Australians are increasingly turning to travel insurance when planning trips to Thailand, with Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) reporting a notable surge in policy sales. In the 12 months leading to May 2025, SCTI observed a 31.9% increase in insurance purchases for Thailand-bound travelers. This growth trend continued with a 19.8% rise in sales between February and May 2025, compared to the same period in the previous year, coinciding with the heightened interest in tourism following the airing of the television series, The White Lotus.
Chief Customer Officer Jess Strange highlighted that despite domestic financial constraints, Australians are actively pursuing travel opportunities, and Thailand remains a preferred destination for many. She expressed optimism about the sustained demand for travel insurance throughout the year, emphasizing the significance of being adequately covered during overseas trips.
Alongside the spike in insurance sales, SCTI observed a 43% increase in Australians seeking emergency assistance while in Thailand, with 307 reported incidents during the year leading up to May 2025. The average cost of claims during this period amounted to $2,808, with medical and evacuation expenses comprising a significant portion of claims, followed by losses related to baggage and personal items.
Gastroenteritis emerged as a prevalent medical issue, with falls, ear infections, and other ailments also commonly encountered by travelers. Noteworthy was a case involving the evacuation of an 80-year-old individual from Phuket to Perth due to chest complications, resulting in a substantial $260,132 claim.
Aside from typical medical incidents, less conventional claims such as animal bites, slips in hotel rooms, and missed flights due to unforeseen circumstances like traffic congestion were also recorded. Jess Strange underscored the importance of travel insurance in mitigating unexpected costs abroad, emphasizing the need for comprehensive coverage to safeguard against a diverse range of travel-related risks.
Legal experts have cautioned travelers to carefully review policy exclusions before embarking on trips, particularly concerning activities like motorbike riding, jet skiing, or alcohol consumption. Peter Carter of Carter Capner Law advised travelers to be vigilant about policy terms, as overlooking exclusions could lead to rejected claims, potentially necessitating legal action upon return to Australia.
Notably, insurers across Southeast Asia have witnessed an uptick in travel insurance uptake. 1Cover Travel Insurance reported a 25% increase in policy sales for Indonesia in 2024 compared to the previous year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, SCTI noted a 43% surge in policies for Bali since the 2022/23 summer season, with Bali-related claims rising by 50% in 2024, constituting 16% of the insurer’s total claims for the year.
The evolving landscape of travel insurance reflects the evolving needs and preferences of travelers, underlining the importance of comprehensive coverage to address an array of potential risks and ensure peace of mind during international travel.
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