Biggest travel insurance claims that will shock Aussies

Earth in hands
By Hannah Edensor


A new analysis from online travel insurance provider, InsureandGo, has found that its biggest claim from the last 12 months cost more than double the average house deposit in Sydney.

Sheesh – what are travellers doing?!

A serious skiing incident by a Sydney woman was InsureandGo’s biggest travel insurance claim over the last year, costing a staggering $256,000.

The woman, who was travelling in Canada, suffered multiple injuries and was repatriated back to Australia.

Victor Quiroz, Head of Implementations and Operations at InsureandGo, said it is well accepted that medical procedures will vary in cost from one country to another.

“Travellers are often surprised at how quickly the fees for medical procedures can rack up,” he said.

“What’s really shocking about this, is that the cost of these procedures is equivalent to a significant down payment on a house in Sydney.

“It’s very easy for this to happen, as medical emergencies can involve costly procedures, specialists’ appointments or even flying a family member overseas to assist with the journey home.”

In the second biggest claim, a Canberra man suffered Guillain-Barre syndrome while holidaying in Hawaii. The nerve condition incurred extensive hospital bills and repatriation costing just over $200,000.

An extreme blood clot resulting in a medical airlift and emergency bypass surgery in Bali was InsureandGo’s third biggest claim, coming in at $114,000. The Coffs Harbour holiday-maker was thankfully covered by his travel insurance and able to return home safely.

“It’s not surprising that the one of the biggest claims has come from the United States, which consistently ranks as one of the most expensive countries for medical assistance,” Quiroz added.

“We want every traveller to have the safest trip possible, but in the event something does go wrong, it’s important that they’re protected.”

“Travellers must always declare any pre-existing medical conditions before they travel and check the product disclosure statement to ensure they will be properly covered by their travel insurer in the event anything goes wrong,” concluded Quiroz.

 

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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