta.