That playful selfie with a monkey in Bali or Thailand might look harmless, but new data suggests it could come with a sting in the tail.
Southern Cross Travel Insurance has released its 2025 travel claims round up, revealing a sharp rise in unexpected holiday mishaps, from monkey attacks to serious medical emergencies and a worrying surge in influenza cases among Australian travellers.
Monkey encounters on the rise
According to Southern Cross Travel Insurance, claims linked to monkey related incidents have jumped by 350 percent over the past two years. Popular attractions such as Ubud Monkey Forest in Bali and Monkey Island in Thailand are among the hotspots.
The majority of claims, around 78 percent, were medical, typically involving monkey bites or scratches. However, insurers have also seen a rise in theft by monkey, with cheeky primates stealing phones, sunglasses and even prescription glasses straight off travellers’ faces.
In one case, a group of monkeys broke into a villa in Bali and made off with a mobile phone. In another, a child visiting Ubud Monkey Forest was struck in the eye by a monkey and required two rabies shots along with antiviral medication as a precaution.
Medical claims climbing fast
Beyond monkey mishaps, Southern Cross Travel Insurance reports that total medical and evacuation claims have increased by 17 percent since 2023, with the five most expensive claims in 2025 totalling almost $1 million.
The single largest claim exceeded $490,000 and involved a traveller in their early 50s who became seriously ill while holidaying in the United States and required a prolonged hospital stay.
Interestingly, 29 percent of all medical and evacuation claims came from Australian travellers visiting Indonesia, highlighting just how essential travel insurance is for this popular destination.
Jess Strange, Chief Customer Officer at Southern Cross Travel Insurance, says many travellers underestimate how quickly overseas medical costs can spiral.
“Many people don’t realise how quickly costs can add up when you fall ill or get injured overseas. Insurance isn’t just about covering bills, it’s about making sure you get the right care and support when you need it most,” she says.
“In some situations, getting home safely isn’t as simple as booking a standard flight. Customers may need to travel with a medical team, which often means an air ambulance or chartered flight, with costs climbing into six figures.”
Influenza and pneumonia cases surge
Another concerning trend from the 2025 data is a significant increase in influenza related claims. The number of travellers requiring treatment for influenza has grown by 85 percent over the past two years.
Not only are more travellers getting sick, but treatment costs are also rising. The average influenza related claim increased by 65 percent, from $1,299 in 2023 to $2,146 in 2025.
Pneumonia cases are also up, with an 81 percent increase in travellers requiring treatment. The average cost of pneumonia claims rose by 24 percent to $4,641.
“We have seen a concerning growth in influenza related claims, with several cases requiring hospitalisation while abroad. Some of these cases develop into more serious cases of pneumonia,” says Strange.
Gastro illnesses still top the list
Despite the rise in respiratory illnesses, gastro related conditions remain the most common medical claims among Australian travellers.
Claims for gastroenteritis and related illnesses increased by 64 percent between 2023 and 2025, with the majority coming from trips to Indonesia and Thailand. The average claim cost for gastro related illness reached $1,565.
While many travellers expect a mild case of Bali belly, insurers warn it can sometimes be far more serious.
“In one case, a traveller fainted due to severe gastro illness and suffered a concussion, leading to more than $5,000 in unexpected medical expenses,” says Strange.
Slips, trips and falls add up
Southern Cross Travel Insurance also noted a 26 percent increase in claims related to slips, trips and falls, with associated costs rising by 150 percent since 2023.
In one case, a traveller visiting Kyrgyzstan fractured their hip after slipping at a spa, requiring surgery and hospitalisation. The total claim came to more than $70,000.
The most expensive travel insurance claims of 2025
The insurer’s five largest international claims this year paint a sobering picture of how quickly costs can escalate overseas:
A traveller in their early 50s suffered a stroke while on holiday in the United States, resulting in a claim of $496,202.
A traveller in their 70s fractured their femur in Indonesia and required surgery and air ambulance transport back to Australia, with the claim totalling $220,071.
An 80 year old traveller fractured their kneecap after a fall in Spain, requiring surgery and treatment costing $108,829.
An 82 year old traveller in Greece required nursing support and assisted transport home to Australia, with a claim of $132,840.
A traveller in their late 30s became seriously ill in Thailand, requiring surgery, journey interruption cover, family support and extended pet care back home, totalling $99,224.
What travellers should take away
From monkey encounters to medical emergencies, the 2025 claims data highlights the importance of travel insurance, especially when visiting destinations where healthcare costs or evacuation needs can quickly become overwhelming.
For Aussie travellers planning trips in 2026, experts recommend taking extra care around wildlife, staying up to date with vaccinations, practising good hygiene and ensuring comprehensive travel insurance is in place before departure.
