• HBF Home
• Media
• Media Releases
• Bali warning for travellers

Bali warning for travellers

It follows a reported increase in the incidence of Dengue fever in the popular holiday destination, which has seen a massive increase in the number of West Australians suffering the mosquito-borne disease.

HBF General Insurance Operations Manager, Garry Wilson said travellers needed to get appropriate medical advice and take recommended precautions before they flew.

“It is really important that people listen to the experts,” Mr Wilson said.

“Bali is already our number one overseas destination for claims by West Australians for hospital and general doctor treatment. 

“The Health Department’s warning highlights the importance of travel insurance because if you do get sick and need treatment you’ll need to be sure you can access the best of care.” Mr Wilson said.

“Bali is a fun place but it needs to be remembered that the standard of medical care isn’t what West Australians take for granted here.  HBF spends more on medical evacuations from Bali than for almost any other destination.

“Taking travel insurance is absolutely critical because otherwise the cost of treatment will come from the traveller’s own bank account – and when we are talking quality care we could be talking thousands and thousands of dollars.”

Mr Wilson said HBF Insurance had plenty of examples of policyholders who took out cover for illness overseas, never thinking they would need to use it.

“It is often at the time you least expect - no one goes on holiday expecting to become seriously ill. 

“A few dollars invested in travel cover before you fly will give you the peace of mind of knowing you and your family will be well looked after if something happens.”

[ends]

Media contact

Melanie Claessen   tel: 0400 074 007