If you’ve swapped your European summer dreams for a tropical Asian getaway this year, you’re not alone. With ongoing global tensions and sky-high airfares to Europe, more and more Aussies are heading to Asia-Pacific hotspots like Bali, Thailand, and Vietnam for their dose of sun, sand, and relaxation.
But before you pack your bags and dust off your passport, there’s a sneaky holiday spoiler you need to know about—one that’s leaving many travellers with more than just a tan.
A recent surge in ‘holiday-ruining’ stomach bugs has hit Australians travelling to Bali and other Asian destinations, with travel insurers reporting a sharp rise in costly gastro claims.
According to new data from Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI), a whopping 85 per cent of all gastro-related claims so far in 2026 have come from Asia, and Indonesia alone accounts for more than half of all global cases. That’s right—Bali belly is back with a vengeance.
While many cases are mild and clear up with a bit of rest and hydration, some unlucky travellers have ended up in hospital with severe dehydration and secondary infections.
The average insurance claim for these stomach bugs is now sitting at around $1,100, but in more serious cases involving ambulance transfers and hospital stays, bills have soared as high as $5,600. That’s a significant financial hit for what was supposed to be a budget-friendly break!
So, what’s behind this spike? Jess Strange, Chief Customer Officer at SCTI, says it’s all about changing travel habits. ‘Asia has become a major transit and holiday hub for Australians, whether they’re heading there directly for a getaway or using it as a stopover en route to Europe,’ she explains.
‘With that increased exposure comes a higher incidence of gastro illness claims, particularly in destinations where travellers are more likely to encounter unfamiliar bacteria through food, water or hygiene standards that differ from what they’re used to at home.’
The classic ‘Bali belly’ is the most common culprit, with more than half (57 per cent) of all global gastro claims this year originating in Indonesia. But it’s not just Bali—other Asian destinations are seeing similar trends as Aussies flock to the region in record numbers.
Why are so many of us getting sick? It often comes down to simple, everyday moments we don’t think twice about at home. Eating fruit or salad washed in unfiltered water, accepting ice in drinks, or grabbing a quick bite from a street vendor with questionable hygiene can all be risky. Even something as innocent as brushing your teeth with tap water can lead to trouble.
Jess’s advice is simple but effective: ‘Wash or sanitise your hands regularly, drink bottled or properly filtered water, avoid uncooked foods where possible, and be selective with street food by choosing busy stalls with high turnover and food cooked fresh in front of you.’
These small precautions can make a big difference in keeping your holiday memorable for the right reasons.
World Travel Protection echoes this advice, recommending travellers stick to food that’s thoroughly cooked and served hot, and avoid uncooked vegetables, salads, and seafood where possible. Choosing busy restaurants is also a smart move, as high customer turnover means food is less likely to have been sitting out for long periods.
So, why the sudden shift from Europe to Asia-Pacific? Ongoing tensions in the Middle East and fears around flight disruptions have made many Aussies nervous about flying through traditional European hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar.
According to travel expert Angus Kidman, ‘People are worried after the Middle Eastern crisis, and points when there were no flights at all going through that area, that if they book on an airline to fly through that area, it could all just disappear at short notice.’
Affordability is another big factor. The Asia-Pacific region is known for being a cheaper holiday option compared to the northern hemisphere, not just because of shorter flights, but also because day-to-day living costs are traditionally much lower.
New data from Booking.com shows that 22 of the top 30 destinations Aussies searched for in July were in Asia-Pacific, with Bali hotspots like Seminyak, Sanur, Legian, and Ubud leading the pack. Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand are also seeing a surge in popularity, with eSIM brand HolaFly reporting big jumps in travel to Japan, Korea, and the Philippines.
But as more of us head to these destinations, it’s more important than ever to travel smart. Here are a few extra tips to keep your tummy (and your wallet) safe:
- Pack a basic medical kit: Include rehydration salts, anti-diarrhoeal medication, and hand sanitiser. It’s better to have it and not need it than the other way around!
- Check your travel insurance: Make sure your policy covers medical expenses for gastro and other common travel illnesses. Read the fine print—some policies have exclusions for pre-existing conditions or certain activities.
- Stay hydrated: Stick to bottled water (make sure the seal is intact) and avoid ice unless you know it’s made from filtered water.
- Be cautious with food: If in doubt, skip the salad and opt for something cooked. Watch how your food is prepared, and don’t be afraid to walk away if hygiene looks questionable.
- Listen to your body: If you start feeling unwell, rest up and seek medical help if symptoms persist or worsen. Don’t try to ‘push through’—it could make things worse.
Key Takeaways
- Aussies swapping European trips for Bali and other Asian destinations are seeing a surge in ‘holiday-ruining’ stomach bugs, with gastro-related travel insurance claims in Asia making up 85 per cent of cases so far in 2026.
- Indonesia, particularly Bali, remains the top hotspot for gastro incidents, accounting for 57% of all global claims this year, with average claims costing around $1,100 and severe cases climbing to $5,600.
- Health experts are urging travellers to take extra precautions with what they eat and drink overseas—such as sticking to bottled water, avoiding uncooked foods, and opting for busy food stalls with high turnover to minimise risk.
- Ongoing tensions in the Middle East and concerns over flight disruptions are pushing more Aussies towards affordable Asia-Pacific holidays, reflected in travel data showing booming demand for destinations like Bali, Japan, Singapore, and Thailand.
Have you had a run-in with Bali belly or a similar bug while travelling? Or do you have your own tried-and-true tips for staying healthy overseas? We’d love to hear your stories and advice—share your experiences in the comments below!
And remember, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s to safe, happy, and healthy travels—wherever your next adventure takes you!
