The essential Schoolies Week item (it’s not a mullet)

How to help avoid a Schoolies Week disaster

Have the talk

Youth charity Red Frogs sends safety volunteers to key Schoolies Week destinations, and spokeswoman Bek Gilchrist said it’s helpful for teenagers to speak to their parents about boundaries and expectations in the lead-up to their trip. “It’s about knowing who you are and having the confidence to say no,” she said. “You don’t have to change to fit the culture of Schoolies .”

Ms Gilchrist said friendship groups should have a similar talk, particularly if they’re going abroad. “Friends should have that conversation about respecting each other’s boundaries and sticking together. You’re going to be in an unfamiliar country, so never leave your mates behind, no-matter what, even if they say they’ll walk back by themselves.”

Don’t wing it

Looking to save costs? Travel light to save on checked baggage, refill your water bottle for free in the hotel’s gym, or hand-wash your undies. Whatever money-saving hacks you choose, don’t skimp on travel insurance – if something does go wrong, ‘saving’ yourself the cost of travel insurance could amount to well over $100,000. According to the Australian Government’s Smartraveller, “if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.”

“Even if you are on a budget, it’s critical you still take travel insurance, especially if you are heading overseas,” said Cover-More Australia CEO, Todd Nelson. “Our  international Basic cover is designed for travellers heading off overseas who want cover that helps protect against the essentials only, but still includes unlimited emergency medical expenses cover.”

Moped mania

It’s an enticing proposition: for less than the cost of your average after-school acai fix, you can rent a motor scooter in Bali or Thailand  and spend the day exploring like a local. This seemingly cheap adventure can turn into a dangerous and costly one, however, with places like Bali notorious for its chaotic traffic conditions, testing seasoned riders, let alone those on their Provisional licence. “Because of the known risks of riding a motorbike or moped, it’s rare to find travel insurance with motorcycle cover included automatically,” Mr Nelson said. “You will have to ‘add on’ cover for motorcycles or moped — and pay attention to the detail so you are selecting the most appropriate cover and protection.”

There are also local laws and licence requirements to be aware of. In our policies, for example, riders of a motorbike or moped with an engine capacity of 250cc or less, must hold a valid Australian motorcycle rider’s licence or Australian motor vehicle driver’s licence and you must be wearing a helmet, whether you are the driver or the passenger. To have cover when riding a motorbike or moped with an engine capacity over 250cc, riders will need to have at least five years of licensed riding experience per our Motorcycle/Moped Riding+ Cover conditions (other conditions also apply). So, teenage Schoolies travellers will not be eligible for protection under this option to vary cover. Cover for other high-risk activities and adventure sports, such as quad biking and jet skiing, can vary between insurers, so it’s also important to read the PDS.

With ride-sharing services in Bali dominated by scooters, be aware that insurance will be void if you ride without a helmet. “Travel insurance covers many things, but it doesn’t cover foolish decisions like not wearing a helmet,” Mr Nelson said. “All Gojek and Grab (rideshare) scooter drivers will give you a spare helmet to put on. If they don’t, they are not legally allowed to operate and drive you, and you won’t be covered by insurance if in an accident. Not many people know that even if you are going to hop on the back of a motorcycle or moped as a passenger, including on rideshare services, you must also have the additional Motorcycle/Moped Riding Cover.”

Drugs and alcohol

Teenagers, alcohol and drugs - a powerful combination that can lead to unfortunate accidents, and ones that may not be covered by insurance. “If your accident or injury happened because you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, then many travel insurance providers won’t pay your claim for medical or hospital expenses, or the cost of a repatriation if you need to be brought home to Australia,” Mr Nelson said. Not all travel insurance providers indicate a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level which would void a claim, while for our claims, the limit is 0.19 per cent BAC - almost four times the legal BAC limit for fully-licensed drivers in Australia (other aspects of the claim event may be considered too, so please check out the PDS).  

Adding to the case to steer clear of drugs during Schoolies Week is the fact that most insurers will not pay out claims for incidents that occur in relation to substance use/abuse or drug abuse, whether over the counter, prescription or otherwise.

Methanol poisoning

A danger that’s becoming increasingly prevalent in Bali, some bars and makeshift stalls will entice young people with cheap drinks, only to top up spirits with highly toxic home brews. Ms Gilchrist recounted the story of a teenager in Bali who went out for one drink with her friends, and suddenly started stumbling, slurring and losing her vision. When the girl’s friends walked her out to get a taxi to their hotel, they found a Red Frogs tent, where a volunteer nurse immediately recognised the signs of methanol poisoning. “They got her to hospital, and were told that if she had gone back to the hotel, she probably would have passed away in her sleep,” Ms Gilchrist said.

Some of the signs of methanol poisoning include loss of vision and coordination, headache, abdominal pain, nausea and confusion, and Ms Gilchrist said it’s essential to go straight to hospital if methanol poisoning is suspected, as ‘sleeping it off’ could be fatal: “know the signs and trust your gut - if it feels like a dodgy bar, don’t go there.”

Worry less

For parents, it may not feel that long since they let their child ride their bike around the block for the first time - let alone leave the country. On top of arming their teens with a carefully considered travel insurance policy, parents can help their children research local laws and customs, with the Australian Government’s trusted travel advice website, smartraveller.gov.au a handy reference point.

Ms Gilchrist also suggested setting up a chat group, including all the teens heading away, along with their families. “It can help the kids stay in touch, share photos, and post questions for their parents to answer if they have any concerns,” she said. “It’s a way for them to feel that support.”

Be prepared

Have a plan in case things do go pear-shaped. Leaving copies of passports and travel documents at home will ease the process if they get lost or stolen, while downloading our travel safety app, with its click-to-call feature, will connect customers to a 24/7 emergency assistance team. “The app also is an ‘always-on’ security monitor and will push out travel warnings and alerts based on your location,” Mr Nelson said. “If they need emergency help, they can use our Cover-More app to call our emergency medical team. If they are injured or sick, we can help them find the best possible medical care where they are.”

What are the top reasons Australians choose to travel uninsured?

Figures from the DFAT and ICA Travel Insurance Survey 2024

“I was going on a very short trip”

20 per cent of travellers who took their last overseas trip without travel insurance, thought they’d be ok because their trip was only short. 
Regardless of duration, accidents, illness and mishaps can still occur, and if something goes wrong, the cost can exceed $100,000.  

“I was travelling somewhere I knew I’d be safe”

Yes, 33 per cent of travellers who decided against travel insurance on their last overseas holiday perceived their destination to be safe. Regardless of how safe you think a destination is, accidents, illness and mishaps can still occur, and if they do, the cost can exceed $100,000.  

 “I couldn’t afford it”

18 per cent of those who were uninsured on their last overseas trip said it was because they couldn’t afford it. According to the Australian Government’s Smartraveller, “if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.”

Source: Getty

Schoolies checklist

1. Research your destination

Check out the Australian Government’s Smartraveller advice on safety and security, local laws, customs and more. Remember to also read the travel advisories for destinations you're travelling through.

2. Get travel insurance

Appropriate travel insurance should cover all your planned activities, illness or injury while overseas, as well as lost valuables or theft. Remember, no licence, no helmet and being under the influence of drugs or alcohol (or other reckless or illegal behaviour) can disqualify you from cover. It’s important to know what you are and aren’t covered for, so check the details in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

3. Organise your passport, visas and other documents

Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after the date you intend to return to Australia. If you need a new passport, organise it well in advance of your holiday.Check out local traffic laws and practices if you're driving overseas. You'll likely need an International Driving Permit (IDP) and your Australian driver's licence.

Take copies of all your key documents and share your itinerary with friends or family members.

4. See your doctor before you go

You may need new vaccinations or boosters for your destination. It's a good idea to see a doctor 6–8 weeks before you leave.

5. Know the law

The laws of the country you are visiting apply to you, even if they seem harsh by Australian standards. It's your responsibility to learn about local laws and follow them.

6. Know how to stay safe over there

Know the risks specific to your destination, and to you personally. See the Smartraveller advice for your destination/s. Additionally, download our free travel safety app which will push out travel warnings and alerts based on your location.

7. Respect local customs

Respect local religion, customs and traditions, and treat sacred sites with respect, just as you would do in Australia.
 

Top overseas Schoolies Week destinations

Bali

This balmy Indonesian province is the most popular international Schoolies Week destination, and will host 8000 Australian school-leavers this year, with affordability a major drawcard. Source: Schoolies.com

Fiji

Our South-Pacific neighbour will welcome 3000 teenagers to the white sands and turquoise waters of its dedicated party islands this year.  Source: Schoolies.com

Thailand

School-leavers wishing to venture further afield are being tempted by the full-moon parties, cultural experiences and relatively affordable five-star accommodation of Thai islands like Koh Samui, Phuket and Koh Pha Ngan.

Vanuatu

With a dedicated Schoolies island off Port Vila, Vanuatu promises a week of pool parties, water sports and beach volleyball in a tropical paradise.

 

Want to worry less during Schoolies Week?

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