Travellers riding their luck

CAREFREE travellers riding motorbikes, scooters or quad bikes could be putting themselves at risk by not having the right travel insurance if something goes wrong.

These lighter vehicles are a popular way for Australians to unwind on holidays but experts are warning of the dangers involved.

Steve Burke, 57, was involved in a motorbike accident earlier this year after clipping the handlebars of a friend’s motorbike in northern Thailand – it left him needing surgery for torn tendons in his shoulder.

His insurer initially rejected his claim and he was told to fly back to Australia to have his surgery done, but he fought this and won.

His surgery was completed in Thailand and all his expenses were covered.

“Don’t take no from the first pushback from your insurance company,” Mr Burke said.

“And when riding a motorbike, make sure you are always wearing a helmet and you are covered for the bike you are riding.”

About $12,000 was paid to cover his medical costs and another $15,000 was reimbursed for a trip he had planned to South America this month but was unable to go on because of his injuries.

Comparetravelinsurance. com.au’s director Natalie Ball said there are plenty of “medical only” travel policies that can keep insurance costs down.

These range from under $20 for a seven-day trip to Bali for a jetsetter aged under 30.

“Riding a motorbike is probably one of the easiest ways to get around southeast Asia on holiday, but on the flip side, scooter crashes are one of the top reasons for tourists requiring medical assistance in Bali and Thailand,’’ Ms Ball said.

“From road crash injuries to severe head injuries, medical bills can range from a few thousand dollars and quickly mount up to hundreds of thousands of dollars in a matter of days.”

If you need to be taken by air ambulance to Australia from Bali it can cost $60,000 or from Thailand about $100,000.

Last month Australian traveller Ben French, 36, was left fighting for his life after an horrific scooter accident in Thailand left him in a coma with severe brain trauma.

He was not wearing a helmet at the time and misjudged a corner, leaving the family to get $100,000 together to bring him home.

Understandinsurance.com. au’s Lisa Kable urges anyone riding vehicles overseas to check the fine print on their insurance policy.

“Motorbike or scooter riding is considered a high-risk activity,’’ she said.

“They need to be aware if they have consumed alcohol or taken drugs this will jeopardise the insurance coverage.”