Why it’s worth packing travel insurance for Schoolies Week

Tips for avoiding a Schoolies Week mishap 

Talk it out before they go

It’s always a good idea to encourage your teen to chat with you about boundaries and expectations before they head off on a trip.  

This is extra important before a Schoolies Week adventure.  

It’s good for teens to know their values and feel confident about sticking to them. Yep, they don’t need to change who they are to fit into the Schoolies vibe.  

It’s also great for them to have a similar chat with their travel buddies before heading off, especially if they’re taking an international trip for Schoolies. It’s important to talk about respecting each other’s limits and always sticking together. In an unfamiliar country, it’s smart for them to never leave a mate behind — even if they swear they’ll be fine walking back alone. 

Plan ahead so you can worry less about the ‘what ifs’ 

Is your graduate-to-be trying to keep their travel costs down? They could pack light to dodge checked baggage fees, refill their water bottle for free at the hotel gym, or even give their undies a quick hand wash.  

But there’s one thing they shouldn’t cut corners on: travel insurance for Schoolies Week.  

If something goes wrong while they’re away, not having travel insurance could leave your teen (and you!) with a bill that’s way more than $100,000.  

As the Aussie Government’s Smartraveller puts it: 'If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.' Smart!

Cover-More Australia’s Chief Sales Officer, Todd Nelson, agrees.  

‘Even if school leavers are on a budget, it’s critical to still take travel insurance – especially if they’re heading overseas,’ Mr Nelson said.  

‘Our international Basic plan is designed for travellers heading overseas who want cover that helps protect against the essentials only while still including $unlimited~ emergency medical expenses cover.’

Want to know more about this plan? 
Meet our international Basic plan → 

 ~Cover will not exceed 12 months from onset of the illness, condition or injury.

Get them the right cover if they’re riding a moped or motorbike

For less than the price of your daily acai bowl, Schoolies can rent a scooter in Bali or Thailand and cruise around like a local.

We get why it’s tempting… but what seems like a cheap thrill can quickly turn into a dangerous and expensive ordeal. Bali’s chaotic traffic is infamous, challenging even experienced riders. So, imagine the risks for someone still on their P-plates.

‘Riding a motorbike or moped comes with known risks, so it’s rare to find travel insurance with motorcycle cover included automatically,’ Mr Nelson explained.  

‘You’ll have to include optional cover for motorcycles or mopeds in your teen’s policy. But before you buy, pay attention to the details to make sure you’re selecting the most appropriate cover and protection.'

There are also local laws and licensing rules to keep in mind with getting travel insurance for a Schoolies trip.  

For example, some policies require riders of motorbikes or mopeds with engines up to 250cc to hold a valid Australian motorcycle or driver’s licence. They also require you to wear a helmet while on a bike, whether you’re driving or just a passenger.  

For bikes over 250cc, drivers need at least five years of licensed riding experience to qualify for cover (as well as   other conditions outlined in the PDS, for our cover to be available). This means most teenage Schoolies won’t be eligible for this type of cover.  

If your teen is into other high-risk activities like quad biking or jet skiing, cover can vary between insurance providers. So, always read the entire Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to know what they do and don’t have cover for before they go.

In Bali, where scooters dominate ride-sharing services, there’s another big rule: no helmet, no insurance.  

‘Travel insurance covers many things, but it doesn’t cover foolish decisions like not wearing a helmet,' Mr Nelson said.  

'All Gojek and Grab scooter drivers are required to provide a spare helmet. If they don’t, they’re not legally allowed to operate – and your teenager won’t be covered if there’s an accident.  

‘What many people don’t realise is that even as a passenger on a rideshare scooter, you’ll need additional cover like our Motorcycle/Moped Riding Cover option included in your policy to have protection.' 
 

Beware of drugs and alcohol

Teenagers, alcohol, and drugs are a risky combo that can lead to some serious accidents – accidents your kid’s travel insurance might not cover.  

'If an accident or injury happened because a traveller was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, then many travel insurance providers won’t pay their claim for medical or hospital expenses, or the cost of a repatriation if they need to be brought home to Australia,' Mr Nelson said.  

While not all insurance policies specify a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit that voids a claim, at Cover-More, our cutoff is 0.19% BAC. (That’s almost four times the legal limit for fully licensed drivers in Australia!) Other factors regarding any claim that involves alcohol or drugs are also considered , so make sure to check the PDS for all the details and chat to your teen about them.

Most insurance providers won’t cover claims for incidents tied to substance use or abuse either. This includes drugs that are available over the counter, prescription, or anything else.  

So, encourage your child to play it safe and steer clear!
 

Don’t risk methanol poisoning 

Methanol poisoning is unfortunately becoming more common in places like Bali and beyond. Some bars and makeshift stalls will entice young people with cheap drinks, only to top up spirits with highly toxic home brews.  

It’s smart to encourage your school leaver to stay cautious and responsible if they’re having a drink during Schoolies Week. Plus, they should be aware of what methanol poisoning can look like in its early stages.

According to the Aussie Government’s Smartraveller.gov.au website, some of the signs of methanol poisoning include:  

• loss of vision
• dizzyness
• headaches
• abdominal pain
• nausea  
• confusion.  

It’s important to go straight to hospital if your teen suspects they or someone else has methanol poisoning. ‘Sleeping it off’ could be fatal.  

Worry less with travel insurance for Schoolies Week 

It probably feels like just yesterday you were watching your kid walk into their kindergarten class the first time – now they’re heading overseas!  

But don’t let them go without this: a solid travel insurance policy. By ‘solid’, we mean it’s got the cover they need for whatever they’ll be doing wherever they’re going.  

You can also help them have a safer trip by researching local laws and customs together. The Australian Government’s travel advice site, smartraveller.gov.au, is a great place to start. If you’ve got a Cover-More policy, you’ll also find useful safety and health information about their destination in our Cover-More app.

Another tip? Set up a group chat with all the teens going on the trip and their families. It’s a great way for the kids to stay connected, share photos, and ask questions if they’re unsure about anything. Plus, it gives them a little extra support from home. 

Have a Plan B in mind 

It's smart to have a backup plan in case things go sideways. Leaving copies of passports and travel documents at home can make life a lot easier if they’re lost or stolen. And downloading our Cover-More app is a smart move. It has a tap-to-call feature that connects travellers directly to our 24/7 emergency assistance team.

‘Our app also is an ‘always on’ security monitor and will push out travel warnings and alerts based on your location,’ Mr Nelson explained.  

‘If your kid needs emergency help, they can use our Cover-More app to call our emergency assistance team.  

‘If they are injured or sick, we can help them find the best possible medical care where they are.’

Why some Aussies skip travel insurance (and why that isn't the best idea) 

Here are some common reasons people roll the dice and travel uninsured, according to the DFAT and ICA Travel Insurance Survey 2024:

'I was going on a very short trip'

20% of travellers who skipped insurance on their last overseas trip figured they’d be fine because it was just a quick getaway.  

But here’s the thing — accidents, illnesses, and unexpected mishaps don’t care how long your trip is. And if something does go wrong, the bill could easily top $100,000.

 

'I was travelling somewhere I knew I’d be safe'

33% of uninsured travellers thought their destination was safe enough to skip cover.  

But even in the safest spots, things can still go sideways when you least expect it – often through no fault of your own. And yep, the cost of dealing with it can still hit six figures. 

 'I couldn’t afford it'

18% of people who travelled uninsured said it was because they couldn’t afford it.  

But as Smartraveller puts it: ‘If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.' We’re mentioning this quote again because they’re wise words to keep in mind! 

Source: Getty Images

7 things to do before and during Schoolies Week 

Here’s a checklist for you and your teen to follow before and during the trip. 

1. Look into the destination 

Check out our Cover-More app and Smartraveller for advice on safety, local laws, customs, and more. Don’t forget to read up on travel advisories for any stopovers along the way. 

2. Sort out travel insurance for Schoolies Week 

Whether your teen is going on a domestic trip for Schoolies or an overseas one, travel insurance may come in handy if things go pear shaped. Make sure their travel insurance covers everything they’ve got planned – activities, illness, injury, and even lost or stolen stuff.  

But remember: claims related to drugs or alcohol are subject to the policy wording and may not be covered. So, read the PDS so you know exactly what they are – and aren’t covered for. 

3. Get their passport, visas, and docs sorted  

Double-check your teen’s passport is valid for at least six months after their return date.  

Need a new one? Apply early!  

If they’re planning to drive overseas, look into local traffic laws. They’ll probably need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their Aussie licence.  

Oh, and make copies of all their important documents and share their itinerary with other parents and their friends. 

4. Visit the doctor 

Your teen might need vaccinations or boosters depending on where they’re headed.  

Book a doctor’s appointment 6–8 weeks before they plan to leave so they’ve got time to get sorted. 

5. Know the local laws 

Make sure your teen knows the laws of their chosen destination apply to them, even if they seem strict compared to Aussie standards. It’s on them to learn and follow them. 

6. Stay safe while they’re there 

Get your teen to look up their destination’s common risks – everything from weather to crime.  

Check out Smartraveller – it has advice for wherever they’re headed.  

Also, get your teen to download our free travel safety app if you’re travelling with our Cover-More travel insurance. It can send them location-based alerts and warnings to keep them in the loop. 

7. Respect the culture

Make sure your teen knows to show respect for local religions, customs, and traditions, and treat sacred sites with sensitivity and care – just like they would back home in Australia. 
 

4 of the best overseas spots for Schoolies Week 

Is your teen thinking of an international trip for Schoolies Week? Check out one of these four popular destinations. 

Bali

This tropical Indonesian hotspot takes the crown as the most popular international Schoolies destination. The big draw? It’s super affordable!

Fiji

Fiji’s stunning white sands and turquoise waters are calling, with thousands of teens choosing it as their Schoolies destination in recent years. Plus, it sometimes has dedicated Schoolies islands.

Thailand

For those looking to go a bit further, Thailand’s got it all – epic full-moon parties, rich cultural experiences, and surprisingly affordable five-star stays on islands like Koh Samui, Phuket, and Koh Pha Ngan.

Vanuatu

Vanuatu’s dedicated Schoolies island near Port Vila offers a tropical paradise packed with pool parties, water sports, and beach volleyball. It’s a top-notch mix of fun and relaxation! 

 

Want to send your kid to Schoolies Week and worry less?

Pack our travel insurance for Schoolies in their suitcase. We’ve got domestic and international cover options, ready for you to explore. 

 

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