Southern Cross Travel Insurance reveals most common claims for Aussie travellers to Indonesia
Indonesia has secured the top spot among Australian travellers, with the destination accounting for 17 per cent of all policies sold in 2023, according to Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI).
However, it’s not all yoga and beach time for Australian travellers as SCTI has revealed that its average claim costs are up by 44 per cent when compared to pre-pandemic travel (2019), from $706 to $1,017 in 2023. It also disclosed that the most common claims among Aussie travellers going to Indonesia are for medical treatment for Bali belly (24 per cent), followed by lost phones which account for 10 per cent of total claims received in 2023.
Other claims include requests to cover reef and surfing cuts and monkey-associated incidents. Over the past five years SCTI has paid almost $17,000 in claims to Australian travellers who have had their belongings stolen by monkeys in Bali.
Jo McCauley, SCTI CEO says, “Common claims such as lost, stolen or damaged phones can put a real dampener on your holiday. However, there are a few things people should keep in mind, which could make claiming on your travel insurance easier should it ever happen to you, says McCauley.
“Firstly, lost or stolen items must be reported to the police as soon as possible. A written report is often required in order for claims to be paid. For any claims relating to a lost or stolen mobile phone or device with phone capabilities, you must block the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number by contacting your service provider and provide proof this has been done.
“A mobile IMEI number is a unique 15-digit number which is included on each mobile handset. We always recommend keeping a record of your IMEI number so you can access it easily, should your phone be lost or stolen. However, it can also be accessed from an Apple iCloud account and Google’s Find My Device service, if devices have been linked properly.
“Lastly, you need to take reasonable care with the safety and security of your item, especially when you’re in public places. If you leave your property unattended in your beach bag while you take a dip and someone takes the opportunity to steal your property, you may find yourself unable to claim for your losses. We’d therefore recommend you keep your property close by yourself or people you trust,” says McCauley.
Southern Cross Travel Insurance’s policy sales for trips to Indonesia are up 38 per cent compared to pre-pandemic.
- Most common claims include Bali Belly (24 per cent of total claims received in 2023) and lost or stolen phones (10 per cent), with monkey-related claims making up 1 per cent of total claims received.
- Indonesia is the second most claimed against country in 2023, just behind USA.
- Southern Cross Travel Insurance’s policy sales are up 38 per cent in 2023, compared to the same period pre-pandemic (2019).
- Indonesia is proving to be the most popular destination among Aussies with the destination, accounting for 17 per cent of policies sold in 2023.
- The average insurance claim cost for Indonesia has risen by 44% since pre pandemic (2019), from $706 to $1,017 in 2023.
Australian travel insurance claims for Indonesia are up slightly by 1 per cent for 2023 compared to the same period in 2019 and travel insurance policy sales with SCTI for the same period are up by 38 per cent.
“Indonesia has always been a popular destination among Aussies, and our data reveals that even more of them are choosing SCTI to cover their trips – even though the latest insights we have available indicate that traveller volumes are still yet to hit pre-pandemic levels.”
“Indonesia is also the second most claimed against destination among our SCTI customers, only one spot behind the USA, so it’s really important that Aussies remember to purchase their travel insurance before they depart” says McCauley.
The average cost for a travel insurance policy for a week-long trip to Bali over the Christmas holidays for two adults aged 40 and two young children starts from as little as $87.52 for Medical Only cover or $139.56 for International Comprehensive cover with Southern Cross Travel Insurance.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
insuranceLatest News
Linkd appoints Carolyn Nightingale and Lawson Dibb to new roles
Linkd Tourism sings praises of Carolyn Nightingale and dubs Lawson Dibb as Kyushu Tourism Office guru.
Celebrity Ascent makes its European debut
Choosing to cruise this northern summer? Celebrity Ascent promises to raise the bar.
NCL opens sales for Norwegian Sun’s APAC debut, announces 14 new voyages
It was to be 13 new voyages we heard, but given the numbers unlucky nature, an extra had to be thought up.
Inside Travel Group appoints Tom Welland Global Trade Marketing Manager
Heidi's Tom Welland heads to Inside Travel Group as its new Global Trade Marketing Manager.
Federal Government rolls out $1.4m program to promote careers in tourism across regional NSW
The Government taking a break from some of its pointier issues with some work in our incredible industry!
Australian visitors to South Korea surge
Japanned out? Aussies are adding South Korea to their bucket list.
G Adventures celebrates Dr. Jane Goodall’s 90th with new wildlife-focused trips
Fancy yourself as a bit of a conservationist? Put your skills to the test on the Jane Goodall collection.
Virgin Australia says suspended flights to Bali result of Boeing MAX delays
If only we had a company like Boeing to blame our mistakes on. Any takers? Get in touch!
Airline Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class – A380-800
The iconic Singapore Airlines' A380-800 is in a class of its own - business class that is.
South African Airways to relaunch Joburg – Perth flights as economic ties strengthen
Bringing two of the world's most distinctive accents closer together, for good or for bad is yet to be determined.
My journey: Before becoming a travel agent I was… a palliative care nurse
Australind Travel & Cruise, Travellers Choice member Saibra Twigg reveals her life as paediatric nurse then to palliative care before a career leap to travel agent. How did you become a palliative care nurse? ST I went straight from school in nursing and initially specialised in paediatrics, working at Perth’s Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. […]
Emirates unveils future plans with new hub at Al Maktoum International Airport
We've also been looking into our future. It involves plenty of famils, we hope.
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]