Press Release
Cavian influenza expert and bio-medical scientist, Malik Peiris, on CNN’s ‘Talk Asia’
Human virologist Professor Malik Peiris speaks with CNN’s Anjali Rao in this weekend’s TALK ASIA on identifying the SARS virus, the latest global avian influenza concerns and what it’s like to join other eminent scientists, including Stephen Hawking and Sir Isaac Newton, in Britain’s prestigious Royal Society.
Peiris came to prominence three years ago when SARS swept through parts of Asia but is also a leading expert on avian influenza. As an authority on the mutating virus, he explains that intensive raising of backyard poultry, live animal markets and the ease with which geographic boundaries can be crossed have all contributed to the emergence of prominent viruses in Asia: “The fact of the matter is no one, no country still is fully prepared to confront an influenza pandemic and certainly not a pandemic arising from a virus like H5N1.”
According to Peiris, the SARS virus has not been contained completely: ”The parent virus from which the SARS virus emerged is still out there. It’s out there in the animal reservoir … and conceivable that this virus might readapt to human transmission.”
Looking back at historical cycles of global pandemics, Professor Peiris suggests that another one is due to erupt in the near future. “Within the next 10 year time frame, it is extremely likely that the world will have to confront a pandemic. At this point in time, H5N1 seems to be the most concerning of the potential candidates for such a pandemic,” he says.
To inspire a future generation of scientific researchers, he explains “This century is really going to be the century of bio-medical research and discovery. Biological revolution is just beginning to gather steam and I think for young people, this is a great opportunity.”
AIRTIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
For more program information and details on upcoming guests on TALK ASIA visit http://edition.cnn.com/ASIA/talkasia/
Bali is full of memorable moments, and some of them involve animals. Temple monkeys tug at bags, beach dogs nap near sunbeds, and cats wander into cafés like they own the place. Most interactions are harmless, but a bite or scratch can change the day quickly, because you may need immediate medical care and follow-up treatment. This is where Bali travel insurance becomes more than a box to tick.
In this article, you will explore whether animal bite treatment is insured, the exclusions, and the steps to claim easily in Bali.
Why Animal Bites in Bali Need Special Attention
Bites are not only about the visible wound. Insurers and doctors both treat them as medical events that can pose an infection risk, especially when the bite breaks the skin.
A scratch that looks small in the moment can still lead to:
● A doctor’s examination and wound cleaning
● Medicines and dressings
● Follow-up consultations if the doctor advises observation or further care
From an insurance perspective, this matters because claims are usually assessed on medical necessity and documentation, not on how dramatic the injury appears in a photo.
How International Travel Insurance Looks at an Animal Bite
Most travel policies are built around emergency medical expenses for unexpected illness or accidental injury abroad. A bite or scratch usually fits the accidental injury bucket, but coverage is rarely blanket.
In many plans, the following may be considered if a doctor prescribes them and bills and medical notes support them:
● Consultation and outpatient treatment
● Emergency care and procedures, such as wound dressing or stitches, if clinically required
● Prescribed medicines and investigations
● Hospitalisation if the treating doctor confirms it is needed
Common Reasons Claims Get Reduced or Rejected
This is the part travellers often miss. Insurers usually do not deny claims because an animal was involved. Claims become difficult when the event looks avoidable, the reporting is delayed, or the paperwork is weak.
Avoidable-Risk Situations Insurers Scrutinise
Policies commonly exclude or limit claims linked to unsafe conduct or preventable exposure. For animal bites, scrutiny may increase if the incident appears connected to:
● Provoking, feeding, or trying to handle wild animals
● Ignoring warning signs at tourist spots
● Being intoxicated at the time of the incident
● Activities that a policy lists as excluded or restricted
The takeaway is simple: if your own description sounds like a risky choice rather than a sudden accident, the insurer may challenge it.
Delays, Missing Papers, and Policy Conditions
Even when your incident is genuinely accidental, claims can still stall due to basics such as:
● Not informing the insurer or assistance partner within the required time
● Missing itemised bills, prescriptions, or clinical notes
● No proof of travel dates or passport entry details when requested
● Submitting only pharmacy slips without a doctor’s consultation record
International travel insurance is paperwork-driven. If you document it well, you reduce the chance of avoidable back-and-forth.
What to Do If You Are Bitten or Scratched in Bali
Your health comes first, always. But a few sensible steps can protect your recovery and keep your insurance file clean.
Medical Steps That Help You and Your Claim
Act fast, stay calm, and get proper care before worrying about bills.
● Clean the wound promptly and seek medical care, even if it seems minor
● Follow the doctor’s advice, including follow-ups if recommended
● Avoid self-medicating in place of a clinical assessment, because insurers often ask for a doctor’s report
Claim Notes and Documents to Collect
Keep these handy; they’ll save time and avoid follow-up questions later.
● Doctor’s notes that mention the nature of injury, treatment given, and advised next steps
● Prescriptions and pharmacy invoices
● Itemised hospital or clinic bills
● A brief written note of where and when it happened, while it is still fresh in your mind
Final Word
Animal bites in Bali are not rare, and they are not always dramatic, which is exactly why travellers underestimate them. Many travel policies can cover bite-related medical treatment when it is accidental and medically necessary, but the outcome depends on your policy terms and the quality of your documentation. If you buy cover thoughtfully, keep the assistance number handy, and respond sensibly if an incident happens, you give yourself the best chance of both good medical care and a smoother claim experience.
