nib Travel revealed that the most expensive individual claim paid last year exceeded $3 million. Other high-cost claims, many in the six-figure range, were lodged by travellers to the United States, Japan, and within Australia. Notably, medical claims made by travellers within Australia alone reached more than $10 million from over 2,200 cases.
Despite fewer claims originating from travellers to the United States—674 in total—the country topped the list for total medical expenses. nib Travel attributed this to the high cost of healthcare in the US, alongside currency exchange factors that inflate costs for Australian travellers.
These statistics highlight the unpredictable nature of medical emergencies and the substantial financial burden they can impose. For instance, one traveller in the US required intensive care treatment and an air ambulance repatriation to Australia, resulting in a claim exceeding $3 million. Such incidents illustrate the potential severity and cost of medical emergencies while travelling.
Given these findings, Australian travellers are strongly advised to prioritise comprehensive travel insurance that covers a wide range of medical scenarios. This includes coverage for hospitalisation, medical evacuation, and repatriation, as well as support for pre-existing conditions where applicable. Ensuring adequate coverage can provide peace of mind and financial protection against unforeseen medical events during travel.
In conclusion, the significant proportion of medical-related travel insurance claims in 2024 serves as a stark reminder of the importance of being adequately insured. Travellers should carefully assess their insurance needs and select policies that offer robust medical coverage to safeguard against the potentially exorbitant costs of medical emergencies abroad.
