Travel Risks and Insurance Insights: Uninsured Aussies, Winter Sports, and Safest Destinations 2026
Aussies at-risk travelling uninsured, new survey reveals
21 Oct 2025
A recent survey by the Insurance Council of Australia found that 14% of Australians traveled abroad without insurance, with 23% of under-30s going uninsured. Many skipped coverage because they thought their destination was safe or chose to take risks for unique experiences, such as trying new foods or visiting challenging environments. Medical tourism is growing, with 46% considering overseas procedures mainly for lower costs, while 39% consumed alcohol without fully understanding insurance coverage. Global political tensions are also affecting travel plans, with over half of respondents avoiding certain countries or feeling less comfortable traveling. ICA CEO Andrew Hall urged travelers to review policies, understand exclusions, and ensure adequate coverage before going abroad.
Skiing accidents are on the rise: Here’s what to look out for when buying ski holiday insurance
20 Oct 2025
Skiing and snowboarding are thrilling but high-risk activities, making specialized winter sports travel insurance essential. Standard policies often exclude winter sports, while dedicated or add-on policies vary in coverage for off-piste skiing, snow parks, equipment, and medical evacuation. Alcohol, not wearing a helmet, or engaging in risky resort activities may invalidate claims, and premiums rise with age. Multi-trip policies are usually most cost-effective for frequent skiers, while rescue cover and equipment limits should be carefully checked. Top-rated winter sports policies include add-ons from Nationwide, Barclays, and NFU Mutual, offering comprehensive coverage at competitive rates.
These are the Safest Destinations for 2026, According to Berkshire Hathaway’s Travel Insurance Arm
17 Oct 2025
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) has released its 11th annual Safest Destinations report, highlighting travelers’ perceptions of safety worldwide. For 2026, the Netherlands, Australia, and Austria rank as the safest countries, while Reykjavik, Copenhagen, and Zurich top the list of safest cities. The rankings are based on U.S. travelers’ surveys combined with data on terrorism, weather, health risks, and safety for underrepresented groups. Notably, the Netherlands jumped from 14th to 1st, while Austria enters the top three for the first time. BHTP says the report helps travelers plan trips with confidence amid global safety concerns.
