Schoolies warned to curb alcohol assumption or lose out on travel insurance cover
As schoolies pack their bags for a time-honoured week of celebrations, travel experts are warning that excess alcohol consumption could leave young travellers without insurance coverage when they need it most.
While thousands of graduates will descend on Queensland and Byron Bay after finishing their exams, Bali has also emerged as a popular destination for young Aussie school leavers.
On Thursday, DFAT released travel advice warning schoolies to ensure they have travel insurance and check “whether their travel insurance policy has alcohol consumption limits for claims.’
Similarly, Natalie Ball, managing director for Comparetravelinsurance.com.au, warns school leavers headed to Bali to understand the risks associated with drinking while travelling.
“Travel insurance policies have exclusions for incidents involving excessive alcohol consumption or substance abuse, meaning those who party too hard could find themselves footing hefty medical bills.”
Additionally, due to alcohol laws in Bali, those caught drinking under the age of 21 could face legal issues.
“Many are unaware that unlike Australia, Indonesia’s minimum legal drinking age is 21. Travel insurance would not cover you for law infringements, and those caught flouting local rules and regulations in Bali could potentially be fined or heavily penalised.”
Schoolies spirit goes overboard
Schoolies Week is traditionally seen as a rite of passage—a time for students to embrace newfound freedoms and transition from school life to adulthood. However, it’s also a time when excess often takes centre-stage, particularly when it comes to alcohol consumption.
A study by Monash University found that 21.1 per cent of schoolies experienced alcohol-related harm during the week of celebration. The data further revealed that more than half of male participants and nearly 40 per cent of female participants reported getting drunk every night.
“We all expect schoolies to enjoy a few extra drinks,” says Ball. “But if you’re heading overseas, remember, it’s not just your liver that could be in for a shock. A medical emergency abroad could hit your wallet harder than you expect—and navigating this when you’re far from home can be a lot more challenging”.
Young Aussies denied cover when travelling
In recent years several young Australian travellers have had their travel insurance claims denied due to intoxication.
In 2023, 25-year-old Australian woman Ella Cutler was denied travel insurance cover after suffering a life-threatening fall in Croatia, which resulted in over $400,000 worth of medical treatment and air ambulance fees. Ella’s insurer refused to cover her costs as she had been drinking at the time of her accident.
Several years prior, 21-year-old Jordan Darney, a QLD man who sustained severe injuries after falling four storeys at a hostel in Prague, was also refused cover due to his blood alcohol levels. His medical costs were close to $100,000.
Ball warns that the risks of heavy drinking while traveling abroad can be severe.
“These incidents should serve as a stark reminder to Aussies of the potential dangers of excessive drinking overseas. With schoolies just around the corner, it’s crucial to fully understand the exclusions and fine print in your travel insurance policy before you head off.”
How insurers assess your alcohol intake
Ball says that while a few drinks are permissible, travellers should be aware that if alcohol is found to be a contributing factor towards a claim, you may not be covered.
“The amount of alcohol you can safely consume will vary depending on factors like the size of your drink, its alcohol content, and your personal tolerance. Insurers assess claims on a case-by-case basis. If it’s determined that alcohol impaired your judgment, contributing to the event, your cover could be jeopardized.”
“On the other hand, if you were intoxicated, but alcohol isn’t found to be a factor in your claim, you would likely be covered.”
Travelers should also be aware that incidents involving illicit substances are not covered by travel insurance.
“Travel insurance is designed to protect you from the unexpected. But you’re expected to exercise common sense and take reasonable caution.”
Ball concludes, “Wherever you’re headed, don’t take risks you wouldn’t take at home. And always double-check that your travel insurance covers you for everything you might need.”
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