With a few major sporting events just around the corner, and the snow season in the southern hemisphere approaching, Aussies might be feeling inspired to get outside and unleash their inner athlete. However, Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) is urging holidaymakers to ensure they have adequate travel insurance coverage if they’re planning on taking part in any leisure sports while on holiday.
Over the past 17 months (1st January 2023 – 1st June 2024), SCTI has paid out more than $535,000 in claims specifically related to sporting incidents for Australian travellers overseas, with the average cost of a sporting claim around $2,000.
“Australians have a good understanding that sports such as skiing and snowboarding can pose a risk while on holiday and it’s imperative that you check what sports are included under your policy. At SCTI we allow customers to add snow cover on our International Comprehensive policy, which we highly recommend if you’re taking part in one of these sports, otherwise there’s a high risk you won’t be covered,” advises Southern Cross Travel Insurance CEO, Jo McCauley.
SCTI data shows that certain countries, such as those popular for snow-sports, also stand out for having a higher percentage of sporting claims relative to all travel claims. The top three countries for sport-related claims are:
- Austria: 19% of claims relate to sport related claims
- Japan: 19% of claims relate to sport related claims
- Canada: 11% of claims relate to sport related claims
“In the last 17 months, claims related to swimming and swimming pools, for example, accounted for almost a quarter (24%) of all sport-related claims. We see claims related to slips and falls around pools leading to both injuries and damage to property. We’ve also received several claims from customers who dislocated shoulders in swimming pools and lots of cases of ear infections.”
“Outside of the pool, claims can come from the most unlikely places. For example, a customer in Spain tripped over while kicking a football with their children, fell backwards and broke their wrist. Another customer in France wasn’t even playing sport but sitting in a park when someone kicked a soccer ball into the customer’s head, breaking their sunglasses.”
The three most expensive sport-related claims received in the last 17 months highlight the potential severity and cost of sporting injuries:
- Mexico: Following a surfing accident, a traveller suffered a complicated fracture after being thrown onto rocks by a wave. The incident required an air ambulance transfer and a nearly-three-week hospital stay, amounting to $82,000.
- Italy: A traveller lost balance while skiing, resulting in a hip fracture. The required surgery and repatriation to Australia in business class cost $58,500.
- Italy: Another skiing injury for a traveller who fell while skiing on-piste, resulting in a broken femur. The total cost for treatment and repatriation was $28,585.
“Our data highlights the importance of having comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for sporting activities, especially if you’re planning on participating in riskier activities while on holiday. Accidents can happen to anyone, and the costs associated with medical treatment and repatriation can be substantial.”
While more than half (52%) of sporting claims are for medical and evacuation support, almost a third (31%) are claims related to baggage and personal items.
“We receive a lot of claims for items such as watches that fall off during surfing, skiing and swimming, as well as claims for smartphones and headphones which the insured didn’t realise are not waterproof when taken into the ocean or a swimming pool,” says McCauley.
Tips for Travellers:
- Review Your Policy: Ensure your travel insurance policy covers the sports you plan to participate in. There may be exclusions around specific types of sport e.g contact sport, professional sports, claims associated to incidents that occur if you were racing while playing sport (except on foot) and any competitive sport where you can win money.
- Understand Exclusions: Some policies may exclude certain high-risk activities or may only cover you under certain conditions e.g skiing on-piste; understand what’s covered.
- Declare Pre-existing Conditions: Always declare any pre-existing medical conditions to avoid claim denials.
- Follow Safety Guidelines: Adhere to safety instructions and guidelines for the activities you engage in.
- Emergency Contact Information: Keep emergency contact numbers and policy details handy while travelling.
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