$2k mistake Aussies make overseas

It’s not something Aussies tend to think about when booking an overseas trip, but it’s costing them roughly $2000.

It’s not something Aussies tend to think about when booking an overseas trip, but they’ve been warned following a spate of claims costing individuals on roughly $2000.

With the Olympics around the corner and the snow season in the southern hemisphere approaching, Aussies might be feeling inspired to get outside and unleash their inner athlete. However, Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) is urging holiday-makers to ensure they have adequate travel insurance coverage if they’re planning on taking part in any leisure sports while on holiday.

Aussies are being warned to take out travel insurance if they’re planning on taking part in any leisure sports while on holiday. Picture: iStock

From January last year up until last June, SCTI has paid out more than $535,000 in claims specifically related to sporting incidents for Aussie travellers overseas, with the average cost of a claim around $2000.

Jo McCauley, CEO of SCTI told news.com.au they have seen almost double the number of sporting related claims this year between January and April, compared to the same time period in 2023.

“In 2023 we lodged 160 sporting related claims and in 2024 we had already lodged 99 claims

by April, so it’s likely we’ll see a substantial increase in sporting claims this year,” she said.

“We experienced double the claims for skiing and snowboarding accidents in February this year, compared to 2023, while travellers were enjoying their snow holidays in the northern

hemisphere.”

Southern Cross Travel Insurance experienced double the claims for skiing and snowboarding accidents in February this year, compared to 2023. Picture: iStock

SCTI categorises a sporting claim as any injury that occurs when participating in a specific

sport, which can include having a casual kick about with a friend or family member.

“We also include sporting incidents if they take place near to the activity. For example, somebody may trip when leaving the swimming pool, even though they are not swimming we would still categorise this as a sporting claim due to its proximity to the pool.”

She said the most common injuries are broken bones from snowboarding and skiing

lessons with claims for these snow sports accounting for 63 per cent and costing roughly

$3230.

A trip when leaving the swimming pool even though you are not swimming would still categorise as a sporting claim. Picture: iStock

“Travel insurance is important because it provides peace of mind. It will cover emergency

medical care and even air evacuation should you fall ill or have an accident while overseas,” Ms McCauley advised. 

“It isn’t unusual for air ambulances, repatriating travellers back to Australia from Bali, to cost

in the region of $150,000.

“When we’re dealing with medical costs that are this expensive it can financially devastate travellers who aren’t protected with travel insurance.”

Others include having a casual kick about with a friend or family member. Picture: iStock

She said travel insurance doesn’t just cover the financial cost of medical bills, it also

provides support during times of stress.

“A travel insurance provider will often take care of medical arrangements relieving much of the stress travellers experience while in a foreign country with limited knowledge of the medical system and often no family to assist them.”

Aussies have been warned to ensure they have the right level of coverage while playing sport on holiday as so far it’s costing individuals on average $2,000 without it. Picture: iStock

Ms McCauley suggests Aussies purchasing travel insurance to read the policy thoroughly as not every sport may be covered.

“Extreme sports, such as kite surfing and skydiving wouldn’t be covered by your insurance policy due to the high risk nature of the activity,” she warned.

“We also don’t cover contact sports or anyone who is being paid to play sport, such as professional sportspeople.”

She said what many travellers don’t realise is, that in addition to extreme sports, they also don’t cover mountaineering, hiking, trekking, or tramping if you’re at an altitude of above 3000m.

The same applies if you’re at an altitude of between 1500 and 3000m and you’re climbing, or intending to climb, more than 500m a day.

“This means some adventurous climbs, such as trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, wouldn’t be covered under our policy.”