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Indonesia, the United States, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Thailand are the top five overseas holiday destinations for Australian families, according to data collected by a leading travel insurer.

Southern Cross Travel Insurance revealed the most popular countries* with Australian families, who are venturing further afield as new airline routes open up. Family holidays make up nearly half of all trips insured by Southern Cross.

The CEO of Southern Cross Travel Insurance, Chris White, says international travel is a great opportunity for Aussie kids to have new experiences and learn about different cultures.

“At the same time, no matter the holiday destination, it’s important to plan ahead,” he says. “While no one wants to think their fun family break could turn sour through illness or accident, unfortunately it does happen.”

White says recent successful claims by Southern Cross Travel Insurance customers suggest it’s important to plan for the unexpected when it comes to family holidays. Cases include:

  • A family of three travelling in northern Africa whose 11-month-old child had to be flown by air ambulance to South Africa due to a suspected case of meningitis, resulting in a claim of AU$47,000.
  • A woman holidaying in the United States with her three children, who all became unwell, resulting in a 12-day delay in the family’s return to Australia, and costs of almost AU$23,000.
  • A family of six delayed in Singapore for four days when three of the children fell ill with the flu, and one child also developed an ear infection, incurring costs of AU$7,200.

White says a medical issue experienced by a parent or child undoubtedly impacts a holiday and causes concern and stress.

“Other factors while out of your home country can include language barriers, little local knowledge and quite simply, the cost of care,” he adds.

“It’s peace of mind for parents to know if something unexpected happens to themselves or their child, travel insurance is there to at least take away one worry.”

Top 5 holiday destinations for Australian families

1 Indonesia

2 The United States

3 New Zealand

4 The United Kingdom

5 Thailand