As November draws near, thousands of Australian teens are preparing for their Schoolies celebrations, with more than 8,000 expected to make the trip to Bali.
With its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and affordable attractions, Bali remains a top choice for school leavers. However, as excitement builds, travel experts warn that comprehensive travel insurance is necessary for a safe and stress-free holiday.
In response to the influx of Schoolies, airlines such as AirAsia and Jetstar have ramped up their services to Bali. AirAsia recently launched direct flights from Cairns to Denpasar, and Jetstar has added 10 new weekly flights to meet growing demand.
David Mayo, spokesperson for award-winning travel insurance provider Insure&Go, stresses the importance of being prepared.
“Bali offers an unforgettable experience for Schoolies, but it’s important to remember that there is no reciprocal health agreement between Australia and Indonesia. This makes comprehensive insurance essential to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and adventurous activities.”
Mayo also highlighted the need for young travellers to adhere to local laws, particularly around alcohol and drug use, as violations could invalidate insurance claims.
“Schoolies should respect Bali’s legal drinking age of 21 and be mindful of regulations around prescription medications, including ADHD treatments and cannabis-based products,” he added.
“In Indonesia, drug offences are taken very seriously and can lead to heavy fines, long prison sentences, and even the death penalty. Schoolies should respect the drinking age of 21 and prescription drug regulations, which extend to certain medications, including those for ADHD and cannabis-based oils.[5] All travellers should familiarise themselves with the Australian Government’s Smart Traveller website before departure and ensure emergency contacts and travel information is sent to friends and family.”
To tips to consider
To help Schoolies and their families plan, Insure&Go has provided 10 essential tips for ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip to Bali:
- Check Your Coverage for Water Sports: Bali is a surfing paradise, but ensure your insurance covers activities like surfing, parasailing, or scuba diving.
- Be Scooter Smart: Renting scooters is popular, but risky. Make sure you have the correct international licence and always wear a helmet.
- Party Responsibly: Underage drinking or incidents caused by alcohol can void insurance claims. Stick to mocktails in Bali’s hotspots like Potato Head.
- Adventure Wisely: If trekking Mount Batur or quad biking, confirm your policy covers high-altitude hikes or off-road adventures.
- Shop Safely: Bali’s markets are a must, but keep valuables secure and consider a policy that covers high-value items.
- Stay Sun Smart: Hydration and sunscreen are vital in Bali’s heat—severe sunburns could result in medical expenses.
- Health Precautions: Protect against mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever by using repellent and checking your insurance for coverage.
- Beware of Monkeys: In Ubud’s Monkey Forest, keep belongings out of sight, as monkeys are notorious for theft.
- Lost Passports: Report lost documents to local authorities within 72 hours and visit the Australian Consulate in Denpasar for assistance.
- Medical Emergencies: If you require medical care, notify your insurance provider promptly and follow their steps for making a claim.
By following these tips and ensuring proper insurance coverage, Schoolies can make the most of their Bali adventure while staying protected.
