In 2024, Australian travellers faced soaring healthcare costs overseas, leading to substantial travel insurance claims, as reported by Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI). The company highlighted a remarkable increase in claim amounts, with the highest claim in 2024 being a staggering 259 per cent more than its counterpart from the previous year. Jess Strange, SCTI’s chief customer officer, attributed this surge to persistent global inflation in medical expenses, noting that the top five claims for 2024 were all pricier than the leading claim from 2023.
Strange emphasised the importance of securing adequate travel insurance to avoid the risk of steep medical bills while abroad. She urged travellers to ensure they are fully covered for unforeseen events, reinforcing the necessity of protecting oneself against unexpected health expenses during overseas travels.
For those considering travel, SCTI has laid out its ten most expensive claims from the past year, underscoring the escalating need for comprehensive insurance coverage in the face of increasing international medical costs.