Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) has reported a range of unusual claims from New Zealanders abroad and at home, highlighting the diverse risks faced by policyholders.
Data from the past year shows several incidents linked to wildlife in Asia-Pacific destinations.
In Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines, SCTI received 37 claims involving monkeys, 26 related to coral reef injuries, 38 connected to dog bites or scratches, and two spider-related cases. The average cost of these claims was about $2,200.
Dog-related incidents alone averaged $1,438 each, with rabies vaccinations a significant expense at around $700 per shot.
Other claims involved less common situations. A customer in the US sought treatment after a bat bite at a rental property, resulting in a claim exceeding $14,000.
Deer collisions in the US, the UK, and New Zealand accounted for three rental car claims, while another case involved trip cancellation.
In Australia, SCTI handled claims for five kangaroo-related car collisions averaging $3,558, along with one wallaby collision, two bird strike incidents, and a spider bite. Two reef-related surfing accidents also generated claims.
Domestically, the insurer reported covering a case in Fiordland where a diver was bitten by a shark. The incident required helicopter evacuation and hospital treatment, with the claim covering the traveller’s abandoned trip costs.
Alongside unusual accidents, SCTI said medical claims have continued to rise, particularly during winter travel months.
Between May and July, more than 130 claims were related to fevers, while 37 were for pneumonia, 35 for influenza, and four for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The insurer also processed 20 dengue fever cases, one of which cost more than $6,000 in medical care.
Chief customer officer Jess Strange said these claims spanned multiple destinations.
“Sadly, in popular destinations such as Indonesia, the Cook Islands, Nepal, Vanuatu, the Philippines, and Samoa, dengue fever is affecting locals and travellers, with some tragic consequences for families,” she said.
SCTI noted that respiratory illnesses have been particularly difficult for older travellers and young children, often linked to cruise ships, resorts and shared transport. Some cases required hospital admission for conditions such as pneumonia and RSV.
The insurer underscored the value of reaching out early to its emergency assistance team.
Strange said some travellers encounter unnecessary or inflated costs overseas, making direct insurer involvement essential.
“It’s important that customers contact our emergency assistance team ASAP. Unfortunately, while we try and ensure our customers get all the quality care they need, sometimes this can be challenging in some locations. There are also some providers who are opportunistic and will seek to secure payment for care which may be unneeded and exceptionally costly. When you are concerned and worried – you are vulnerable. That’s why it’s important to contact our emergency assistance team,” she said.
