Why do I need Travel Insurance?
Many travellers do not take out travel insurance believing "it won’t happen to me".
But it can and does happen to many travellers across the world. Some important points
to consider are –
- Many coach touring companies will not let you depart on a tour if you do not have
sufficient travel insurance. This includes companies such as Trafalgar Tours and
Contiki.
- Medical costs can be very expensive when travelling internationally. Medicare does
not cover you in most overseas countries.
- If you cannot afford travel insurance, you cannot afford to travel.
Case Studies:
Those who did not insure:
In Bangkok, a man was hit by a car while riding a motorcycle. He sustained a badly
fractured leg and was admitted to the nearest local hospital. He did not have any
travel insurance, therefore had no choice as to hospital or treatment. Staff at
the hospital did not have the expertise to do anything except clean the wound. After
3 weeks his wife asked the Embassy for assistance as parts of the shinbone had died
and the fractured ends were not healing. The Embassy assisted in having the man
medically evacuated to Australia for admission to hospital, at very considerable
expense to his family.
(Source: Smart Traveller Website)
A young man who was travelling around the USA let his travel insurance policy expire
just a few days before his departure for home. He was hit by a car while crossing
a road and suffered serious head injuries. He was unconscious and required highly
intensive care until he could be flown back to Australia. The cost to the family
for the medical evacuation alone was $80,000. They have taken out a second mortgage
on their house to raise the funds.
(Source: Smart Traveller Website)
Those who did insure:
A young Australian surfer went to the United States for a surfing competition. A
wave dumped him on a reef and he sustained serious injuries. He was flown to a local
hospital and immediately underwent two major operations. The hospital bill was AUD290,
000. Luckily the young man’s parents had insisted he take out travel insurance before
he left Australia. The insurance company covered the bill, and the young man and
his family were able to focus on his recovery.
(Source: Smart Traveller Website)
A 24 year-old man was motorbike riding in Vietnam when he lost control and fell
off the bike. He was rushed to hospital and sustained concussion and a fractured
leg. A medical evacuation team was dispatched to assist his return to Melbourne.
Fortunately the man had a valid international drivers licence, his Insurance policy
covered the repatriation & Overseas Medical Costs. Total cost $65,000.
A Traveller was skiing in France, with her family, when she fell on the slopes and
fractured her right leg. Due to the isolation she needed to be taken by emergency
helicopter from the mountain to the nearest hospital. She was successfully operated
in that night and brought back to Australia 10 days after in a business class seat.
New tickets were required for her and the family. Total cost for helicopter, operation
& transfer back to Australia $25,000 all covered by their Travel Insurance.
(Source: Omega Assistance)
A man suffered a bad stroke while holidaying in Greece. He was unable walk and could
barely move any part of his body. He was travelling with his wife who was not in
the best of health herself. Their son travelled over to assist them, and were flown
back in Business Class, thanks to their travel insurance.
The travel insurer paid for the travel expenses while on the island and for the
son’s airfare to retrieve them.
(Source: Mondial Assistance)
