Aussies Out of Pocket after Holiday Rule Breaking

Whether it’s wearing inappropriate budgie smugglers in Malaysia or getting stuck in a crevice in Uluru, Aussies seem to have been making a hash of it at home and abroad. 

However, Claudio Saita, Deputy CEO and Executive Director in Australia for Tokio Marine, underwriters for award-winning World2Cover travel insurance, warns the price of these antics can be far more than a red face.

“A helicopter rescue from the top of a mountain in Australia will cost $12,500 on average, and it can be upwards of $2,500 per hour if you’re being rescued from Mt. Everest in Nepal.[1] America is particularly known for high medical bills, with a hospital bed costing up to $21,500 [2]  a night.  

“In extreme cases a trip to the ER abroad can literally bankrupt you if you don’t have the right cover. For example, one of our customers was evacuated from Mongolia to the nearest medical facility to the tune of almost $150,000 – it would have cost around $300,000 had they required an evacuation back to Australia.”

So before you hop the ‘do not enter’ sign, the team at World2Cover has provided some insights into the true cost of silliness, and tips on the best ways to stay out of financial trouble.

1.      Offending the locals – It’s no secret that lawyers can be expensive, and Aussies who break the law while abroad can be left to foot the bill of all legal costs. For example, gambling in Indonesia is strictly prohibited, and a prison visit and application to the Supreme Court in Bali can cost over $3,600.[3]

2.      Not wearing a helmet – This is a big no-no and will normally invalidate your cover. Falling off a moped in Thailand could cost up to $3,000 for one night in intensive care and $460 on top of that in repairs.[4]

3.      Skiing off-piste – According to reports from World2Cover and INTAC, Australians are the most prolific rule breakers on the ski slopes of Japan, and the most likely to need accident assistance as a result, with 89 per cent of search and rescue efforts spent on Aussies. While costs vary between resorts, recovery efforts can be billed at more than $1,100 per hour.

4.      Leaving your luggage unattended – Given the average handbag contains sunglasses, a smartphone, make-up, and more, its value can be around $1,500, and that’s not including the bag itself. Add to that your passport, currency and other holiday items, and you can see why it’s often a prime target for thieves. However, if your bag is left unattended, your insurance may be invalidated. This includes leaving your bag with strangers at the beach, in the luggage compartment when you leave a plane, in a car when you’ve gone inside, and under the table while you dance at a club.

5.      Cruising for a bruising – Even if you are only going on a cruise with Aussie ports you will need to purchase an international policy to ensure you have the medical and evacuation coverage you require. Domestic policies, generally, do not include any medical expenses or evacuation costs which can cost in excess of $20,000 for an air ambulance.[5]

6.      Adventure exclusions – Holidays can often bring out the thrill seeker in us, yet there are often exclusions or conditions for riskier activities such as scuba diving and jet skiing. The Verzasca Dam in Ticino, Switzerland, is the location of the world’s third highest bungee jump but if you have to go to hospital for any reason in this country and don’t have adequate cover for your treatment, you may be asked to pay a deposit of over $13,000.[6]

For more information on the coverage options from World2Cover, visit www.world2cover.com.au.

Limits, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the PDS and full policy to ensure the cover is right for your circumstances.

END

All figures presented in Australian dollars.

For further information or images please contact:

April Rose
Account Manager
T: (02) 8046 4848  M: 0401 966 374
April.rose@historywillbekind.com.au

World2Cover travel insurance has been announced as the 2016 winner of CANSTAR Outstanding Value Travel Insurance Awards for both its international and domestic products.

World2Cover ‘Good Company’ Philosophy:

World2Cover’s philosophy of a Good Company are based upon the pillars of looking beyond profit, empowering people, and delivering on commitments. World2Cover will also exemplify the Japanese spirit of Omotenashi, the belief that great customer service and developing a solid relationship is critical to any product which is embedded in the wider Tokio Marine Group.

About Tokio Marine:

Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd (TMNF) was founded in 1879 as The Tokio Marine Insurance Company, Ltd.  and has been operating in Australia since 1963. TMNF is Japan's largest non-life insurance company and is placed in the top ranking of non-life insurance companies worldwide. The Company began its operations in the marine insurance field, where it has long been recognised as a world leader with a long history of financial stability and an excellent security rating. They are now present in over 39 countries around the world with more than 40,000 employees globally.