Recent statistics from Southern Cross Travel Insurance highlight a critical trend for Australian travellers, with medical and evacuation claims increasing by 17 per cent since 2023. This surge underscores the vital importance of comprehensive travel insurance, as unexpected health issues overseas can lead to astronomical bills.
Soaring Medical and Evacuation Costs
The 2025 round-up of claims by Southern Cross Travel Insurance reveals that the top five claims alone totalled almost $1 million. A striking example involves a traveller in their early 50s who suffered a stroke while holidaying in the USA, resulting in a hospital bill of over $496,000, which was successfully covered by insurance.
Jess Strange, chief customer officer at SCTI, emphasises that many people underestimate how quickly expenses can accumulate when falling ill or getting injured abroad. Insurance isn't just about covering bills — it's about ensuring you receive the right care and support when you need it most, she says. Evacuation costs, such as air ambulances or chartered flights with medical teams, can easily reach six figures, and even simple upgrades to premium economy or business class for a stricken traveller can add thousands to the bill.
Rise in Influenza and Pneumonia Cases
There has been a significant 85 per cent increase in influenza-related claims over the past two years, with the average cost rising from $1,299 in 2023 to $2,146 in 2025. Additionally, pneumonia cases have grown by 81 per cent, with average claim costs increasing from $3,736 to $4,641 during the same period.
Jess notes a concerning trend in these illnesses, with some cases requiring hospitalisation while abroad and potentially developing into more serious conditions like pneumonia.
Common Gastro-Related Illnesses
The most frequent medical-related claims are for gastro-related illnesses, particularly among travellers to Indonesia and Thailand. The average claim cost for gastroenteritis is $1,565, but these cases can become severe. In one instance, a traveller fainted due to 'Bali belly' and needed treatment for a concussion, leading to over $5,000 in unexpected medical expenses.
Increase in Slips, Trips, and Falls
SCTI has observed a 26 per cent rise in claims related to slips, trips, and falls, with associated costs skyrocketing by 150 per cent since 2023. A notable case involved a traveller in Kyrgyzstan who fractured their hip in a fall at a spa, requiring surgery and hospitalisation, with a total claim of $70,171.
Top Five Claims of 2025
- A traveller in their early 50s suffered a stroke in the USA, with a claim of $496,202.
- A traveller in their 70s fractured a femur in Indonesia, needing surgery and an air ambulance back to Australia, totalling $220,071.
- An 80-year-old traveller tripped and fell while doing washing in Spain, fracturing a kneecap and requiring surgery, with a claim of $108,829.
- An 82-year-old traveller to Greece needed registered nurses for the journey home due to an injury and illness, with a claim of $132,840.
- A traveller in their late 30s fell ill in Thailand, requiring surgery and coverage for journey interruption, with SCTI also supporting family and pet care, totalling $99,224.
With 29 per cent of medical and evacuation claims involving Australian travellers to Indonesia, the data reinforces the necessity of robust travel insurance. Southern Cross Travel Insurance, with over 40 years of experience and support for more than six million travellers worldwide, offers policies like International Comprehensive and International Medical Only to help mitigate these risks.
