Health risks, personal attack and natural disasters rank highly in the research contained within the 2025 Europ Assistance Holiday Barometer, a global survey of 21,000 respondents across 21 countries.
It was commissioned by leading global assistance provider Europ Assistance, the parent company of award-winning Australian travel insurance provider Insure&Go.
The report reveals that these concerns are having a tangible impact on travel destination choices with health risks at the destination citing as the top deciding factor for 83 per cent of Australians – up from 71 per cent in 2024.
The risk of a personal attack such as theft is shaping decisions for 76 per cent – up from 57 per cent in 2024. Natural disaster risk influences 80 per cent of travellers, while 77 per cent say political climate factors in their decision to a destination.
Another 55 per cent fear they’ll lose important belongings. Becoming sick while travelling worries more than half of Aussies (54%), while theft concerns have risen to 51 per cent, from 48 per cent in 2024.
Almost half of Aussies are concerned they’ll be scammed at their destination (49%), the quality of medical facilities abroad (48%), bad weather (48%) and not being able to return home (47%).
Other common fears include natural disasters (47%), needing to cancel (47%), epidemic outbreaks (46%), unplanned delays (46%) and physical safety (45%).
According to David Mayo, Commercial & Marketing Director at Insure&Go, this rising anxiety could impact how Australians travel.
“We’re seeing that Australians are more conscious of the risks that come with travel and given that awareness it’s actively shaping their decisions. Health, safety and security are central to where people choose to go and how they plan their trips,” he added.
Cost pressures and overcrowding are also weighing on holidaymakers’ minds with 78 per cent say the cost of living in their chosen destination impacts their decision, while 76 per cent are concerned about overcrowding.
“What this shows is that Australians are far more discerning travellers in 2025,” David says.
“They’re still keen on taking holidays, but they are more cautious about where they go, how they prepare and what protection they have in place. The risks they may have once brushed aside are now more than ever influencing their itineraries.”
To read the report, click here
