Compare the Market is urging Australians planning an overseas holiday to consider the growing risk of natural disasters, after a wave of major events have struck popular destinations around the globe.
In recent weeks, Europe has been gripped by record-breaking heatwaves, with temperatures soaring above 40°C across several countries, while volcanic activity has disrupted flights in Sicily. Closer to home, a powerful storm system has battered parts of New Zealand, causing widespread disruptions and severe weather warnings.
The warning comes as Australians continue to travel overseas in huge numbers. According to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data, more than 1 million short-term resident returns were recorded in April 2026 alone, highlighting the strong appetite for international travel.
Compare the Market spokesperson Sarah Orr said that while holidays are often planned months in advance, many travellers fail to consider how quickly conditions can change at their destination and may leave themselves exposed by not taking out relevant travel insurance.
“When Australians imagine their next overseas getaway, they’re thinking about sipping cocktails on a beach or ticking landmarks off the bucket list, not scrambling to rebook flights because of a heatwave, volcano or major storm,” Ms Orr said.
“But natural disasters don’t check your travel itinerary before they strike. They can hit with very little warning and turn a dream holiday into an expensive headache. We encourage people to consider travel insurance as soon as their flights are booked.”
Ms Orr said Australians should pay close attention to policy inclusions relating to natural disasters and weather-related disruptions.
“Many travellers assume every policy covers every scenario, but that’s not always the case,” Ms Orr said. “Some insurers include natural disaster cover as standard, while others may have limits, exclusions or require you to pay extra for certain protections.
“The last thing you want is to find out there’s a hole in your cover when you’re stranded overseas or staring down a hefty bill for cancelled or disrupted travel plans.”
She also warned travellers that delaying the purchase of cover could prove costly.
“When a cyclone, bushfire, volcanic eruption or other disaster makes headlines, insurers usually start treating it as a ‘known event’,” Ms Orr said. “Once that happens, it could be too late to buy cover for anything connected to that disaster.
“That’s why travel insurance shouldn’t be an item you leave until the week before departure. Buying early can be just as important as choosing a policy that suits your travel needs in the first place.”
If travellers are caught up in a natural disaster overseas, Ms Orr said having cover in place could help with costs such as emergency accommodation, transport changes, overseas medical treatment and access to emergency assistance services.
Natural disaster inclusions to look out for
- Medical costs and hospital expenses
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Trip cancellations
- Emergency accommodation
- Alternative flights and transport
- Luggage and personal effects cover
Natural disaster exclusions to be aware of
- Travelling to destinations subject to “Do Not Travel” advice
- Taking unnecessary or reckless risks
- Failing to alter plans when advised not to travel
- Not contacting your insurer before making alternative travel arrangements
In addition to taking out travel insurance, Australians should regularly monitor Smartraveller updates and local emergency advice before and during their trip. Travelling against official government warnings may affect a traveller’s ability to make a claim, even if they hold travel insurance.
Any advice provided is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider whether the advice is appropriate for you and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before purchasing any insurance product.
For more information, please contact:
Phillip Portman | 0437 384 471 | [email protected]
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