1Cover Reveals The Stomach Churning Cost of Gastro 

25/05/2026 - Media Release

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New data from 1Cover Travel Insurance reveals the cost of a tummy upset tummy abroad... and the price tag may shock you.

According to 1Cover, 130 gastro-related claims were lodged across its Australian and New Zealand brands in the first quarter of the year alone, adding up to $150,000 in pay outs. At an average of $1,000 per claim, that dodgy meal abroad can end up costing a lot more than the dinner itself.

Topping the list of gastro hotspots were Indonesia/Bali, Thailand and Japan.

Natalie Ball, director of 1Cover Travel Insurance, says even a routine illness can spiral quickly when you're abroad.

"Most people think a stomach bug overseas is just a rough few days, but it can escalate quickly into a hospital stay, extra hotel nights and last-minute flight changes."

"In many cases it's not just about feeling unwell. It's the cost of treatment and possible hospital care that travellers don't anticipate, particularly in destinations like the United States, where a quick doctor's visit alone can cost upwards of AUD $200.”

Severe cases driving higher medical costs

While most cases are mild, several higher-cost claims demonstrate how a simple case of gastroenteritis can escalate. The following lists 1Cover’s top five most expensive claim associated with gastro from January to April 2026:

• USA: $44,162

While travelling through the USA a traveller became unwell with gastro symptoms and was hospitalised with peptic ulcer disease. His medical costs covered an extended hospital stay and a surgical procedure.

• Singapore: $21,233 
  A tourist experiencing severe gastro a week was unable to fly home due to her symptoms. Claim costs included new flight costs for a family of four.
• Italy: $11,385
  A traveller contracted a stomach bug and was unable to leave their accommodation. Their claim covered flight changes for a family of four.
• Indonesia: $9,617.37 
  While holidaying in Indonesia, a traveller was hospitalised due to acute gastroenteritis, requiring medical treatment including a ground ambulance transfer between hospitals. 
• Chile: $8,146
  A traveller became unwell prior to travel from Argentina to Chile with acute gastroenteritis. Their claim included significant unused pre-booked travel components, including a Galápagos Island hopping tour. 

Gastro-related cancellations and disruptions

While medical treatment is most commonly associated with gastro claims, many travellers also face significant flow-on costs including rebooked flights, extended accommodation stays and disrupted itineraries.

1Cover’s highest recorded cancellation-related gastro claim during the January to April 2026 period was approximately $4,600, where illness before departure resulted in major travel changes.

Ball said the claims highlight how even short-term illnesses can create costly ripple effects for travellers.

“Gastro is usually temporary, so travellers are more likely to delay or rearrange their plans rather than cancel altogether. But even a relatively short illness can still lead to significant costs, especially when medical treatment or last-minute travel changes are involved,” says Ball.

A reminder for travellers in 2026

Travellers are being reminded that when it comes to illness overseas, you never quite know what curveballs may come your way.

“With major global travel concerns dominating headlines, it can be easy to overlook how disruptive a seemingly minor illness can be while travelling,” says Ball.

"Everyday illnesses can derail an entire trip, and before you know it, you're changing flights, extending hotel stays or cancelling long-awaited plans. Having the right cover in place before you go means one minor thing doesn't have to turn into a major headache."

 

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Natali Mansberg, Content Marketing Specialist.
E: natali.mansberg@1cover.com.au | URL www.1Cover.com.au

About 1Cover Travel Insurance
1Cover Travel Insurance was founded in 2003. Today, it is one of Australia’s largest providers of online travel insurance. At 1Cover, we’re dedicated to providing all customers with exceptional cover and support. We provide cover to more than 1.5 million customers in both Australia and NZ.