The dangerous truth about risky travel and social media's influence

Social media is awash with travellers chasing the perfect selfie, swimming with wildlife and cliff jumping into the clearest water.

But while risky tourism is trending, many young people aren't signing up for travel insurance.

A survey by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Smartraveller has found almost half of travellers are willing to take risks in pursuit of unique or memorable experiences.

The survey of 1001 people found 33 per cent are willing to visit challenging environments while 49 per cent are willing to try unfamiliar foods.

Almost half of travellers had, or would consider, going overseas for a medical procedure, such as dental care.

Despite this, almost one in seven Australians went on their most recent trip abroad without travel insurance, and this rose to 23 per cent in the under-30 age group.

Thirty-six per cent of survey respondents agreed they had seen risky destinations promoted in a positive way in media or social media.

This is a concern to avid traveller Melbourne's Harrison Costello, 29, who is a staunch advocate for travel insurance.

Mr Costello has seen travel influencers "making a name for themselves" exploring "places you wouldn't think to go" - such as spending time in Mongolia with nomads.

And while he would never do anything he classed as dangerous overseas, he has experienced enough setbacks while travelling to know travel insurance is paramount.

"My first day in New Delhi, my phone was pickpocketed on the train at the start of a month-long solo trip. Luckily, I had a comprehensive policy with a thousand-dollar phone benefit, so I got everything replaced," he said.

"Another time, my partner's entire suitcase was stolen off a coach in Dublin right after Christmas with my family. Some things were irreplaceable, but insurance helped reduce the damage."

Mr Costello has trekked to Mount Everest base camp, and loves snowboarding. He advised having a "loose idea of the activities you might do" when organising travel insurance and "read your policy so you know what is and isn't included".

"For example, if scooters aren't covered, you'll know to avoid them in places like Vietnam," he said.

iSelect spokeswoman Sophie Ryan, has noticed more Aussies "chasing viral moments without thinking what happens if things go wrong".

"For content creators especially, a lost camera, missed flight or surprise hospital visit can quickly turn a dream trip into a costly disaster," she said.

If you're travelling to create online content, you'll likely need more than basic insurance cover, she told Explore.

"A standard policy may not fully protect you if you're filming with expensive gear, or earning money, so it's important to check the fine print and any extras or add-ons.

"For example, policies that include coverage for professional equipment or adventure activities may be more suited to a content creator if their trips often involve extra risks."

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The Australian Government has a safety rating system it applies to countries depending on how safe they are for Australian travellers, as follows:

Smartraveller warned while influencers and tourism operators might recommend destinations "off the beaten track", if your destination is listed as 'Do not travel', it should be considered a no-go zone.

"Travelling somewhere uncommon or unsafe can seem thrilling. Especially if you've seen others do it and return safely. But visiting locations where we and other governments advise 'Do not travel' can put your life in serious danger. No amount of likes are worth the risks," the Smartraveller website says.

The Australian Government helps thousands of Aussies overseas annually. It provided consular assistance and crisis support to more than 15,000 people in 2023-24, which was a 7 per cent increase from the previous financial year, according to Smartraveller.