Revealed: Unusual insurance claims from Kiwi holidaymakers

Southern Cross Travel Insurance has released a list of unusual claims it has received in the past year, with cases involving an encounter with a bat and a monkey eating sunglasses.

“After 35 years of operation you might think we’ve heard it all, but we’re still surprised by some of the claims we receive each year,” Southern Cross Travel Insurance chief executive Chris White said. “While the vast majority of claims are for common illnesses or lost or damaged personal possessions, the list shows how travellers can end up in all sorts of unexpected situations.”

The insurer detailed some of the stranger claims including a rabies shot claim, lodged by a customer in Asia after finding a bat in their hotel room – the claim cost was $379. Another customer travelling in Asia was reimbursed $359 after his glasses were stolen and eaten by a monkey at a temple.

“I had absolutely no idea monkeys could act like that, but I see the funny side of it now,” the customer said.

Other strange claims in 2018 to Southern Cross Travel Insurance included:

• A customer driving in Europe hit a deer, severely damaging the rental car. Claim paid: $1,500;
• A customer required an electric wheelchair in the Pacific after injuring themselves. They subsequently fell into the pool of their resort, along with the wheelchair, which was damaged beyond repair. The customer claimed for personal liability. Claim paid: $500;
• While driving in Rarotonga, a customer’s baby threw their mobile phone out the window, causing the screen and casing to crack. Claim paid: $780.

“Although you can never fully predict what may happen overseas, we recommend Kiwi tourists research their destinations to better understand what they may come across in their travels,” White added.