Zoom Travel Insurance has recorded a significant increase in claims related to animal bites and rabies treatment among travellers returning from Bali.
According to the insurer, recent months have seen more policyholders seeking assistance for incidents involving dog bites and subsequent rabies concerns, particularly in areas of Bali now classified as rabies “red zones,” including parts of south Kuta and Mengwi District.
Local authorities in Bali have responded by intensifying vaccination programs for stray dogs in tourist-heavy areas.
Travellers are being urged to avoid contact with stray animals and to seek prompt medical care if bitten or scratched, regardless of the wound’s severity.
Zoom Travel Insurance’s marketing manager, Natasha Sullivan, said the company has observed a clear trend.
“Our team has noticed an increase in Bali claims tied to dog bites and the need for rabies treatment. While actual cases of rabies are rare, any stray or wild animal bite require immediate treatment, given the potentially fatal consequences of an untreated infection. Even if the injury is very small, any sort of skin penetration should be considered a rabies risk and must be treated,” she said.
She explained that rabies treatment protocols are often misunderstood by travellers.
“If you are bitten by a stray animal while travelling, you will require immediate treatment, as rabies can be fatal once symptoms appear. If you have not previously been vaccinated for rabies, you will need a shot within seven days of being bitten. You will then require a follow up dose on day 3, 7, 14, and 28 after exposure, with the full treatment costing anywhere between $3,000 and $10,000, depending on where you are in the world,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan also noted that while rabies treatment is generally accessible in Bali’s main centres, it may be difficult or costly to obtain in rural areas.
“Rabies treatment can be very hard to obtain at some destinations, and in some instances, you may have to fly or travel elsewhere to secure the vaccine. This scenario is more common that you’d think in less developed countries, which is yet another example of the importance of comprehensive coverage,” she said. “It can be tricky to obtain the full course while you’re abroad without emergency assistance teams to help, so make sure you’re properly insured before you go.”
While dog bites remain the leading cause of rabies exposure in Bali, insurers are also monitoring an increase in claims related to monkey bites, particularly at wildlife attractions.
A 2023 report from NSW Health indicated that 145 Australians were hospitalised due to animal bites and scratches, many of which were linked to monkey parks in Bali and Southeast Asia.
Although no rabies cases have been confirmed from monkey bites at regulated sites in Bali, the risk cannot be entirely dismissed, especially where animal vaccination and monitoring are inconsistent.
Monkey bites can also transmit other diseases, such as herpes B virus, tetanus, and bacterial infections, all of which require prompt medical attention.
Sullivan said that timely treatment is essential for any animal-inflicted injury.
“Whether its anti-venom treatment for a snake bite or the rabies vaccine, often time is of the essence. Should treatment not be available locally, travel insurance can assist in paying to get you to quickly to the best available medical centre. Should this mean flying to another country, travel insurance would typically cover emergency evacuation and associated medical costs, ensuring you receive timely and appropriate care,” she said.
She also highlighted the value of 24/7 assistance provided by travel insurance.
“Having immediate access to assistance can make a significant difference in navigating and resolving unexpected situations. Always check your travel insurance policies, ensuring they provide sufficient support and adequate coverage for potential wildlife encounters and emergencies,” Sullivan said.
The increase in rabies-related claims comes as more Australians travel to Indonesia, particularly Bali.
Data from 1Cover Travel Insurance showed a 25% year-on-year rise in policy sales to Indonesia in 2024, with sales now 50% higher than before the pandemic. Bali remains the top destination for Australian tourists in the region.
Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed that nearly 135,000 Australians visited Indonesia in November 2024, making it the most popular overseas destination for that month.
Both Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) and 1Cover have reported substantial growth in policy uptake and claims for travel to Bali.
SCTI noted a 43% increase in policies for Bali since the 2022/23 summer, with a 50% year-on-year rise in claims, representing 16% of all claims received in 2024.
