travel insurance cost in australia

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The Best Travel Insurance for Australia in 2024

Travelex Insurance Services »

Allianz Travel Insurance »

Generali Global Assistance »

World Nomads Travel Insurance »

GeoBlue »

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Travel Insurance for Australia.

Table of Contents

• Travelex Insurance Services
• Allianz Travel Insurance

Most travelers heading "Down Under" need to make quite the trek, and that's especially true for those planning a trip to Australia from the United States. Flying from Los Angeles to Sydney takes around 15 hours, and even more travel time is required to get to Melbourne and other destinations that require a layover on the way.

Plenty can go wrong en route to Australia as well as once you get there, and the potential for financial losses can be great if you're not careful. Not only can traveling long distances increase the risk of travel delays, but you also face the risk of flight cancellations, baggage delays, lost baggage and missed connections.

These are just some of the reasons why it makes sense to have a robust travel insurance plan in place before you fly overseas for a vacation in Australia. While any reputable travel insurance provider can provide you with protection for emergency medical expenses, your bags, travel delays and other various travel mishaps, we curated this list of top travel insurance plans for a trip to Australia specifically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel to Australia requires a huge commitment in terms of travel time and cost, which is why you'll want to make sure you have coverage that can reimburse you if something goes wrong. If your flight is delayed or canceled , your bags are lost in transit, or a missed connection leaves you stuck in another country for several days, having travel insurance means you can get reimbursement for unexpected hotel stays, meals you have to pay for and various incidental expenses.

Having travel insurance for Australia that includes medical coverage is also crucial since coverage provided in U.S. health plans will not apply.

Some travel credit cards offer coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions, travel delays, and lost or delayed baggage. However, credit cards are a poor source for coverage that protects against emergency medical expenses. Most credit cards do not offer coverage for emergency medical expenses or emergency medical evacuation at all, and those that do (such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve ) have insufficient coverage limits.

• Travelex Insurance Services: Best for Families
• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for Flexible Cancellations
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical Emergencies
• World Nomads Travel Insurance: Best for Adventure Travel
• GeoBlue: Best for Travel Health Insurance

Kids ages 17 and younger are covered automatically with Travel Select plan

Primary coverage with no deductibles

Lower limits for medical expenses than some providers

• 100% trip cancellation coverage worth up to $50,000
• 150% trip interruption coverage worth up to $75,000
• Trip delay coverage worth up to $2,000 for delays of five hours or longer ($200 daily limit applies)
• Missed connection coverage worth up to $750 for delays of three hours or longer
• Up to $50,000 in protection for emergency medical expenses (dental sublimit of $500)
• Up to $500,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains
• Up to $1,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects
• Up to $200 in coverage for baggage delays of 12 hours or longer
• Up to $200 in coverage for sporting equipment delays of 24 hours or longer
• $25,000 in coverage for accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)

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Optional CFAR coverage reimburses at 80%

Numerous plans to choose from

Lower coverage limits for medical expenses than some providers

• Up to $100,000 per traveler in coverage for trip cancellations
• Up to $150,000 per traveler in coverage for trip interruptions
• Up to $500 per traveler in Trip Change Protector coverage
• Up to $50,000 in emergency medical coverage per traveler
• Up to $500,000 for emergency medical transportation per traveler
• Up to $1,000 toward baggage loss or damage per traveler
• Up to $300 per traveler in coverage for baggage delays of 12 hours or more
• Up to $800 in protection for travel delays per traveler (daily limit of $200 applies)
• $100 per insured person per day in SmartBenefits coverage for eligible delays
• 24-hour hotline assistance
• Concierge services

Tailor medical coverage to your needs

Generous limits for emergency medical and medical evacuation coverage

Coverage for preexisting conditions only available with Premium plan

Optional CFAR coverage with Premium plan only reimburses at 60%

• Trip cancellation coverage up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage up to 175% of the trip cost
• Travel delay coverage up to $1,000 per traveler ($300 daily limit)
• Up to $2,000 per person in baggage protection; $500 for delays
• Up to $2,000 per person in coverage for sporting equipment; $500 for delays
• Up to $1,000 per person in missed connection coverage
• Up to $250,000 per person in coverage for emergency medical and dental procedures
• Up to $1 million in coverage for emergency assistance and transportation ($10,000 limit for companion hospitality expenses)
• Up to $25,000 per person in rental car coverage
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage

Coverage for more than 200 sports and activities

24-hour travel assistance services included

Low coverage limits within standard plans

No coverage for most preexisting conditions

• Up to $10,000 in coverage for trip cancellations
• Up to $100,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses
• Up to $500,000 in protection for emergency medical evacuation
• Up to $3,000 in protection for damage or theft to your bags or gear

Offers travel health insurance for lengthy trips abroad

Deductibles can apply

Some plans require a primary U.S. health insurance plan

• Up to $1,000,000 medical maximum per insured person
• Up to $500,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation per trip
• Up to $50,000 in coverage for accidental death and dismemberment
• Up to $2,500 in coverage for emergency family travel arrangements
• Up to $25,000 in medical coverage for hazardous activities like skiing and diving
• Up to $500 per trip in lost baggage and personal effects coverage ($100 limit per bag)
• Up to $1,000 per trip period in post-departure trip interruption transportation
• Up to $50 per day in post-departure trip interruption quarantine coverage (in the case of COVID-19)
• Up to $25,000 in protection for repatriation of remains

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning writer who has been covering topics like family travel, cruises, all-inclusive resorts and travel insurance for well over a decade. Johnson has researched and purchased travel insurance plans for her own trips, and she has successfully filed claims and received reimbursement more than once over the years. Currently, Johnson uses an annual travel insurance policy from Allianz to cover her family's many trips overseas each year. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg – who sells travel insurance for trips all over the world – in their family media business. Johnson also co-owns the travel agency Travel Blue Book .

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Travel Insurance Quotes

Compare quotes and read reviews from Australia's leading travel insurance brands. Do your comparison online to save time, worry and loads of money.

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Whether you're looking for cheap travel insurance or fully comprehensive cover for a domestic or international trip, you'll find the prices on our site are the same great prices you get buying travel insurance direct!

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Using our comparison is easy-peasy! One simple form makes it quick and easy to compare travel insurance quotes for your holiday. You'll get quotes online for your trip in seconds.

Rest Assured

All the policies we compare have 24/7 overseas emergency assistance to help in time of need. All brands are underwritten by reputable insurers like Allianz Australia Insurance Limited, Auto & General, Chubb, Great Lakes, Lloyds, QBE & more!

Product Choice

We compare heaps of policies for all types of travellers from some of Australia’s most reputable travel insurers. We compare 25+ insurance brands including, 1Cover, Fast Cover, Budget Direct, Insure and Go, Zoom & more!

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Need some help? Check out handy FAQS to help with all your curly travel insurance questions.

why .css-w6rwrx{color:var(--chakra-colors-primary);display:inline;} buy travel insurance?

We’re not silly, we know that plenty of Aussies go on holiday and have an amazing time exploring new and exciting places without buying travel insurance. But taking a gamble on your much-needed break can be risky. Here’s why!

Trust me, I'm not crackers!

Exxy Medical Costs

If you buy a policy for just one reason, this is it! Falling ill or being injured while travelling overseas can be extremely costly. Hospital costs in the USA can reach up to $10,000 per day, while emergency transport home for treatment can easily exceed $100,000! Ouch!

Disasters Can Strike

The excitement of getting on that plane has you knotted up like a pretzel. Picture your dismay if you had to cancel last minute. Worse still, imagine you’re mid-martini when bad news breaks. Should you need to return home, you’ll be covered for unforeseen events like injury or illness of a close relative.

Your Stuff Is Important

Loss, theft or damage to your prized possessions can be a common, yet gut-wrenching experience. If your personal belongings go AWOL while you’re away the right policy will pay to replace or repair them. Win!

Peace Of Mind

Travel insurance comes with 24/7 emergency assistance services which includes a team of doctors, nurses, travel agents and translators ready to support you in your time of need. ...Aaaand relax.

Because You Have To

Still not convinced? We hate to be the fun police, but some countries simply won’t let you in without cover! For example, it is mandatory to take out travel insurance when travelling to Thailand or Cuba.

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What Adventure Activities Are Covered?

Travel insurance is two words that could make all the difference to your holiday. Get the lowdown on how to choose the right travel insurance policy and the potential traps.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions

Having pre-existing medical conditions doesn't mean you can't get cover or that it has to be expensive. It simply means that you need to dig a little deeper when doing your research.

Coronavirus, Travel Disruptions and Your Insurance

The rapid spread of covid-19 around the globe has thrown international travel into chaos. Find out what's covered if you're travelling during the coronavirus outbreak.

travel insurance .css-w6rwrx{color:var(--chakra-colors-primary);display:inline;} review

Not sure which policy to pick? Our travel insurance reviews are here to help! Thousands of Aussies have reviewed their travel insurers to give you the inside story on everything from claims handling to customer experience. Or perhaps you want to have your say? Whether you love or loathe your travel insurer rate and review them to help other Aussies pick the right policy for their holiday.

travel insurance .css-w6rwrx{color:var(--chakra-colors-primary);display:inline;} frequently asked questions

Have a travel insurance question? Here are some of the most common questions we get from our customers.

Does travel insurance cover coronavirus (covid-19)?

It depends! Unfortunately, the answer isn't a straightforward one. There are some situations where cover is available, and others where it is an exclusion. It largely depends on which insurer you bought your policy with ; when you bought it; where you're travelling to; when you're travelling; and, the reason for your claim. As travel continues to open up around the world, most (but not all) insurers provide cover for overseas hospital & medical expenses if someone named on the policy was positively diagnosed with COVID-19. Some insurers also provide cover for additional expenses and cancellation benefits.

Which is the best travel insurance in Australia?

The best travel insurance depends entirely on your planned trip and your circumstances. If you're a backpacker on a strict budget, you might want a no-frills medical-only policy, while if you've paid a lot in deposits or if you have pre-existing health conditions, a more comprehensive policy might be best for you. While there's no single best travel insurance that's right for everyone, finding a policy that works for you is easy when you use our quote comparison to start comparing prices and features. With Compare Travel Insurance, you can also read up on travel insurance reviews from customers to learn about their customer service and importantly claims experience.

What does comprehensive travel insurance cover?

Comprehensive travel insurance includes coverage for unexpected medical expenses overseas in the event of injury or illness, as well as cover if your luggage is lost or stolen, cancellation and disruption benefits if you need to cancel or are delayed for unforeseen reasons, as well as public liability cover. Go to our comprehensive travel insurance guide to learn more.

What do medical-only policies cover?

Medical-only trip insurance a.k.a basic policies generally only offer coverage for unexpected medical expenses overseas. Some basic policies also include a small amount of coverage for luggage or cancellations. Our website allows you to filter quotes for basic, mid-range and comprehensive travel insurance policies and their features to help you find the policy which is right for you.

Is it too late to buy travel cover?

Although we recommend buying a policy as soon as you've started paying deposits for flights, accommodation and tours, you can buy travel insurance at any point, even if you are already overseas . Exclusions often apply though, so be sure to check the PDS before you buy.

Can I purchase travel insurance at the airport?

Yes, you can. Generally speaking, you can purchase travel insurance up to a year before your trip, right up to boarding at the airport. With comprehensive travel insurance, you are covered for cancellation benefits from the moment you buy your policy, so we recommend buying it as soon as you start paying for flights, tours and accommodation.

Can I get travel insurance if I'm already overseas?

You can buy cover if you are already overseas, although each travel insurer has different rules on age limits and waiting periods. Check out our already overseas travel insurance guide to learn more.

Does travel insurance cover pregnancy?

You can buy travel insurance to cover you when you're pregnant, but every brand has different rules depending on how many weeks gestation you are, whether you've had complications, and whether you're looking for cover in case of emergency birth. Check out the handy table on our pregnancy guide for more information.

Do I need cover in Australia?

If you're an Australian resident, a domestic policy covers you for cancellations, luggage cover and often rental vehicle excess, but as you're covered by Medicare, medical coverage is not included. International visitors to Australia are currently not required to have travel insurance by law, but it is highly recommended to protect you from eye-watering medical bills and more.

Which is the cheapest policy?

The cost of travel insurance depends on a range of factors including your destination, duration of travel, age of travellers, planned activities, whether or not you have any medical conditions and the type of cover you choose (medical only, mid-range or comprehensive). The cheapest travel insurance is generally to less risky parts of the world - places with cheaper healthcare and less risk of injury, illness or theft - and policies which offer less coverage - so ones without benefits for adventure activities or pre-existing conditions. To get cheap travel insurance from Australia for your trip, create a quote and compare prices, but remember that the cheapest isn't always the best. You should consider your trip and what you require cover for.

Why should I buy travel insurance direct online?

Comparing prices and features online makes it easier to find the policy that's right for you and your circumstances. With comparetravelinsurance.com.au , the price you see is the same price direct from the insurer. Sometimes you're not after the best policy but rather the best bang for your buck and comparing prices and features online can save you time, worry and loads of money.

Our Travel Insurance Comparison Helps You Save Time, Worry And Loads Of Money!

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Our comparison is a free service that allows users to compare quotes in a few simple steps based on limited personal criteria. Comparisons supplied are not a recommendation or opinion about the suitability of a policy for a user. Comparisons are default ranked according to price and users have the ability to sort by popular cover levels. Whilst we compare a vast range of policies, we do not compare all providers in the market. Get free travel insurance quotes from Australia’s most trusted brands in just one search, including 1Cover, Fast Cover Travel Insurance, InsureandGo, Ski-Insurance, Travel Insurance Saver, Tick, Zoom Travel Insurance. Compare online and save today! The directors and shareholders are common with companies Zoom Travel Insurance and 1Cover Pty Ltd including it’s subsidiary brand Ski-insurance. CoverDirect takes all reasonable care when preparing this information but does not warrant its accuracy. Pricing information is supplied by the providers who participate on this site and should be verified with the insurer before you purchase. This site links users to the website of the provider to verify quotes and access the relevant PDS to understand what is, and is not, covered by a policy prior to purchase.

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Table of Contents

Different types of travel insurance

Do you need travel insurance for australia, which credit cards offer australia travel insurance, other ways to get travel insurance, if you want to get travel insurance for australia.

Now open to tourists after two years of pandemic-related closures, Australia is back on many travelers’ wish lists, and for good reason. Whether you’re interested in surfing on the Gold Coast, taking a road trip through the Outback or diving along the Great Barrier Reef, there are a lot of options to consider. But with so many adventurous — and potentially dangerous — activities, you may also want to think about purchasing travel insurance.

Let’s take a look at the different types of travel insurance for Australia, which credit cards provide complimentary coverage and other ways you can acquire insurance for added peace of mind.

A must-have for many, travel insurance can help cover unexpected costs related to travel mishaps, medical incidents or evacuations. However, not all travel insurance is created equal. There are a variety of types available for every kind of situation, and you’ll need to do some research to understand what’s worth purchasing and what might not be necessary.

Here are some common types of travel insurance:

Trip cancellation insurance . Used to recoup costs when you cancel a trip due to something unanticipated, like a medical issue.

Trip interruption insurance . Reimburses you for travel costs when you need to cut a trip short and return home unexpectedly.

Baggage loss insurance . Provides reimbursement when your baggage is lost, damaged or stolen.

Emergency evacuation insurance . Covers costs related to evacuating you to a different location, either for medical or safety reasons.

Travel medical insurance . Used to cover medical costs while traveling, either as a primary or secondary insurer, depending on the type of coverage you purchase.

Cancel for Any Reason insurance . A supplemental insurance that provides partial reimbursement of nonrefundable travel costs when you cancel a trip for any reason.

Rental car insurance . Covers costs related to damage or repair of a rental vehicle. This can be especially useful when renting a car in another country.

Accidental death insurance. Similar to life insurance, this coverage provides payment to a person of your choosing in case of death while you’re traveling.

You may also want to consider finding insurance that covers COVID quarantine costs. Not all policies include this coverage, so you’ll want to be sure it’s included if it’s important to you.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies, according to Nerds

While it’s not required for entry, it may be a good idea. Travel insurance can come in useful just about anywhere, especially because it’s difficult to anticipate things like travel delays and accidents.

If you’re fairly confident about your travel plans, you may be comfortable with the insurance provided by your credit cards, though be aware that they may have lower limits than you’d like.

Otherwise, purchasing a travel insurance policy is always an option. Keep in mind that rates will vary according to your travel destination, dates of travel, ages and total trip cost.

» Learn more: What you need to know before shopping for travel insurance

Even if you’ve decided not to buy travel insurance, you may already have some coverage. Plenty of travel cards include some form of complimentary travel insurance, though the types — and limits — you receive will vary depending on which card you hold.

Many Chase credit cards offer primary rental car insurance, which will cover you in the event of an accident without needing to involve your personal auto insurance company. You’ll need to decline the rental car company’s coverage and pay with your eligible Chase card .

You can find trip delay insurance, emergency medical evacuation, lost baggage coverage and more among the different protections offered by these cards. Here are some of the more common travel cards that provide complimentary travel insurance.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card .

Chase Sapphire Reserve® .

The Platinum Card® from American Express . Terms apply.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card . (Benefits may change over time.)

United℠ Explorer Card .

You’ll want to read each card’s benefits guide very carefully before deciding which card to use. For example, both the The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offer lost luggage insurance. Terms apply.

However, insurance from the The Platinum Card® from American Express only applies in the event that you’ve either paid for the full fare with your AmEx card or have redeemed your AmEx points for the flight. Using your card to pay the taxes and fees on an award flight you’ve booked elsewhere — such as redeeming Delta SkyMiles for your flight — does not mean that you’ll receive insurance coverage benefits. Terms apply.

This is in contrast to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , whose lost luggage benefit is much more generous. In the event that your luggage is lost, you need only have paid the remainder of the charges for the flight after redeeming reward miles, points, coupons or other certificates. This means that charging just the taxes and fees on your card renders you eligible for benefits.

Aside from American Express and Chase cards, you may also want to consider the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .

Capital One’s offering includes a plethora of travel insurance benefits, including primary rental car insurance, travel accident insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip delay reimbursement, travel and emergency assistive services and more. Of course, in order to qualify for these benefits, you’ll need to have charged the trip to your card. Benefits may change over time.

» Learn more: The best credit cards with travel insurance

Even if your card provides complimentary travel insurance, you may also want to consider acquiring an additional policy — especially if you’re planning on some of the more adventurous activities you’ll find within Australia, such as camping in the Outback.

Health insurance benefits provided by credit cards such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® max out at relatively low levels, which may mean you end up paying out of pocket in the event of an emergency.

If you’re looking for a supplemental policy, you’ll want to check quotes from a variety of providers. You can do this manually, but websites such as Squaremouth will compare multiple policies at once, making it much easier to peruse offerings. You can also filter your search according to the type of coverage you’d like.

» Learn more: Is travel insurance worth it?

Travel insurance can provide peace of mind to the wary traveler. Whether or not you’re interested in purchasing travel insurance, a variety of credit cards offer complimentary coverage for incidents such as trip delays, emergency medical care, rental car collisions and lost luggage.

Otherwise, you may want to consider buying an additional policy to ensure that you’re covered. If this is what you’re looking to do, make sure to acquire quotes from a variety of providers in order to find the best deal possible.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Delay Insurance

Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Insurance Benefit: Baggage Insurance Plan

Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g., plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip.

Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Search Smartraveller

Choice travel insurance buying guide.

Do you need travel insurance? How do you choose the right cover? What are you covered for?

CHOICE answers all the questions you need to know before leaving the country.

Download the CHOICE travel insurance buying guide [PDF 3.52MB] Download the CHOICE travel insurance cheat sheet [PDF 587KB] Who is CHOICE? Set up by consumers for consumers, CHOICE is the independent consumer advocate that provides Australians with information and advice, free from commercial bias. Visit choice.com.au .

Why travel insurance?

• Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?

How to get travel insurance

Before you buy, how to save money on travel insurance.

• How to read the product disclosure statement

What are you covered for?

• Credit card insurance

How to make a complaint

If you’re leaving Australia, travel insurance is just as essential as a passport.

Holidays don’t always go as planned.

If you’re leaving Australia, travel insurance is just as essential as a passport. Medical expenses are the number one reason to get insurance, but sometimes other things can go wrong, such as trip cancellations, delays, lost luggage or even the big stuff like natural disasters and pandemics. If you end up out of pocket because of these things, insurance can make up for that.

The Australian Government won’t pay your medical bills.

In an emergency, the Australian Government can only help so much. The Consular Services Charter describes what the government can and can’t do to help Australians overseas.

If you end up injured or sick while overseas, you’ll be footing the hospital bill and the cost of flying home. If you’re really unlucky, that could cost you or your family hundreds of thousands of dollars.

68% of travellers mistakenly believe the Australian Government would ensure they get medical treatment if they need it overseas, and 43% believe the government would pay their medical bills.

Some countries won’t let you in if you don’t have insurance. 

Singapore and the UAE require you to have travel insurance. Not to mention all 26 European countries in the Schengen Area if you’re applying for a visa to visit. Read the Smartraveller travel advice for information about your destination.

Reciprocal healthcare Australia has reciprocal healthcare agreements with several countries: Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom. If you have Medicare, you can get subsidised treatment for essential services only in these countries, which often leads people to ask whether they still need travel insurance. The answer is yes, for the following reasons. You’re usually only covered for urgent care that can’t wait until you get home. If you’re very ill, travel insurance can pay for a medical escort to bring you home to Australia. You still may have to pay fees for treatment and medication. For example, in New Zealand reciprocal health care doesn’t cover you for free or subsidised care by a general practitioner or ambulance. Travel insurance can cover you for cancellations, delays, stolen items and more.

Remember to take your Medicare card with you. You’ll need it, along with your passport, to prove you’re eligible for reciprocal health care. For more information, visit servicesaustralia.gov.au .

Marco* had breathing difficulties on his way home from Europe, causing his flight to be diverted to the UAE. Hospitals in the UAE won’t admit you unless you have insurance or can pay an upfront fee. Marco’s family had to pay thousands of dollars for his treatment. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

Do you need domestic travel insurance?

Most of us already have medical cover at home, be it Medicare or private health insurance or both. But there are still a few key reasons to consider domestic travel insurance.

• Cancellation: If you’ve spent a lot on your holiday, then it’s not too much extra to buy travel insurance in case of the unforeseen.
• Baggage cover: If you’re travelling with valuables, think about whether you want them covered for theft, loss or damage.
• Car hire excess: You can save money using travel insurance to cover your collision damage excess, rather than paying the car hire company’s extra charge.

Does international travel insurance cover COVID-19?

Many travel insurers now offer limited cover for COVID-19, but the available cover varies quite a lot.  Some policies only cover medical and repatriation costs if you get COVID-19 overseas, while other policies provide limited cover for cancellation costs in addition to medical and repatriation costs.

You should always check the details of your insurance coverage, particularly how it applies to COVID-19 and travel disruptions.

Over 90% of travellers will look for insurance that covers them for cancellation and medical expenses caused by COVID-19.

If you’re planning to go on a cruise, be extra careful. Some travel insurers may not offer COVID-19 cover for multi-night cruises or they may restrict the cover provided on cruises.

Also, don’t rely on the travel insurance on your credit card unless you check it closely – it may not cover claims related to COVID-19.

There are cooling-off periods for COVID-19 cancellation cover, so it’s best to buy your travel insurance at the same time as you book your trip. Some insurers may only cover cancellation if you test positive to COVID-19 and the policy was purchased more than 21 days before your scheduled departure date.

Make your travel plans COVID-safe

You need to be prepared for your travel plans to be interrupted at short notice. As travel insurance may not protect you from government border closures, general lockdowns or quarantine requirements in your destination country, the key is to book only with providers that allow you flexibility should things change.

• Check the rules for travelling to your destination. For example, are there any entry requirements? What are the vaccination requirements? And what type of travel insurance do you need?
• Read the terms and conditions of your airline, accommodation and travel tours before you book. Will they refund you if you can’t travel due to COVID-19? If they only offer a reschedule or a credit, will you be in a position to redeem the credit in future?
• You can book flexible tickets for flights but be aware you usually have to pay the difference between the prices for the tickets you bought and the new tickets. So changing your flight dates at short notice can be very expensive.
• If you book through a travel agent or booking site, what are their terms and conditions? Will they refund you or provide a credit? Are there cancellation fees?
• If you pay by credit or debit card (and you selected ‘credit’ when you paid), you may have access to credit card chargebacks if something goes wrong.
• Keep on top of the latest travel advice and requirements at smartraveller.gov.au . Travel restrictions can change at short notice.
• If you do have to cancel, your travel insurer will ask you to claim what you can back from travel providers first. Read the CHOICE advice on how to get your money back on travel cancellations and ask your travel insurer if you can get a refund or partial refund of your travel insurance premium.

You can buy travel insurance from a travel insurer, travel agent, insurance broker, credit card provider, or even from your health, home or car insurer.

You can buy travel insurance online (direct from the insurer’s website, from a comparison site or through an airline booking site), over the counter or over the phone.

Buy travel insurance as soon as you know your travel dates. That way you’re covered if your trip is cancelled before you even leave or if you’re unable to travel at all.

You can certainly buy travel insurance quicker than it will take you to read this guide, but do you know what you’ll be covered for? Will you be covered if you trip over after having a drink? If you crash your scooter in Thailand? If you lose your wallet during a stopover? If you need to isolate because you contract COVID-19?

There are a lot of ‘what ifs’ to consider, depending on where you’re going and what you’ll be doing, so it’s worth reading the product disclosure statement (PDS) first to make sure you’ll be covered.

Will you use it? Hopefully not, but research by Smartraveller found that one in 4 Australian travellers experienced an insurable event on their last overseas trip. Most common insurable events Flight or tour cancelled Flight delayed more than 12 hours Received medical treatment Lost, damaged or stolen luggage Missed a connecting flight Lost, damaged or stolen cash or personal items Forced to cancel trip before departure What if the insurers don’t pay out? Australian travellers lodged almost 300,000 insurance claims in 2018–19, the last financial year before COVID-19 travel bans. Almost 90% of those were paid out. Top four reasons for declined claims Due to policy exclusions, or not included in the policy conditions Claim amount was below the excess Claim was due to a pre-existing medical condition Claim was for an item that was stolen while it was unattended

1. Where are you going?

The level of cover and the cost of travel insurance can vary depending on the region you’re travelling to, and some risks may be of greater concern than others. Not all travel insurance policies cover COVID-19 and other pandemics or epidemics such as SARS. And not all policies cover you for changing your plans due to a riot or civil commotion, for example. Travel insurance also may not be available for countries with travel alerts.

• Look up your destination on smartraveller.gov.au and make sure you’re aware of any risks or safety advice.
• Buy a policy that covers you for every country you’re travelling to or transiting through. If you’re going to Europe via a one-night stopover in the US, then get cover for the US and Europe. Usually a worldwide policy will cover this.

86% of travellers say they’re more cautious after the COVID-19 pandemic about travelling to places where it could prove harder to return home in a crisis.

You need different cover for different regions

Insurers sometimes apply policies to regions rather than having a policy for each destination.

Asia Pacific: Destinations such as New Zealand, Bali, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

Asia: Destinations such as India, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.

Europe: Destinations such as the United Kingdom, Ireland and Western Europe.

Worldwide: All of the above as well as regions such as North America, South America, Japan and Africa.

These definitions differ for each insurer. For example, several insurers cover travel to Bali under their Pacific policy, while some will only cover travel to Bali under their Asian region policy.

2. How long are you going for?

Just a quick trip? Simply buy a standalone travel insurance policy for a set number of days.

Travel often? Consider an annual multi-trip policy or a credit card with complimentary travel insurance, but make sure it gives you the cover you need.

Tip: Annual multi-trip policies and credit card policies can restrict the length of each trip you take – anywhere from 15 to 365 days depending on your policy. Some allow you to pay for extra days.

3. What are you going to do there?

Cruising the open road on a moped? Carving up the ski slopes? Partying at a wedding? These things aren’t necessarily included in a travel insurance policy.

Scan the insurer’s list of included activities and those that you’ll have to pay extra for. And take it easy on the grog – if your alcohol or drug intake is the cause of an adverse event, it won’t be covered by your policy.

4. Are you taking any valuable items?

Do you need cover for a digital SLR camera or an expensive tablet or laptop? Cover for such valuables can vary from a few hundred dollars to thousands, and higher cover will often mean a higher premium.

Consider adding cover for portable valuables to your home insurance policy instead, but check on the excess and if the policy will cover you worldwide and not just in Australia.

Policies also vary when it comes to how they cover valuable items. Valuables in your check-in luggage often aren’t covered, while cover for baggage stored in your hire car is inconsistent. And baggage left unattended is never covered, which can include a bag that is stolen from the seat beside you in a restaurant while you’re looking the other way.

Make sure you have receipts for your valuables as travel insurance will not pay if you can’t prove you own them.

5.   Do you have any medical conditions?

If you have a medical condition that existed before you bought your policy, it may not be covered. This can range from something as common as allergies or asthma through to diabetes, heart conditions and knee replacements.

If you’re not sure, the best thing to do is contact the insurer to ask whether they’ll cover your condition automatically or whether you need to do an assessment.

The Massoud family* was holidaying in Singapore when 13-year-old Nazreen had a recurrence of severe bronchitis, which had affected her in Australia before their trip. The family’s travel insurer refused to pay any hospital bills as Nazreen’s bronchitis was a pre-existing medical condition. As a result, the Massouds had to ask their friends to transfer the $17,000 they needed to cover Nazreen’s hospital expenses, additional accommodation and the cost of changing flights. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

It’s important to compare policies for cost and cover. Some travel insurance premiums increased by as much as 30% between March and June 2022.

Three-quarters (77%) of travellers are willing to pay more for insurance that covers pandemic-related claims.

The further out from your departure date that you buy travel insurance, the more you’re likely to pay for it, but you’ll be covered from the moment you buy your policy. For example, if you buy insurance 2 months before you fly, you effectively have cheap cover for any events that affect your travel plans in those 2 months.

If you pay for your trip in full 6 months in advance, but you only buy an insurance policy 2 weeks before you depart, you may not be covered for any cancellation costs if you contract COVID-19.

Left it until the last minute, or even later? Only a few insurers let you buy insurance once you’re already overseas (look for the ‘Have you already left Australia?’ checkbox when viewing policy options).

While not all policies offer online discounts, plenty do. Make sure you understand the policy and what it covers. Sometimes (but not always) a reduced price may mean reduced cover.

Tip: Check asic.gov.au/afslicensing to find out whether the agent has an Australian financial services (AFS) licence or is an authorised representative of a licence holder. Take the usual precautions when giving your credit card and other details over the internet.

Member discounts

Does your health, car or home insurance provider also sell travel insurance? Some companies give 10–15% discounts to existing members.

Shop around

Trying to negotiate with a website will probably get you nowhere, but if you’re buying over the phone or through a travel agent, give it a go. Travel agents pocket a commission when they sell you insurance, so if you find a better deal elsewhere, ask them if they can beat it.

Almost two-thirds (62%) of overseas travellers who buy insurance do so on or before the day of booking travel.

Use your credit card

Some credit cards come with ‘free’ travel insurance when you use them to buy a ticket, pay for other travel expenses or otherwise activate it (we say ‘free’ because you’ll pay a premium in fees for the card itself).

This type of insurance can sometimes be a money-saver, and the level of cover can be just as good or even better than standard insurance, but make sure it gives you the cover you need.

Compromise on cover

While good medical cover is always essential, you could save money on your premium by choosing a policy with lower or variable cover for cancellation, delays and lost baggage, especially if you aren’t spending big on your holiday or taking expensive items with you.

Have you read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)? According to research conducted in 2022, of those who bought travel insurance: 45% have skim-read the PDS 43% have read the PDS in detail 8% have left the PDS to another person on the policy to read 2% have not and will not read the PDS 2% don’t know

About that fine print

You’re about to click ‘buy’, so you may as well just tick this ‘I acknowledge I’ve read the product disclosure statement’ checkbox and bon voyage…

But wait – have you checked the fine print? In the insurance world, that ‘fine print’ is contained in the product disclosure statement, or PDS (that thing you said you’d read).

How to read the PDS

There are hundreds of policies out there and if you tried to read all the paperwork that comes with each policy, you’d have to extend your holiday just to recover.

If you don’t have time to read the whole PDS cover to cover, at least look for the following.

• The table of benefits is an overall summary of your cover.
• The policy cover section is essential reading and is generally split into ‘what we will pay for’ and ‘what we won’t pay for’.
• General exclusions are also essential reading – these are events that aren’t covered by any section of the policy.
• Pre-existing conditions can remind you of forgotten ailments and are essential reading for anyone with any kind of medical condition, no matter how mild.
• The word definition table might contain a few surprises – it’s a good place to check on the definition of a ‘relative’ or a ‘moped’, for example.
• The claims section lists some further pointers to be aware of (e.g. it’s a good idea not to admit fault or liability in the case of an accident) and the paperwork you may need to collect while you’re away if you need to make a claim, such as police reports.
• COVID-19 cover section – many policies have a special section listing medical, cancellation and other cover available for COVID-19.
• The 24-hour emergency assistance contact number (write it down and keep it handy).

The Weaver* family was relieved to have travel insurance when they needed to cancel their holiday. The family wanted to go skiing in New Zealand, but a few days before they were due to depart, 12-year-old Ruby had cold symptoms. A COVID-19 test showed she was positive. Ruby and her whole family had to isolate and their travel insurance paid their cancellation costs. *This is a fictitious but realistic example

The list of travel insurance disputes taken to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) reveals a battlefield of unread or misinterpreted terms and conditions. Between 1 July 2020 and 30 June 2021, AFCA received more than 2,000 travel insurance complaints related to COVID-19.

Not all travel insurance policies are the same, and the wrong policy can be almost as bad as none at all.

Peter* and his business partner had booked a business trip to South Korea and Japan from 21 February 2020 to 2 March 2020. On 20 February, Peter cancelled the trip on advice of his GP who said that due to the uncertainty of the extent of the COVID-19 outbreak, he should postpone the trip until it is safe to travel. Peter’s travel insurer denied his claim, saying the policy does not provide cover for cancellation due to medical advice. Peter made a complaint and AFCA ruled in his favour as COVID-19 had been publicly announced as an epidemic prior to Peter cancelling the trip and the doctor’s advice not to travel was prudent and reasonable. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

Checklist – Are you covered for COVID-19? Are your medical costs covered if you contract COVID-19? Are your extra expenses such as accommodation covered if you can’t travel or your stay gets extended because you or your travelling companion tests positive to COVID-19? What happens if you were going to stay with someone but they’ve contracted COVID-19? Or your accommodation or tour company gets closed down because of COVID-19? Are your additional expenses covered? If the Smartraveller alert level is raised to ‘Reconsider your need to travel’ or ‘Do not travel’ due to a COVID-19 outbreak at your destination after you took out travel insurance, are you covered if you cancel your trip? Are your cancellation costs covered if you can’t travel or can’t return on your booked flights because you or your travelling companion contracted COVID-19? Are you covered for cancellation costs if your business partner or a relative back home gets sick with COVID-19 and you need to return earlier than planned? If you’re planning to go on a cruise, be extra careful. Some travel insurers may not offer COVID-19 cover for multi-night cruises. Are you covered for claims caused by government travel bans, border closures, or mandatory quarantine or self-isolation requirements at your destination?

And what are the catches?

Cancellations, baggage and personal items, sports and activities.

This is the number one reason to buy international travel insurance. Look for the insurer’s benefits table, usually on the quotes screen online or near the front of their PDS, for a quick overview of what they’re offering. Most policies have an ‘unlimited’ sum insured.

Pre-existing conditions

Some insurers don’t cover pre-existing conditions at all. Some will only cover pre-existing conditions with an extra fee and sometimes a medical assessment. Some automatically cover pre-existing conditions listed in their PDS, although few will cover mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety.

Insurers exclude cover for certain pre-existing medical conditions and generally don’t provide cover for any illnesses or incidents that arise from these. This includes terminal illness or any illness that shortens your life expectancy as well as organ transplants.

Minor pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, hypertension, diabetes, epilepsy, osteopenia and more are usually covered if:

the condition has been stable for more than 12 months

there is no planned surgery

you have not received treatment in the past 12 months.

Pre-existing condition spoiling your holiday plans? findaninsurer.com.au lists insurers that may provide cover for pre-existing conditions. Still having trouble finding cover? Enlist the help of an insurance broker.

Examples of conditions that usually need to be assessed before getting cover are coronary problems, lung disease, epilepsy, stroke or any surgeries in the last 2 years.

If in doubt, declare your condition to your insurer.

A disability shouldn’t prevent you from buying travel insurance, but it might make finding a good policy trickier and more expensive.

Is a disability a pre-existing condition?

It depends on the disability and the insurer. Many insurers will automatically cover travellers with limited mobility, cognitive impairments or vision/hearing impairments. But in some cases, this cover may come at an extra cost.

Check with the insurer, as some conditions will need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Having trouble getting cover?

Under the Disability Discrimination Act, insurers must assess the actual risks, rather than make assumptions about disabilities. If you’re having trouble getting insurance, a letter from a medical professional might help, particularly if they can state that you’re not likely to need medical or hospital treatment while on your trip.

Cover for your equipment

If you’re travelling with a wheelchair, mobility aid or hearing aid, you’ll need to insure that as well. Check single item limits, which are usually between $750 and $1,000 per item. If you have a piece of medical equipment that exceeds this, you’ll need to specify it and insure it separately.

Many insurance policies exclude hearing aids, so check the fine print and take out extra insurance if necessary.

Cover for your carer

If you’re travelling with a carer, it’s a good idea to be on the same policy in case travel plans change for either of you – that way you’re both covered. If you have a paid carer, ask your insurer whether they’ll cover the cost of a replacement carer should yours be unable to travel.

Babymooning

If you’re travelling while pregnant, be sure to check the following.

• Are you covered for pregnancy complications? Some insurers don’t cover pregnancy at all.
• Up until which stage of pregnancy? Pregnancy complications are usually only covered up until a certain stage (often between 23 and 32 weeks, depending on the insurer).
• Childbirth: Not all insurers will cover childbirth. A premature birth in the US with intensive care and treatment could end up costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
• IVF: Not all insurers will cover IVF pregnancies.
• Do you have to pay extra to be covered?
• Do you need medical approval to be covered?

Mental health

Many travel insurers won’t provide cover of any kind for hospitalisation, medication or missed travel caused by a mental health condition, whether that’s depression, anxiety or a psychotic episode.

Others will provide cover if you declare mental illness as a pre-existing condition and pay a higher premium. Check the PDS carefully; insurers may use different terms to describe the same mental health conditions, giving them wriggle room to deny a claim.

Insurers are highly unlikely to pay a mental health-related claim if they discover it was a pre-existing condition that you didn’t declare. The trouble is, an insurer might view a single visit to a therapist many years ago because of work stress, for example, as a pre-existing mental health condition.

Mental health and travel insurance have been a contentious issue for consumer rights groups including CHOICE – and it’s one that’s still evolving from a legal standpoint.

To find out if a travel insurance product includes mental health cover, check choice.com.au/travelinsurance , filtering for ‘mental illness related claims’. Then put the PDS under the microscope.

A woman in Victoria won a court case against her insurer after they declined her claim for the cancellation of an overseas trip due to depression. ‘We took out the travel insurance well in advance of the travel, and well before my depression. I was certainly under the impression that I was covered,’ she told CHOICE. ‘They just sent back a letter that said no.’ But her win (the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal awarded her $4,292 for economic loss and a further $15,000 for non-economic loss) was an isolated ruling. It’s still being debated whether or not a general exclusion for mental health claims is legal.

Most policies have an age limit, ranging right up to the 100-year-old seasoned adventurer. There are quite a few catches for older travellers, though.

• Higher premiums: Insurers often charge older travellers more, and in some cases ‘older’ can be as young as 50. 
• Higher excess: Travellers as young as 60 but more commonly over 80 may be subject to a higher excess because of their age. The normal excess of around $100 to $200 is often increased to an excess of $2,000 to $3,000 for travellers 80 years and over for claims that relate to injury or illness.
• Restricted conditions: Subject to medical assessment’, ‘reduced medical cover limits’, ‘reduced travel time’, ‘policy to be purchased 6 months in advance’ – all of these conditions can apply to travellers over a certain age.

You’ll probably want to be covered if your travel plans are cancelled for any reason, but be aware that insurers will come up with plenty of excuses to avoid paying up.

• Terrorism: Most insurers cover medical expenses but very few cover cancellation expenses in the event of terrorism.
• Pandemic or epidemic: Commonly excluded.
• Military action: Commonly excluded.
• Natural disaster: Covered more often than not.
• Travel provider/agent insolvency: Commonly excluded.
• Cancellation due to travel provider’s fault: Insurers commonly exclude cover for delays or rescheduling caused by the transport provider.

John* and his partner’s scheduled train service was delayed, seriously diverted, then terminated, which meant they missed their flight home by several hours. Re-booking fees, emergency accommodation and related fees cost them between $1,000 and $1,500, but the insurer wouldn’t pay the claim as it wasn’t in the policy. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

‘Unforeseen’

When an insurer refers to cover for ‘unforeseen circumstances’, it means something that wasn’t publicised in the media or official government websites when you bought the policy. Check the Smartraveller travel advice when you buy your travel insurance. If it became known before you bought the policy, you’re not covered. So the earlier you buy travel insurance, the more likely you are to be covered for the unexpected.

Exclusions and inclusions

When the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) looks at a complaint about an insurer, they expect you to prove the claim is covered by the policy, while the insurer must prove the claim is excluded by the policy. Specifically, AFCA expects you to ‘establish on the balance of probabilities that you suffered a loss caused by an event to which the policy responds’. That is, do you have a valid claim?

This means that you need to understand if your claim is covered under the listed events of the policy, or that it is not specifically excluded by the policy.

If, for example, you have cover for COVID-19, you aren’t covered for every event caused by the pandemic, but just by what is specifically stated in the PDS.

Margaret and Peter* booked a cruise departing from Darwin in March 2021. Shortly before departure, the Northern Territory Government issued a directive no longer allowing cruises to depart from the NT. Margaret and Peter’s cruise company arranged for the cruise to depart from Broome and flew the passengers to Broome for a cost of $300 per person. As Margaret had bought a policy that included some cover for COVID-19, she made a claim for $600. But this was denied by her travel insurer and her subsequent complaint to AFCA was unsuccessful. AFCA said, ‘The cause of the loss was a government directive to not permit the cruise to operate through the NT port. The insurer’s policy provides no cover for these circumstances. It also excludes losses arising from government intervention, prohibition or regulation.’ *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

Travel insurance and Smartraveller advice Smartraveller, managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), assigns an overall advice level to more than 175 destinations. This advice level can affect your travel insurance cover. The advice levels are: Level 1  – Exercise normal safety precautions. COVERED. Level 2  – Exercise a high degree of caution. COVERED. Level 3  – Reconsider your need to travel. CHECK. Level 4  – Do not travel. USUALLY NOT COVERED. Travel warnings can work in your favour. If an insurer excludes cover for an event, they may still cover you to change your plans in response to updated advice from Smartraveller. But beware when travelling to a destination that has a ‘Do not travel’ warning. Most standard policies won’t cover you for ‘Do not travel’ destinations, including for COVID-19. A week after a volcanic eruption made world news, Sameer* booked a trip to Bali. He assumed the emergency would be over by the time he was due to fly a month later. Unfortunately, the volcano continued to erupt and Sameer’s flight was cancelled. His insurer declined his claim because he’d bought the flight and insurance after Smartraveller issued a travel alert about the volcanic eruption, and after it had been in the news. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

Delays can be expensive, particularly if you have to pay for alternative transport or accommodation. And those extra expenses won’t always be covered.

• Transport delay is only covered after a certain number of hours, usually 6, but you may have to wait as long as 12 hours before your cover kicks in.
• Cover limits for transport delays are typically lower than other cover limits and are often limited per 24-hour period.
• Insurers often exclude cover for rescheduling caused by the transport provider but some may cover additional accommodation and travel expenses in this scenario for travellers who are en route.

Baggage cover varies widely, with travel insurance policies ranging from $0 to $30,000. So, if you’re not carrying expensive items, you may be able to save on your premium by selecting a policy that provides lower coverage.

• Individual items are subject to sub-limits that range from around $250 to as much as $5,000.
• Higher item limits usually apply for electronic items like laptops, cameras, smartphones and tablets.
• You can pay extra to specify items you want extra cover for (insurers are always happy for you to pay extra).
• Valuables locked in a car or checked in on an airline, train or bus may not be covered.
• Generally, any items left unattended may be excluded from cover, so keep your belongings close.

Jing* sat down to try on a pair of shoes in a busy London shoe shop, placing her handbag next to her on the seat. When she stood up to leave, she discovered her bag was gone. Her insurer refused to pay up because she had left her bag unattended in a public place. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

Lost luggage

If an airline loses your luggage temporarily and doesn’t compensate you for that loss, you may be able to claim expenses for clothing, toiletries and other necessities, depending on your policy.

• Cover usually only applies to luggage lost for more than 12 hours, though the minimum time limit varies per insurer, as does the level of cover.
• If your policy has an excess (a fee that’s deductible from your payout), remember that this applies once per claimed event, and items below the excess level can’t be claimed.

Angelo and Diane* tried to claim $112 for meals and drinks when their connecting flight to Hawaii was delayed by 8 hours. Although their policy technically covered them for the cost, they were liable for an excess of $250, so their claim was denied. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

If you don’t feel like paying the ‘extra insurance’ the car hire company charges, then use the collision damage excess cover in your travel insurance.

Tip: Stick with recognised car rental companies in this case since this cover only applies if the car hire company already has its own comprehensive insurance.

Do you have the right licence?

Some countries require you to have an international driving permit. If you have an accident while driving on the wrong licence (or breaking that country’s law in any other way), you may not be covered.

Cruise-specific insurance

Cruises aren’t automatically included in all travel insurance policies. If you’re going on a cruise, make sure you have the right cover.

The Department of Health says: ‘Cruise ships carry a higher risk for spreading disease compared to other non-essential activities and transport modes. COVID-19, influenza and other infectious diseases such as gastroenteritis spread easily between people living and socialising in close quarters.’

Check travel insurance policies to make sure medical cover for COVID-19 is included, as some policies exclude this cover. Erica* stumbled and broke her femur during stormy seas while on a cruise. Her insurer covered the cost of evacuation and a partial hip replacement at a hospital in Noumea. They also organised and paid for her son to fly to Noumea to help her recover and return home to Australia. Five months later, the well-travelled 82-year-old was boarding a plane to Croatia for her next (fully insured) adventure. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

Not leaving Australian waters?

You still need insurance. Doctors working on cruise ships don’t need Medicare provider numbers, so if they treat you, you can’t claim on Medicare or your private health insurance, even if you’re still in Australian waters.

Domestic travel insurance doesn’t cover medical costs, so you need either international travel insurance (check that it covers domestic cruises) or a domestic cruise policy.

Kerry* thought she’d done the right thing buying an annual multi-trip international travel insurance policy for a number of upcoming holidays, one of which was a round-trip cruise departing from and returning to Fremantle, Western Australia, with no port stops. When she had to cancel due to ill health, she discovered her policy wouldn’t cover her because the trip wasn’t considered an international one. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

When CHOICE compares travel insurers, we look at who covers which sports and adventure activities, such as skiing, ballooning, bungee jumping and scuba diving, to name a few.

But as always with insurance, the PDS may include some surprises. For example, several insurers we’ve reviewed will cover canyoning but they won’t cover abseiling, often a necessity in canyoning. Other policies in our comparison will cover abseiling, but not into a canyon.

If you’re planning on doing anything adventurous, check to make sure you’re covered. It’s not enough to simply look for the tick next to your chosen activity – you also need to check the definitions in the PDS.

Motorcycles and mopeds

Hiring a motorcycle or moped? Depending on which country you’re in, you might need a local or international motorcycle licence. You probably won’t be covered if you aren’t obeying the local law. And even if you are doing the right thing under local law, some policies still won’t cover you unless you have a motorcycle licence.

Are you wearing a helmet? Most countries say you need one by law, but that doesn’t mean it will be included in your hire. No helmet means no cover (in more ways than one).

Nhung* was injured after she rented a moped in Thailand only to find out the engine size was not covered by her insurance policy. Most insurers adopt the national standard for the definition of a moped – an engine capacity under 50cc. If the engine is bigger than that, it’s a motorcycle and you’ll need an Australian motorcycle licence. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

Skiing and snowboarding

Some insurers cover skiing, often for an extra premium, but not so many cover skiing off-piste (away from the groomed runs). So, if you’re tempted to slide off the beaten path next time you hit the slopes, make sure you have a policy that covers off-piste ski runs (or pay for the optional extra cover).

Otherwise, if you run into a tree and have to be evacuated from the mountains, you may need to  think about selling your home to pay for it.

It’s worth remembering that travel insurance only covers overseas costs. So if you break a leg while you’re abroad, your insurer will likely pay your hospital fees, but they won’t cover your ongoing physiotherapy once you’re back home.

Marianna* fractured her leg in 3 places while skiing with her partner and children in Japan. Because the family had bought additional cover for winter sports, they were reimbursed $35,466 for medical expenses, additional transport and accommodation, the cost of a nanny to look after the children, and business class flights back to Australia. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

Alcohol and drugs

Overdoing it on vodka and float-tubing down a river isn’t likely to be covered by any policy. Insurers simply won’t pay for costs arising from you being under the influence of alcohol or drugs (except where taken under the advice of a doctor).

Even one or 2 drinks could be enough of an excuse for insurers to get out of paying.

Relatives can be relative Many policies cover the costs to travel home if one of your relatives dies or becomes sick. Bear in mind: an insurer’s definition of a ‘relative’ may differ from yours cover is usually dependent on the age of that relative, so the death of your 84-year-old grandma may not be covered your relatives are subject to the same pre-existing condition exclusions as you, so if your 84-year-old grandma died from a known heart condition, you may not be covered. you may be able to apply for your relative’s pre-existing condition to be assessed before you buy the policy. cover is limited to relatives that live in Australia, or in some cases New Zealand. So if your 84-year-old grandma is in China, you won’t be covered to fly there for her funeral. Amanda* and her husband had booked an overseas diving trip, but shortly before the trip Amanda’s mum passed away from pneumonia. They cancelled their trip and incurred cancellation costs and lost deposits of nearly $13,000. As the death of a parent was covered in their policy, Amanda made a claim. Their insurer denied the claim as Amanda’s mum lived in the United States and was undergoing treatment for lung cancer, so the insurer concluded that her death was caused by a pre-existing condition. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

So you’ve booked and paid for your holiday through a travel agent, but then the travel agent goes broke. You’ll get your money back, right? Not necessarily.

Only a few insurers will cover you for the insolvency of a travel provider, and that includes hotels, airlines and other transport companies that might go broke overnight (remember Ansett?). But there are a few ways to safeguard your hard-earned holiday.

• Check whether your insurer covers you for insolvency.
• Check whether your travel agent has insolvency insurance (this isn’t compulsory, so only some will have it).
• Pay with your credit card. Some banks allow a chargeback if you pay for something on your credit card and don’t end up actually getting it.

Tip: Don’t accept any dodgy contract terms that require you to give up your chargeback rights.

2 out of 3 travellers assume their travel insurance will cover insolvency, but in 2017 less than a third of insurers actually provided this cover.

Credit card travel insurance

Some credit cards come with complimentary travel insurance. They’ll cover you for all the usual things like medical emergencies, cancellation and protection for baggage and items. But they do differ from standalone policies, so it’s essential you check the fine print.

• Fees: You’ll pay a premium for these credit cards, usually between $100 and $450 per year.
• Excess: The excess on credit card policies tends to be fixed at a higher rate (usually around $250), whereas it’s more variable on standalone policies.
• Age limits: Some credit card policies have no age limit, which can be handy for older travellers.
• Regions: Credit card travel insurance is not based on location, which means you can travel from Europe to the US without having to worry if your policy covers both areas. Bear in mind though that some regions (such as countries under United Nations embargo) may be excluded, and sometimes with US underwriters, travel to Cuba is excluded.
• Baggage cover: Credit card insurance often offers higher coverage for baggage loss and damage.
• Trip duration: Credit card insurance policies vary in how many days of coverage they’ll give you per trip – anywhere from a few weeks to 365 days – so check your limit if you’re going on a long holiday.
• Pre-existing conditions: Chances are your credit card insurance won’t automatically cover your pre-existing condition. You’ll need to call your insurer and see if you need to pay an extra fee or premium.
• Domestic travel: Credit card insurance doesn’t apply to domestic travel, although some cards will reimburse expenses associated with domestic flight delays and missed connections to international flights.
• Making a claim: You may not be able to claim reimbursement unless you pay for purchases (such as emergency items after a baggage delay) with the same credit card.

27% of travellers who plan to buy travel insurance will get it through their credit card.

Is it activated?

Credit card insurance usually activates when you buy your air tickets (or sometimes other transport or accommodation expenses) using your card.

• Policies require a minimum spend to activate – usually around $500. So if you scored your tickets on sale for $499, you won’t be covered.
• If you want cover for your spouse or dependants, you must also buy their tickets on your card.
• Some policies only activate if you book a return ticket. A one-way flight, or even 2 one-way flights, will leave you uninsured.
• Some banks require you to notify them in order to get full coverage for each trip. While base coverage will still give you emergency medical treatment, you might not get coverage for property damage or luggage delays. Check whether you need to do anything to activate any extra features.
• Some cards will cover you if you use rewards points to buy your tickets. Others won’t.

Is it worth it?

If you already have a credit card and use it regularly, the free comprehensive travel insurance on your card can save you money. And if you’re a regular traveller without a credit card, it’s worth considering if you travel at least once a year or every second year internationally.

David* booked a trip to North America for himself and his family, including his 11-year-old daughter Petra. The trip was cancelled because Petra got pneumonia. Unfortunately, David only activated his credit card travel insurance about an hour before the family was scheduled to fly out of Australia. The travel insurer denied his claim for cancellation costs because he knew about his daughter’s illness when he activated the policy. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

Have you been knocked back on an insurance claim and want to dispute it?

Internal dispute resolution

Complain to the insurer first. They’ll usually keep you up to date about the progress of your complaint every 10 business days.

Once you’ve lodged your case and all the supporting information and documents, the insurer has 45 days to complete its internal dispute resolution process.

External dispute resolution

If you aren’t happy with the insurer’s decision, you can take your complaint to the Australian Financial Complaint Authority (AFCA). They’ll handle your case for free.

• The AFCA will mediate between you and the insurer to find a resolution.
• If mediation is unsuccessful, they may make a preliminary assessment or give a determination straight away on your dispute.
• A determination is legally binding on the insurer but not on you.
• There’s no appeal process with AFCA.
• For more information, visit afca.org.au .

Legal action

If you’re unhappy with the AFCA determination, you might want to consider taking legal action against the insurance company.

Keep your travel insurance details with you at all times while on your trip and share them with family or friends before you leave.

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No matter who you are, where you're going and what you're doing, get travel insurance. Learn how to choose a policy that's right for you.

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On This Page

• KEY TAKEAWAYS

Do I need travel insurance to visit Australia?

Best travel coverage for visiting australia, what does travel insurance for australia cover, what isn’t covered by travel insurance for australia, how much does travel insurance for australia cost, tips for getting the best australia travel insurance, australia travel information & requirements, australia travel insurance faqs, related topics.

Australia Travel Insurance: Trip Info & Quotes for U.S. Visitors

• To travel to Australia, you must have a valid U.S. passport , but you don’t need a visa.
• The Australian government doesn’t require American tourists to purchase travel insurance, but it’s wise to have at least medical and medical evacuation coverage since your U.S. health insurance won’t work in Australia .
• In addition to medical emergencies, travel insurance can also cover things like trip cancellations, trip interruptions and rental car damage .
• According to our research, our top picks for travel insurance for Australia come from Travel Insured, Travelex and Faye ( skip ahead to view these plans ).
• We recommend using an online comparison tool to find the best travel insurance policy to suit your needs.

Our top picks for the best australia travel insurance

• Travel Insured International: Best for Robust Coverage
• Travelex Insurance Services: Best for Basic Medical Coverage
• Faye Travel Insurance: Best for Digital Claims Process & App

Our top picks for travel insurance for Australia

Travel insured international, travelex insurance services, faye travel insurance.

Australia doesn’t require U.S. tourists to buy travel insurance, but we highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive policy before your trip commences.

Below are some risks you may encounter that would make purchasing travel insurance worthwhile .

Risks with adventure activities

Australia is one of the best places to visit if you love parasailing, paragliding, hot air ballooning, diving and other adventure activities. Unfortunately, these activities are risky, so there’s a chance that you’ll break a bone or sustain some other type of injury.

Travel insurance covers medical expenses and other costs associated with these injuries, ensuring you don’t end up with a huge hospital bill. This type of insurance is especially helpful if you plan to explore the Great Barrier Reef, take an excursion into the Outback or swim near the shoreline of one of Australia’s beautiful beaches.

Risks due to wildlife

Australia is full of dangerous critters, from venomous spiders and snakes to aggressive kangaroos. Depending on where you visit, you may end up encountering an unfriendly Tasmanian devil. U.S. medical insurance typically doesn’t work in Australia, so it’s important to have travel insurance for these unexpected situations. If you’re bitten by a Tasmanian devil or sustain some other wildlife-related injury, travel insurance takes the place of your regular medical insurance.

Risks due to bushfires

Bushfires  have a high heat output and can cause a significant amount of damage in a short amount of time. If you find yourself in Australia during one of these fires, you may have to contend with damage to your rental car or your personal belongings. Comprehensive travel insurance may reimburse you for damaged or destroyed items, or it may reimburse your rental car agency for the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged vehicle.

Risks related to long-distance driving

Australia has many isolated regions that are hundreds of miles from the nearest populated area. You may have to drive several hundred miles to reach your destination, so it’s important to have travel insurance before you set off on an adventure.

Best for Robust Coverage

Why we like it.

• Travel delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
• Generous $150,000 non-medical evacuation coverage
• 24/7 emergency travel assistance included
• CFAR and IFAR coverage not included
• Baggage delay coverage only kicks in after 12 hours
• No rental car coverage

Best for Basic Medical Coverage

• Plans can be customized with upgrades
• Children 17 and under included for free with some plans
• Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions available
• CFAR coverage is available as an add-on to a comprehensive travel insurance plan
• Optional CFAR coverage only reimburses 50% of prepaid travel expenses, which is less than some competitors
• Travel Select plan only has $50,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses, which is lower than some competitors
• The baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour waiting period
• CFAR coverage is not available with all Travelex plans

Best for Digital Claims Process & App

Editor's take

Faye is a new travel insurance disruptor that offers an innovative solution to travel insurance with a digital-first approach. What sets them apart is their user-friendly solution to a traditionally bureaucratic system. With Faye, users can manage everything online or via the Faye app – including the entire booking and claims process. Although it’s a newer provider in the travel insurance industry, Faye is already rising as a fan favorite among young, tech-savvy travelers and digital nomads who want quick, convenient, and reliable travel insurance without having to go through an agent.

Apart from their online-first approach, Faye is easy to use and caters to all types of travelers including those who may want help via phone support.

Another feature that sets Faye apart from the competition is their plan offerings. Faye offers one base plan with an array of comprehensive coverage and optional add-ons to customize your plan.

Potential Add-ons include:

• Rental car care
• Cancel for any reason
• Vacation rental damage
• Adventure & extreme sports

If you are looking for a convenient and cost-effective way to insure your vacation, consider opting for Faye travel insurance. *Note: Coverage limits and availability may vary by state of residence.

Read our full review

• Friendly agents
• Easy-to-use mobile app
• Fast reimbursements for eligible claims
• Prompt replies to questions
• Long wait times for reimbursement
• Difficulty reaching Faye outside of email & virtual chat

Travel insurance can cover a wide range of circumstances, but each plan has different inclusions and exclusions. Here is a look at the most important types of travel insurance coverage to consider getting when visiting Australia.

Trip cancellation insurance

Australia is far away and is a developed nation on par with the United States. That means trips to Australia are usually quite expensive. It’s never fun to cancel a vacation you’ve been looking forward to for months, but it’s even worse when a cancellation results in significant financial losses.

Trip cancellation insurance protects you if you have to cancel your trip to Australia for a reason stipulated in the policy. For example, if one of your travel companions is diagnosed with a serious illness before your departure date, you can use your insurance to recoup pre-paid, nonrefundable trip expenses.

If you want to have coverage for any type of circumstance, you can also purchase cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance . Typically sold as an add-on, this type of coverage will reimburse you for around 50% to 70% of your total prepaid costs .

Trip delay insurance

To get to Australia, you may have to rely on the services of multiple common carriers. For example, you may have to fly to Australia and then take a ferry to your final destination. Trip delay insurance reimburses you for any expenses you incur as the result of a common carrier delay. If your flight is canceled, for example, your insurer may reimburse you for meals, a hotel, additional transportation costs, and other related expenses.

Trip interruption insurance

Imagine that you arrive in Australia, enjoy a few days of fun and then come down with a severe illness. You’re so sick that you have to return to the United States sooner than expected. Trip interruption insurance reimburses your pre-paid, nonrefundable expenses in this type of scenario. It should also cover the cost of adjusting your travel plans or accessing emergency assistance services.

Travel medical insurance

As noted previously, it’s unlikely you will be be able to use your U.S. health insurance in Australia . Therefore, it’s important to have travel medical insurance to cover things like urgent care, hospitalization, blood tests, CT scans and other healthcare services. If you’re injured while snorkeling or suddenly develop appendicitis during your trip, you can rest easy knowing that your medical expenses are covered.

Medical evacuation insurance

If you’re injured in the Outback, you can’t exactly hop in a cab and get to a hospital within a few minutes. Medical evacuation insurance covers the cost of transporting you to a healthcare facility that’s capable of meeting your needs. For example, if you need emergency assistance, your policy may cover the cost of air medical services (like helicopter transportation).

Insurance for personal items

We recommend that you leave your valuables at home, but if you just have to take jewelry, designer clothing or expensive sports equipment on your trip, make sure your travel insurance includes coverage for lost, stolen and damaged items. This type of coverage reimburses you if a common carrier loses or damages your luggage or its contents.

Rental car coverage

Rental car coverage can protect you under the following circumstances:

• You’re involved in an auto accident caused by someone else.
• Someone vandalizes your rental vehicle.
• Someone steals your rental vehicle.

If your policy includes this type of coverage, your insurer will reimburse the rental agency any time you experience a covered loss. For example, if you get into a fender-bender in one of Sydney’s famous traffic jams, your insurance company should reimburse the rental agency for the cost of repairs.

Travel insurance for Australia doesn’t cover the following:

• Pre-existing conditions: If you’re diagnosed with a medical condition like asthma or diabetes before you buy your travel insurance, your insurer won’t pay for medical expenses associated with that diagnosis. In some cases, however, you can opt for a plan with a waiver. This can ensure coverage for pre-existing conditions during your trip.
• Illegal activities: Travel insurance doesn’t cover expenses arising from any illegal activities, such as injuries that occur while under the influence of illicit substances.
• Fear of travel: If you book a trip and then suddenly develop a fear of flying, your insurance company won’t reimburse you for your pre-paid expenses. The same applies to a fear of seeing a spider or encountering a Tasmanian devil during your trip.
• Expected events: Travel insurance doesn’t cover expenses associated with events that you knew about (or should have known about) before a trip. For example, if you book a trip and buy insurance after a named storm has started developing, your insurer won’t reimburse you if the storm forces you to cancel or interrupt your trip.

For a trip to Australia, we found that the cost of travel insurance ranges from less than $1 per day to around $11 per day depending on the type of coverage.

To give you a better idea, we requested multiple quotes from leading travel insurance providers.

These quotes are based on the following criteria:

• Age: 35 years old
• Destination: Australia
• Trip Length: 7 days
• Trip cost: $2,000

You can see our quotes for basic travel insurance in the following table. The cheapest travel insurance plan costs just under $1 per day .

Example Where Plan Doesn’t Reimburse the Full Trip Cost

The plans in this next table are more comprehensive. In addition to medical and medical evacuation coverage, they also include trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage. According to our quotes, these plans cost between $7 and $11 per day .

Example Where Plan Does Reimburse the Full Trip Cost

Your costs won’t be exactly the same, as insurance companies base their premiums on these factors:

• Trip cost: Insurance companies reimburse you for up to 100% of your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses. The more your trip costs, the more your insurance provider has to pay you if you experience a covered loss. Therefore, the cost of your insurance plan depends on the cost of your trip.
• Age: Older people are more likely to develop serious medical problems while traveling, so it costs more to insure a 60-year-old or 70-year-old traveler than it does to insure someone in their 20s.
• Insurance benefits: Some travel insurance plans come with more benefits than others. For example, a plan that offers $1 million in medical evacuation coverage will cost more than a plan that comes with only $100,000 in medical evacuation coverage.
• Destination: Some destinations are riskier than others, so insurance companies charge different rates based on your itinerary.
• Add-on coverage: You may need to purchase add-on coverage, such as insurance for adventure activities. If so, you’ll pay an additional premium for the extra benefits.

To find the best travel insurance for your needs, follow these tips:

Consider how you’re getting to and around Australia.

You’ll have to take an airplane from the United States to Australia, but depending on your plans, you may also need to ride a train or take a ferry at some point. The more carriers you use, the more likely you are to experience delays and other problems, increasing the amount of coverage needed.

Think carefully about what you plan to do.

If you want to visit the Sydney Opera House and check out the Australian Museum, you won’t need as much coverage as someone who plans to camp in the Outback or go parasailing over the Gold Coast. You may also want to limit your cancellation costs by purchasing cancel-for-any-reason coverage.

Time your purchase carefully.

Although you can buy Overseas Visitors Cover when you arrive, it’s typically cheaper to purchase travel insurance well in advance of your trip.

Are there COVID-19 restrictions for U.S. tourists?

No. Australia has no COVID-19-related restrictions for American travelers. However, the Australian government does recommend getting the COVID-19 vaccine, wearing masks and practicing good hygiene.

Do I need a visa or passport to travel to Australia?

Yes. You need a valid U.S. passport with at least one blank page for your entry stamp.

Is it safe to visit Australia?

The United States and Australia have a strong diplomatic relationship. Although there’s always some level of risk involved in traveling to a foreign country, Australia is generally safe for Americans. The U.S. Department of State has issued a  Level 1 travel advisory , indicating that you don’t need to take any special safety precautions when visiting the “Land Down Under.”

What travel insurance do I need to travel to Australia?

You’re not required to purchase travel insurance for Australia, but we highly recommend that you do. You never know when you’re going to have an emergency or encounter some kind of problem during a trip. To find the right policy to suit your needs, try using an online comparison tool .

Does American health insurance work in Australia?

In most cases, no. Medicare and Medicaid only work in the United States, and most private health insurance companies will only cover expenses if you use U.S. medical facilities.

Can foreigners buy travel insurance in Australia?

When you travel to Australia, you have the option of buying Overseas Visitors Cover. However, not many companies provide this type of coverage. There may also be waiting periods for medical coverage. Therefore, we recommend that you buy travel insurance before you leave the United States.

About the Author

Leigh Morgan is a seasoned personal finance contributor with over 15 years of experience writing on a diverse range of professional legal and financial topics. She specializes in subjects like navigating the complexities of insurance, savings, zero-based budgeting and emergency fund development.

In the last five years, she’s authored over 300 articles for credit unions, digital banks, and financial professionals. Morgan is also the author of “77 Tips for Preventing Elder Financial Abuse,” a book focused on helping caregivers protect the elderly from financial scams.

In addition to her writing skills, she brings real-world financial acumen thanks to her previous experience managing rental properties as part of a $34 million real estate portfolio.

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What does travel insurance cover?

Medical costs

Most travel insurance policies give you unlimited cover for medical expenses and 24/7 emergency medical assistance.

COVID-19 cover

You can get cover for COVID-related medical expenses now and up to $5,000 towards cancellation or rearrangement costs.

Flight cancellations

It can also pay to get you on an alternative flight. Plus, many will cover your accommodation costs if your trip is disrupted.

Lost luggage

You can get around $250 a day if your luggage is delayed by the airline. Many also cover stolen or accidentally damaged luggage.

See a full list of what travel insurance can cover

• Accidental death
• Overseas emergency dental expenses
• Hospital cash allowance
• Loss of income
• Overseas emergency assistance
• Overseas medical and hospital expenses
• Permanent disability
• Resumption of journey
• Alternative transport for special events
• Cancellation and amendment fees
• Travel delay expenses
• Daily delayed luggage allowance
• Luggage and personal belongings
• Theft of cash
• Travel documents and bank cards
• Personal liability
• Rental car excess insurance
• COVID-19 Medical Expenses
• Rearrangement costs if you get COVID-19

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Compare Finder's travel insurance award winners

Customer satisfaction winner

Tick travel insurance has ranked first place for customer satisfaction in 2023 .

This survey was conducted by Dynata, where 95% of respondents said they would recommend Tick to a friend, and it scored the highest in the 'value for money' category.

Travel insurance - comprehensive winner

Southern Cross Travel Insurance has taken the top position in the 'Travel insurance - Comprehensive' category for the 2023 Finder Awards . Why? It's got to do with its wide COVID-19 coverage and how it handles cancellations due to unexpected events.

Adding to that, its average pricing was pretty affordable compared to other brands who offer less coverage for a higher price.

About why SCTI won

Value travel insurance winner

Fast Cover is the winner of the 2023 Finder Awards for the 'Travel insurance - Value' category. How? We compared the average prices of 28 international travel insurance policies, and Fast Cover came out on top.

But what does ' value' mean? It means we looked at more than just price. Fast Cover doesn't include everything on its policies, but it offers good value.

About why Fast Cover won

Domestic travel insurance winner

InsureandGo has taken the top place for the 'Travel insurance - Domestic' category in the 2023 Finder Awards .

Why? We analysed 23 domestic policies and found that InsureandGo were generous with their benefit limits for things like cancellation and rental car excess insurance.

About why InsureandGo won

Seniors travel insurance winner

Southern Cross Travel Insurance is the winner of the 'Travel insurance - Seniors' category in the 2023 Finder Awards . Why? It has higher age limits and generous benefits.

We also appreciated SCTI's easy-to-read product disclosure statement. This means that customers can easily understand their policies, and travel with confidence.

Insurance innovation finalist

Fast Cover Travel Insurance's COVID-19 Benefits & Refund Policy earned it a place among the finalists in the Insurance Innovation category of this year's Finder Innovation Awards .

It goes further than many other insurers, covering COVID medical expenses and evacuation, up to $5,000 for COVID-related cancellations and additional expenses.

Best travel insurance

Meet our experts

Our team of insurance experts have published over 450 guides on travel insurance and are regularly cropping up on TV shows, including Sunrise, Seven News and 10News, with the latest travel insurance tips and tricks.

Whether you're heading overseas with the family or exploring somewhere closer to home, we're passionate about helping you get the best policy for your holiday.

Some top tips from travel insurance experts

Good to know – only a handful of insurers including SCTI and CoverMore can cover you for trip cancellations or changes before your journey because of an unexpected event . The majority don't do this. They only cover you for certain reasons . So for example, if your flight was cancelled or delayed for a reason not listed in the PDS, you might not be covered.

Gary Ross Hunter Finder's insurance and innovations editor

Like many others, I’ve had plenty of delays and even flight cancellations while travelling since the pandemic. Insurance has a place in these events. I've just been lucky that none of these was due to COVID. For me, taking out a policy with high benefit limits for COVID coverage offers heaps of peace of mind. I don’t know why you'd risk travelling without it.

James Martin Finder’s insurance editor

Many people don't realise that travel insurance can include cover for your rental vehicle excess. Not knowing this means people may choose to reduce their rental vehicle excess instead of relying on their travel insurance coverage, and end up paying an additional fee to the rental car company. We recommend that you check your travel insurance policy to see if you can avoid paying the rental car company’s excess reduction fee.

Jo McCauley CEO - Southern Cross Travel Insurance

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel… plain and simple. Things can and do go wrong and you want to be covered for everything from losing luggage to needing prohibitively expensive medical treatment.

Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon Freelance finance journalist

"Good to know – only a handful of insurers including SCTI and CoverMore can cover you for trip cancellations or changes before your journey because of an unexpected event . The majority don't do this. They only cover you for certain reasons . So for example, if your flight was cancelled or delayed for a reason not listed in the PDS, you might not be covered."

Travel insurance: 4 things you need to know

Travel insurance doesn't protect you from yourself

Your claim will be voided if the insurer finds that you failed to act responsibly. Consider this before you have a few too many drinks on your trip or jump on a moped without a helmet.

Rules about renting motorcycles and scooters on your holiday

Travel insurance will only cover you if you're riding with an Australian motorcycle licence or a valid licence in that country. You also need to be wearing a helmet and stick to a specific engine size.

You might need to pay more for activities such as skiing and motorcycling

This can be added when applying online. You'll find that most Australian insurers have a list of activities in the PDS which are covered for free.

You won't always be covered for natural disasters and pandemics

If you buy your policy after a natural disaster or a pandemic becomes a "known event" (e.g. it's in the news), you typically won't be covered, with the exception of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We recently had to cancel a trip to Europe due to a family emergency, resulting in thousands of dollars lost in tickets, accommodation bookings and more. Thankfully we had travel insurance through our credit card which made sure we were covered from when we booked. We received all money lost back in full for anything we couldn’t cancel."

Find out more about the type of travel insurance you need

Travel insurance guides for our most popular destinations

Looking for inner peace? Get peace of mind with the right cover in Bali.

Don't chew gum in Singapore, don't go there without the right travel insurance either.

With some of the highest medical costs in the world, travel insurance is a no-brainer.

Italy? France? Greece? Get cover for them all with a Europe travel insurance policy.

Get a travel insurance quote

Why you can trust our travel insurance experts

Frequently asked questions

What is travel insurance.

Travel insurance covers emergencies or accidents that might happen to you or your belongings while you're away from home. You pay a travel insurer a fee (known as a premium) that is calculated based on the risks associated with your trip. In exchange, your insurer will pay you for unexpected costs related to your trip such as the following:

• Medical expenses if you're sick or injured overseas.
• Reimbursing you if you need to cancel your trip or cut it short.
• Covering your valuables and travel documents if they get lost, stolen or damaged.

Can I get travel insurance that covers COVID-19?

Yes, many insurers offer some cover for COVID-19 . You'll normally be covered if you get diagnosed with coronavirus and can't go on your trip, but you won't be covered for events like border closures.

What's the best travel insurance in Australia?

The best travel insurance depends on your circumstances – for example, where and who you're travelling with. To help you find the right policy, we created a best travel insurance guide where we've selected top picks for COVID-19 cover, domestic trips, families, pre-existing conditions and adventure trips.

Is travel insurance worth it?

Something going wrong at home is bad, but if something goes wrong overseas it can be catastrophic. From medical costs to flight cancellations, travel insurance is basically always worth it . Smartraveller , which is maintained by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), says "if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel". Taking out a policy is a small price to pay compared to the thousands you could lose if something unexpected happens.

How much does travel insurance cost?

Travel insurance costs have increased since the pandemic. However, it's possible to find a cheap policy for around $5 a day. Your age and travel destination will impact how much you pay.

Does travel insurance cover cancellations?

Yes. Travel insurance can cover you for flight cancellations if something unexpected happens and you're unable to go on your trip. It can also pay for additional accommodation costs and other pre-booked plans associated with disrupted or cancelled flights. However, read the product disclosure statement because some may only cover you for certain cancellations.

Are there age restrictions on travel insurance?

You can usually get travel insurance with most providers if you're a senior up to the age of 80 but you might not be eligible for annual or frequent traveller policies with some brands once you turn 65. If you have any pre-existing conditions, you may have to complete an online medical questionnaire and pay more for a policy.

Most policies will cover kids for free if they're travelling with a parent or guardian. You usually need to be under 23 to be eligible as a dependant, though this varies slightly between brands.

Can I just get complimentary credit card travel insurance?

Complimentary credit card travel insurance can offer similar cover to a standalone travel insurance policy but it often comes with lower caps on how much you can claim and many still do not cover COVID-19 .

You'll need to read the product disclosure statement (PDS) for the fine print regarding the excesses you will have to pay, the benefit limits, the maximum trip duration and which pre-existing medical conditions are automatically excluded.

If you find the few dollars you save isn't worth the risk of being out of pocket, consider taking out a standalone policy instead.

Will travel insurance cover me for my pre-existing medical condition?

It depends on your condition. Insurers will list what pre-existing conditions they automatically cover in the product disclosure statement.

If your condition isn't on the list, let your insurer know about your ailment and they will decide whether to cover you for claims related to that condition. You might have to pay more for a policy but you will still be able to get insurance.

What's a PDS?

A PDS (product disclosure statement) is a legally binding document that outlines what you're covered for. If something's not mentioned in a PDS then that insurer typically won't cover you for it. You'll also find a list of common exclusions, which are events you won't be insured for. Read more definitions of common travel insurance terms.

What's an excess?

An excess is the upfront fee you'll have to pay if you need to make a claim on your travel insurance policy. Depending on how risk-averse you are, you can opt for a higher excess , which will mean lower premiums (policy cost), but this might mean that smaller claims are not worth it.

Can I get flight only travel insurance?

Travel insurance to cover your flights only isn’t really a thing in Australia. A travel insurance policy will generally cover the cost of your flights and potential delays, while also covering a bunch of other things like medical expenses and your valuables.

Gary Ross Hunter

Gary Ross Hunter was an editor at Finder, specialising in insurance. He’s been writing about life, travel, home, car, pet and health insurance for over 6 years and regularly appears as an insurance expert in publications including The Sydney Morning Herald, The Guardian and news.com.au. Gary holds a Kaplan Tier 2 General Advice General Insurance certification which meets the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146). See full bio

• Health, home, life, car, pet and travel insurance
• Managing the cost of living

Read more on this topic

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A guide to understanding cruise insurance - why you need it, what's covered, and what's not.

Domestic travel insurance can provide cover for trip cancellation (domestic flights), loss or damage to luggage and expensive items, car rental excess charges and much more. Find out why domestic travel insurance is worth getting and compare policies from Australian insurers.

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61 Responses

I filled out a request for a travel insurance quote and have not received it

Hi Peter, you’re best to follow up with the travel insurance company you requested the quote from. Hope this helps.

I need a hard copy of my health insurance going over seas

You should be able to print your policy. You should have a copy on your email or you can access it from online banking. If you’re having any issues, perhaps contact your health insurer for some assistance.

Hope this helps!

Greetings I am taking a 19 day tour of Vietnam and Cambodia. During the tour I will be on a boat for one night in Halong Bay. InsureandGo advised that I need to take out a cruise premium because of the one night on a vessel. The cruise premium is double the price of its Gold premium. Is there a company that would be a better option for me?

Most insurers charge a higher premium for cruise cover, as they are pricing it based on risk. Insurers are aware that there’s a higher chance of claims related to cruising, such as illness, slips and fall injuries and cancellation fees, which can increase the premium paid.

Unfortunately you have to select cruise coverage for the entire trip, so you have a few options: – Pay the higher price and get the peace of mind of full coverage. – Pay for coverage without cruise cover, and take the risk of travelling knowing you have no insurance if something goes wrong on that one day. – Enquire about taking out 2 policies: one standard policy for the entire trip without cruise cover, and another 2-day policy to cover your cruise.

Some of the things cruise travel insurance may cover includes: Pre Paid Shore Excursions Cancellation Missed Cruise Departure Cabin Confinement/Loss of Enjoyment Missed Port Cover Formal Attire Cover Formal Attire Delay Allowance Unlimited medical cover and emergency assistance (on-board and while docked) Weather delays or natural disasters. COVID cover

Hello, I am finding it difficult to obtain the necessary information on-line. I am booked on a cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest with several stopovers and a train journey from Budapest to Prague. My flight is with a stop-over in Doha enroute to Amsterdam with a stop there of several nights. My return flight is from Prague again with a stopover in Doha. My holiday is from 24th September until 16th October, 2024. Are you able to provide me with your cheapest quote including Covid cover. Thank you for your time. Kind regards Judi Boxall

We’re a review and comparison site, so we don’t have any products or provider quotes ourselves and we’re unable to provide personal customer service.

However, if you pop your destinations (Amsterdam, Budapest, Prague, Doha) in the table above and add your age and travel dates, you’ll get a number of quotes and options for your travel insurance.

When the quotes are listed, you can add covid cover as an optional extra on the left hand side.

I am travelling overseas later this year and have activated my credit card insurance. However the policy does not cover me if I need to cancel/postpone my trip due to COVID 19. Is there a stand alone policy I can purchase to cover cancellation / postponed trip due to COVID before I leave? Many thanks

Hi Kaylene,

Yes you can check some options for covid cover when travelling here: https://www.finder.com.au/travel-insurance/covid-cover

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Domestic Travel Insurance

• What's covered
• Why choose us

Additional options

What is allianz domestic travel insurance.

Allianz Domestic Travel Insurance offers cover for a single trip within Australia. It’s designed to cover personal liability, luggage, unexpected trip cancellation, and more. 1 It’s also designed to provide cover for the insurance excess on your rental vehicle if you’re in an accident. 1

Plus, for an additional premium, you might be eligible to add Snow, Cruise and Adventure Packs, increase item limits, and apply for pre-existing medical condition cover. 1 See the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for all terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits that may apply.

What our Domestic Travel Insurance offers

• Benefits we offer
• What’s not offered
• Optional extras
• Accidental Death 1 If, during the period of cover for your journey:
• a) you’re injured, and due to that injury you die within 12 months of it occurring; or
• b) something you’re travelling on or in disappears, sinks or crashes and your body is not found within 12 months and you’re presumed dead;

we’ll pay the benefit limit payable under the Accidental Death benefit to your estate.

• Personal Liability 1,3 If you become legally liable to pay compensation for death or bodily injury to someone else – or physical loss or damage to someone else’s property – as a result of an accident that happens during your journey, we’ll cover you for:
• The compensation (including legal costs) awarded against you
• Any reasonable legal costs incurred by you for settling or defending a claim made against you, providing you have approval in writing from Allianz Global Assistance before incurring these costs
• Luggage, Personal Effects & Valuables 1 Cover is provided for your luggage and personal effects or valuables if, during the period of cover for your journey, they’re stolen, accidentally damaged or permanently lost. See Luggage, Personal Effects & Valuables in the PDS for the exceptions to this cover. 
• Luggage & Personal Effects Delay Expenses 1 If you need to buy essential items of clothing or other personal items because items of your luggage and personal effects are delayed, misdirected or misplaced by the carrier for more than 10 consecutive hours during the period of cover, we’ll reimburse you for the reasonable expenses you incur.
• Cancellation 1 If during the period of cover, your journey is cancelled, rescheduled or shortened because of circumstances that weren’t expected or intended by you and are outside your control, we’ll reimburse you:
• The non-refundable portion of unused travel and accommodation arrangements for your journey, that you’ve paid for before cancellation and can’t recover in any other way.
• For the value of frequent flyer points, air miles, loyalty card points, redeemable vouchers or similar schemes lost as a result of cancelling the related services, but only if you can’t recover your loss in any other way.

You can choose different levels of cover when you buy your policy.

• Additional Expenses 1 We’ll reimburse reasonable additional accommodation and travel expenses if you or your travel companion can’t continue your journey or your journey is otherwise disrupted due to any of the events described under the Additional Expenses section in the PDS.
• Travel Delay Expenses 1 If circumstances outside your control result in an unexpected delay to your journey of at least six consecutive hours during the period of cover, we’ll reimburse your reasonable additional meals and accommodation expenses 1 . 
• Theft of Cash 1 If cash, banknotes, currency notes, postal orders or money orders are stolen from your person during the period of cover for your journey, we’ll reimburse you up to the amount shown in the Table of Benefits in the PDS.
• Rental Vehicle Excess 1 If your rental vehicle is involved in an accident while it’s being driven by you and you're the nominated driver, or it’s damaged or stolen while in your custody, we’ll pay you the lesser of (up to your benefit limit) 1 :
• the amount specified that you’re liable to pay under the rental vehicle agreement, or
• the property damage for which you’re liable.

If you’re diagnosed by the treating medical adviser as unfit to return your rental vehicle to the nearest depot, we’ll pay the cost of returning the vehicle (up to the applicable benefit limit). Note: This cover only applies if:

• you hire a rental vehicle from a rental company or agency;
• you’re a nominated driver on the rental vehicle agreement; and
• the rental vehicle agreement specifies a maximum amount that you must pay if the rental vehicle is damaged or stolen. 
• 1.1 Overseas Emergency Assistance
• 1.2 Overseas Medical & Hospital Expenses
• 1.3 Funeral Expenses
• 1.5 Permanent Disability
• 3.3 Alternative Transport Expenses
• 4.3 Travel Documents, Transaction Cards & Travellers Cheques
• Adventure Pack 1,3 This optional pack is designed to cover a range of more adventurous sports and activities not automatically covered in your policy. For a list of what sports and activities are covered, refer to the activities listed in the PDS. You must be under 75 years at the time of issue of your Certificate of Insurance to buy this optional pack.
• Snow Pack 1,3,4,5 If you’re heading to the snow, this pack is designed to provide cover for you to take part in snow sport activities. Refer to the PDS for a definition of ‘Snow sport activities’ (Our Definitions) and full details of what the Snow Pack covers. You must be under 75 years at the time of issue of your Certificate of Insurance to buy this optional pack.
• Own Snow Sport Equipment if your snow sport equipment is stolen, accidently damaged, lost or delayed
• Snow Sport Equipment Hire
• Snow Sport Pack – to cover non-refundable unused pre-booked and pre-paid ski passes, ski hire, tuition fees or lift passes if you’re injured or become sick during your trip
• Piste Closure 
• Bad Weather and Avalanche
• Cruise Pack 1,4,5 This optional pack is designed to provide cover for you to participate in sea and ocean cruising. Refer to the PDS for a definition of ‘ Cruise or Cruising ’ and full details of what the Cruise Pack covers. 
• Medical cover while cruising
• Evacuation cover – Ship to Shore
• Cabin Confinement
• Pre-paid Shore Excursion Cancellations 
• Formal Cruise Attire Lost or Damaged  
• Formal Attire Delayed 
• Marine Rescue Diversion
• Increased Items Limits cover 1,6 You can choose a higher item limit for the loss or theft of, or accidental damage to, your luggage and personal effects by buying Increased Items Limits cover, additional to the plan type you choose. You can view the standard items limits cover for luggage and personal effects in the PDS. If you're planning on taking higher value items with you, such as camera equipment, you may want to consider covering them for a higher value.

Why choose us?

Thousands of satisfied customers, network of medical experts, emergency assistance available, we’re an established insurer.

For an additional premium, you may be eligible to add one or more of the following optional covers to provide additional cover for certain activities. For full terms, conditions, limits and exclusions read the PDS.

Snow Pack and Adventure Pack are only available for those aged under 75 at the time of issue of your Certificate of Insurance.

Adventure Pack 3,5

• Cover for 19 more adventurous activities

Snow Pack 3,4,5

• Lost, accidentally damaged or stolen snow sport equipment
• Cover for piste closure
• Bad weather and avalanche cover

Cruise Pack 4,5

• Cancellation cover for pre-paid shore excursions

Increased item limits 1,6

Ready to get started, frequently asked questions.

You may wish to consider Allianz Domestic Travel Insurance for travel within Australia if luggage and personal effects coverage and cancellation coverage are important to you, even when travelling domestically.

Allianz Domestic Travel Insurance includes cover for certain events out of your control such as cancellations and delays caused by inclement weather, which require you to seek alternative flights and/or accommodation. It also includes cover for lost or damaged luggage and personal items you take with you on your trip.

Make sure you read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to see all terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits that may apply. As with any financial product, you need to consider your own objectives, financial situation and needs before you buy.

Our Domestic Travel Insurance includes cover for trip cancellation if you or your travel companion are positively diagnosed with COVID-19 2 .

You may also receive a full or partial premium refund if you can’t travel because of unexpected border closures or mandatory quarantine periods due to of COVID-19. Find out more about our COVID-19 benefits and what we offer.

If your trip will consist of snow activities, ocean cruising or adventure activities you may want to consider buying a Snow, Cruise or Adventure Pack 1 .

For an additional premium, these packs will cover additional activities that are not automatically included in our policies.

You must be aged under 75 years at the time the Certificate of Insurance is issued in order to buy the Snow Pack and the Adventure Pack. You won’t have cover under Personal Liability benefit for any claims arising from, or in any way connected with your participation in any of the activities listed as covered adventure activities in the Adventure Pack or your participation in snow sport activities.

Our Snow Pack is designed to cover in certain circumstances, for your snow sport equipment and cost of re-hire as well as coverage for piste closure, bad weather and avalanche closure. This cover is subject to conditions, terms, limits and exclusions which are outlined in the PDS.

The Cruise Pack is designed to cover, subject to the terms of the policy, medical and hospital expenses if you’re injured or become sick on a cruise, ship to shore evacuation if required for emergency medical treatment, plus cover for cabin confinement, pre-paid shore excursion cancellation, marine rescue diversion, and formal attire that has been damaged, lost, stolen or delayed 4 .

Allianz Domestic Travel Insurance automatically includes cover for a wide range of activities such as golf or snorkelling. You can also buy an Adventure Pack if you’re planning on participating in adventure activities such as motorbike riding 1 , moped riding 1 , abseiling, deep sea fishing or zip lining. For full lists of the automatically included activities and the adventure activities covered by the Adventure Pack, see the PDS .

Allianz Domestic Travel Insurance plans are available for travellers of all ages, including senior citizens.

However, some of the additional packs available to buy have age restrictions. You must be aged under 75 years at the time the Certificate of Insurance is issued in order to buy the Snow Pack and the Adventure Pack.

The cost of Domestic Travel Insurance varies. You can get your quote online or over the phone to find out the cost of a Domestic Travel Insurance policy for your trip.

What may influence the cost of your policy are factors such as your age, if there are others listed on your policy like a spouse, partner or dependants, if you buy any additional options such as our Snow, Adventure and Cruise Packs, and any pre-existing medical conditions.

See the “Your Insurance Premium” section of the PDS for a list of factors taken into consideration when calculating your insurance premium.

We're here to help

Give us a call, or send us a message, follow us on, *conditions apply.

• Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits apply. For full details and before making a decision, consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) .
• Policy terms, conditions, limits, exclusions, and sub-limits apply to particular types of losses, premium refunds (full or partial) or claims. This product has a general exclusion, with limited exceptions, against epidemics and pandemics. That means we don’t cover claims that arise from, or are related to, an epidemic or pandemic. However, you’re covered under selected benefits in this product if, during your period of cover, you’re positively diagnosed as suffering a sickness recognised as an epidemic or pandemic, such as COVID-19. Refer to the PDS to see which benefits offer cover in the event you contract a sickness recognised as an epidemic or pandemic, and the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions that apply.
• You won’t have cover under Permanent Disability and Personal Liability benefits for any claims arising from your participation in any of the activities listed under Adventure Pack or your participation in snow sport activities. Refer to the Permanent Disability and Personal Liability sections of the PDS for details.
• Sub-Limits apply. Refer to the Optional Covers – Cruise Pack and Snow Pack Policy Benefits section in the PDS for full details.
• You only have cover for these benefits if the relevant pack has been bought.
• The maximum we’ll pay for all claims combined under the Luggage, Personal Effects & Valuables Benefit is the benefit limit shown in the Table of Benefits in the PDS for the plan you’ve selected, even if you’ve bought Increased Item Limits cover.
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Any advice here does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits apply. Before making a decision about this insurance, please consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)/Policy Wording and Supplementary PDS (if applicable). Where applicable, the PDS/Policy Wording, Supplementary PDS and Target Market Determination (TMD) for this insurance are available on this website.

Travel Insurance is issued and managed by AWP Australia Pty Ltd ABN 52 097 227 177 AFS Licence No. 245631, trading as Allianz Global Assistance (AGA) as agent of the insurer Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFS Licence No. 234708 (Allianz). Travel Insurance is underwritten by the insurer Allianz. Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits apply.

We don’t provide advice based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision, please consider the Product Disclosure Statement available on this website. If you purchase this insurance, AGA will receive a commission that is a percentage of the premium. Ask us for more details before we provide you with any services on this product.

• Travel insurance Compare our plans Popular benefits COVID-19 benefits International plans Domestic plans Comprehensive insurance Annual multi-trip Inbound plan Cruise Ski & snowboard Motorcycle & moped Adventure activities Seniors Medical conditions
• Emergency assistance
• Travel alerts Cover-More App
• Manage policy

Holiday more, worry less – pack our travel insurance

• Not sure? See full destination list.

Did you know we have an award-winning app?

It's as good at getting you out of a tight spot as it is at giving out travel tips.

Discover our app

How do I find the best travel insurance plan for my next adventure?

Budget or blowout, high-end or low-key, only you can know which level of cover is right for your trip – we just want to help you have fun while you travel, safely. Bag packed? Let’s go!

International Basic

Does what it says on the tin – budget-friendly cover when you just want to cover the essentials.

Pre-trip cover if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19

On-trip cover if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19^##

Unlimited~ overseas emergency medical expenses^

Up to $5,000 luggage cover

Existing medical conditions cover available

Optional cancellation cover

Single trip policies

Annual multi-trip policies^

Rental vehicle insurance excess

International Comprehensive

More cover and higher benefit limits so you can worry less. It’s our most popular plan for a reason.

Pre-trip cover if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19#

On-trip cover if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 while travelling^##

Up to $15,000 luggage cover*

Single trip or annual multi-trip^^ policies

Rental vehicle comprehensive cover

Our ‘more is more’ plan. Think of it as ordering the ice cream sundae with all the trimmings.

Up to $25,000 luggage cover*

Business trip benefits

Compare what’s covered

Important bits for you to know:

* Item limits apply.

~ Cover will not exceed 12 months from onset of the illness, condition, or injury.

^ For cruise-related expenses, Cruise Cover must be included in the policy. There is no cover for cabin confinement related to COVID-19.

^^ Policy availability subject to age, trip duration and area of travel. Policies may not be available to all travellers.

# Up to $5,000 per policy (or the amount chosen if this is less) applies to International Comprehensive Plan and Comprehensive+ Plan policyholders with Amendment or Cancellation Costs cover included. You must be diagnosed with COVID-19 and certified by a qualified medical practitioner as being not fit to travel for cover to apply.

## Up to $5,000 per policy (or the amount chosen if this is less) applies per policy for policyholders with Amendment or Cancellation Costs cover included. You must be diagnosed with COVID-19 and certified by a qualified medical practitioner as being not fit to travel for cover to apply. A special excess applies.

Still thinking about COVID-19?

Gone but not forgotten – in case COVID-19 joins your trip despite not being invited, you’ll have cover for:

Unforeseen overseas emergency medical costs*~#

Unanticipated amendment or cancellation costs*^

Unexpected additional expenses*#^

Discover our COVID-19 Cover

*Limits, sub-limits, conditions, and exclusions apply.

▵Pre-trip Amendment or Cancellation Costs cover is only available on our Comprehensive Plan and Comprehensive+ Plan.

~Medical cover will not exceed 12 months from onset.

#Cover for medical costs related to COVID-19 is not available on our Domestic Plans.

^A special excess will apply.

You can travel more, do more, smile more – and we’ll Cover-More

More control

You choose the right plan and cover options for your trip. (You holiday your way, we’ll do the rest.)

More confidence

Access to an award-winning 24/7 assistance team. (They know how to get you out of a pickle.)

More laughs

Get automatic cover for 80+ activities. (Novices or experts – everyone’s welcome.)

More wisdom

We’ve been doing this for more than 35 years. (Yes, we know what we’re doing.)

Had a holiday hiccup?

Don’t worry – you can submit a Cover-More travel insurance claim online at any time, from anywhere.

Need emergency support, fast? We’re here for you, 24/7

More ways to make your cover yours.

Doing more than simply sitting under a beach umbrella on your upcoming trip? We can help you vary your cover, so you travel your way, safely

Setting sail?

Are you heading out onto the ocean or the sea for two nights or more? Then you’ll need to include our Cruise Cover.

Hitting the slopes?

Before you set foot on the snow at home or overseas, choose one of our two levels of Snow Sports Cover.

Adrenaline junkie?

If you like raising your heart rate, you might want to consider one of our two levels of Adventure Activities Cover.

Love two wheels?

Planning to travel on a motorcycle or moped as the driver or passenger? Check out our Motorcycle/Moped Cover.

True travel claims stories: our Cover-More travellers share their tales

When it comes to unexpected incidents, we’ve seen it all (and then some). But this is good news for you: when you travel with a Cover-More travel insurance policy, you can worry less knowing you’ve got a caring team by your side, 24/7.

Mosquito bite in Bali

For a small insect, mosquitos are might powerful… Shannon was bitten by a one in Bali and got Dengue Fever, but we were there to help her get the care she needed.

"Cover-More were absolutely fantastic. I wasn't responding well to medical treatment, so they flew in a specialist from Singapore to accompany me all the way home. I'm so glad I had Cover-More travel insurance."

Boating mishap in Thailand

Natalie went to Thailand for a good time but ending up being involved in a speedboat crash (ouch!). We were there to help her get the care she needed for her fractured pelvis and brain haemorrhage.

"Luckily I had Cover-More insurance. They took care of everything and made sure we had the best medical treatment available."

Broken bones in Poland

Irene didn’t plan to end up falling and getting a bad fracture in Poland when she was there visiting family… but lucky she had us to help cover her extensive medical costs.

"Amazing. I can't praise them highly enough. Wonderful, wonderful people... Nobody should travel without insurance."

More care, less worry - try our Cover-More travel insurance for your holiday

Caring is sharing… useful travel tips.

Whether you’re about to get your first passport stamp or you’ve been collecting them for years, every day can be a school day. What will you learn about travelling today?

9 common travel insurance myths

We separate fact from fiction so you can get the truth about the benefits of travel insurance.

3 ways our assistance team can help you

We’re not just here to help you with catastrophic situations, we can help with the small stuff, too.

7 ways our app can help you travel smarter

You’ll be trip-ready with travel tips, safety advice and more, all in the palm of your hand.

Cover-More travel insurance FAQs

We want you to have a fantastic holiday. But if something goes wrong? Don’t worry – we’ll be here for you. Discover more about our cover and how we can help you on your next holiday now.

What does Cover-More travel insurance cover?

Like you, we know how exciting travel can be, but we also know every traveller is different and has different needs. You might be a backpacker on a tight budget or a senior spending the kids’ inheritance on a bucket list trip (go you!), which is why we cover lots of things.

Whoever you are, and however you like to travel, we offer cover for more than 80 fun-packed activities in all our base plans, from abseiling to archery, camel riding to canyoning, and snorkelling to sandboarding, and many more. We’ve also got optional cover for cruises, snow holidays, and motorcycling!

And, while we hope you’ll never need to ask, we’re also here to help if something goes wrong. You can contact us 24/7 for assistance, which means you’ll never be on your own if your plans go a little pear-shaped.

We also have cover for less exciting things like flight delays, losing a bag, dropping a laptop, and much more. Plus, cover for emergency medical and dental costs overseas and COVID-19 (yes, it’s still lurking around…), and other unforeseen expenses that crop up while you’re away.

Want to know more? Have a poke around in our Cover-More travel insurance benefits page to learn more about our cover. You can also find the full details on all the benefits and benefit amounts included in our travel insurance plans in the PDS.

Ready to choose the right plan for you? You can compare our plans now or get a quote.

How do I get a Cover-More travel insurance quote?

It’s easy and fast, promise. Just fill in the quote box at the top of our Cover-More homepage (or any page across the entire site – take your pick!) with all your trip details and hit the big orange ‘Get quote’ button.

You’ll then see the plan(s) we have that are suitable for your trip based on the details you’ve shared, plus have the chance to vary your policy with extra cover options and declare any existing medical conditions.

To make sure you get the best quote for you, use our travel insurance checklist to help you through the process.

It should be walk in the park, which is hopefully the vibe of your upcoming trip, too.

Does Cover-More have an app?

Of course we do – we're quite modern, you know – and it’s award-winning!

Our Cover-More app not only provides you with your policy in your pocket, but it also offers tips about your destination, can send you real-time safety alerts about incidents nearby as you’re travelling, and gives you tap-to-call access to our brilliant 24/7 emergency assistance team.

You can download it here. You’ll love it. (We do.)

Can I cancel my Cover-More travel insurance policy after I’ve bought it?

Absolutely! You are free to go... but do know we’ll miss you.

We offer a 21-day cooling-off period if you decide not to take us with you on your trip.

To be eligible to cancel your travel insurance policy during this period, you’ll need to still be at home (i.e. you haven’t started your trip yet) and not have made a claim or intend on making a claim.

If you want to find our more, take a peek inside the PDS.

Where can I find the Cover-More travel insurance PDS?

Great question! You can access the PDS here →

We like to think of the PDS as your travel insurance guru – it tells you everything you need to know, including what you’re covered for and what you’re not. Yes, it’s got all the information we could possibly tell you about your cover, so reading it means you ensure you’ve got the right cover for your trip before you’ve even let home.

Even though it sounds a bit dull (it is a bit), keeping it handy when you travel is also something to consider. But don’t worry – we make this easy for you. Once you’re a Cover-More customer, you’ll receive your policy details via email, but if you download our app, it’s super easy to access your policy detail and the PDS in there, too.

How can I contact Cover-More?

Whether it’s via our app, email, or phone, we'd love to hear from you.

If you’re already travelling and it’s an emergency, please contact our emergency assistance team on +61 2 8907 5619 from anywhere in the world. If you’ve got our app, open it and tap the assistance button at the bottom and follow the prompts to connect with us.

If you’re still in Australia and have a question about your Cover-More travel insurance policy, our cover, or anything that isn’t an emergency, our customer service team can help on 1300 72 88 22. If you’ve got a question about a claim, our claims team can chat to you on 1300 36 26 44. Both teams will be around to answer your call during these hours:

• Monday-Friday: 8am – 7pm AEDT
• Saturday: 9am – 4pm AEDT
• Sunday: 10am – 3pm AEDT

Does Cover-More travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?

The answer is yes! We don't think a medical condition should stop you exploring the world, and neither should you.

We're rather proud of our travel insurance plans, even more so because we provide cover for many existing medical conditions in our base plans. (Our existing medical conditions cover page has lots of useful information about this – including the conditions you’ll need to meet for this cover to apply.)

Some medical conditions are a bit complex (and some travellers have more than one), which is why we have an online medical assessment that allows you to easily declare all your conditions so we can quickly tell you if we can provide you with cover.

Good to know: After you take the assessment, including cover in your policy for some conditions may mean you’re charged an extra premium, while some we can include in your policy for no additional cost. To find out, get a quote and take the assessment.

Want to learn more about our cover for medical conditions? We share all our helpful information on our existing medical conditions cover page.

How do I make a Cover-More travel insurance claim?

We’re sorry you've had a travel mishap, but the good news is this: we’ve made it super easy for you to make a travel insurance claim online using our online claims tool. It’s available 24/7, so you can submit your claim from anywhere, at any time. (Just make sure you lodge it within 60 days of arriving home!)

Our travel insurance claims page explains all the information you’ll need, including what documentation you’ll need to support your claim and when to let us know about any incident that leads to your claim. But, if you need us, we’re here to help on 1300 36 26 44.

How long do I have to lodge a Cover-More travel insurance claim?

Don’t keep it to yourself – if something goes wrong on your trip, let us know ASAP. All you need to do is fill out an online claim form within 60 days of the return date shown on your Certificate of Insurance.

Worried you might miss the 60-day deadline because you’re waiting for or missing documentation? Don’t stress – just contact our claims team on 1300 36 26 44 to let them know, and then submit the elements of your claim you do have while you’re waiting.

Got more questions? You’ll find everything you need to know about making a claim here.

How many children are allowed to travel on a Cover-More travel insurance policy?

Bring the whole gang – we don’t care! Actually, we do care – the more, the merrier.

The maximum number of accompanying children on our leisure and business policies is 10, they just have to be your own children or grandchildren and have the same itinerary as you.

Because we like to show you the ‘big print’, all the children must be:

• travelling with you
• financially dependent on you and
• not in full-time employment.

Does Cover-More travel insurance have an age limit?

What do they say, ‘You’re only as old as you feel!’? We think you’re never too old to explore the world. (Well, maybe at 100 you need to pop your feet up…)

We cover travellers up to 99 years old – right up until you get your letter from King Charles III. We value our senior travellers, and you can find out more about our travel insurance cover for seniors here.

Can I buy a Cover-More travel insurance policy if I’m already overseas?

Too busy jumping on your suitcase trying to get the zip closed to buy travel insurance? Don’t worry – you can still buy our Cover-More travel insurance once you’re on the road, but you’ll have to wait three days until your cover kicks into gear, so be good during that time!

The PDS is the font of truth and will explain all – check it out if you want to know more.

Can I edit my Cover-More travel insurance policy after I’ve bought it?

You betcha. You can make changes right up until the trip start date on your Certificate of Insurance, and you can amend details including traveller names, contact details, travel dates, your cover, and more’ (although there are a few details that are unable to be changed – sorry!).

Our Manage My Policy portal is your one-stop shop for making changes to your travel insurance policy. You’ll need to have your Certificate of Insurance and your mobile phone number handy to access it. Our FAQs will help if you need to know more.

Don’t want to change your policy details online? Not able to make the changes you want to online? Call our friendly team on 1300 72 88 22 – they can also help.

What company owns Cover-More travel insurance?

Are you sitting comfortably? Yes? Then we’ll begin…

Cover-More Group is the parent company of Cover-More travel insurance, and Cover-More Group is owned by Zurich Insurance.

Oh, and the underwriter for Cover-More Australia is Zurich Australian Insurance Limited.

Keeping up? Well, you did ask.

Why should I consider buying Cover-More travel insurance?

Ahem, shouldn’t you be asking why shouldn’t I consider buying Cover-More travel insurance?

We know we’re great at what we do, but here’s why you can feel good about travelling with us:

• We’ve taken care of more than 15 million travellers since 1986, providing them with quality travel insurance and help before, during, and after their trips
• We understand it’s important for you to feel safe and cared for while you travel so you can worry less, which is why we’re here for you 24/7
• We offer domestic, international, and inbound plans, so we can cover practically any trip and any traveller
• We provide cover for 80+ activities in our base plans so you can ditch the sun lounger to raise your heartbeat, safely
• You can access our global emergency assistance support no matter when or where you need our help. If you don’t believe us, ask Irene
• We’ve won (lots and lots of) awards
• We’re not afraid to talk about (OK, brag) about all the trips we’ve taken. We can’t stop travelling and we won’t stop travelling – it’s our passion.

• Join CHOICE

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Based on intensive lab testing across 200+ product and service categories.

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If you're going overseas, travel insurance is just as essential as your passport. Use our free comparison tool to narrow down international single trip and annual multi-trip policies from 27 insurers, offering cover for COVID-19, existing medical conditions, car rental and more.

Travel insurance is a portable version of health, home, contents, life, public liability, and car rental excess insurance all packaged in one to take on holidays with you. But with all those insurances piled into one product, navigating your way through the terms and conditions to find the loopholes can be very challenging.

Use our travel insurance comparison to narrow down your options and make sure you're getting the best cover for your needs when on holiday.

List of brands we tested in this review.

• Battleface 2
• Cover-More 5
• FastCover 4
• Flight Centre 4
• Go Insurance 4
• InsureandGo 3
• Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) 3
• Tick Travel Insurance 4
• Travel Insurance Direct 3
• Virgin Australia 5
• WAS Insurance 2
• World Nomads 2
• World2Cover 4

The average cost of the policy compared to other policies of the same type (single trip or annual multi-trip). One $ sign is the cheapest through to five $$$$$ the most expensive. NA means the policy wasn't included in the price rating.

enter value/s in increments of 1 between 0 and 0

Policy type

• One trip 65
• Policy age limit

In years (up to and including the number stated). For policies listed as '100+', there is no age limit.

Does the policy cover international cruises?

• Optional 71

Medical expenses for COVID-19

Whether the policy covers you for medical and emergency evacuation and repatriation expenses for claims arising directly or indirectly from COVID-19. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Cancellation expenses for mental health

Whether the policy covers you for cancellation expenses for claims arising directly from recognised mental health disorders experienced for the first time such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or PTSD. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

• Cancellation for insolvency of a travel services provider

Whether the policy covers you for losses arising out of insolvency of a travel services provider (e.g. airline, accomodation provider, bus line, shipping line, railway company, motor vehicle rental agency). Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Cancellation expenses for a natural disaster

Whether the policy covers you for cancellation expenses for claims arising directly or indirectly from a natural disaster. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Cancellation expenses for civil unrest

Whether the policy covers you for cancellation expenses for claims arising directly or indirectly from civil unrest such as political protests, riots and strikes. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

• Baggage cover

Are stolen or damaged personal belongings covered

• Limit for baggage expenses

The overall limit for stolen or damaged personal belongings.

• Limit for a smartphone

Limit for a smartphone. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

• Limit for a laptop or tablet

Limit for a laptop or tablet. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

• Limit for rental car excess

Limit for collision damage excess for a hire car. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

• Scuba diving

Does the policy cover scuba diving if you are appropriately certified or diving with a qualified instructor?

Skiing and snowboarding on-piste

Does the policy cover skiing and snowboarding on-piste?

• Optional 82

Skiing and snowboarding off-piste

Does the policy cover skiing and snowboarding off-piste withing the resort boundaries?

• Optional 72

Tobogganing

Does the policy cover tobogganing on snow?

• Optional 50

Does the policy cover riding a moped with an engine capacity 50cc or below, with a helmet and driving license valid in the country the policy holder is in, but without an Australian motorcycle license

• Optional 32

Moped 125cc

Does the policy cover riding a moped with an engine capacity 125cc or below, with a helmet and driving license valid in the country the policy holder is in, but without an Australian motorcycle license

• Optional 28

Does the policy cover riding a motorcycle with an engine capacity above 125cc with an Australian motorcycle license and a helmet?

• Optional 34

Included in this comparison

• Price rating
• Dependant age limit
• Cancellation
• Pregnancy stage covered
• Childbirth costs
• Pre-existing conditions covered without application
• Pre-existing conditions covered on application
• Time period for existing conditions
• Medical expenses
• Expenses for a person to accompany a sick policyholder
• Daily hospital cash allowance
• Hours of hospitalisation before receiving allowance
• Dental expenses for accident or injury
• Dental expenses for acute pain
• Overseas funeral costs
• Additional travel expenses for injury or sickness
• Additional expenses for interrupted travel
• Travel insurance extension for a delayed trip
• Additional expenses for a lost passport
• Additional expenses for a sick relative
• Additional expenses for resumption of journey interrupted for a relative
• Cancellation covered
• Cancellation expenses
• Cancellation for frequent flyer points
• Cancellation expenses for travel agent fees
• Cancellation for insolvency of a travel agent
• Cancellation expenses for redundancy
• Cancellation expenses for defence and emergency workers
• Cancellation expenses for cancellation of work leave
• Cover for transport incidents
• Cover for strikes
• Cover for mental health
• Cover for COVID-19
• Cover for pandemics
• Cover for natural disasters
• Cover for civil unrest
• Cover for terrorism
• Cover for war
• Additional expenses for a special event
• Additional expenses for pre-paid travel arrangements
• Limit for travel delay expenses
• Hours before travel delay covered
• Limit per 24 hours for travel delay
• Limit for a single unspecified item
• Limit for a video or photo camera
• Limit for prescribed medications
• Overall limit for specified items
• Cover for baggage in a car during the day
• Cover for baggage in a car overnight
• Cover for valuables in a car
• Cover for lost or stolen cash
• Limit for baggage lost temporarily
• Hours before cover applies for baggage lost temporarily
• Rental car excess
• Snow sports
• Mopeds and motorcycles
• Bungee jumping
• Horse riding
• High altitude hiking
• White water rafting
• Paragliding
• Hot air ballooning
• Hang gliding

Displaying all 91 products

• Brand (A-Z)

Limit for additional meal and accommodation expenses if scheduled transport is delayed.

Your filters

This overall score is based on our expert assessment of what the policy covers, price and how easy it is to understand and buy. A higher score is better.

1Cover Comprehensive

1Cover Frequent Traveller

1Cover Medical Only

AANT Annual Multi-Trip

AANT Basics

AANT Essentials

AANT Premium

AHM Comprehensive

AHM Comprehensive Multi-Trip

AHM Medical Only

Battleface Covid Essentials

Battleface Discovery

Cover-More Basic

Cover-More Comprehensive

Cover-More Comprehensive Multi-Trip

Cover-More Comprehensive Plus

Cover-More Comprehensive Plus Multi-Trip

FastCover Basics

FastCover Comprehensive

FastCover Frequent Traveller Saver

FastCover Standard Saver

Flight Centre Multi-Trip YourCover Essentials

Flight Centre Multi-Trip YourCover Plus

Flight Centre YourCover Essentials

Flight Centre YourCover Plus

Go Insurance Go Basic

Go Insurance Go Basic Annual Multi-Trip

Go Insurance Go Plus

Go Insurance Go Plus Annual Multi-Trip

InsureandGo Bare Essentials

InsureandGo Gold

InsureandGo Silver

Jetstar Comprehensive

Medibank Comprehensive

Medibank Medical Only

Medibank Multi-Trip Comprehensive

NIB Annual Multi-Trip

NIB Comprehensive

NIB Essentials

NRMA Comprehensive

NRMA Comprehensive Multi-Trip

NRMA Essentials

Qantas Annual Multi-Trip

Qantas International Comprehensive

RAA Essentials

RAA Multi-Trip

RAA Premium

RAC Annual Multi-Trip

RAC Comprehensive

RAC Essentials

RAC Medical Only

RACQ Annual Multi-Trip

RACQ Premium

RACQ Standard

RACT Annual Multi-Trip

RACT Comprehensive

RACT Essentials

RACV Annual Multi-Trip

RACV Basics

RACV Comprehensive

RACV Essentials

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) Annual Multi-Trip

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) Comprehensive

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) Medical Only

Tick Travel Insurance Basic

Tick Travel Insurance Budget

Tick Travel Insurance Standard

Tick Travel Insurance Top

Travel Insurance Direct Annual Multi-Trip

Travel Insurance Direct Basics

Travel Insurance Direct The Works

Virgin Australia International Plan (bought with flight purchase)

Virgin Australia Travel Safe International

Virgin Australia Travel Safe International Multi-Trip

Virgin Australia Travel Safe Plus International

Virgin Australia Travel Safe Plus International Multi-Trip

WAS Insurance Covid Essentials

WAS Insurance Discovery

Webjet Travel Safe International

Webjet Travel Safe International Multi-Trip

Webjet Travel Safe Plus International

Webjet Travel Safe Plus International Multi-Trip

World Nomads Explorer

World Nomads Standard

World2Cover Annual Multi-Trip

World2Cover Basics

World2Cover Essentials

World2Cover Top

• Insurance provider

Product selected for a detailed comparison

Travel Insurance Guide

• Discover what’s included in travel insurance
• Learn how to research and compare policies
• Find the best coverage for your holiday

What Is Travel Insurance And How Does It Work?

No one ever expects their dream holiday to go wrong, but if it does, travel insurance can make the experience much less stressful and expensive than it would have been. It can also help ensure that life-saving medical treatment can be accessed, and provide you with the necessary stop-gap funds to get your holiday back on track. While travel insurance can help guard against bad luck on the road, it will not cover sheer foolishness or any intentional harm you cause. 

Generally speaking, there are three tiers of travel insurance coverage:

• Domestic travel insurance for travel around Australia.
• Basic international travel insurance, which usually only includes medical cover.
• Comprehensive international travel insurance which includes medical, cancellations, luggage and other aspects

According to statistics, things do frequently go wrong for Aussies overseas. One in four experienced an insurable event on their last overseas trip, according to a survey by Smartraveller, a travel advice website by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 

Falling ill and needing to be flown home can result in a bill that sets yourself or your family back hundreds of thousands of dollars. That is why, for many people, the peace of mind of a travel insurance policy allows them to relax and enjoy their holiday — no matter what occurs.

Is Travel Insurance Really Necessary?

Many travellers regard travel insurance as necessary as their passport and wouldn’t leave home without it. In fact, some countries require it before you can pass their immigration gates, and some cruise ships won’t let you board the vessel without having a cruise-specific policy in place. 

Furthermore, since the COVID-19 pandemic, a growing number of countries require travel insurance. 

Be sure to check the requirements of the destination, as it is an evolving situation and approximately 50 countries require some form of coverage. For example, the 26 countries in Europe that make up ‘Schengen Countries’ may have specific requirements regarding what insurance their embassies will accept before issuing a visa.

Australia has reciprocal health arrangements with 11 countries, which means that it may be possible to access publicly funded healthcare. However, Smarttraveller recommends taking out travel insurance regardless because medical costs overseas can quickly run into tens of thousands of dollars.

Will Travel Insurers Pay Out?

In the 2016-17 financial year, Australian travellers lodged almost 300,000 insurance claims. Around 85% of those received payouts, according to CHOICE data . Of the claims that were declined, many were because the traveller had misunderstood the policy they’d bought.  

Understanding what can and cannot be claimed will help ensure that you take out the correct policy. It pays to be an informed consumer.

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Travel insurance covers the costs in the event of something going wrong while travelling, and these costs could far exceed the price paid for insurance. The most common costs that travellers incur are cancellation fees, fees for changing travel dates and the costs associated with losing baggage. 

Many travel agents also offer travel insurance when they sell flight tickets or tours, but it is also possible to buy a policy online. The main categories of travel insurance are for cancellations or trip interruption, baggage and personal effects coverage, medical coverage, and accidental death or flight accident coverage. The damage cover can apply to personal property or something hired, like a rental car. 

Coverage also often includes around-the-clock emergency assistance, such as replacing lost passports, cash wire assistance, and rebooking cancelled flights.

According to Smartraveller, the most common insurable events are:

• Flight or tour cancelled.
• Flight delayed more than 12 hours.
• Missing a connecting flight.
• Receiving medical treatment.
• Lost / damaged / stolen luggage.
• Lost / damaged / stolen cash or items.
• Forced to cancel the trip before departure.

Medical Expenses

As mentioned above, Australia has  Reciprocal Health Care Agreements  (RHCA) with 11 countries for Medicare cardholders, however there are a number of exclusions that apply and it is not recommended that travellers rely on such arrangements in the event of sickness or an accident. 

Canada and the US have the most expensive healthcare in the world. A single trip to the emergency room for a few stitches and some antibiotics can cost hundreds of dollars. 

Similarly, in a developing country without adequate medical facilities, the costs of an emergency evacuation can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars, and of course, lacking treatment can be life threatening, so it is equally important to take out travel insurance no matter where you are heading.

Family Emergency

If a family member gets sick or dies while the insurance policy holder is travelling or before they depart, travel insurance can help recover the cancellation costs. 

This could include pre-booked tickets and hotels, costs associated with returning home suddenly, or with resuming the journey at a later time. Always check the policy conditions, which define ‘relative and may apply certain limits with regards to age. 

The death or illness must also be unexpected and not an underlying condition.

Personal Liability

This covers third-party insurance claims. That is to say, if a traveller does something that causes loss to someone else, such as accidentally damaging their property or causing an injury, they will be covered. It does not cover intentional harm. 

Lost Luggage

This can prove highly inconvenient and costly, too, as many Australians have found in recent months as airlines have struggled to get bags to the right destination on time .

For the first 21 days, lost checked baggage is treated as delayed by the airline, during which time it is their responsibility to find it and return it.

What Is not Covered in Travel Insurance?

Insurers draw a line at providing cover for certain incidents or practices, such as high risk sports. According to their risk calculation, it simply is not financially viable for them to offer cover, either because the likelihood of an accident happening is too high, or the consequences too costly to pay for.

The following are common exclusions:

• Extreme sports such as skiing (although skiing may be possible as an ‘add on’).
• Leaving Your Belongings Unattended.
• Ignoring road rules.
• Travelling against Government advice.
• Claiming against an unapproved medical Condition. If you have a pre-existing medical condition or if you are waiting for test results or treatment but haven’t told the insurer, the policy may be void for any related claims.
• Engaging in reckless or dangerous activities such as heavy drinking and recreational drug use.
• Pregnancy. Some domestic travel policies won’t include pregnancy cover and those who do cover it will likely have strict conditions, such a single birth, uncomplicated pregnancy. The risk of complications, including giving birth, increases as you move towards the end of the third trimester.
• Cancellations – not all policies cover a cancellation, so make sure to read the fine print. 

How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance

Answering the following questions will help determine which policy is adequate for your needs:

How long are you going for?

While experts recommended travel insurance for the shortest of trips, the reality is that the longer your stay, the higher the chance things can go wrong. It pays to factor this in when you are considering the level of coverage you require.

Where are you going?

Planning an idyllic sojourn through New Zealand’s wineries or are you trekking through the wilds of Borneo? It makes all the difference. For example, if your destination is home to a range of medical facilities that can treat injured travellers then that is much more reassuring than needing to be choppered out for medical aid. If you are entering a territory without sufficient medical services then it may pay to look for unlimited medical cover. Apply this lense to all facets of your trip and ensure you are covered for the right things, and at the right amount.

What activities will you be doing while travelling?

While many travel insurance providers won’t cover extreme sports, many insurers do offer these as more expensive add-ons to your policy. Some insurers will cover certain extreme sports, but exclude others. Once again: do your research and find a policy with an add-on that works for you.

Will you be taking any valuables?

Research from Allianz Australia revealed that while two in five (39%) do not feel comfortable leaving their valuables at home, the majority of Australians, 68%, do not plan to insure their valuables when they take them on holidays.

As Allianz noted, this may mean many are hitting the road with the contents of their suitcases sometimes worth more than the holiday itself . If you’re taking valuables with you check that you can insure them, as well as the terms and conditions.

You may even be covered by your home and contents policy, under ‘portable contents’, for any valuables you take with you. Once again: Check with your insurer.

Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions?

A pre-existing medical condition does not mean you cannot be insured for travel insurance. You just need to do a bit of research to make sure your condition is covered and what the requirements are. For example, you may require a medical assessment by the insurer before the policy applies.

Cruising or Roaming? Types of Travel Insurance Policies:

There is a range of different types of insurance policies to suit all itineraries:

A worldwide policy covers an international trip of more than one nation.

Single destination

For travellers visiting just one country.

Cruise travel insurance provides cover in case of emergencies onboard the cruise ship, as well as on any shore excursions.

Backpackers

Backpacker insurance policies are generally offered and underwritten by  reputable companies, only they’re cheaper than a fully comprehensive single-trip policy. They focus on cover for the essentials, without all the bells and whistles. Some insurers are currently not offering backpacker policies due to the complicated health situation caused by the pandemic.

Working holiday

This will cover several types of work, including guide work (such as working as a tour guide, on bus tours or walking tours), manual work and non-manual labour. It will not cover hazardous work, such as work from heights.

This policy will cover members of a family in the event that one family member’s illness leads to the entire holiday being postponed, for example.

Different coverage levels are available for single travellers.

Activity cover

Certain activities can be purchased as add-ons to standard travel insurance, such as:

• Snow and ski

Annual Multi-trip

This is more economical for frequent flyers, as opposed to taking out a new policy for each individual trip. It typically provides coverage for unlimited travel over the course of a year. Some insurers are not currently offering this kind of policy due to the pandemic. 

How to Make a Travel Insurance Claim

The majority of insurers nowadays allow for online claims to be made, rather than relying on paper-based forms. There is often a phone number that policyholders can call for emergency assistance. 

Documentation will be required to prove the claim, and this may include medical and police reports, accommodation and tour details, and receipts for the expenses being claimed. In the event of a medical claim, the policyholder will pay the bill in full and then ask to be reimbursed.

Claim Denied: How to Make a Complaint

If you’re claim is rejected, there is recourse to challenge the decision if you believe it was not the right one. Complaints can be made to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) , which handles a range of consumer complaints. 

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What is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance, like health or car insurance, is protection from the financial cost of accidents and unplanned events when you travel. The traveller takes out a policy and, for an upfront fee, is insured in case they are injured overseas, become ill or experience flight delays and issues, such as cancelled flights or lost luggage. It’s not uncommon for travellers to never make a claim, prompting some travellers to wonder whether they need it. But what most travellers are actually buying with insurance is peace of mind in the event that something should go wrong.

How Far in Advance Should I Take Out Travel Insurance?

Buy a policy as soon as the travel dates are confirmed. That way it will cover for any change of dates or if you cannot leave for some unforeseen reason.

What is the Best Travel Insurance for Seniors?

There are a number of policies designed specifically for the needs of seniors, and many policies will cover pre-existing medical conditions provided they’re disclosed. Travel insurance for seniors typically provides coverage to those up to 99 years old.

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

The cost varies according to the destination, the activities and the person’s circumstances. Insuring a 10-day trip to Bali can start from as little as $2 – a holiday of the same duration to the United States may cost multiples of that.

If you can afford it, you may wish to increase the excess (the amount that must be contributed by the policyholder when making a claim). Doing so will reduce the premium.

Do I Need Travel Insurance Domestically?

It is a good idea to take out insurance to cover the risk of lost luggage and flight cancellations. As Australians are covered by the national Medicare system or their own private health insurance, most domestic travel insurance policies do not provide cover for medical expenses.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Bali?

In a word: yes. US visitors to Bali must show proof of health insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for Covid-related medical expenses. In Australia, while it’s not obligatory, the consulate-general in Bali strongly recommends travel insurance, pointing out that motorcycle bike accidents are extremely common and that evacuations are expensive. For example, a medical evacuation out of Bali to Perth or Darwin can cost as much as $23,000.

What kind of travel Insurance should I get for Bali?

That depends on what you intend to do in Bali. If you’re planning on lazing by a pool, and little else, then aim for unlimited medical expenses and forget the extreme sports add-on. If, however, you intend to hire a scooter or motorbike, make sure you are covered for these activities and check the fine-print or cover limits. In any case, it’s worth remembering that Australia has no reciprocal health agreement with Indonesia so make sure you take out comprehensive travel insurance that covers you generously for medical.

Should I use the Travel Insurance on my Credit Card?

Credit card travel insurance is automatically provided with many credit cards that come with higher annual fees. It requires activation , which could involve paying the airfare in full using the credit card. According to ASIC, more than half of all credit cards require this, while less than half required a minimum spend of between $250 and $1000 on prepaid travel costs, such as accommodation. If the policy suits the type of travel, it may be a good option.

What is the Cheapest Travel Insurance?

The most important consideration from a price perspective is getting value for money. There is little point in paying for extras that are not needed, or paying a relatively small amount for a policy that will not be of any help when most needed.

That said, shop around for the best deal. If buying through a travel agent, ask for a price reduction. They work on a commission and will be keen to include it as part of the travel package.

Do I Need to Read the Whole Travel Insurance Policy Document?

Insurance policies can be complicated, dry and lengthy. Not many people have time to read the product disclosure statement – if that’s you, make sure to read certain important parts, such as those below.

• The table of benefits, as it is the summary of cover.
• The policy cover section is split into “what we will pay” and “what we won’t pay”.
• General exclusions.
• Pre-existing conditions.

What Travel Insurance Company is the Best?

There is no single insurer considered best in market. However, doing your own research and comparing policies can help consumers weigh up the pros and cons of different providers. This is also important for getting the best value for money and avoiding insurers that don’t offer you value for money.

Will My Insurer Pay Out?

According to Smartraveller, 85% of travel insurance claims received payouts. The best way to be among them is to be well abreast of the travel insurance policy taken out. Buying the cheapest policy available may increase the likelihood of not having the right coverage and therefore being rejected.

Is My Mental Health Condition Covered by Travel Insurance?

In the past, insurers were reluctant to provide cover to those with mental illnesses. This is changing, and an increasing number of companies provide different degrees of cover for additional premiums. Some insurers may require an assessment to be carried out for specific conditions such as anxiety disorder, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and stress. Some policies may provide cover for mental illness if the traveller has not suffered or sought help for that condition in the previous five years. First-time episodes may be covered if sufficient medical documents can be provided.