As schoolies season approaches, time to get insured
Reduce your Gold Coast risk by planning in advance.
Schoolies was not a really big thing back in the stone age when I went to high school, and the thought of someone heading to Bali to blow off steam would have seemed like some bizarre luxury fantasy. Now it's commonplace, and all those dirt-cheap fares must help.
There are some obvious steps in planning a schoolies trip: sorting flights, persuading all your mates to come, working out how many of you can cram into suitable accommodation, and detailed swimsuit research. Travel insurance is less obvious, but just as important.
According to figures from online insurance provider InsureandGo, fully 90% of 17- and 18-year olds purchasing policies for trips are solo travellers. While some of them may be planning trips with friends and booking insurance individually, many are also likely to be on the road without knowing anyone. In that scenario, travel insurance seems even more essential.
For an overseas trip, insurance is often something we'll book automatically. It's less of a habit if you're taking a domestic jaunt. However, even for a schoolies trip just to the Gold Coast, Lorne or Victor Harbour, travel insurance is definitely a sensible option. For many teenagers, it's likely to be their first extended trip away from home without family. If there's a health incident or a cancellation drama, having coverage will make the experience a lot less stressful.
Our guide to insurance for schoolies travellers covers all the nuances. The crucial one? If alcohol is a factor in your claim, then it won't get paid. So enjoy yourself, but don't go to extremes.
Angus Kidman's Findings column looks at new developments and research that help you save money, make wise decisions and enjoy your life more. It appears Monday through Friday on finder.com.au.
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