Australians travelling to Bali are facing an uptick in unexpected incidents, with Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) reporting a significant rise in claims from the island.
From cheeky monkey bites to scooter bag-snatches and a wave of gastroenteritis cases, the insurer has flagged some of the most unusual and costly issues affecting Aussie travellers.
Claims related to Bali surged by 50 per cent year-on-year, now making up 16 per cent of all claims received by SCTI. This comes as the number of Australians heading to Bali continues to climb, with policy purchases rising 43 per cent since the 2022–2023 summer period.
Bali Belly bites back
The most common issue plaguing travellers has been Bali Belly, with SCTI recording a 79 per cent jump in claims for gastrointestinal illness in January 2025 compared to the same time last year. Since November 2024, Indonesia has accounted for 56 per cent of all gastro-related claims.
The cost of treating gastro can vary widely, with claims ranging from as little as $21 to as high as $30,000. On average, these incidents cost just over $1,000 – a reminder of how quickly expenses can escalate when illness strikes overseas.
On the road: scooters and scams
Scooter and moped incidents remain common, with 21 related claims submitted by Australians in 2024. Two of those required hospitalisation. It’s not only physical injuries that are a concern – theft while riding scooters is a growing issue, with one traveller having their bag snatched by a passing rider after pausing to check directions on their phone.
Wildlife also made the list of unusual claim triggers. Monkey bites and reef cuts were among the more surprising causes of insurance claims reported by Australians holidaying in Bali last year.
Serious emergencies and costly evacuations
While many claims were minor, some involved serious emergencies. SCTI reported 91 emergency medical cases in Bali throughout 2024. One of the most complex involved a young person experiencing seizures, requiring an air ambulance home at a cost of around $232,000.
The rise in incidents underscores the importance of having reliable travel insurance, especially when travelling to destinations like Bali where a mix of adventurous activities and health risks can catch even the savviest traveller off guard.
