Travel was well and truly back in 2023 but that also meant Aussies found themselves in unexpected and expensive situations when holidaying abroad.
Southern Cross Travel Insurance has revealed its most expensive international travel claims made by Aussies in 2023, with a hot tub injury and a surfing accident among the top 10.
The top claims covered everything from illnesses or injuries and, while most claimants were older Aussies, one was just 14 years old.
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Southern Cross Travel Insurance CEO Jo McCauley said it was encouraging to see such a strong resurgence for travel following the pandemic, but urged Aussies not to cut out the basics.
“The types of claims we’re seeing aren’t dramatic events or far-fetched situations,” McCauley said. “They’re just the usual mishaps that can happen to any of us, which is why it’s so important to make sure you're covered for the unexpected by taking out travel insurance.
“We understand that nobody gets excited about booking travel insurance. But it’s fair to say that if you can’t afford travel insurance then you probably can’t afford to go on holiday.”
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Most expensive claims
Here were the top 10 most expensive travel insurance claims from 2023.
1. Hot tub fall - $187,604
Topping the list was a 14-year-old traveller who fractured his shoulder after falling out of an outdoor hot tub while on holiday with his family in the USA. The teen had to have emergency surgery for the injury and the family made a claim for a staggering $187,604.
2. Complications in Germany - $155,000
A 71-year-old man suffered complications related to a heart condition while on holiday in Germany. While recovering from his condition, he injured his leg, which became infected. He ended up needing surgery and made a claim for $155,000 in medical expenses.
3. Fiji fracture - $147,148
A 94-year-old had to cut her Fiji holiday short after falling and fracturing her hip. She was hospitalised and then repatriated via air ambulance back to Australia. The medical bill and transport was $147,148.
4. Cancer complications - $140,148
A 69-year-old had to return home early from Indonesia after suffering complications related to their brain cancer. Their claim for $140,148 was paid out.
5. Pneumonia issues - $102,060
A 62-year-old suffered fluid on the lungs related to pneumonia and had to head back from Indonesia via air ambulance. It involved them taking an air ambulance and cost $102,060.
6. Wrist fracture - $87,000
A 60-year-old sustained a serious wrist fracture while on holiday in America. They ended up having to undergo surgery and were paid a claim of $87,000.
7. Emergency treatment in Vietnam - $86,500
A 48-year-old had to seek emergency treatment for gastroenteritis and septicemia while on holiday in Vietnam. They had a $86,500 claim paid.
8. Bile duct problem in Greece - $84,000
An 86-year-old suffered a blocked bile duct while on holiday in Greece and ended up claiming $84,00 for medical expenses.
9. Broken hip - $81,000
A 91-year-old had a broken hip while holidaying in Vietnam and had a claim of $81,000 paid.
10. Surfing accident - $79,500
Lastly, a 36-year-old suffered a broken sacrum (near the pelvis) after getting into a surfing accident in Mexico. He needed an internal air ambulance in Mexico and then had to travel back to Australia on a business class flight. The claim paid was $79,500.
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