Press Release
The Valencian Community Derby: LaLiga’s 21st century rivalry
For many Valencia supporters, their biggest local rivals are not city neighbours Levante, but Villarreal. Even though the two clubs are separated by 57 kilometres of Mediterranean coastline, this rivalry has blossomed in recent years and they’ll meet again on Matchday 36 of the 2017/18 LaLiga season.
Europe on the line
The right to be seen as the best team in the Valencian Community is up for grabs. Both clubs are very proud of the region they represent; in fact they both feature the red and yellow of the Valencian flag on their club crests. Even though Valencia currently sit above Villarreal in the LaLiga table, it was the team nicknamed ‘The Yellow Submarine’ who took home the bragging rights last time these sides met, claiming a 1-0 away victory at Mestalla.
Another victory would be as delicious as a Valencian orange for Villarreal and for their fanbase, and go a long way to helping the side qualify for next season’s Europa League. Valencia have had an excellent campaign and are already set to play in next season’s Champions League but Villarreal’s European status is still to be confirmed; they’ll need every point they can muster between now and the end of the season.
A star-studded spine vs. a magical midfield
Valencia’s impressive season has been down to consistently strong performances from the team’s core, from goalkeeper Neto and midfield captain Dani Parejo to dynamic wingers Carlos Soler and Gonçalo Guedes and in-form strikers Simone Zaza and Rodrigo.
Villarreal, meanwhile, boast one of the very best midfields in LaLiga with Rodri Hernández, Manu Trigueros, Samu Castillejo and Pablo Fornals forming a dynamic midfield diamond. Upfront, the experienced Colombian international Carlos Bacca is the side’s main goalscoring threat.
Villarreal challenge Valencia’s historical dominance
This derby is a relatively recent phenomenon. Valencia have a storied LaLiga history, having won the league championship on six occasions, but Villarreal have spent the majority of their history in the lower leagues, only securing a first promotion to the top flight in 1998.
However, backed by businessman Fernando Roig, the brother of former Valencia president Paco Roig, the club quickly grew into a side capable of competing with their local rivals. The Yellow Submarine reached the semi-finals of the 2005/06 Champions League and have finished above Valencia in LaLiga on many occasions in recent years, including in 2004/05, 2007/08, 2008/09, 2013/14, 2015/16 and 2016/17.
At first many Valencia fans welcomed the arrival of Villarreal as a LaLiga regular, but with the success of their neighbours to the north threatening their standing as the region’s top dog this fixture has taken on extra importance. Add in the memory of Valencia knocking Villarreal out of the 2003/04 Europa League semi-finals and you’ve got a true local rivalry on your hands.
A local derby known all over the world
Valencia, as one of the most legendary teams in LaLiga history, have conquered the hearts of supporters across the globes with fan clubs ranging from London to Moscow. Villarreal, meanwhile, have attracted many international fans in such a short period of time thanks to their amazing success story, their unique all-yellow kit and a series of iconic players such as Argentina’s Juan Roman Riquelme and France’s World Cup-winner Robert Pires.
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.
