SCTI advises Australians on sports coverage for holidays

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) is advising Australian travellers to verify that their travel insurance policies adequately cover leisure sports activities.

This recommendation comes as major sporting events and the Southern Hemisphere’s snow season are set to begin, prompting many Australians to engage in sports during their holidays.

Southern Cross Travel Insurance claims related to sporting incidents

SCTI reported that, between Jan. 1, 2023, and June 1, 2024, it paid over $535,000 in claims related to sporting incidents involving Australian travellers. The average cost of these claims was approximately $2,000.

“Australians have a good understanding that sports such as skiing and snowboarding can pose a risk while on holiday, and it’s imperative that you check what sports are included under your policy. At SCTI, we allow customers to add snow cover on our International Comprehensive policy, which we highly recommend if you’re taking part in one of these sports – otherwise there’s a high risk you won’t be covered,” said SCTI CEO Jo McCauley.

Data from SCTI showed that countries popular for snow sports, such as Austria, Japan, and Canada, have higher percentages of sporting claims. In Austria and Japan, 19% of all travel claims are sport-related, while in Canada, it is 11%.

“However, it’s not just snow sports that pose a risk. We see claims for various different sports, and they’re often not related to the types of sporting activities most of us would consider high risk,” McCauley said.

Swimming and pool-related incidents accounted for nearly 24% of sport-related claims in the past 17 months, with incidents including slips, falls, ear infections, and dislocated shoulders.

Other incidents include a customer in Spain who broke their wrist while playing football with their children and another in France who was injured when a soccer ball hit them while they were sitting in a park.

SCTI’s most expensive sport-related claims

The three most expensive sport-related claims in the past 17 months illustrate the potential costs:

• a surfing accident in Mexico resulted in a complicated fracture and required an air ambulance transfer, totalling $82,000
• a skiing accident in Italy caused a hip fracture that required surgery and repatriation, costing $58,500
• another skiing injury in Italy involved a broken femur, with treatment and repatriation expenses reaching $28,585

“With the excitement of upcoming sporting events and the lure of active holidays, it’s crucial for travellers to be prepared for the unexpected,” McCauley said. “Our data highlights the importance of having comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for sporting activities, especially if you’re planning on participating in riskier activities while on holiday. Accidents can happen to anyone, and the costs associated with medical treatment and repatriation can be substantial.”

SCTI noted that over half (52%) of sporting claims are for medical and evacuation support. Meanwhile, nearly a third (31%) are for baggage and personal items, such as watches, smartphones, and headphones damaged during sports activities.

Tips for Australian travellers

SCTI provided the following tips for travellers:

• Review your policy: Ensure your travel insurance policy covers the sports you plan to participate in. Check for exclusions, such as contact sports, professional sports, racing (except on foot), and competitive sports with monetary prizes.
• Understand exclusions: Some policies may exclude high-risk activities or only cover them under certain conditions, such as skiing on-piste.
• Declare pre-existing conditions: Always declare any pre-existing medical conditions to avoid claim denials.
• Follow safety guidelines: Adhere to safety instructions and guidelines for your activities.
• Emergency contact information: Keep emergency contact numbers and policy details accessible while travelling.