Are you like thousands of Australians who will be making the voyage across the seas this holiday season?
If yes, you are not alone.
According to The Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2016 we are a keen bunch when it comes to fluttering abroad.
The top locations we love to go to include New Zealand, Indonesia (Bali) and the United States.
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SHORT-TERM RESIDENT DEPARTURES, Top 10 Countries in 2016 Calendar Year, Australia, Trend Series
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2016
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2006
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Trend
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Trend
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2006 to 2016
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| Source countries |
‘000
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‘000
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Trend % change
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| New Zealand |
1 315.6
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860.3
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52.9
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| Indonesia |
1 248.4
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193.1
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546.6
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| United States of America |
1 053.4
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441.4
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138.7
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| UK, CIs & IOM(a) |
587.6
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422.6
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39.0
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| Thailand |
528.6
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288.2
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83.4
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| China |
451.4
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249.9
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80.6
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| Singapore |
377.1
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195.9
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92.5
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| Japan |
362.5
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99.5
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264.3
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| Fiji |
344.7
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201.9
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70.7
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| India |
319.4
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106.7
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199.3
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| Total(b) |
9 863.6
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4 889.3
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101.7
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But did you know that many Australians still travel with no or sub-standard travel insurance?
On the Australian Government Smart Traveller website, there are 4 main myths that have left many-a-wanderer less than festive.
So lets take stock and have a good look at what myths are circulating. And don’t forget to post any you might know of too!
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Mistake no.1 | Thinking you don’t need cover when visiting family.
While your family get together may not include avalanche diving, everyday accidents do occur.
Take the example on the Smart Traveller website:
A lady cycling with family in Malta was hit by a car, broke her leg but because she didn’t have travel insurance, the cost for her medical treatment was more than $4,ooo.
Mistake no.2 | Not knowing what’s included in your cover.
- Nightclubbing in Bali, an under-aged girl was drinking and became ill. Her friends rushed her to hospital but because her two week recovery was due to her drinking under age (Bali is 21 years), her insurer refused her claim. Unfortunately her family had to resort to selling their car to pay the $25,000 medical treatment.
- A couple holidaying in Ireland were surprised to learn they were not covered when thieves broke into their car and stole possessions valued at $3,000. According to the insurer, leaving possession in a public space excluded them from claiming on their policy. This is a common exclusion by insurers so it pays to read your policy.
Mistake no.3 | Keeping Mum on existing health conditions.
A cruiser in the Pacific became ill and required evacuation to Noumea hospital as she suffered complication with her medication. The insurer refused the $60,000 medical treatment bill due to the lady having pre-existing conditions that was not disclosed on taking out the policy. The bill is being paid back in instalments by the pensioner.
Mistake no.4 | Not disclosing what you are going to get up to.
A young man was gored in the back when running with the bulls in Spain. After surgery, he spent three weeks in hospital and due to the complex wounds, had to remain in Spain a further four months. All up, the young man had to pay $32,000 in medical bills as he did not disclose his intention to attend this event.
Lesson learnt here?
Fill out the forms with full disclosure and read the terms and conditions.
No-one wants anything more than happy snaps and a few dodgy fridge magnets from their trip. but if you are unlucky enough to be involved in an accident, a comprehensive cover can make a world of difference.
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At John Small Health Insurance Advisory we are experts in travel insurances and only offer the most comprehensive covers through QBE and Aussie Travel Cover.
Contact us for complementary advice on the policy best suited to your travel needs, 1300 788 282.
For more information on travel cover and requirements, visit our friends at Smart Traveller.
In health…
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