The risks of ultra-long-haul travel

AUSTRALASIA (incorporating Australia and New Zealand) remains one of the safest and most desirable long-haul destinations for South African travellers. However, from a travel insurance perspective, both the journey itself and the distance involved introduce important considerations, says Karen Botha, Sales Manager at Santam Travel Insurance.. “One of the most significant factors when travelling to Australasia is the long-haul flight, often exceeding 15-20 hours. Spending extended time in a pressurised cabin with limited movement and low humidity can place strain on the body, particularly for older travellers or those with underlying health conditions,” she said. Botha added that common in-flight medical risks include: reduced circulation due to prolonged sitting, dehydration caused by cabin conditions, fatigue or jet lag and increased exposure to common respiratory illnesses. “Simple preventative measures can make a meaningful difference: travellers should move or stretch every few hours, stay well hydrated and always keep essential medication in their hand luggage. “Importantly, most comprehensive travel insurance policies will cover medical emergencies that begin mid-flight, provided the policy is active and no exclusions apply. Once passengers land, this typically extends to treatment, hospitalisation, evacuation and access to emergency assistance services.” It is also important that travellers are fit to fly before undertaking a long-haul trip. Travellers should check in with their GP or a travel doctor before departure, advised Botha. From a medical case management perspective, she said one of the biggest challenges with long-distance destinations like Australasia is managing the related risks, including treatment costs and the complexity and cost of repatriation. “In the event of medical repatriation due to serious illness or injury, it is not simply a matter of being declared ‘fit to fly,’ but rather ‘fit to travel on a long-haul flight’. This can involve complex medical assessments, specialist support during travel and potential delays in repatriation until the traveller is stable enough to return to South Africa.” These factors make comprehensive medical cover and evacuation benefits critical when travelling such long distances. “Australasia is not a quick holiday destination. Due to the distance and cost of travel, many South African travellers – particularly parents and grandparents visiting family – tend to stay for extended periods. Policies often have limits on how long a trip can be, particularly for older travellers. In some cases, planned travel may exceed the maximum duration of cover allowed. It’s important that travellers are aware of these limitations on cover periods when they book,” said Botha. Although Australasia is considered a low-risk destination, flights from South Africa are typically costly, making cancellation and disruption cover very important. Unexpected events before departure or during travel can result in significant financial loss without adequate protection. “While Australasia offers a safe and rewarding travel experience, the distance, duration and cost of travel make comprehensive insurance essential. From in-flight medical events to extended stays and complex repatriation scenarios, the right cover provides peace of mind throughout the journey,” said Botha.