The growing number of sports-loving Australians heading to Europe this year for the UEFA Euro 2024 and Paris Olympics have been urged to remain vigilant by travel insurers.

According to Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI), travel insurance bookings to Europe have increased 150 per cent in May compared to the beginning of March. The United Kingdom, Italy and France are the among the top 10 destinations based on policies sold.

SCTI urges Australians to remain vigilant especially during European holidays, particularly when it comes to their baggage and personal belongings. This is in light of claims for baggage and personal items being the most common type of claim at nearly 35 per cent for travel to Europe in 2023.

“European cities already have a reputation for pickpockets and with events such as the Olympics happening this year, key locations are expected to be even busier than usual,” SCTI CEO Jo McCauley warned.

Jo McCauley, CEO at Southern Cross Travel Insurance.

“Australian travellers must keep their wits about them, be mindful of opportunistic
thieves looking to prey on unsuspecting tourists and ensure they’re adequately protected with
comprehensive travel insurance, should the worst happen.”

Travel insurance can save you thousands of dollars.

SCTI paid out more than $2.5 million in claims in 2023 to Australians travelling to Europe with the top claim hitting $155,000. The average cost of all claims for Australians visiting Europe in 2023 was $1,652.

McCauley also cautioned Australian travellers not to take the risk of leaving without any insurance. The average cost for a travel insurance policy for a two-week trip to France is minimal. Minimal cover costs just a few hundred dollars compared to the potentially thousands of dollars in losses and expenses due to unforeseen events.