Young and carefree, or they were until holidaying far from home

13 September 2024 by Sue Hamilton

• Some younger travellers think they are immune from illness and injury with 15% of Gen Z and 10% of Millennials saying they would not take out travel insurance (in the Future of Travel 2024 report)
• But those who do, are reaping the benefits as Southern Cross Travel Insurance sees a surge in claims for under 30s
• Severe gastro bugs, slips and falls rife in holiday hotspots around the world

The Emergency Assistance team at Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) has noticed a recent spike in claims for younger travellers, who have fallen victim to bugs, bumps and breaks, proving the value of travel insurance as they face illness far from their homeland.

From severe vomiting and everything else from broken arms, ankles and wrists, we’ve seen a rise in claims relating to young customers. But we’re reassured by young SCTI customers deciding to pack a travel insurance policy. This smart decision has enabled us to help them get back on track.

The claims aren’t always just for healthcare costs. Injuries can often result in onward travel plans being curtailed. Young travellers tend to have quite active itineraries planned – which they can’t complete once they’re injured. It’s also important to note healthcare in some countries might not always be of the same standard as we have in Aotearoa – which can complicate the way we’re able to help people.

Some travellers have contacted us directly seeking help for their health issues, while others have had whānau step in to call us for support on their behalf. We’ve also had our fair share of families travelling with young children experience quite frightening issues with debilitating stomach bugs or chicken pox and related illnesses, resulting in hospitalisation and delayed returns to New Zealand.

Negotiating a foreign healthcare system can be challenging at the best of times, let alone when your loved ones are thousands of miles away. This is where our Emergency Assistance team steps in with advice to ensure travellers ask the right questions and receive the best care available.

Help may also mean having to arrange air ambulance evacuations or for family members to join the traveller to support them and accompany them home – alongside medical specialist escorts.

It’s our privilege to be able to help in stressful circumstances and get the results our travellers need, but it’s also a reminder that travel insurance is a must-pack item, regardless of age. And, as we head into one of the busiest travel times of the year, don’t leave it to the last minute to book your insurance for your Christmas holiday travels.

Some of the stories behind the claims

Some claims reveal how unwell customers’ have been, but able to recover with SCTI’s support.

Gastro

Guatemala $9,900 (Age 27)
Our customer felt unwell with vomiting and diarrhoea with a fever. They went to the doctor and were diagnosed with a parasite and provided with medications. Costs included hospital admission and travel interruption

Peru $5,400 (Age 25)
Our customer fell ill with a severe case of food poisoning.  Although they had been careful to pick the right foods to eat they caught something which made them very sick with diarrhoea. They were unfit to travel or participate in tour activities. This meant they were not able to join pre-booked tour and missed connecting flights.

Indonesia $3,000 (Age 25)
Our traveller fell ill with what was later confirmed to be gastroenteritis with a parasite in their stomach. They were bedridden for 5 days and unable to fly home due to the condition.

Trips and falls –

Japan $16,200 (Age 19)
Skiing in Japan, there was a hidden rock under the snow causing our customer to trip and fall. The traveller went by ambulance to hospital where Xrays and a CT Scan were performed showing they had sustained a broken sacrum, fractured pelvis and a torn ligament. Due to the nature and seriousness of injuries our customer needed someone to accompany them home as they could not walk.

Singapore $4,500 (Age 28)
Our customer had a fall and bumped their head. Sadly they experienced a persistent headache so went to Accident and Emergency for a doctor consultation, CT scan and medication. They had to extend their flight date due to constant checks with the hospital and incurred additional charges for food, transport, medical treatment and a fee to change the return flight date.

Turkey $1,200 (Age 24)
Our traveller injured a knee while hiking. The next day, our customer went to the public hospital as they could not straighten or put any weight on the knee. An x-ray confirmed a knee fissure, so the doctor recommended rest for a week and then an appointment with an orthopaedic specialist. The hospital also provided a prescription for painkillers and anti-inflammatory gel.

After a physical assessment at the specialist orthopaedic clinic the doctor confirmed that our customer had sustained damage to patellofemoral ligament in the right knee. To treat this, our customer received two collagen injections to repair the ligament and kinesiology tape was applied. The doctor then instructed further rest for the next two days. This meant that they were unable to travel as planned and had to extend their stay.

Italy $3,500 (Age 28)
While in Italy, our customer was looking at the sights and did not see a curb. They rolled their left foot down the side and landed, breaking the fifth metatarsal. Due to the nature of the break, it was decided that it was best for our traveller to return to New Zealand where they would have support to heal.

A quick look at insurance benefits

It pays to know what is covered by your policy. Here’s a quick look at three key SCTI policy types and some of the principal benefits offered. The Working Overseas policy is ideal for travellers contemplating an OE but wanting the assurance of access to medical care and changes to their journey once they are far from home. Working Overseas policies can be extended up to two years.  While there are reciprocal agreements for care in the UK and Australia, not everything is covered by these agreements – see here for more details.