Measles outbreak triggers TRAVEL WARNING

As a measles outbreak continues to make headlines, Australians are being urged to get vaccinated and ensure they are taking health precautions while travelling abroad.

Measles is making a global comeback, with rising cases reported across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, South America, and parts of Europe. In 2025 alone, North and South America recorded 11 times more infections compared to the same period last year, while Europe is experiencing its highest measles rates in 25 years.

So far this year, 54 measles cases have been recorded in Australia, including 20 in New South Wales, 17 in Victoria and 13 in Western Australia. Experts say that the majority of cases have been transmitted from travellers returning from destinations experiencing outbreaks.

MEASLES: WHY TRAVELLERS SHOULD BE WARY

Natasha Sullivan, Marketing Manager for Zoom Travel Insurance says,

“With the sudden outbreak of measles, travellers should ensure they are sufficiently vaccinated, particularly when travelling in parts of the world experiencing high transmission of measles. Unvaccinated travellers are at very high risk of measles exposure and transmission. Additionally, those who fail to vaccinate could face significant medical bills should they fall ill overseas.”

Sullivan also warns travellers not to underestimate the disease.

“The measles virus is extremely contagious, and complications can lead to severe symptoms,” says Sullivan. “Unvaccinated travellers can face all manner of health risks along with thousands of dollars in medical fees, not to mention lost travel expenses.”

According to health organisation such as UNICEF, inadequate immunisation is largely responsible for the current outbreak of measles in Australia.

“Although vaccination rates are relatively high in Australia, it's imperative for those with travel plans to consult with their doctor to ensure that their immunisations are up to date,” says Sullivan.

Does travel insurance cover measles?

Sullivan says that while most travel insurance policies would cover you for a bout of measles, the threat of an epidemic could affect your coverage.

“Travel insurance will generally cover you in the event that you contract measles before or during your trip, however, epidemics or pandemics are usually excluded from cover,” says Sullivan. “Once a travel warning is out there and ‘known’ it would be too late to get cover for that event.”

Sullivan says that in addition to cover for a case of measles there are plenty of other reasons to consider travel insurance.

“In the event that a travel warning was released that affected your coverage it’s worth being mindful that travel insurance is still very useful for a whole range of reasons. For instance, you would still be entitled to claim on luggage, cancellation and medical expenses unrelated to the travel warning.”

Tips to avoid catching measles while travelling

-Vaccinate: All children and unvaccinated adults are advised to get the Measles vaccine (MMR) at least two weeks before travelling.  Children over 12 months of age and unvaccinated adults should have two doses of MMR, 28 days apart. Children over six months may be eligible for early vaccinations.

-Speak to your doctor: Check with your doctor if you suspect you may not be vaccinated. For instance, those born between 1966 and 1994 may be at risk due to changing immunisation schedules during this time.  Pregnant women who have not received the MMR should seek their doctor’s advice.

-Prevent illness: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water when possible and use hand sanitizer when on the go. Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and avoid close contact with those who are unwell.

FURTHER READINGS

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"Zoom Travel Insurance" is a registered Business name of the Insurance Geeks Pty Ltd ABN 35 612 507 785 located at Level 1, 332 Kent Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia. The Insurance Geeks is an authorised representative of Coffre-Fort Pty Limited ABN 66 125 358 518, AFS Licence No. 472457. This site contains general guidance only on insurance products available to you. Before you buy a policy, you should consider if this product suits your needs by reading the policy wording, known as a Product Disclosure Document (PDS) in light of your personal circumstances. This insurance is underwritten by HDI Global Specialty SE – Australia, principal place of business at Level 19, 20 Martin Place, Sydney NSW, 2000.