New analysis shows medical incidents accounted for the most claims involving young travellers, while theft, lost belongings and disrupted plans also created costly setbacks.
With Australian families preparing for the school holidays, the analysis from Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) reveals how quickly an overseas trip can turn into costly claims.
One Aussie family holidaying in Fiji found their accommodation broken into and ransacked, with luggage and a range of belongings stolen. SCTI paid more than $13,700 for the claim.
The break-in was one of the most notable cases uncovered in SCTI’s analysis of paid claims involving Australian travellers aged 17 and under.
While a burglary resulted in the largest individual claim, medical and evacuation claims were the most common, accounting for more than half (55%) of all paid claims and 68% of the total amount paid.
“Family holidays should be about making great memories, but it doesn’t take much for plans to unravel,” said Jess Strange, Chief Customer Officer at Southern Cross Travel Insurance.
“An illness, injury or theft can quickly mean a hospital visit, a trip to the local police station or an urgent call home.
“Being prepared doesn’t take away from the fun. It simply means young travellers and their parents know what to do and who to call if something goes wrong.”
The destinations behind the claims
The United States topped the list, with 12 paid claims totalling more than $21,000. Incidents ranged from illness and injury to delayed baggage and disrupted travel plans.
Despite recording only two claims, France had the highest average payout among destinations with multiple claims, at more than $3,300. This was driven largely by a claim involving a 15-year-old who injured their ankle during a snowboarding lesson.
Indonesia followed, with claims averaging more than $2,400, while Japan also recorded claims, totalling just over $6,000 and Thailand accounted for claims worth almost $5,000.
A practical pre-trip checklist for families
Before travelling overseas with children, or sending a teenager away with a school, sports team or friends, Ms Strange recommends families:
- Buy travel insurance as soon as flights and accommodation are booked as cover may be available should travel plans need to be cancelled before they’ve even left home, subject to the relevant policy terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions.
- Check Smartraveller advice for the destination and any transit points before departure
- Tell your insurer about relevant illnesses, injuries, symptoms, tests, appointments or medication changes
- Agree on a check-in routine and who any young travellers should contact before paying major costs or changing plans
- If you are in a hotel, you must use a safe where provided for passports, cash, bank cards, watches and jewellery.
- Hold on to any medical records, receipts, police reports and written advice from travel providers
