Bedbugs on a plane: are you covered by travel insurance?

Bedbugs on a flight or in your hotel room? Here's what you may be able to claim on travel insurance.

The thought of picking up bedbugs while travelling is enough to make anyone itchy.

Passengers have reported the pests on flights, including a recent Qantas service from Perth to Rome that was grounded for a deep clean. That raises an unexpected question: who's responsible, and will travel insurance help?

The good news is that travellers may have options if they encounter bedbugs overseas, particularly if they need medical attention.

However, cover largely depends on what you're claiming for, with an important distinction between medical expenses and the costs of dealing with an infestation.

Bedbugs and travel insurance: what's covered?

Most insurers cover eligible overseas medical expenses for an unexpected illness or injury.

If you have a reaction to bedbug bites that needs medical attention, you're likely to be covered, depending on the circumstances and your policy terms.

Contact your insurer and make sure to keep your medical records and receipts.

However, that doesn't mean every expense from a bedbug encounter will be covered, and replacing belongings is a different story.

Insect and vermin damage: a common exclusion

Many travellers don't realise that luggage cover doesn't always include infestations.

In fact, several policies specifically exclude loss of or damage to belongings caused by insects or vermin.

So, if you find bedbugs in your suitcase or clothing and need to throw items away, don't assume your insurer will pay to replace them.

What if your hotel has bedbugs?

If you encounter bedbugs in your accommodation, there are a few practical steps you can take.

If you find bedbugs in your room, contact the accommodation provider or booking platform straight away and ask for a room change or other arrangements.

Whether your insurance covers any extra accommodation costs will depend on the circumstances and your policy wording.

Seeking compensation from your airline or hotel

If an infestation damages your luggage or belongings, you may be able to recover some of the costs, depending on where it happened and whether the provider can be held responsible.

Photos of the damage, receipts for affected items and replacement costs will help support your request.

Reimbursement isn't guaranteed and will depend on the provider's policies and consumer protections, but having clear evidence will put you in a stronger position.

Making an insurance claim: what you need to know

Any compensation you receive from an airline or accommodation provider may reduce what you can claim from your insurer, because insurance isn't designed to pay you twice for the same loss.

If you've already been compensated, tell your insurer when you lodge your claim.

Keep photos, medical reports, receipts and written correspondence with the airline or accommodation provider, as your insurer may need them to assess your claim.

Check your cover before you go

The best protection is knowing what your policy covers before you leave.

While bedbugs can be an unwelcome travel disruption, understanding your cover can help you feel better prepared if something unexpected happens.

Most policies treat medical expenses, damaged belongings and trip disruption differently.

Read your insurer's Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before you travel, familiarise yourself with the exclusions, and contact your insurer if you're unsure whether an unexpected expense is covered.

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