With millions of Australians set to embark on a holiday over the Christmas and New Year period, new Compare the Market research has revealed the illnesses and injuries that have turned dream vacations into holiday nightmares for Aussies. The data showed that 42.5% of Australians surveyed have become ill or injured on their overseas adventures – with troublesome tummy problems topping the list.*
The latest data from Compare the Market has revealed that one in five Australians surveyed (22.8%) have experienced gastro, vomiting or diarrhoea while overseas.
However, it’s younger generations who are more likely to grapple with gastro on their international trips. Over a quarter of Millennials (27.33%) and nearly one in four Gen Zers (23.28%) admit to having experienced gastro overseas, compared to just 18.77% of Baby Boomers and 22.17% of Gen X.
Compare the Market’s Executive General Manager for General Insurance, Adrian Taylor, said it wasn’t surprising to see so many Australians coming down with gastro overseas.
“A lot of Aussies underestimate how easy it is to contract illnesses like Gastroenteritis when travelling, but it’s a lot more common than you’d think,” Mr Taylor said. “You’re likely being a little bit more adventurous with your meal choices, you may unknowingly be drinking contaminated drinking water or may be in a confined space, like on a plane or a cruise, where there could be a higher chance of falling ill to various diseases.
“It can take up to 10 days to get over a severe case of gastro, which can eat into your precious time away. What’s more is that in most countries you visit, you won’t be covered by Medicare or private health insurance while overseas, unless a reciprocal health care agreement is in place for locations like New Zealand, The UK, Italy or Sweden. As such, taking out travel insurance that provides cover for medical treatment is highly recommended, as any unexpected medical costs may cost hundreds – if not thousands of dollars.
“Not to mention that if you do need to cancel some plans, travel insurance may be able to cover some of the costs, depending on the type of policy you take out.”
Compare the Market’s data also found that close to a fifth of respondents (18.4%) have come down with a cold or influenza while overseas.
“Colds and influenza may be seasonal illnesses, but you have to remember that you may be travelling to a country that’s in the thick of their cold and flu season – particularly if you’re travelling in the Aussie summer,” Mr Taylor said. “Like gastro, this can severely impact your holiday and you may find it more difficult and expensive to find treatment overseas.
“Our data revealed that it’s once again Millennials and Gen Z who are more likely to have come down with a cold of influenza overseas, at rates of 20.54% and 26.64% respectively. That’s almost double the rate of Baby Boomers, where just 13.59% admitted to contracting a cold or influenza overseas.
“In addition to practicing good hygiene on your trip, it’s also recommended to chat with your GP ahead of your trip to ensure you’re up to date with your flu jabs or any vaccinations you may require in certain countries.”
A further 7% of people say they’ve come down with COVID-19 while overseas.
“There may no longer be testing requirements or vaccine mandates in Australia, but COVID-19 is still a very real thing – particularly when it comes to travel,” Mr Taylor said. “Most of the world has reopened and life has returned to a new normal, but it doesn’t mean a case of COVID-19 won’t impact your travel plans.
“Many travel insurers can include cover for COVID-19-related losses, which may include things like medical expenses, quarantine accommodation, trip cancellations and more. However, this isn’t a compulsory inclusion, so be sure to check your Product Disclosure Statement carefully to know if you will have cover for COVID.”
Compare the Market’s data also revealed other top travel illnesses and injuries, including:
- Bug bites: 4.2%
- Sprained ligaments: 3%
- Broken bones: 2.2%
- Animal bites: 1.8%
“What this tells us is the unexpected can happen at any time and it’s always best to be prepared in case your dream holiday turns into a nightmare,” Mr Taylor said. “People just assume that a travel insurance policy only covers them while on holiday, but we encourage people to purchase travel insurance as soon as they have something booked in, so you’re also protected if something happens before your trip.”
Mr Taylor’s top tips when it comes to travel insurance.
- Not all travel insurance policies are the same, so always read the PDS and understand your inclusions and exclusions. Also check if COVID-19 cover is automatically covered or if you need to purchase it as an additional add-on.
- Be upfront about your pre-existing medical conditions with your travel insurer. You may need to pay a little bit more, but it could still save you compared to what you’d need to pay out-of-pocket if something bad happens. While some pre-existing conditions may be included, read the PDS before purchasing to understand what coverage is available to you.
- Travel insurance doesn’t mean all claims will be payable. For example, if you participate in any illegal or risky behaviour, travel against advice from the Australian Government or you’re involved in an incident while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, an insurer may decline your claim.
*Survey of 1,001 Australian adults, conducted in September 2024.
For more information, please contact:
Phillip Portman | 0437 384 471 | [email protected]
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