Overseas travel repatriations on the rise

Little boy walking on line in ropes course in outdoors adventure park. The boy aged 7 is smiling. His sister is visible in the background. Sunny summer day.
By Vanessa Bussoletti


With International Nurses Day on Friday, Allianz Global Assistance Travel Insurance has revealed an 80 per cent increase in travel repatriations.

Last year, Allianz Global Assistance nurses were responsible for 150 repatriations, ensuring the safe arrival home of many Australians.

However, despite an increase in travellers needing assistance more than ever, research shows an alarming number of Australians still treat travel insurance as a last minute purchase, with 39 per cent of customers purchasing travel insurance in the last week of departure and 19 per cent of customers purchasing the day before or on the day or departure.

Senior Nurse, Rebecca Goodchap, has been an Allianz Global Assistance repatriation nurse for just over nine years.

She said, “Our data shows that for many consumers, travel insurance is an afterthought and is often booked as late as the day before departure.

“In some cases, travellers choose not to purchase it at all, running the gauntlet and leaving themselves open to potentially disastrous consequences.

“Our nurses play a vital role in ensuring the safe repatriation of Aussie travellers. Injury and illness whilst travelling can affect anyone, of any age, anywhere in the world.

“Medical treatment and repatriation can have a huge impact on your holiday and finances if you’re not covered, with the costs for each varying drastically from country to country. In reality, travel insurance is the one essential item you can’t leave home without.”

“The most common reason for repatriation in 2016 was for multi-trauma. This is where a person has multiple injuries, for example several fractures, lacerations or internal injuries.

“These are usually the result of motor vehicle or bike accidents and in some cases, adventure travel activities, such as ski-related injuries.

In 2016, the top destinations travelled to by Allianz Global Assistance nurses working on repatriations include:

  • Thailand
  • USA
  • New Zealand
  • China
  • France
  • UK
  • Italy
  • Greece
  • Hong Kong
  • Indonesia

Rebecca Goodchap added, “These patients are, not only confronting a terrifying health scare, they’re also trying to adapt to foreign environments – in many cases, where they don’t understand the language or what’s going on around them.

“Travel insurance policies vary, but can start from as little as $140, depending on the duration of the trip, where you’re travelling to, age and if you opt for any extras.

“This is an extremely small price to pay when you consider the consequences of being caught in an unfortunate situation without cover. As an example, a repatriation air ambulance from Europe to Australia can cost up to $230,000.

“I would encourage all travellers to carefully consider their coverage needs before they travel and ensure they purchase the correct level of cover or policy depending on the type of activities they wish to engage in.

“If travellers are unclear on the level of cover, always call customer service and read the Product Disclosure Statement.”

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