BALI is renowned for its rather fearless monkeys, who will accost any traveller wielding an open snack or bag emitting even the faintest food odour.
These monkeys are leading to a rise in travel insurance claims, according to Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI), which has seen a 43% jump in policy purchases by Aussies visiting the Indonesian island.
That's a good thing, as there has also been a sharp rise in the number of claims coming back with Bali's returning travellers.
The insurer said among the 50% rise in claims from Bali have been travellers seeking financial assistance to cover a variety of monkey mishaps while abroad.
These include bites and bag snatches by the unashamed long-tailed macaques, who can be as cute and fun to watch as they are aggressive.
Travellers are also falling afoul of some of Indonesia's unique cuisine, with cases of 'Bali Belly' or gastro up 79% year-on-year.
Indonesia has actually accounted for 56% of all of the insurer's gastro claims dating back to Nov last year, suggesting some of Bali's food may look better than it feels.
The average 'Bali Belly' claim in that time has ranged from a paltry $21 all the way up to the more serious $30,000, with the average claim being $1,000.
Getting around on a scooter in Bali can also be a health hazard, with 21 claims made with SCTI last year due to the brazen nature of some road users.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 17 Apr 25
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