Almost half of all Australian travellers (42.5%) have become ill or injured while on holiday with troublesome tummy issues topping the list of overseas illnesses and holiday ailments. Here’s what advisors need to know.
Compare the Market’s latest research showed 22.8 per cent of Aussies have experienced gastro, vomiting or diarrhoea on their overseas adventures.
A severe gastroenteritis case can knock you around for 10 days or more, significantly impacting your travel plans. Not all destinations have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia, which can see medical treatment costs skyrocket.
In addition, almost one-fifth (18.4%) of Aussies have come down with a cold or flu, however, less than one in 10 (7%) have contracted COVID-19 while overseas.
While testing and vaccines are no longer mandatory in Australia, COVID-19 can still be contracted while travelling and can impact your travel plans.
Compare the Market recommends checking if COVID-19 is automatically covered in your travel insurance cover or if it needs to be purchased as an additional add-on.
Compare the Market Executive General Manager for General Insurance Adrian Taylor said: “Many travel insurers can include cover for COVID-19-related losses, which may include things like medical expenses, quarantine accommodation, trip cancellations and more.”
“However, this isn’t a compulsory inclusion, so be sure to check your Product Disclosure Statement carefully to know if you will have cover for COVID.”
Likewise, travel insurance with medical treatment coverage is highly recommended to cover any unexpected medical costs and cancelled plans arising from other overseas illnesses.
When it comes to injuries, Aussies are most likely to fall victim to bug bites (4.2%) followed by sprained ligaments (3%), broken bones (2.2%) and animal bites (1.8%) – all of which can put a dent in your holiday plans.
Despite these incidents of overseas illnesses and injuries, the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) found one in six Aussies (16%) travel overseas without insurance coverage.
“What this tells us is the unexpected can happen at any time and it’s always best to be prepared in case your dream holiday turns into a nightmare,” Taylor said.
