$187,000 bill: Top 10 most expensive travel insurance claims of 2023 (2024)

Travel was well and truly back in 2023 but that also meant Aussies found themselves in unexpected and expensive situations when holidaying abroad.

Southern Cross Travel Insurance has revealed its most expensive international travel claims made by Aussies in 2023, with a hot tub injury and a surfing accident among the top 10.

The top claims covered everything from illnesses or injuries and, while most claimants were older Aussies, one was just 14 years old.

$187,000 bill: Top 10 most expensive travel insurance claims of 2023 (1)

Do you have a story to share? Contact tamika.seeto@yahooinc.com

Southern Cross Travel Insurance CEO Jo McCauley said it was encouraging to see such a strong resurgence for travel following the pandemic, but urged Aussies not to cut out the basics.

ADVERTIsem*nT

“The types of claims we’re seeing aren’t dramatic events or far-fetched situations,” McCauley said. “They’re just the usual mishaps that can happen to any of us, which is why it’s so important to make sure you're covered for the unexpected by taking out travel insurance.

“We understand that nobody gets excited about booking travel insurance. But it’s fair to say that if you can’t afford travel insurance then you probably can’t afford to go on holiday.”

RELATED

Most expensive claims

Here were the top 10 most expensive travel insurance claims from 2023.

1. Hot tub fall - $187,604

Topping the list was a 14-year-old traveller who fractured his shoulder after falling out of an outdoor hot tub while on holiday with his family in the USA. The teen had to have emergency surgery for the injury and the family made a claim for a staggering $187,604.

2. Complications in Germany - $155,000

A 71-year-old man suffered complications related to a heart condition while on holiday in Germany. While recovering from his condition, he injured his leg, which became infected. He ended up needing surgery and made a claim for $155,000 in medical expenses.

3. Fiji fracture - $147,148

A 94-year-old had to cut her Fiji holiday short after falling and fracturing her hip. She was hospitalised and then repatriated via air ambulance back to Australia. The medical bill and transport was $147,148.

4. Cancer complications - $140,148

A 69-year-old had to return home early from Indonesia after suffering complications related to their brain cancer. Their claim for $140,148 was paid out.

5. Pneumonia issues - $102,060

A 62-year-old suffered fluid on the lungs related to pneumonia and had to head back from Indonesia via air ambulance. It involved them taking an air ambulance and cost $102,060.

6. Wrist fracture - $87,000

A 60-year-old sustained a serious wrist fracture while on holiday in America. They ended up having to undergo surgery and were paid a claim of $87,000.

7. Emergency treatment in Vietnam - $86,500

A 48-year-old had to seek emergency treatment for gastroenteritis and septicemia while on holiday in Vietnam. They had a $86,500 claim paid.

8. Bile duct problem in Greece - $84,000

An 86-year-old suffered a blocked bile duct while on holiday in Greece and ended up claiming $84,00 for medical expenses.

9. Broken hip - $81,000

A 91-year-old had a broken hip while holidaying in Vietnam and had a claim of $81,000 paid.

10. Surfing accident - $79,500

Lastly, a 36-year-old suffered a broken sacrum (near the pelvis) after getting into a surfing accident in Mexico. He needed an internal air ambulance in Mexico and then had to travel back to Australia on a business class flight. The claim paid was $79,500.

Follow Yahoo Finance on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter, and subscribe to our free daily newsletter.

$187,000 bill: Top 10 most expensive travel insurance claims of 2023 (2)

$187,000 bill: Top 10 most expensive travel insurance claims of 2023 (2024)

FAQs

$187,000 bill: Top 10 most expensive travel insurance claims of 2023? ›

At the top of the list is a claim for $187,604, which was paid to the family of a 14 year-old boy who fractured his shoulder while getting out of an outdoor hot tub and had to have emergency surgery while on holiday in the USA.

What is the most expensive travel insurance claim? ›

At the top of the list is a claim for $187,604, which was paid to the family of a 14 year-old boy who fractured his shoulder while getting out of an outdoor hot tub and had to have emergency surgery while on holiday in the USA.

What is the most expensive insurance claim in history? ›

1. Lehman Brothers — over $115B. No institution sums up the massive plunge of the 2008 economic crisis like Lehman Brothers, when the shuttered investment bank underwent what is believed to be the largest insurance payout in history.

What are the most costly insurance claims? ›

Fire and Lightning. From 2014–2018, fire and lightning accounted for the costliest claims, with an average claim of $79,785. About one in every 350 insured homes had fire and lightning damage.

What is the most common travel insurance claim? ›

By far, the most common and often most significant travel insurance claim is for medical emergencies. A sudden illness or injury during your trip can not only ruin your plans but also cause a severe financial strain.

Which insurance company has the highest claims paid? ›

In terms of number of policies settled during 2022-23, Max Life Insurance has the highest claim settlement ratio of 99.51%. With a 99.39% claim settlement ratio, HDFC Life Insurance came second on the list.

What is a high cost claim? ›

This group, known as high-cost claimants (or those whose claims cost $50,000 or more per year), remains the largest driver of health care expenses. Image Description. High-cost claimants make up about one-third of employer health care spending, though just 1.2 percent of all members are high-cost claimants.

What is considered a large insurance claim? ›

Definition: Large loss claims refer to insurance claims involving significant and/or complex property damages in excess of $200,000. Common Causes: Fire, hail, hurricane, tornadoes, freeze, and floods are common triggers for large loss claims.

How much does $1000000 insurance cost? ›

How much is a million-dollar life insurance policy? The average monthly premium for a million-dollar life insurance policy is anywhere from about $50 to more than $1,000, depending on the type of policy, age, health, and other factors.

What is the largest insurance loss ever recorded? ›

As of 2023, Hurricane Katrina - which struck the United States in August 2005 - remained the most expensive insured loss event since 1900, as it incurred insured losses amounting to over 100 billion U.S. dollars. Insuring is the practice of transferring risk from one entity to another in exchange for payment.

What is typically the most common damage claim? ›

1. Wind & hail (39.4%) This category encompasses destruction caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, and the wind associated with thunderstorms, so it's no wonder it comes in first for frequency.

Which state has the highest insurance claims? ›

California, Florida, and Texas take the top spots as the states with the most home insurance losses between 2015 and 2019 — not surprising given the natural disasters these states are prone to.

What is the maximum you can claim on travel expenses? ›

A maximum of 5,000 km can be claimed each year, per car, with diary evidence to show how the rate per km was worked out. This method is best for those making a few trips a year with the maximum claim being $3,300. Click here to download the Work Related Travel Expenses Fact Sheet in PDF form.

What does travel insurance not cover? ›

Most travel insurance policies won't pay out if you're negligent while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and have an accident or have property stolen.

Is it worth claiming on travel insurance? ›

Travel insurance can give you extra protection if your holiday doesn't go as planned. This is very important if you are travelling independently because you may find yourself stranded with no way to get home and no rep to help sort out your holiday problem.

What will travel insurance pay out for? ›

Most policies include cover for: lost or stolen bags (with baggage cover an extra in some policies) emergency medical expenses, such as the cost of treatment and getting you home. the costs of cancelling, delaying or cutting your trip short (with cancellation cover sometimes an additional extra)

What percentage of travel insurance claims are denied? ›

Legitimate claims

According to the United States Travel Insurance Association, one out of every six insureds ends up filing a claim, and less than 10 percent of those claims are denied. If your travel insurance claim is denied, you may be upset,. However, getting upset is not going to help you.

What is the highest price of insurance? ›

Our analysis showed that, on average, Dodge and Tesla have the most expensive car insurance among 17 popular brands. Full coverage on Dodge vehicles costs an average of $354 per month or $4,242 per year, while full coverage on a Tesla vehicle averages to $251 per month or $3,007 per year.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Gov. Deandrea McKenzie

Last Updated:

Views: 6077

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (46 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Gov. Deandrea McKenzie

Birthday: 2001-01-17

Address: Suite 769 2454 Marsha Coves, Debbieton, MS 95002

Phone: +813077629322

Job: Real-Estate Executive

Hobby: Archery, Metal detecting, Kitesurfing, Genealogy, Kitesurfing, Calligraphy, Roller skating

Introduction: My name is Gov. Deandrea McKenzie, I am a spotless, clean, glamorous, sparkling, adventurous, nice, brainy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.