Professional Indemnity Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Surge in Medical Claims Among Australian Travellers Highlights Importance of Comprehensive Insurance

Analysing the Rise in Medical-Related Travel Insurance Claims

Surge in Medical Claims Among Australian Travellers Highlights Importance of Comprehensive Insurance?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

In 2024, medical incidents emerged as the leading cause of travel insurance claims among Australian travellers, accounting for more than 40% of all claims handled by nib Travel.
This trend underscores the critical importance of securing comprehensive travel insurance to mitigate the financial risks associated with medical emergencies abroad.

Notably, the most expensive individual claim paid by nib Travel exceeded $3 million, highlighting the potential severity and cost of medical incidents while travelling. High-cost claims were particularly prevalent among travellers to the United States, Japan, and within Australia, reflecting the substantial expenses associated with healthcare services in these regions.

Despite a lower number of claims from travellers to the United States-674 in total-the country topped the list for total medical expenses. This is attributed to the high cost of healthcare in the U.S., compounded by currency exchange factors that inflate costs for Australian travellers.

These findings serve as a stark reminder for travellers to prioritize comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, hospitalizations, and potential repatriation. Understanding the specifics of policy coverage, including any exclusions or limitations, is essential to ensure adequate protection during travel.

For those planning international trips, consulting with reputable insurance providers and thoroughly reviewing policy details can provide peace of mind and financial security in the face of unforeseen medical events.

Published:Wednesday, 4th Mar 2026
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Allianz Australia Penalised for Misleading Travel Insurance Information
Allianz Australia Penalised for Misleading Travel Insurance Information
04 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of New South Wales has imposed fines totaling $16.8 million on Allianz Australia Insurance and its subsidiary, AWP Australia, for disseminating misleading information about their travel insurance products between 2016 and 2018. This decision underscores the critical importance of transparency and accuracy in the insurance sector. - read more
Survey Highlights Alarming Number of Australians Travelling Uninsured
Survey Highlights Alarming Number of Australians Travelling Uninsured
04 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent research conducted by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has unveiled a concerning trend: approximately 14% of Australian travellers embark on international journeys without any form of travel insurance. This statistic has prompted industry leaders to urge Australians to reconsider the importance of securing adequate coverage before travelling abroad. - read more
Surge in Medical Claims Among Australian Travellers Highlights Importance of Comprehensive Insurance
Surge in Medical Claims Among Australian Travellers Highlights Importance of Comprehensive Insurance
04 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
In 2024, medical incidents emerged as the leading cause of travel insurance claims among Australian travellers, accounting for more than 40% of all claims handled by nib Travel. This trend underscores the critical importance of securing comprehensive travel insurance to mitigate the financial risks associated with medical emergencies abroad. - read more
Australian General Insurers Report Record 19% Return on Equity in FY25
Australian General Insurers Report Record 19% Return on Equity in FY25
04 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia's general insurance industry has reported a remarkable financial performance for the 2025 financial year (FY25), achieving a return on equity (ROE) of 19%, the highest in a decade. This significant milestone reflects a combination of favourable conditions and strategic premium adjustments within the sector. - read more
Insurance Australia Group Reports Strong FY25 Results and Upgrades FY26 Outlook
Insurance Australia Group Reports Strong FY25 Results and Upgrades FY26 Outlook
04 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has announced robust financial results for the fiscal year 2025 (FY25), reporting a 4.3% increase in gross written premium (GWP) to $17.1 billion. This performance has led the company to upgrade its guidance for the upcoming fiscal year 2026 (FY26), signalling confidence in sustained growth. - read more


Professional Indemnity Insurance Articles

Understanding Risk Management: A Guide for Australian Professionals
Understanding Risk Management: A Guide for Australian Professionals
Risk management is a crucial concept that involves identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks with the aim of minimizing their impact. For professionals, understanding and effectively managing risks can make the difference between stagnant growth and thriving success. But why is it particularly significant for those in Australia? - read more
Common Misconceptions About Professional Indemnity Insurance Debunked
Common Misconceptions About Professional Indemnity Insurance Debunked
Professional indemnity insurance is a type of coverage specifically designed to protect consultants and business professionals from legal claims and financial losses due to errors or omissions in their services. It provides peace of mind for those who offer expert advice or services to clients. - read more
Why Professional Indemnity Insurance is Vital for Protecting Your Reputation as a Consultant
Why Professional Indemnity Insurance is Vital for Protecting Your Reputation as a Consultant
As a consultant, safeguarding your professional reputation is crucial. One effective way to do this is through Professional Indemnity Insurance. But what exactly is it? In simple terms, professional indemnity insurance is designed to protect professionals against claims made by clients for professional negligence or breach of duty. It acts as a safety net, covering legal costs and any damages awarded, if a client alleges that you've made a mistake or left them shortchanged by your services. - read more
Top 5 Reasons Australian Professionals Need Tailored Indemnity Insurance
Top 5 Reasons Australian Professionals Need Tailored Indemnity Insurance
In the fast-paced and dynamic landscape of today’s professional world, indemnity insurance has become a cornerstone of financial security for many Australian professionals. This type of insurance provides protection against claims of negligence or breach of duty made by clients or third parties. Without this safeguard, professionals may face substantial legal fees and damages that can significantly impact their financial stability. - read more
How to Tailor Your Professional Indemnity Insurance for Better Liability Coverage
How to Tailor Your Professional Indemnity Insurance for Better Liability Coverage
Professional indemnity insurance is designed to protect professionals from legal claims made against them due to mistakes or negligence in their work. It acts as a safeguard, covering legal costs and any damages awarded, ensuring that professionals can continue their practice without financial burden. - read more


Your free professional indemnity insurance quote comparison starts here!
Cover Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.


Knowledgebase
Policyholder:
The individual or entity who owns the insurance policy.