Millions of Aussies set for overseas summer, but many travelling uninsured
19 Dec 2025
Millions of Australian travellers are heading overseas this summer, yet new research shows more than one-fifth still travel without insurance.
A Canstar survey of 2,725 Australian travellers found nearly half (43%) have previously experienced a trip disruption, yet 23% of these didn’t have travel insurance.
The bulk of these people didn’t think cover was necessary, a small percentage forgot to purchase it, while almost one-third couldn’t afford it.
Australian travellers stats:
- 21% are headed overseas this summer;
- 43% say they have previously experienced trip disruptions, yet 23% didn’t have insurance;
- 62% of these didn’t think insurance was necessary, 32% couldn’t afford it and 6% forgot.
Cost of travel insurance eases
In good news for travellers, our research shows the average cost for overseas travel insurance has had a softer landing in 2025, easing on average by $10 or 4%.
← Mobile/tablet users, scroll sideways to view full table →
| Average international travel insurance premiums | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2025 | Difference | |
| Single | $179 | $170 | -5% |
| Mature Single | $232 | $224 | -3% |
| Couple | $337 | $328 | -3% |
| Family | $373 | $359 | -4% |
| Overall | $280 | $270 | -4% |
Source: Canstar. Based on quotes collected for the 2024 and 2025 Canstar Travel Insurance Awards. Averages assume international policies cover a 14-day trip based on quotes for multiple destinations. Family is a couple and two dependents.
Aussies’ biggest worries when travelling abroad
The biggest worry for Australian travellers heading overseas is safety and security, with 23% citing it as their top concern. Flight cancellations, delays or missed connections is second at 19%, followed by needing medical treatment (18%).
While travel insurance can’t prevent issues from occurring, it can help travellers manage the fallout if something goes wrong.
← Mobile/tablet users, scroll sideways to view full table →
| What is your biggest worry when travelling abroad? | Australian travellers |
|---|---|
| Safety or security concerns | 23% |
| Flight cancellations, delays or missed connections | 19% |
| Needing medical treatment while away | 18% |
| Having to cancel the trip unexpectedly | 11% |
| Lost luggage or belongings | 9% |
| Other | 20% |
Source: Canstar. survey in Oct 2025 of 2,725 Australian adults who have previously travelled abroad.
How can I get a good deal on travel insurance?
Canstar analysed more than 22,000 quotes from 53 international insurance providers to identify potential savings by switching to a top-rated insurer. These policies offer more than competitive pricing, factoring in coverage, ease of application, payment options, customer support services and claims processes.
On average, it may be possible to unpack a savings of $62 by switching to a Canstar award-winning travel insurance provider, compared to the average. For couples, the savings could be greater at $70, and as much as $104 for families.
← Mobile/tablet users, scroll sideways to view full table →
| Average international travel insurance premiums | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Average | Award winners | Potential savings | |
| Single | $167 | $141 | $26 |
| Mature single | $222 | $176 | $46 |
| Couple | $319 | $249 | $70 |
| Family | $354 | $250 | $104 |
| Overall | $266 | $204 | $62 |
Source: Canstar. Based on the 2025 Canstar Travel Insurance Awards (Nov 2025). Averages assume international policies cover a 14-day trip based on quotes for multiple destinations. Family is a couple and two dependants.
Who are the top-rated travel insurance providers?
Canstar’s 2025 Travel Insurance Awards not only highlight potential savings on travel insurance but also help Aussie travellers find the right policy by offering a shortlist of providers that have been expertly assessed. The highest-performing are recognised with Outstanding Value Awards.
The 2025 Outstanding Value Award winners, based on Canstar’s extensive research, are:
- International: 1Cover Travel Insurance, PassportCard, Southern Cross Travel Insurance, Travel Protect, WAS Insurance, World2Cover Travel Insurance and Zoom Travel Insurance.
- Domestic: PassportCard, Qantas, Travel Protect and WAS Insurance.
- Seniors: 1Cover Travel Insurance, Fast Cover, PassportCard and Zoom Travel Insurance.
- Cruise: PassportCard, Southern Cross Travel Insurance, Tick Travel Insurance, Travel Protect, WAS Insurance and World2Cover Travel Insurance.
Canstar’s data insights director, Sally Tindall, says, “More than one-fifth of Australian travellers are preparing for an overseas summer getaway, but too many do so without the safety net of travel insurance.”
“This is despite the fact almost half of past holiday-makers have experienced disruptions.
“While one missed connection can completely blow the budget, a serious medical emergency can be completely dire.
“Some policies may even provide support if your destination becomes unsafe after you’ve booked, although limitations typically apply. If you’re headed to a destination already under a ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory, your insurer won’t usually cover you.
“The Australian Government says having the right insurance is as important as your passport – that’s advice well worth taking.
“The good news is, after years of price hikes, the average cost of overseas travel insurance has fallen. That’s not something we see every day.
“While the drops in the average priced policies are relatively minor, our research shows shopping around can deliver even bigger savings.
“Canstar analysis has found travellers could, on average, cut between $26 and $104 off the cost of their travel insurance for a 2-week trip by comparing their options.
“When picking your next travel insurance policy, use the competition in the market to your advantage, but don’t just automatically reach for the lowest-priced option. When it comes to any insurance, what’s in the policy is critical.
“When you’ve landed on a policy, make yourself a cup of tea and read the fine print. Pre-existing conditions, where you’re travelling to and what you’re doing on the trip, have the potential to exclude you from being covered.
“Everyone wants to sink into holiday mode at this time of year, but know that a few cocktails could affect your ability to claim. Many insurers require you to be under a certain blood alcohol limit, and some might ask for supporting evidence to show intoxication didn’t play a role.
“Comparing policies, understanding conditions before you fly and making sure you’re covered before take-off can help Australians travel with confidence and avoid financial surprises if something goes wrong.”
Canstar survey results:
← Mobile/tablet users, scroll sideways to view full table →
| Are you planning a summer holiday? | Australian travellers |
|---|---|
| Yes, a domestic trip | 29% |
| Yes, a staycation in my home city | 3% |
| Yes, an overseas trip | 19% |
| Yes, a combination of a domestic and overseas trip | 2% |
| Lost luggage or belongings | 9% |
| No, I already have travel planned for another time of the year | 5% |
| No, I do not intend to travel | 21% |
| I’m not sure yet/still deciding | 19% |
Source: Canstar. survey in Oct 2025 of 2,725 Australian adults who have previously travelled abroad.
This article was reviewed by our Finance Editor Jessica Pridmore before it was updated, as part of our fact-checking process.
