7 Countries with the Highest Travel Risks

Fun Vacations, But Risky? Here Are the Facts You Need to Know

Have you ever planned a vacation to an exotic country but felt concerned about safety or health? You're not alone. The rise in global travelers also increases travel risks, from flight delays to medical emergencies.
 

In fact, about 25% of international travelers experience unexpected incidents while traveling, according to reports. World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). In addition, data from International SOS shows that more than 70 countries pose a moderate to high risk to the safety and health of travelers.
 

Unfortunately, many Indonesian tourists do not yet realize the importance of overseas travel insurance for specific destinations. In this article, we will discuss:
 

• Which countries are classified as high risk?
  
  

• What types of risks to be aware of
  
  

• And of course, protection solutions through travel insurance
   

Before we discuss the list of countries, also check out our article about types of travel insurance and their benefits and how to claim travel insurance.

Beautiful Countries That Are Actually Full of Risks

Traveling abroad is exciting, but don't be fooled by the beauty of travel brochures. Some popular countries actually harbor hidden risks from natural disasters and tropical diseases to exorbitant medical costs. Fortunately, you can still explore with peace of mind as long as you have the right travel insurance that covers your destination.
 

Here are 7 countries with a high level of travel risk but are still covered by travel insurance.

1. Japan

Japan has always been a dream destination for Indonesian travelers. From the hustle and bustle of Tokyo to the serenity of Kyoto's temples, its charm is hard to resist. However, beneath its beauty, Japan also poses real natural challenges—earthquakes are a part of everyday life for locals, and during typhoon season (June–October), coastal areas can be hit by powerful storms.
 

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency Japan records around 1,500 earthquakes each year (about 2–3 per day). This demonstrates the country’s vulnerability to seismic activity, although most are mild and often unnoticeable.
 

Why is travel insurance important?

When your vacation plans to Japan are suddenly disrupted by a small earthquake or typhoon, you can get:
 

• Emergency evacuation in case of major disaster
  
  

• Medical expenses due to injury or accident
  
  

• Compensation in case of cancellation or change of trip

2. Philippines

The beautiful beaches of Palawan and the island of El Nido make the Philippines one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia. But despite its beauty, the country is highly prone to tropical storms and earthquakes. The Philippines sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is also in the "regular path" for typhoons that form in the western Pacific Ocean.
 

Based on data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), about 20 typhoons enter the Philippines every year, and about 8–9 of them make landfall.
 

What should be prepared?

With travel insurance, you can be protected from:
 

• Flight delays or cancellations due to weather
  
  

• Injury or illness during a storm
  
  

• Additional accommodation costs if delayed longer than originally planned

3. Brazil

Brazil certainly attracts tourists. Rio Carnival, the vast Amazon rainforest, and stunning tropical beaches. However, travelers should be aware that some tropical diseases like dengue and Zika are still common, especially during the rainy season. On the other hand, large cities like Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo also have high crime rates, such as pickpocketing and petty robberies against tourists.
 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Brazil experienced more than 1 million dengue cases in the first half of 2023 alone.
 

Important protections:

With international travel insurance, you will be better prepared for:
 

• Hospitalization due to infectious disease
  
  

• Prompt medical treatment
  
  

• Assistance when losing important items or documents

4. Türkiye

Türkiye offers unique experiences like walking the ancient streets of Istanbul, hot air ballooning in Cappadocia, and exploring the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus. But the country is also prone to earthquakes and occasional political unrest, which can trigger demonstrations or restrict access.
 

A major earthquake in southeastern Türkiye in February 2023 killed more than 50,000 people and became one of the biggest disasters of the decade.
 

Benefits of travel insurance in Türkiye:
 

• Protection in case of schedule disruption due to disaster
  
  

• Compensation for medical expenses or injury recovery
  
  

• Assistance if the travel route has to change suddenly

5. United States

The United States is known for world-class destinations like New York and Los Angeles, and national parks like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. But one thing that often surprises travelers is the cost of healthcare there. Even simple treatments can cost as much as a round-trip airfare from Jakarta to New York.
 

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average cost of a hospital stay in the US is US$2,873 per day.
 

Don't take risks without protection:
 

• Travel insurance with high medical limits is highly recommended.
  
  

• Coverage for ER, ICU, or inpatient care is absolutely necessary.
  
  

• Also useful for reimbursement of accommodation costs if you need to extend your stay for medical reasons.

6. Canada

Canada is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking in Banff, skiing in Whistler, or watching the northern lights in the Yukon. But Canada's climate can be extreme, especially in winter. Temperatures can plummet to -30°C, and snowstorms can cause flight disruptions or minor accidents.
 

Health Canada reports that extreme temperatures, especially excessive cold, can cause serious hypothermia and death if not treated quickly.
 

Protect your journey with:
 

• Travel insurance that covers injuries during outdoor activities
  
  

• Protection against cancellations or delays due to weather
  
  

• Emergency medical expenses, including evacuation from remote locations

7. Egypt

Seeing the pyramids in person or exploring the Nile River is a dream for many. But Egypt also presents several challenges, such as extreme weather that can reach 45°C, unstable socio-political conditions, and the risk of minor crimes against tourists, such as fraud and petty theft.
 

UK Foreign Travel Advice advises travelers to exercise caution in some areas of Egypt, especially during demonstrations or civil disturbances.
 

With travel insurance, you can get protection such as:
 

• Compensation for lost passport or valuables
  
  

• 24-hour emergency assistance if trapped in an unsafe location
  
  

• Compensation for cancellation of plans due to political factors

Risks Can Happen Anywhere, Even in Favorite Destinations

You might think travel insurance is only necessary for countries in conflict or war zones. However, this isn’t always the case. Popular countries frequently visited by Indonesian tourists also carry significant risks. These include natural disasters, expensive medical costs, tropical diseases, or sudden outbreaks of social tension.
 

To help you be better prepared, here's a summary of common risks to watch out for and the types of coverage your travel insurance should include:

Disclaimer: This table is for general illustration purposes only and does not represent the full scope of Oona's policies. For maximum protection, please review the benefits and exclusions in the policy document before purchasing.
 

With a proper understanding of the risks, you can be more prepared and relaxed as you explore the world. Don't let your vacation experience turn into a major problem just because you missed this one protective step.

Travel Insurance Is Not Just a Formality, But a Smart Decision

While none of the risks mentioned above, such as earthquakes in Japan, hurricanes in the Philippines, tropical diseases in Brazil, and high medical costs in the United States, are within your control, there's one thing you can control before you leave: proper protective measures.
 

Oona Travel Insurance is specifically designed to address risks like these. Oona's policy covers:
 

• Emergency medical costs abroad can reach billions of rupiah
  
  

• Medical evacuation and repatriation, if you need to be moved from a remote location
  
  

• Compensation for trip cancellation or delay due to extreme weather, disasters or operational disruptions
  
  

• Loss of documents or luggage, which often occurs at airports or on public transport
  
  

• 24-hour emergency assistance
   

Even if you feel healthy and your destination seems safe, risks like flight delays, sudden illnesses, or minor disasters can still disrupt your vacation plans. With premiums starting at affordable prices, the benefits far outweigh the out-of-pocket costs without coverage.

Conclusion

Planning a vacation abroad is exciting, from planning an itinerary, hunting for discounted tickets, to imagining exciting moments in dream destinations like the Rio Carnival, the Amazon rainforest, or stunning tropical beaches. However, behind the excitement, unexpected risks like natural disasters, tropical diseases, or expensive medical bills can disrupt your trip in an instant, even in seemingly peaceful and modern countries.
 

Overseas travel insurance It's not just a formal document or a visa requirement. It's a safety net that protects you from the high costs, stress, and serious disruptions of being away from home. Oona Travel Insurance, you can vacation with peace of mind, knowing that there is 24-hour protection on standby to accompany your trip.