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850,000 Aussie visits overseas without insurance
Eight per cent of Australian adults travelled without travel insurance on their last overseas trip, according to a survey commissioned by the Australian Government and the Insurance Council of Australia – that’s 850,000 visits by Australians overseas without insurance.
The Australian Travel Insurance Behaviour survey also found many travellers wrongly believed the Australian Government would pay their medical bills or medical evacuation costs if required.
“Travelling without insurance can expose you and your family to life altering levels of debt,” said Dynamiq CEO Daniel Pritchard.
“It’s concerning that a high percentage of those that chose to travel without insurance are aware of this, but still chose to go.”
“On a daily basis, I see medical evacuations running into tens of thousands of dollars.
“Even in developed countries such as the United States, medical care is hugely expensive.
“In addition, many travellers are unaware that their risky behaviour, such as riding a motorcycle can void their travel insurance.
In the Government’s annual consular review, figures showed a total of 1551 Australians were arrested in foreign countries in 2015-16, an increase of 23 per cent, with drugs, fraud and assault the most common offences.
There were 391 Australians assisted in overseas jails, 61 of which were in mainland China.
“Travellers do tend to participate in riskier activities while on holiday but Aussies need to realise that not all countries are as safe as Australia.
They need to take responsibility for their individual travel decisions, even when they go sour.
This includes obtaining comprehensive insurance, being aware of insurance policy conditions and seeking advice for destinations, including the laws of those countries,” he said.
Sоurсe: australia.etbtravelnews.com
