Climate concerns and global conflicts are pushing Australian travelers to play safely. In a recent study commissioned by Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI), two out of three (65 percent) surveyed said that they now see travel insurance as even more vital due to unpredictable climate and natural disasters.

He Future of travel 2025 The report revealed that younger Australians feel this more acutely, with almost three out of four (71 percent) GEN Z and millennials that support the statement, compared to three in five (57 percent) Baby Boomers.

Interestingly, as climate change accelerates, SCTI reports that heat stroke statements have almost doubled in only six years in 2025.

The CEO of Scti, Jo McCauley, says that the change in attitudes is understandable, with natural disasters and increasingly frequent unexpected events.

“SCTI has seen a 16% increase in the interruption of trips caused by natural disasters or severe climatic events since 2018, and this year until now, we have already experienced 9% of the catastrophic statements of 2024. This is due to the devastating earthquake in Vanuatu,” says McCauley.

“We have also seen an increase of 96% in the state -of -heat stroke statements in 2024 compared to 2018. These tend to be located in Central Europe and impact older travelers who are on vacation for a longer time.

“Turbulence has also been an important problem for travelers, with SCTI paying more than $ 25,000 for claims related to turbulence since 2023, with 46% from the Asia region.”

In addition to this, a significant three quarters (70 percent) of the respondents reported that they felt less safe due to the current global political climate, a trend that is also promoting insurance absorption.

“This is reflected in the data of our clients, with a 43% increase in Australians affected by world conflicts in 2024 compared to 2018,” says McCauley.

“Last year, 33 Australians were affected in significant events such as disturbances in Nueva Caledonia and Gaza’s War, while 23 were affected in 2018”.

While these numbers may seem small, however, they give more and more Australians, they stop to think when it comes to preparing to travel.

Greater awareness

“The modern world is more connected than ever, with advances in technology and trips that unite people, interests and problems,” says the head of SCTI.

“However, with this additional consciousness there is a greater concern, and we are seeing travelers who exhibit greater caution due to the greatest uncertainty that climate change and global conflicts present.”

And for travel advisors, it is a timely reminder that insurance is not just a formality, it is the most important thing for many customers.

Made by Yougov, the future of the 2025 travel study survey more than 1,000 adult Australians.

Last month, Scti revealed the 10 largest travel insurance claims of foreign Australians in 2024, with a claim that cost more than $ 672,000.