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On the cusp of Schoolies season, new data reveals that nearly half of Aussies admit they took more risks while on Schoolies trips than on any other holiday – and the types of risks they’ve taken. This year’s Schoolies may not be protected by travel insurance should an accident or injury occur as a result of these types of risks.

http://www.germany.travel/en/index.htmlThe findings come from a survey of an independent, nationally representative panel of 1000 Australian adults who travel[1]commissioned by the world’s largest online travel insurer, InsureandGo (insureandgo.com.au).

Nearly one in two survey respondents (47 per cent) said they took the most risks while on Schoolies, compared with any other holiday.

Respondents were presented with 15 potential risks and asked to choose which risks they took on their own Schoolies trip. Most of the risks chosen were alcohol-related – raising concerns for this year’s Schoolies, both with regards to their health and their lack of financial protection against accidents and illnesses as a result of taking such risks. Other independent research reveals young people consume an average of almost nine standard drinks a session during Schoolies celebrations.[2]

The results revealed that drinking too much was the most common alcohol-related risk: 53 per cent of respondents who took risks at Schoolies admitted to getting drunk. Thirty-three (33) per cent played drinking games, 22 per cent left a drink unguarded at a bar, pub or party, 21 per cent took part in an adventurous activity or rode a vehicle after one too many drinks, and 19 per cent of respondents went swimming after drinking heavily. Reckless activities such as these will often result in an invalidated travel insurance claim, should an accident or illness occur as a result of these risks.

Non-alcohol-related risks that respondents also took during Schoolies were walking the streets unaccompanied after midnight (29 per cent of respondents), taking illicit drugs (12 per cent), or accepting illicit drugs from a stranger (7 per cent). 

Raphael Bandeira, Managing Director at InsureandGo, says: “We were alarmed by the results of the study, particularly considering that many young adults go overseas for Schoolies and may be taking risks in unfamiliar destinations. Most Schoolies will take out travel insurance and believe that medical costs due to incidents and accidents will cover them. When travelling domestically, medical expenses are covered by Medicare instead of your travel insurance. However, the unfortunate reality is that any accidents or injuries that arise from irresponsible actions while overseas, such as drinking too much or illegal activity, can invalidate your travel insurance. Not only does this put a person’s health and safety at risk, but the medical costs can put you thousands of dollars out of pocket and without the ability to make a claim for those costs. We would encourage those who are planning their Schoolies trip to seriously reconsider their participation in alcohol consumption or other risky activities.”

InsureandGo reveals common Schoolies travel risks that may invalidate a travel insurance claim. 

  1. Careless behaviour behind the wheel, or when under the influence of alcohol. It’s important to pay close attention to the rules or limits set out by both your travel insurance policy and your car rental company. If you are driving on non-tarmac roads, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or letting an unauthorised person drive the vehicle, travel insurance won’t cover you.
  1. Engaging in reckless activities. Indulging in reckless activities, such as excessive drinking, recreational drug use, partying on balconies, or participating in high-risk sports, can lead to a rejection of any insurance claim, when related to medical, baggage, liability or anything else.
  1. Leaving your belongings unattended.While most policies will cover you for loss or theft of your belongings and valuables, you may not be covered if the insurer has found you to be negligent by, for instance, leaving them unattended. When making a claim with your insurer, you will need to provide proof of the incident, such as an official police report, and proof of ownership such as a receipt or bank statement.
  1. Making a claim against an unapproved medical condition. For overseas trips, if you don’t declare a pre-existing medical condition to your provider – even if you forget to do so – your travel insurance may void any claims you make for medical incidents related to that condition. If you travel against medical advice or if you travel in order to seek medical treatment, you may also not be covered. 
  1. Travelling against government advice. If you’ve planned an overseas Schoolies trip, check out the Smartraveller travel warnings for the country you’re visiting, as there may be information about safety and security, local laws and customs, or a recent natural disaster. If there are warnings in place that directly affect you while travelling – and you don’t have the appropriate cover – it’s likely that your travel insurer will not accept your claim.[3]
Potential risks on Schoolies trips % that took this risk during Schoolies (of all respondents who took risks)
Drinking too much 53%
Played drinking games 33%
Walked the streets unaccompanied after midnight 29%
Left drink unguarded at a bar, pub or party 22%
Went swimming after having one too many drinks 19%
Did an adventure activity after having one too many drinks 13%
Took illicit drugs 12%
Got into a vehicle with, or stayed overnight with, a stranger 11%
Took risks but none of the above 10%
Got into a car, motorbike, boat or jet ski with a driver who had been drinking 10%
Sat on, or hung over, a balcony railing/wall 10%
Rode a motorbike, car or boat after having one too many drinks 8%
Got a piercing or tattoo 8%
Accepted illicit drugs from a stranger 7%
Was involved in a physical fight 4%