As Aussies prepare to head to the Northern hemisphere to escape the winter chill Southern Cross Travel Insurance shares some common trends, claims and things to watch out for when heading off on your next European adventure.  

The most frequent types of claims relating to European travel were medical and evacuation claims, lost, damaged or stolen baggage and personal items, changes to journeys after departure, rental car excesses and issues relating to cash, bank cards, passports and travel documents. 

For policies that travelled during the 2024 European summer (May - Sept 2024) SCTI paid out:

• Almost $1.5 million in medical and related evacuation costs, including emergency evacuations, hospitalisations, additional accommodation costs due to being unable to travel and emergency dental treatments. One of the most expensive claims in 2024 was for a 76-year-old female who suffered a major stroke and spent 10 weeks in hospital before she was repatriated via air ambulance. The total payout for that claim was over $670,000.

• More than $19,000 for lost or stolen cash, cards and passports

• $326,000 in lost, stolen or damaged belongings

• Over $588,000 for claims relating to changes to journeys, including travel interruptions, cancellations, and delayed journeys 

• More than $77,000 in claims for rental car excesses

Jess Strange, Chief Customer Officer at Southern Cross Travel Insurance, reminds travellers to remain alert and mindful of their belongings. 

“We all tend to relax and become a little less vigilant when we are on holidays, but it's always important to remain aware and mindful of your surroundings and belongings and never leave your personal items unattended, says Strange.

“It's so easy to do when you're checking timetables at the airport or train stations, or just nipping to the toilet in a café, or leaving your items on the beach while you go for a quick swim. 

“However, it is important to remember that Southern Cross, like many other insurers, will not cover property stolen whilst left unattended, so always keep bags and valuables with you, or leave them with someone you trust. Thieves often target holiday hotspots waiting for tourists to be momentarily distracted.”

“We also paid almost $588,000 in relation to changes to journeys related to travel interruptions, cancellations or delays, which is a poignant reminder to make sure you book your travel insurance as soon as you book your flights, tours and accommodation, to make sure you don't end up out of pocket.” 

SCTI data also shared that the most popular European destination for Aussie travellers in 2025 are the United Kingdom followed closely by Italy, then France, Greece and Spain.

SCTI data revealed that Indonesia still remains the most popular global destination for Aussies looking to escape the cold. Interestingly, despite increasing uncertainty, Aussies are still booking trips to the US. 

See below a breakdown of the most popular European destinations broken down by state below:

SCTI provides International Comprehensive and International Medical-only travel insurance policies for those travelling to Europe. Visit the website for more information: www.scti.com.au