Monkey bites and scooter bag-snatches lead Bali’s most unusual insurance claims while Bali Belly is on the rise
Date: 28/08/2025 by Southern Cross Travel Insurance
Monkey bites, scooter bag-snatches, and reef cuts were among the most unusual claims submitted by Australians holidaying in Bali last year.
With an increase in policies sold to Australians flocking to this beloved destination over summer and a surge in unexpected health issues like Bali Belly (gastro), Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) is primed and ready to support travellers as they plan their next trips to the Indonesian isle during the upcoming Easter and school holiday period.
“The demand from Australians for Bali breaks over the summer has been on the rise since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Jess Strange, Chief Customer Officer for SCTI.
“Since the 2022/23 summer holidays, we’ve seen a 43 per cent increase in the number of Australian policies bought for trips to Bali. Interest in travelling to the beautiful island has continued to grow during the summer of 2024/25.”
Bali’s growing popularity has also meant a significant increase in claims from Australians, with a 50% year-over-year rise, accounting for 16% of all SCTI claims received last year.
SCTI has received reports of monkey bites and reef cuts, while Bali Belly has been rife with a 79% spike seen in these claims in January 2025 compared to the same time the previous year. Indonesia has made up 56% of gastro cases since November 2024. The average cost for gastro related claims in Bali over the last 12 months is just over $1000. However, claim costs ranged from anywhere from $21 to as much as $30,000.
Scooter and moped-related accidents are also common, with 21 claims received from Australians in Bali last year. Two of them resulted in hospital visits. It’s not just injuries that travellers should be concerned about as one unlucky traveller fell victim to a common Bali scam when they paused on their scooter to check directions on their phone, unaware that another scooter driver was about to make a swift bag-snatch. In a flash, their bag was gone, leaving them shaken and upset.
Beyond the physical injuries, travellers often face stress, disruption, and logistical challenges following unexpected events. Having insurance with SCTI means they are able to get the right support, no matter the scale of the event, and quickly get back to enjoying their trip.
“At the more serious end, SCTI has supported Australians in Bali through 91 emergency cases across 2024,” shared Strange. “The most complex involved a young person experiencing seizures, who required an air ambulance home at a cost of around $232,000.”
This breadth of experience in supporting travellers, regardless of the size or nature of the incident, has helped SCTI build trust with Australian customers since partnering with them in 2009.
Since it launched, SCTI has supported over one million Australian adventures worldwide and provided peace of mind to 1.5 million Australians.
