best overseas travel insurance 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)

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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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.

Related content

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.

This page provides mature travellers with information to prepare for a hassle-free journey. Properly preparing before you travel will help you have a safe trip.

Browse our general advice pages on a range of travel topics, to learn what you need to know before you go.

Editorial note: We may not cover every product in this category. For more information, see our Editorial guidelines .

15 international travel insurance options for australians in 2024.

Travel insurance can be used to help cover costs associated with the loss or damage to your luggage and belongings.

You can also use it for unexpected medical emergencies, as some insurance companies provide 24/7 support anywhere in the world and may assist with your safe arrival home. 

It can be hard to compare international travel insurance policies in Australia because they come in all shapes and sizes, but with flexible options you can find the right balance between benefits and an affordable premium.

We’ve collected information about 15 travel insurance policies for Australians , looking at some of the areas to help you make your insurance policy decision that meet your needs.

Compare International Travel Insurance for 2024:

• Fast Cover Comprehensive For Coverage
• Cover-More Basic For Value Insurance
• NRMA Comprehensive For Frequent Travellers
• Qantas Travel Insurance (70+ Years) For Seniors
• Southern Cross Comprehensive (Family Cover) For Families
• nib Comprehensive For COVID-19 coverage
• Australia Post Basic For Medical Only
• Westpac Altitude Credit Card with Travel Insurance

Great Coverage

Fast cover international comprehensive.

• Unlimited Overseas 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance & Hospital Expenses
• Unlimited Overseas Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation cover
• Unlimited Trip Cancellation cover
• Trip disruption Expenses up to $50,000
• Travel delay cover up to $2,000.
• Permanent Disability cover up to $50,000
• Accidental death cover of up to $25,000
• Luggage & Personal Effects cover up to $15,000
• Policies can be customised to suit the type of trip you’re taking. This does not include all benefits that are included under the Fast Cover Comprehensive Policy.

Fast Cover International Comprehensive Policy

• Unlimited cancellation cover for non-COVID related cancellations, and up to $5,000 if your trip is cancelled or disrupted because of COVID-19.
• Medical screening available for medical conditions.
• Option to add cover for cruising, snow sports, motorcycle riding, rental vehicle insurance excess and the more adventurous adventure sports.
• Up to $15,000 benefit for luggage and personal effects
• High benefit for permanent disability at $50,000.

Fast Cover tells us that its International Comprehensive policies provide market leading medical coverage. Its Comprehensive policy includes COVID-19 Benefits with unlimited emergency medical expenses cover (including medical evacuations) and trip cancellation and disruption cover due to certain COVID-19 related events up to $5,000.

If you require cover for your existing medical conditions, they offer a simple online or over the phone medical questionnaire to help you obtain cover for those conditions.

Eligibility criteria, terms, conditions, limits and exclusions may apply, please consult the PDS and TMD for further information before you make any decisions to buy.

Good Value for International Travel Insurance

Cover more international basic plan.

• Unlimited overseas medical cover (including COVID-19)
• 37 pre-existing medical conditions covered automatically
• $5,000 cover for luggage and personal effects
• $2000 cover for emergency dental expenses
• Variable excess 
• Good value with reasonable cover for a low premium

Cover-More International Basic Plan

• Cancellation cover is additional/extra  and choosing a cover to include it will impact your premium
• Claim up to $5,000 if your trip is cancelled or disrupted because of COVID-19. However, you must have cancellation cover to receive this.
• $600 benefit to replace essential personal effects if your baggage is delayed
• Choose to pay an excess of $0, $100, or $200 on all claims. This will affect the amount you pay in premiums.

The Cover-More International Basic Plan offers impressive value with a very affordable premium. It covers the essential benefits a budget traveller needs for peace of mind, such as unlimited overseas medical cover. But there are also generous benefits not usually seen in cheap travel insurance, including $2000 dental cover and $600 for delayed luggage. Many cheaper insurance policies will not cover COVID-19 but Cover-More provides unlimited coverage for COVID-19 medical expenses, along with an optional $5,000 in COVID-related trip cancellation and disruption costs.

Annual Multi Trip Travel Insurance

Nrma international comprehensive plan.

• Annual cover for journeys of up to 60 days 
• Optional COVID-19 trip cancellation or disruption cover
• Unlimited overseas medical cover (including COVID-19) 
• 24-hour emergency assistance
• Variable excess
• High benefit for loss of income, permanent disability and accidental death

• Year-round cover to destinations over 250 km from your home
• Option to choose up to $10,000 to cover rental vehicle excess
• Claim up to $2,000 if you experience travel delays
• Claim up to $12,000 for luggage and travel documents
• $1,100 benefit to replace essential personal effects if your baggage is delayed
• Cover for loss of income ($45,000), permanent disability ($30,000), and accidental death ($30,000)

The NRMA International Comprehensive Annual Multi-Trip Plan covers an unlimited number of trips (up to 60 days each) for an entire year so you don’t have to take out a new policy for every journey. Cover limits apply to each trip, which means your policy is reset every time you go away. 

Choose the policy you need based on your travel habits, including the maximum trip duration (select between 30, 45, or 60 days), excess ($0, $100, or $250), and amount of cancellation cover.

However, NRMA doesn’t provide great automatic cover for pre-existing medical conditions so check the terms and conditions if you have ongoing medical concerns.

Travel Insurance for Seniors

Qantas international comprehensive travel insurance (70+ years).

• 40+ pre-existing medical conditions automatically covered
• Unlimited overseas medical cover (including for COVID-19)
• Unlimited overseas emergency dental expenses
• Unlimited trip cancellation cover
• Low standard excess of $100
• Qantas points can be earned on policy purchase

• 43 pre-existing medical conditions are automatically covered, including Osteoporosis and Osteopenia, Hypertension, and High Cholesterol (conditions apply).
• Claim up to $2,500 on travel expenses related to COVID-19, including trip cancellation or additional travel and accommodation costs.
• Claim up to $15,000 for luggage and personal effects, including $3,000 for replacement passport and travel documents

Qantas is one of the most common  travel insurance policies for seniors in Australia , with a policy specifically designed for senior citizens aged 70 and above. You won’t need to declare if you have one of the 43 medical conditions automatically covered but conditions generally require that you have no ongoing complications. 

Comfort is assured with $1,500 provided for travel delays, $500 for delayed luggage, and $2,500 for COVID-19 trip cancellation and disruption costs. For those who don’t meet the age requirements, Qantas has similar comprehensive insurance for seniors under 69 years old.

For Families

Southern Cross International Comprehensive (Family Cover)

• Free cover for all dependents under 21
• Choose trip cancellation cover to suit your travels 
• Extremely high cover for luggage and personal effects
• Generous cover for travel delays

• Option to select anywhere between $5,000 and unlimited trip cancellation cover (per journey, not per person) — but the amount you choose will impact your premium
• Claim up to $5,000 for trip disruptions or cancellations caused by COVID-19
• The combined cover for luggage and personal effects at $50,000
• $5,000 combined cover for baggage delays

Choose the Family Cover from Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) if you’re looking for impressive value and plenty of cover for all travellers. This policy automatically covers two adults and any dependent children who are under 21 years, not married or employed full-time, and depend financially on at least one adult listed on the policy. This NZ-based company provides one of the best family travel insurance policies for luggage and comprehensive options for COVID-19 expenses. No pre-existing medical conditions are automatically covered so if anyone in your family has an ongoing medical issue, they will need to apply for cover. 

International Travel Insurance with Covid Cover

Nib comprehensive plan.

• 40+ pre-existing medical conditions covered automatically
• $10,000 cover for coronavirus-related travel costs
• No age limit

nib Comprehensive Plan International Travel Insurance

• $1000 emergency dental cover
• Choose your own cancellation cover to suit you
• $12,000 cover for luggage, with $3,000 to replace passports and travel documents

nib Comprehensive is a great option if you’re looking for international travel insurance with thorough covid cover . Receive unlimited medical cover for COVID-19 and an unparalleled $10,000 in travel costs if your trip is affected by the coronavirus. That covers trip cancellation if a close relative or business partner back in Australia is hospitalised or dies due to COVID-19 while you’re away. 

Other benefits are mid-range or even on the low end. Total permanent disability cover is $12,500 and personal liability is $2.5 million. Most comprehensive policies provide $25,000 and $5 million in cover respectively.

Medical Only

Australia post international basic plan.

• Cover for COVID-19 self-isolation requirements
• 37 pre-existing medical conditions automatically covered
• Permanent disability and accidental death cover
• $5 million for personal liability cover

• Unlimited cover for the cost of medical treatment and emergency repatriation or evacuation.
• Claim up to $2,000 for emergency dental treatment
• $10,000 cover for permanent disability and accidental death
• $2,500 for additional expenses if you test positive for COVID-19 and need to self-isolate (with an additional $250 excess)

Credit Card with International Travel Insurance

Westpac altitude.

• Complimentary with Westpac Altitude Rewards credit cards
• Unlimited medical cover (including COVID-19)
• Luggage cover up to $20,000 per person
• Earn rewards points with every purchase

Westpac Altitude Complimentary International Travel Insurance

• Up to $2000 per person for emergency dental cover
• Up to $1600 cover for luggage delay
• Some of the best cover for accidental death and loss of income
• Provided with Westpac Altitude credit cards, including Altitude Rewards Platinum, Altitude Velocity Platinum, Altitude Qantas Platinum, Altitude Rewards Black, Altitude Velocity Black, Altitude Qantas Black
• Cover for up to 6 consecutive months of travel for Black credit cards and 3 consecutive months for Platinum cards. 
• To be eligible for the complimentary travel insurance, you need to be an Australian resident who has purchased a return overseas travel ticket beginning and ending in Australia. You must also charge at least $500 of prepaid travel costs to your card account before leaving Australia. 

Westpac Altitude credit cards are perfect for the frequent traveller looking to capitalise on their travel expenses and get comprehensive international travel insurance at the same time. Spouses and dependents (under 25 years old) will also be covered by the insurance if they’re travelling with you. 

As a bonus, you can choose from the free Altitude Rewards program or the Qantas or Velocity programs (with a $50 fee) to start earning points on your purchases.

Since Bank of Melbourne, BankSA, and St George are subsidiaries of Westpac, they offer the same benefits in their complimentary insurance policies, though different card fees, interests, and benefits may apply.

Compare other popular international travel insurance policies

While we’ve listed our top 8 international travel insurance policies, there are plenty more choices to consider. We’ve provided a comparison of travel insurance policies from brands you’ll be families with, such as Allianz, Medibank, and Bupa, along with others from less well-known companies like World2Cover.

Here’s an overview of their features, cover, and inclusions:

• Extremely high benefit for permanent disability and accidental death
• $5,000 cover for trip cancellation because of COVID-19

InsureandGo Gold Policy

• $15,000 cover for luggage and personal effects
• Cover available for travellers aged 100 years and under, although a premium surcharge applies for those over 50 years old.

InsureandGo Gold is a great alternative comprehensive travel insurance policy, with generous luggage, trip cancellation, and COVID-19 cover. It has the highest level of cover for permanent disability and accidental death (set at $50,000 each). But the policy has no automatic cover for any pre-existing medical condition and you will need to be assessed to receive cover for any ongoing medical issue.

• 24-hour assistance with registered nurses and doctors available
• Unlimited hospital and emergency evacuation expenses
• Emergency dental included in medical cover

Allianz Comprehensive Travel Insurance

• Claim up to $12,000 for luggage, including $5,000 for travel documents and credit cards
• Apply to have your pre-existing medical condition covered

The Allianz Comprehensive Plan has built-in flexibility so that you can choose the policy that works best for your needs and budget. You can choose the level of cover for trip cancellations and vary the base excess amount. However Allianz does not cover trip cancellations or disruptions caused by COVID-19. No pre-existing medical conditions are automatically accepted — you will need to apply for cover. 

• $12,000 cover for luggage and personal effects
• 15% off for Medibank or ahm health members

Medibank International Comprehensive

• Claim up to $5,000 for travel documents and credit cards
• Upgrade to the Annual Multi-Trip policy for annual cover for up to 60 days
• Up to 38 pre-existing medical conditions are automatically covered
• 21-day cooling off period

The Medibank International Comprehensive travel insurance policy is great if you’re already a Medibank or ahm health member since you’ll get 15% off the premium. Otherwise, it’s a mid-range policy for those looking for standard cover. The unlimited travel cancellation cover is its best feature, though it caps out at $5,000 for COVID-19 related cancellations (with an extra $500 excess).

• Australian-based case managers
• 15% off for Bupa Health Insurance members

Bupa Comprehensive Travel Insurance

• 24/7 emergency hotline with access to registered doctors and nurses
• Receive a full or partial refund on your premium if your trip is cancelled before departure because of COVID-19
• Apply for pre-existing medical insurance cover

If you have Bupa Health Insurance, it may be worth looking into Bupa international travel insurance since you’ll get 15% off the premium. The policy provides a 24/7 emergency hotline where you’ll have access to Australian-based case managers, along with registered doctors and nurses. Bupa doesn’t provide cover for trip cancellations caused by COVID-19, although if you’re affected by border closures or mandatory quarantine before departure, you may be able to cancel your policy and receive a full or partial premium refund.

• $3,500 cover for coronavirus-related travel costs
• Unlimited travel cancellation cover
• Generous cover for travel delay
• 38 pre-existing medical conditions covered automatically

World2Cover Top Cover

• $2000 emergency dental cover
• $15,000 cover for luggage, with $3,000 to replace passports and travel documents 
• Standard excess of $200 can be reduced to $100 or $0

If you’re looking for a great all-rounder with comprehensive COVID-19 benefits and generous cover for luggage and travel delays, you might want to look into World2Cover. Their Top Cover plan provides a combined $3,500 cover for cancellation costs, travel delays, and additional expenses due to COVID-19. 

• Unlimited cover for cancellation fees and lost deposits
• At least 38 pre-existing medical conditions covered automatically

1Cover Comprehensive International Travel Insurance

• $1,000 emergency dental cover
• Claim up to $15,000 for luggage and $5,000 for important travel documents
• Standard excess of $200 can be reduced to $100
• 2022 Experts Choice at the Mozo Awards

Awarded Mozo’s 2022 Experts Choice Award for high-quality travel insurance, 1Cover has great benefits for trip cancellation and disruption costs, with unlimited cover for cancellation fees and lost deposits, $5,000 for alternative travel expenses, and $2,000 for additional accommodation and travel expenses. However it provides no cover for trip costs (such as cancellations and disruptions) caused by COVID-19. 

• Up to $20,000 trip cancellation cover
• Up to $2,000 cover per person for trip delay expenses
• Cover for up to 6 consecutive months of travel 
• 24/7 support through Allianz Global Assistance

ANZ Complimentary International Travel Insurance

• Luggage benefit up to $12,000 per cardholder or spouse (dependants are included in the limit available to the cardholder or spouse)
• $50,000 benefit per person for permanent disability 
• Complimentary international travel insurance is provided with ANZ Frequent Flyer Platinum, Frequent Flyer Black, Rewards Platinum, Rewards Travel Adventures, Rewards Black, and Platinum credit cards. 
• To be eligible for the complimentary travel insurance, you will need to be an Australian resident who has purchased a return overseas travel ticket before leaving Australia. You must also charge at least $250 of prepaid travel costs to your card account before leaving Australia. 

ANZ offers complimentary travel insurance on its Platinum and Black personal credit cards. Spouses and dependents (under 25 years old) will also be covered by the insurance if they’re travelling with you. 

If extensive medical cover is important to you, this complimentary travel insurance might serve you well. Along with unlimited cover for medical expenses and evacuations, you can also claim up to $10,000 per person for loss of income, up to $50,000 per person for accidental death, and an unparalleled $50,000 for permanent disability — a benefit usually excluded from credit card travel insurance.

The best international travel insurance for Australians depends on a range of factors, including the level of cover you want and your budget. For comprehensive cover, it’s Fast Cover International Comprehensive . Cover-More’s Basic Plan offers the good value with extensive cover at an affordable premium while Australia Post International Basic Plan is excellent for medical-only cover. 

For frequent travellers, consider NRMA’s Comprehensive Annual Multi-Trip policy . For seniors, look at Qantas Comprehensive Insurance for 70+ years and for families, Southern Cross International Comprehensive Family Cover .

While insurance isn’t always mandatory for international travel, the Australian Department of Health says it is “as important as a valid passport”. Some countries, including those in the Schengen Zone, require proof of travel insurance as part of the visa application or a condition of entry. Since the pandemic, it is a requirement in many countries that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 medical costs. 

One of the best Australian travel insurance for COVID-19 claims is nib Comprehensive , which provides unlimited medical cover for COVID-19, along with $10,000 cover for trip costs if your travels are affected by coronavirus. 

Travel insurance may help cover any medical costs, trip delays or cancellations, and missing or delayed baggage, all of which can arise from international flying. While travel insurance isn’t a mandatory condition for flying, many countries require proof of travel insurance for entry. 

A number of factors influence the cost of your travel insurance, including:

• Your travel itinerary (the destinations and the types of activities planned)
• The level of cover (such as Essentials or Comprehensive)
• The excess you choose
• The number of people listed on the policy
• Pre-existing conditions you may want covered
• Extra cover you choose, such as ski cover or cruise cover. 

This means with most policies, you have a degree of control over how much you want to cover and how much you pay in premium.

Before making any purchase of any Travel Insurance product you should always read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination and see whether the products considered suit your needs. Products compared do not show all features that may be relevant to you and your trip.

We don’t act for or give any advice on the service provider or product and whether they are right for you generally or  personally. Please directly visit the relevant website of the above Travel Insurance provider for more information.

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For many people, buying travel insurance is like grabbing your toothbrush - a last-minute afterthought before rushing off to the airport. But preparing for a great holiday should also mean preparing for the holiday from hell... just in case. We show you how to pick the right level of insurance for your trip and how to understand the exclusions in the fine print. Plus, what you should know about the automatic cover offered by some credit cards. 

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Please Note - If you are cruising around Australia you need to select Pacific. With Regions, variances can apply for Bali, Indonesia, Japan and Middle East. You are not required to enter stop-over countries if your stop-over is less than 48 hours.

If you don’t know where you’re traveling to within the next 12 months, choose Worldwide to ensure you’re covered no matter where you go. If you’re travelling to multiple countries choose the region that you are visiting that is furthest away (excluding stopovers less than 48 hours). In most cases you will be covered for the closer regions as well. For example, if you choose Europe, you will also be covered in the Middle East, Asia and Pacific.

Worldwide means anywhere in the world

Americas means USA, Canada, South America, Latin America, Hawaii and the Caribbean

Europe means all European countries, including UK

Middle East refers to the area from Syria to Yemen; Egypt to Iran

Asia generally means Asia and the Indian subcontinent. For some insurers this excludes Japan*

Pacific means the South West Pacific, Australia and Indonesia/Bali*. Select Pacific for domestic cruises in New Zealand waters

New Zealand means domestic travel within New Zealand only

*Note: Variances apply for Bali, Indonesia, Japan and Middle East. Check that your destination is covered once directed to your chosen insurer’s site.

Best Travel Insurance

If you're looking for the best travel insurance options, you've come to the right place.  There are loads of comparison sites out there, but what sets us apart is that we know travel insurance better than anyone else.  Travel insurance is all we do, and we do it well.  It’s what we live and breathe. But, enough about us, let's talk about you. Choose the best travel insurance | Compare the best travel policies | What does travel insurance cover? | Tips for high quality | Best travel cover FAQs | Reviews

how do I Choose  the best travel insurance?

So how do you get the best travel insurance for your trip? This is not as simply answered as you may think! When it comes to travel insurance, finding the best travel insurance for your holiday requires you to think about the type of trip you are going on and the level of cover you need. It's about matching your needs and budget to the various travel insurance policies in the market and weighing up the options.

The following tips will guide travellers to find the best  travel insurance  for their next adventure:

1. Determine the type and level of cover you need

There are different levels of cover available to suit all needs and budgets. Holidaymakers should look at the cover available and work out what they need cover for and what they don’t. There is no point paying top dollar for luggage cover, if you're only travelling with a backpack and fresh undies.  The best travel insurance is one that covers you for your particular trip. Whether that's a once in a lifetime trip around-the-world or a  domestic  weekend break.  There's no need to pay more for cover than your trip requires.

Overseas medical cover is considered the most essential component of travel insurance. Medical expenses can be eye-watering when the government isn't fitting the bill, but thankfully, medical cover is standard in most basic travel insurance policies.  A basic policy will usually include overseas medical expenses and personal liability, which keeps you covered should you become ill or injured, or cause harm to anyone else whilst overseas. Comprehensive policies will include additional cover for things like trip cancellation, family emergency and accidental death. If you have pre-paid flights, tours or accommodation where you have outlaid significant cash upfront, a comprehensive policy that includes cancellation cover is a wise choice as you'll be protected for any prepaid holiday expenses should something unforeseen stop you from taking your trip. A mid-range or  comprehensive policy will also provide cover for your personal belongings.  If you're travelling with electronic devices such as laptops, cameras or smartphones, check out the 'per item' limits and add  high-value items where appropriate.

2. Compare, compare, compare

Comparing policies is a great way to find the right travel insurance for your needs. All insurers offer different benefits and pricing, so once you’ve identified what level of cover you need, the next step is to start comparing policies to bag yourself a bargain. Reading up on real customer experiences is also a great way to see which insurers travellers recommend. Unsurprisingly, our  travel insurance reviews  often reveal a different tale to testimonials featured on the insurers’ site.

3. Cheapest is not always the best

One of the biggest mistakes travellers make is purchasing a policy based on the  cheapest price . Selecting the cheapest might seem like a bargain, but it might mean you're missing out on some valuable cover. The key is to get the right level of cover at the best price.

4. Not all policies are created equal

When shopping around for travel insurance in Australia, you may notice that many different brands are underwritten by one of a few big insurers, such as Allianz Australia Insurance Limited, Chubb Insurance Australia Limited, Great Lakes, Lloyds of London, QBE Insurance Limited and others. Whilst they look similar at first glance, they will almost certainly not be the same. Each insurer negotiates a product policy and chooses what to include or exclude. So think about your trip and planned activities that you need cover for and pay attention to general exclusions.

5. Get the best bang for your buck

With so many travel insurers in the market, how do you really know who covers more than the other? The ideal policy is one that provides you with the cover you need, at the right price.  Some insurers definitely do cover more than others, but why pay for cover that you don't need!? Luckily, we've done the hard work for you. If you want to know who offers the best cover for expensive items, or who has the best single item limit - see  who really covers more  in our handy guide.  Alternatively, if you're looking to compare travel insurance quotes fast, then use our quoting engine to compare travel insurance quotes now.

6. Read the print - small or not

Whilst it can be extremely boring, the fine print in any policy needs to be read and understood. Understanding the insurance exclusions and loopholes will help you to avoid or at least understand when you're placing yourself in a situation that your insurer will not cover.  

which is the best  travel insurance for COVID COVER?

Compare the best travel Insurance

Please note, the table above shows the listed insurer's most comprehensive policy - international trips only The information provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account any particular personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your personal objectives, needs and circumstances.  Cover levels could change at any time.

WHAT DOES  TRAVEL INSURANCE COVER?

24/7 Medical assistance

Yikes, your mozzie bite has got infected and your lower leg has started going green...what to do!? Go to a hospital and all your bills will be covered by travel insurance – that’s what! Travel insurance covers your medical expenses for injury or illness including hospital stays, surgery, dental, prescription drugs and doctor visits. 

Cancellation cover

Sometimes trips just don't go to plan! An accident before your holiday puts a spanner in the works, or a natural disaster puts a dampener on your dream location. Cancellation benefits cover the cost of rearranging or cancelling your trip due to a range of unforeseen circumstances.

Lost or damaged luggage

It's a real pain in the ar*e when your stuff is lost, stolen or doesn't show up. At least if disasters happen on your holiday your policy will replace or reimburse you for your baggage and personal items if they disappear or are damaged.

Travel delays

You’re flights delayed, your train is late… but that doesn’t mean you should be out of pocket. If your transport is postponed due to an unforeseen reason, your out-of-pocket accommodation, meals, and transport costs would be covered until you get back on track.

Family emergency

Going on holiday should be oh so much fun! But there can be apprehension when leaving loved ones behind. Have peace of mind knowing that if any family emergencies happen while you’re away you’re covered to get home and be by their side.

Personal liability

A lawsuit would put a downer on your holiday. Relax as you're covered in the event that you are found to be legally liable for accidental injury or damage you may have caused to another person or their property whilst on your trip.  

How do I choose  high-quality travel insurance?

Travel insurance  faqs, which is the best travel insurance in australia.

The cover that is best suited to your trip depends entirely on you 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 work for you. Create a quote to start comparing prices and features.

How do I choose the right travel insurance?

There are over a hundred different travel insurers in Australia, so we forgive you for feeling a little frazzled about your cover. A good way to wittle down your options is to read some reviews to find out what past customers are saying about their experiences. Then once you have a few brands in mind, compare some policies and see which ones give you the best bang for your buck.

Does travel insurance have age limits?

Some policies have no age restrictions at all, others limit certain products (such as annual multi-trips ) to those under 65 years. Generally speaking however you can find a comprehensive policy no matter your age, you just might have to pay a little extra for the privilege in your vintage years.

Why should I buy compare travel insurance?

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 price direct from the insurer. 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 , Amex , Budget Direct , Insure and Go , Virgin Money , Zoom & more!

Reviews for the best travel insurance

Natalie Smith

Having travelled to over 40 countries, studied tourism management and worked as a flight attendant for over three years, Natalie knows more than a thing or two about travel! She’s an adventure-lover, whose favourite trips have been trekking Machu Picchu and volunteering in an animal shelter in the Amazon. Qualified in Tier 2 General Insurance General Advice and specialising in travel insurance for the last five years, she in passionate about helping travellers get the most out of their holiday.

 handy  tips to help you find cover

What activities are covered?

Are you a self-confessed adrenaline junkie? If you’re planning on doing some risky activities on your trip make sure you know if they’re covered, as not all of them are!

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.

COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL INSURANCE

Compare comprehensive travel insurance for holidays travelling overseas. Get unlimited medical cover, unlimited cancellation, over $15,000 luggage and more.

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Comparetravelinsurance.com.au is Australia’s leading comparison site solely focused on travel insurance.

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. This site compares the following brands: 1Cover, AllClear, Budget Direct, Downunder, Fast Cover Travel Insurance, Insure4Less, InsureandGo, iTrek, Simply Travel Insurance, Ski-Insurance, Travel Insurance Saver, Travel Insuranz, Wise Traveller, Zoom Travel Insurance . The directors and shareholders are common with companies i-Trek Pty Ltd, 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.

CoverDirect Pty Ltd owns and operates this website under AFS Licence 383590.  Located at Level 12, 338 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia.

For further information view our FSG and Terms of Use . Contact us by calling 1300 659 411.

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Top Travel Insurances for Australia You Should Know in 2024

Byron Mühlberg

Monito's Managing Editor, Byron has spent several years writing extensively about financial- and migration-related topics.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

Australia is known for its unique marsupial wildlife, breathtaking landscapes like the Great Barrier Reef and the Outback, and bustling cities including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Although travelling to Australia can be an accessible holiday destination for many people, out-the-pocket healthcare costs in the country tend to be expensive, so it's a very good idea to arrive there with travel insurance under your belt.

Luckily, online global insurances (known as 'insurtechs') specialize in cost-savvy travel insurance to Australia and other countries worldwide. Our list below explores the four services we believe provide the best deals for young travellers, adventurers, everyday holidaymakers looking for comprehensive but affordable coverage, and longer-term expats.

Australia Insurance Profile

Here are a few of the many factors influencing the scope and cost of travel insurances for Australia:

Best Travel Insurances for Australia

• 01. Should I get travel insurance for Australia? scroll down
• 02. Best medical coverage: VisitorsCoverage scroll down
• 03. Best trip insurance: Insured Nomads scroll down
• 04. Best mix for youth and digitial nomads: SafetyWing scroll down
• 05. FAQ about travel insurance to Australia scroll down

Heading to Australia soon? Don't forget to check the following list before you travel:

• 💳 Eager to dodge high FX fees? See our picks for the best travel cards in 2024.
• 🛂 Need a visa? Let iVisa take care of it for you.
• ✈ Looking for flights? Compare on Skyscanner !
• 💬 Want to learn the local language? Babbel and italki are two excellent apps to think about.
• 💻 Want a VPN? ExpressVPN is the market leader for anonymous and secure browsing.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Australia?

No, there's currently no legal requirement to take out travel insurance for travel to or through Australia.

However, regardless of whether or not it's legally required, it's always a good idea to take our health insurance before you travel — whether to Australia or anywhere else. For what's usually an affordable cost , taking out travel insurance will mitigate most or all of the risk of financial damage if you run into any unexpected troubles during your trip abroad. Take a look at the top five reasons to get travel insurance to learn more.

With that said, here are the top three travel insurances for Australia:

VisitorsCoverage: Best Medical Coverage

Among the internet's best-known insurance platforms,  VisitorsCoverage  is a pioneering Silicon Valley insurtech company that offers comprehensive medical coverage for travellers going abroad to Australia. It lets you choose between various plans tailored to meet the specific needs of your trip to Australia, including coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and travel disruptions. With its easy online purchase process and 24/7 live chat support, VisitorsCoverage is a reliable and convenient option if you want good value and peace of mind while travelling abroad.

• Coverage 9.0
• Quality of Service 9.0
• Pricing 7.6
• Credibility 9.5

VisitorsCoverage offers a large variety of policies and depending on your needs and preferences, you'll need to compare and explore their full catalogue of plans for yourself. However, we've chosen a few highlights for their travel insurance for Australia:

• Policy names: Varies
• Medical coverage: Very good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, mental health-related conditions, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Excellent - but only available for US residents.
• Customer support: FAQ, live chat and phone support
• Pricing range: USD 25 to USD 150 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: Lloyd's, Petersen, and others
• Best for: Value for money and overall medical coverage

Insured Nomads: Best Trip Coverage

Insured Nomads is another very good travel insurance option, especially if you're adventurous or frequently on the go and are looking for solid trip insurance with some coverage for medical incidents too. With Insured Nomads, you can choose the level of protection that best suits your needs and enjoy a wide range of benefits, including 24/7 assistance, coverage for risky activities and adventure sports, and the ability to add or remove coverage as needed. In addition, Insured Nomads has a reputation for providing fast and efficient claims service, making it an excellent choice if you want peace of mind while exploring the world.

• Coverage 7.8
• Quality of Service 8.5
• Pricing 7.4
• Credibility 8.8

Insured Nomads offers three travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences. We go through them below:

• Policy names: World Explorer, World Explorer Multi, World Explorer Guardian
• Medical coverage: Good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Good. Includes coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, lost or stolen luggage (with limits), adventure and sports activities, and many others.
• Customer support: FAQ, live chat, phone support
• Pricing range: USD 80 to USD 420 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: David Shield Insurance Company Ltd.
• Best for: Adventure seekers wanting comprehensive trip insurance

SafetyWing: Best Combination For Youth

SafetyWing is a good insurance option for younger travellers or digital nomads because it offers flexible but comprehensive coverage at a famously affordable price. With SafetyWing, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you're covered for unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. In addition, SafetyWing's user-friendly website lets you manage your policy, file a claim, and access 24/7 assistance from anywhere in the world, and, unlike VisitorsCoverage, you can even purchase a policy retroactively (e.g. during a holiday)!

• Coverage 7.0
• Quality of Service 8.0
• Pricing 6.3
• Credibility 7.3

SafetyWing offers two travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences, which we've highlighted below:

• Policy names: Nomad Insurance, Remote Health
• Medical coverage: Decent. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, repatriation, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Decent. Includes attractive coverage for lost or stolen belongings, adventure and sports activities, transport cancellation, and many others.
• Pricing range: USD 45 to USD 160 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: Tokyo Marine HCC
• Best for: Digital nomads, youth, long-term travellers

How Do They Compare?

Interested to see how VisitorsCoverage, SafetyWing, and Insured Nomads compare as travel insurances to Australia? Take a look at the side-by-side chart below:

Data correct as of 4/1/2024

FAQ About Travel Insurance to Australia

Travel insurance typically covers trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost or stolen luggage, travel delay, and emergency evacuation. Some travel insurance packages also cover medical-related incidents too. However, remember that the exact coverage depends on the insurance policy.

No, you'll not be required to take out travel insurance for Australia. However, we strongly encourage you to do so anyway, because the cost of healthcare in Australia can be high, and taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself if you need medical attention during your stay.

Yes, medical travel insurance is almost always worth it, and we recommend taking out travel insurance whenever visiting a foreign country. Taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself in case you need medical attention during your stay. In general, we recommend VisitorsCoverage to travellers worldwide because it offers excellent value for money and well-rounded travel and medical benefits in its large catalogue of plans.

Health insurance doesn't cover normal holiday expenses, such as coverage for missed flights and hotels, but in case you run into medical trouble while abroad, it may cover some or all of your doctor or hospital expenses while overseas. However, not all health insurance providers and plans offer coverage to customers while abroad, and that's why it's generally best to take out travel insurance whenever you travel.

Although there's overlap, health and travel insurance are not exactly the same. Health insurance covers some or all of the cost of medical expenses (e.g. emergency treatment, doctor's visits, etc.) while travel insurance covers non-medical costs that are commonly associated with travelling (e.g. coverage for missed flights, stolen or lost personal belongings, etc.).

The cost of travel insurance depends on several factors, such as the length of the trip, the destination, the age of the traveller, and the level of coverage desired. On average, travel insurance can cost anywhere between 3% and 10% of the total cost of the trip.

A single-trip travel insurance policy covers a specific trip, while an annual one covers multiple trips taken within a one-year period. An annual policy may be more cost-effective for frequent travellers.

Yes, you can sometimes purchase travel insurance after starting your trip, but it is best to buy it before the trip begins to ensure maximum coverage. If you do need to buy insurance after you've started your trip, we recommend VisitorsCoverage , which offers a wide catalogue of online trip and medical insurance policies, most of which can be booked with immediate effect. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

Yes, you can most certainly purchase travel insurance for a trip that has already been booked, although we recommend purchasing insurance as soon as possible aftwerwards to ensure all coverage is in place before your journey begins. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

See Our Other Travel Insurance Guides

Looking for Travel Insurance to Another Country?

See our recommendations for travel insurance to other countries worldwide:

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Compare international travel insurance

Want to get cover for a trip overseas? Here at Mozo we compare multiple international travel insurance policies from a number of providers. You can also read through a long list of frequently asked questions, from what international travel insurance is to travelling overseas during the pandemic. Your travel insurance journey begins here!

International travel insurance comparisons on Mozo - last updated 19 April 2024

Mozo experts choice awards won:

• Exceptional Value Ski Travel Insurance - 2024
• Exceptional Value Essential Travel Insurance - 2024
• Exceptional Value Comprehensive Travel Insurance - 2024

International Travel Insurance

Covid medical cover, covid cancellation cover, overseas hospital, cancellation cover.

Get protection in a few simple steps with Freely travel insurance all in the palm of your hand. Freely Travel offers 24/7 emergency and medical support, 24/7 customer service. Plus, you can tailor your policy so you only pay for what you need, and adapt your cover in near real time. Add-ons such as car rental excess, snow sports or other activities also available. Receive 10% off your travel insurance policy with promo code: MOZO10. T&Cs apply, go to site for full detail.

Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.

To see the Pre-existing Conditions and Activities covered by this policy please visit our detailed page about this product.

Comprehensive

Enjoy unlimited medical cover and 24/7 emergency assistance services when you travel. Get unlimited cover for cancellation fees and prepaid travel expenses. Cover for luggage and travel documents. $5,000,000 personal liability cover.

Backed by the NIB, one of Australia’s largest travel insurance providers, Travel Insurance Saver brings you peace of mind on your travels. Compare three tiers of insurance cover, featuring benefits like 24 hour emergency assistance, emergency medical cover, luggage cover, cancellation cover and more.

• Exceptional Value Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance - 2024

International Comprehensive Single

Enjoy the security of single trip cover on your next holiday with Southern Cross Travel Insurance. Get 24 hour emergency assistance, cover for cancelling or changing your journey before you leave, protection for lost, stolen or damaged goods as well as cover to replace lost or stolen cash, banks or travel documents. Be in to win 1 of 5 $1,000 cash prizes! T&Cs Apply. Offer ends 30 September 2023.

• Exceptional Quality Travel Insurance - 2024
• Travel Insurance Company of the Year - 2024

Be covered for international overseas and medical expenses. Emergency medical assistance 24 hours/365 days a year. Cover for cancellation fees and lost deposits. Cover for luggage and personal money. Dependents covered free of charge (conditions apply). Limited COVID cover available. Cancellation cover for COVID claims limited to $3,500.

Get the security of unlimited medical cover and 24/7 emergency assistance services when you travel. Get cover for cancellation fees and prepaid travel expenses. Cover for luggage and travel documents. $2,500,000 personal liability cover.

Australia Post International Comprehensive Travel Insurance covers overseas medical expenses, cancellation costs and more (T&Cs apply). Optional extras like cover for existing medical conditions and winter sports available. 24/7 emergency support. Get a quote in minutes. Reduce your premium with variable excess. Policies may not be available to all travellers. Australian Postal Corporation ABN 28 864 970 579 (AR No 338646) is the distributor of Australia Post Travel Insurance.

Know that you have some protection for your holidays with Fast Cover's worldwide 24-hour emergency assistance. Cover is available for emergency medical and hospital expenses, cancellation costs, lost luggage and more. 25-day money back guarantee when you buy a policy and provided that you have not started your trip, made a claim or used your policy to obtain a visa. Cancellation cover for COVID claims limited to $5,000.Please refer to Fast Cover’s PDS for more information on what their Comprehensive Travel Policy offers as well as terms, conditions, exclusions and limits that apply.

Medical Only

Travel with peace of mind with unlimited medical cover and 24/7 emergency assistance services. Get cover for overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses. $2,500,000 personal liability cover.

Standard Saver

Know that you have some protection for your holidays with Fast Cover’s worldwide 24-hour emergency assistance. Cover is available for Emergency Medical and Hospital Expenses, Trip Cancellation, Lost Luggage and more. 25-day money back guarantee when you buy a policy and provided that you have not started your trip, made a claim or used your policy to obtain a visa. Cancellation cover for COVID claims limited to $3,000. Please refer to Fast Cover’s PDS for more information on what their Standard Saver Travel Policy offers, as well as terms, conditions, exclusions and limits that apply.

International Comprehensive Annual Multi Trip Single

Enjoy the security of annual trip cover on your next holiday with Southern Cross Travel Insurance. Get 24 hour emergency assistance, cover for cancelling or changing your journey before you leave, protection for lost, stolen or damaged goods as well as cover to replace lost or stolen cash, banks or travel documents.

Know that you have some protection for your holidays with Fast Cover’s worldwide 24-hour emergency assistance. Cover is available for emergency medical and hospital expenses and more. Cover for luggage and personal effects is optional under the Basics policy, so if you wish to include cover under the luggage and personal effects benefit, you will need to choose it at policy purchase otherwise there will be no cover. 25-day money back guarantee when you buy a policy and provided that you have not started your trip, made a claim or used your policy to obtain a visa. Please refer to Fast Cover’s PDS for more information on what their Basics Travel Policy offers as well as terms, conditions, exclusions and limits that apply.

Bare Essentials

International comprehensive family.

Enjoy the security of single trip or annual trip cover on your next holiday with Southern Cross Travel Insurance. Get 24 hour emergency assistance, cover for cancelling or changing your journey before you leave, protection for lost, stolen or damaged goods as well as cover to replace lost or stolen cash, banks or travel documents.

International Comprehensive Annual Multi Trip Family

Annual multi-trip.

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Travel insurance Awards

* Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.

See policy details from these travel insurance providers

Travel insurance resources

Reviews, news, tips and guides to help find the best travel insurance for you.

What is international travel insurance?

International travel insurance is designed to give you peace of mind while travelling outside of Australia. Most providers offer a basic international travel insurance policy or a comprehensive international travel insurance policy. 

Basic cover will often include things like cover for medical emergencies and personal liability, while a comprehensive policy will include that plus cover for cancellations, trip delays, lost luggage and rental car excess.

Coronavirus and travelling internationally - what you need to know

Right now travelling overseas is nothing like taking an international holiday pre-Coronavirus (Covid:19). There’s more paperwork involved for a start, and rules around vaccination and quarantine can vary from country to country.

While some countries are allowing vaccinated travellers to enter without quarantining, others are not. Although even countries that do not have mandatory quarantine for vaccinated travellers will likely still have some rules. For example, most countries require international travellers to take a Covid-19 test either before or just after entering the country.

Before booking a ticket overseas, you may even want to make a checklist for yourself. Here are a few ideas as to what might be on it:

Read the health advice for the destination country

Get International Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate

Check passport is in date 

Get relevant visas/documents

Know what the rules are for entering the country

Book a Covid-19 test before departing, or on arrival 

Tell bank about the trip

Pack lots of masks and hand sanitiser!

Remember masks are still mandated on most airlines, whether you are vaccinated or not.

International travel insurance cover for Covid related claims 

Right now, many travel insurance providers do not provide insurance cover for Covid-related events. Although, there are a few providers that will cover hospitalisation or cancellation costs due to Covid-19. Our comparison tables highlight whether this cover option is available with each insurance policy. 

Of course, you might want to get cover for things like quarantine costs or border closures and not every travel insurance company will offer these. This is why now, more than ever it is important that prior to purchasing international travel insurance, you understand what will and won’t be covered under the policy for the destination you are planning on travelling to, especially in relation to Coronavirus. This means reading the product disclosure statement so that you know the risks involved.   

What does international travel insurance cover?

International travel insurance provides cover for emergency situations, cancellations and delays that might occur while travelling outside of Australia. Usually providers will offer two types of international travel insurance: basic (sometimes called essential) travel insurance and comprehensive travel insurance.

Exactly what is covered with an international travel insurance policy will vary depending on each individual plan. Basic travel insurance will usually cover things like emergency medical expenses, additional expenses and personal liability. Comprehensive plans will cover these instances, plus things such as cancellation costs, trip delays, lost luggage, lost travel documents, rental car excess and loss of income.

According to smartraveller.org.au , travel insurance is usually only available for countries classified as either advice level one or two. But Smart Traveller has four advice levels that go from level one, ‘exercise normal safety precautions’, to level four, ‘do not travel.’ 

What are the risks of travelling overseas without insurance?

Travelling overseas without insurance could see you out of pocket, should any last minute cancellations or emergencies happen. Besides financial consequences, you may be denied medical treatment without cover!

Smart Traveller highlights paying your medical bills. It says that if you’re treated in an emergency situation, a failure to pay your medical bills could lead to arrest, prevention from leaving the country until bills are paid, or even being sued by the hospital after you have left. 

Regardless of whether or not you find yourself in these situations, travel insurance can provide some peace of mind. It’s also handy to know that Australia currently has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with 11 countries. These are:

The Netherlands

New Zealand

The Republic of Ireland

United Kingdom

In the above countries Australians can access necessary healthcare in an emergency situation. Although, you may still have to pay for treatment and the agreement should not be viewed as a replacement for travel insurance.

How much does international travel insurance cost?

How much travel insurance costs will vary for each individual. Premiums are generally based on factors such as the destination, how long the trip will be, how old travellers are, the type of cover you opt for (basic or comprehensive) and what you intend to do while overseas.

When deciding whether to get international travel insurance, weigh up the cost to pay for the premium against the potential costs that could occur should something go wrong. 

What travel alerts and restrictions are there for international travel?

On 1 November 2021, the Australian government lifted the global travel ban in place from March 2020. This change means that fully vaccinated Australians and permanent residents can now leave the country without applying for an exemption. 

Countries can be classified as one of four travel advice levels. These are:

Level 1: Exercise normal safety precautions

Level 2: Exercise a high degree of caution

Level 3: Reconsider your need to travel

Level 4: Do not travel

Generally there will be more restrictions in place for Australians who are not fully vaccinated or do not have a vaccination exemption. Depending on where you are travelling to you may be required to provide a vaccination certificate, as well as a negative Covid-19 test taken before or after arriving in the country. Some countries may also still require vaccinated travellers to quarantine in a hotel or at home.

How to make a claim - key information you might need

Most insurance companies will give the option to lodge a claim either online via their website, over the phone or by email. To make a travel insurance claim, you will likely need to have quite a few details handy. These will be things like:

Your travel insurance policy number

Personal details (name, home address etc.)

Travel itinerary

Details of the incident (time and date)

Supporting documents (receipts, invoices etc.)

Bank account details

It may also be a good idea to take note of your provider’s emergency contact number, in case you need to call them urgently while overseas.

What’s the best travel insurance?

Finding the best travel insurance policy doesn’t be difficult. That’s why in 2023 Mozo will announce the Mozo Experts Choice Travel Insurance Awards to help you find one that complements your personal needs and budget quicker. Mozo’s expert judges will analyse hundreds of travel insurance policies to find the best value, comprehensive and quality insurances.  

In the meantime, see if you can find your own winner with our  best travel insurance  hub guide.

More FAQs on international travel insurance

What information do i need to supply to get a quote for international travel insurance.

When getting a quote for travel insurance, providers will most likely want to know:

Where you are travelling to

What dates you are travelling

Who is travelling (i.e. how many people, whether you have any dependents etc.)

The age of those travelling

Age limits may also apply for a number of policies. For example, some providers may not offer travel insurance to people over 75. More detail on this below.

When should I take out travel insurance for my upcoming trip?

Generally a good time to take out travel insurance is after you have booked and confirmed flights and accommodation. The reason for doing so is because it will mean you will be then covered for any cancellations. Taking out your policy early doesn’t affect the price you’ll pay so it is best to get cover as soon as your holiday plans are confirmed. 

Just keep in mind that you must purchase travel insurance before you depart Australia. 

Can I get travel insurance if I’m pregnant?

Yes, though there are some exceptions to this. Travel insurance will usually only cover pregnancies up to a certain stage of the pregnancy - typically around 23 to 32 weeks. Many insurance companies won’t cover actual childbirth while overseas - or IVF pregnancies or if you’ve had pregnancy complications in the past.

We recommend reading the product disclosure statement thoroughly, so you know exactly what is covered and what is not, before taking out a travel insurance policy if you are pregnant.

What’s the maximum age I can get travel insurance?

Some insurance policies may have a maximum age limit on who can get cover. Generally basic international travel insurance policies will only be available to people aged under 75 years of age. 

For comprehensive international travel insurance policies the age limit could be higher, some even offer cover for up to 100 years.  

Some policies may also have age limits that apply to certain conditions, such as diabetes and asthma. It is a good idea to read the full product disclosure statement before taking out a policy, to make sure you are aware of what age limits apply.

Can I get travel insurance cover if I have a pre-existing condition?

Travel insurance policies may not cover pre-existing conditions or they might charge you an extra premium to get cover. 

A pre-existing condition is any known medical condition you already have before travelling. This means you may not be able to make a claim for any expenses relating to a pre-existing condition.

Pre-existing conditions can be conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart conditions and so on. We recommend reading the product disclosure statement in full before taking out a travel insurance plan.

What’s a multi-trip policy?

A multi-trip travel insurance policy is an insurance plan that is designed to provide cover for frequent flyers over a 12-month period. Generally multi-trip travel insurance is paid annually and will provide cover for travel to multiple destinations throughout the year.

Check out our multi-trip travel insurance information page on how this type of cover works.

Should I get travel insurance for travel around Australia?

Domestic travel insurance can be a good idea if you want to avoid being hit with last minute cancellation costs or expenses incurred from lost luggage. Typically this type of travel insurance provides cover for things like cancellations, lost luggage and personal liability.

Read more about what domestic travel insurance covers over at Mozo’s domestic travel insurance information page. 

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We do not compare all brands in the market, or all products offered by all brands. At times certain brands or products may not be available or offered to you. If you proceed with a travel insurance policy through Mozo, Mozo may receive a referral fee.

Important information on terms, conditions and sub-limits

Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.

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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.

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 our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

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

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit 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.

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Best International Travel Insurance

Travel insurance isn’t mandatory, though some countries may insist you have it before crossing their borders. It is also a requirement for the issuance of some visas. Still, international travel is uncertain. You’ll need international travel insurance if you’re about to embark on a trip abroad. 

Travel insurance will protect you from financial loss should you need medical attention, lose your luggage or find yourself stranded in a foreign country — flights cancelled or delayed.  Fortunately, several international travel insurance companies offer packages to suit all travel needs. 

Quick Look: Best International Travel Insurance

Five best international travel insurance, best for digital experience: faye, best for budget insurance: travelex, best for families: arch roamright, best for frequent fliers: allianz travel insurance, best for cruise vacations: nationwide travel insurance, how does international travel insurance work, what does international travel insurance cover.

• Travel Delay 

Trip Cancellation

• Trip Interruption 
• Baggage Insurance 
• Travel Medical Insurance 
• Emergency Medical Evacuation 
• Interruption For Any Reason (IFAR) Travel Insurance 
• Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Travel Insurance 
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

What Is Not Covered by International Travel Insurance

How much does international travel insurance cost, travel with confidence.

• Frequently Asked Questions 
• Best for Travel on a Budget: Travelex International Ltd.
• Best for Cruise Vacation s: Nationwide Travel Insurance

Here are five of the best international travel insurance companies offering essential and add-on services for peace-of-mind travel.

Online travel insurance company Faye offers a single travel plan with optional add-ons. Users access plans and file claims on a free app with 24/7 access. Expect payment directly into a digital wallet. 

The basic insurance covers most medical expenses, including preexisting conditions and medical evacuation, lost or damaged luggage and trip cancellation and interruption. You can also choose add-ons like extreme sports and car rental damage coverage. Prices differ depending on the destination and travel duration. International coverage starts at an affordable $5.16 per day and domestic at $4.64.

• Available 24/7 on mobile app
• Customizable
• Provides nonmedical emergency evacuation up to $100,00
• Emergency medical coverage is no as generous as some of the other packages
• No interruption for any reason

Choose from three Travelex plans. The Basic plan comes in at a below-average premium. Quotes are available online. Benefits include trip delay, interruption and cancellation, baggage coverage and primary and emergency medical care. It also covers emergency medical evacuation. 

The family-directed Travel Select plan includes free coverage for children under 18. Unlike the Basic plan, it covers preexisting medical conditions. It also provides for customized add-ons like adventure sports. Travel America is designed for trips in the U.S. and covers up to seven people in a group. Apply for travel insurance online and get a quote in seconds.

• Three options to suit travel plans
• Free coverage for children under 18
• Domestic travel at a flat rate
• Some add-ons are unavailable on the Basic plan
• Low emergency medical coverage — $15,000 on the Basic plan

This provides a broad overview of your policy provisions and does not revise or amend the policy. Insurance coverages are underwritten by Arch Insurance Company, NAIC #11150, under policy series LTP 2013 and amendments thereto. Plans are offered and disseminated by registered travel retailers on behalf of Arch Insurance Solutions Inc., a licensed travel insurance producer* (CA License #0I18111, TX License #1787195). Both the travel insurance producer and the underwriter referenced above may be reached at 1-844-872-4163. Your policy is the contract that specifically and fully describes your coverage. Certain terms, conditions, restrictions and exclusions apply and coverages may vary in certain states. Please refer to your policy for detailed terms and conditions. Consumer Disclosures can be found at: https://www.roamright.com/disclosures/. Privacy policy can be found at: https://www.roamright.com/roamright-website-privacy-policy/ *Plans are solicited by licensed producers in NY and HI. 

Choose from Pro and Pro-Plus plans when you insure with Arch RoamRight. Both plans offer free coverage for one child younger than 18 per adult with travel insurance. The children receive the same coverage as the accompanying adult traveler —  cost-effective insurance for traveling families. The insurance covers medical emergencies, travel delays and interruptions and lost luggage. Pro-Plus covers existing conditions. The company offers upgrades for adventure travel, rental car damage and delayed luggage. Make claims by phone, email or online.

• Excellent customer service
• Free coverage for a child younger than 18 per adult
• Two policies and upgrades
• Limited extreme sports coverage

If you’re looking for all the travel insurance essentials on a budget, the Allianz One Trip Basic plan will work for you. Allianz provides users with an app to track and claim coverage. 

There are several plans on offer with some interesting innovations. 

One Trip Emergency Medical increases the emergency medical coverage for the Basic plan from $10,000 to $50,000 but excludes trip interruption and cancellation benefits. All Trip options provide travelers with year-round protection for a single fee and include car rental protection. Allianz has a Concierge service and multilingual customer service 24/7. 

• Several policy options tailored to your needs
• All Trip Basics offers year-round coverage
• Multilingual service 24/7
• Concierge services included in the plans
• Medical coverage is low
• 12-hour delay for baggage delay

In business since 1926, Nationwide Travel Insurance offers travelers a choice of seven travel insurance policies. Nationwide’s Essential Plan offers basic travel insurance at below-average prices. It also provides specialized cruise insurance and annual plans for those who travel frequently and would prefer to pay a single premium for a year’s coverage. Add-ons include rental car coverage, cancel for any reason (CFAR) and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.

• Offers specialized cruise travel insurance
• Frequent travelers can buy annual travel insurance
• Optional add-ons include rental car damage, CFAR and AD&D
• 12-hour wait for baggage delay

Anything can go wrong when you travel to foreign countries. You may have to cancel the trip, or it may be delayed. You may become ill or lose your luggage. International travel insurance protects you from financial loss under some of these circumstances.  

International travel insurance can be worthwhile because it covers a broad range of possible circumstances.

Travel Delay 

Most insurance companies impose a six-hour minimum waiting period before you can claim expenses for travel delays. 

Trip cancellation covers you for the prepaid portion of your travel costs in the event of cancellation. The policy will list the covered events. You can also buy coverage for all events but at a higher premium.  

Trip Interruption 

Your insurance will cover you for specified unforeseen travel interruptions. Listed reasons usually include illness, injury or bad weather. 

Baggage Insurance 

Baggage insurance covers you for lost, damaged or stolen luggage. 

Travel Medical Insurance 

Overseas medical costs can pile up, and your medical aid may not cover them. Travel medical insurance covers all your medical like ambulance services, hospitalization and doctor’s visits should you become ill or injure yourself while traveling. 

Emergency Medical Evacuation 

If you are seriously injured or ill while abroad, you may have to move to another facility capable of providing the treatment. Emergency medical evacuation covers transportation costs. In some instances, medical evacuation will also cover repatriation costs so you can return home.  

Interruption For Any Reason (IFAR) Travel Insurance 

Some insurance companies offer IFAR as an additional benefit. Under this benefit, you can return home for any reason. You will receive a portion of your prepaid expenses as a reimbursement. 

Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Travel Insurance 

CFAR insurance is another add-on product. You must buy it within two to three weeks of paying deposits for the trip or you won’t qualify. There is also usually a waiting period before you can cancel and a cap of around 75% on the reimbursement. 

Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

AD&D covers you in case of accidental death or loss of a limb and faculties like sight. Your policy will define the injuries. Ensure you understand the exclusions if you buy this additional travel insurance. 

There are certain injuries and illnesses that your international travel insurance will not cover. These include:

• Preexisting medical conditions
• Natural disasters, civil unrest and war
• Change-of-mind cancellation
• Injury during high-risk activities
• Losses caused by negligence or in the commission of an illegal activity
• Routine doctor’s visits or procedures

Costs for international travel insurance differ considerably according to the trip cost, coverage, options, traveler age and ports of departure and destination. On average, travel insurance will cost between 3% and 6% of your nonrefundable costs. 

Don’t plan a foreign holiday without travel insurance. It isn’t worth the risk. Travel insurance protects you from losses when things go wrong as you travel the world. It protects you from financial loss and could make all the difference if you need medical attention or suffer the inconvenience of delayed or canceled flights. There is travel insurance to meet all your insurance needs at an affordable price. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is international travel insurance required.

In most countries, international travel insurance is not mandatory, though some may make it a prerequisite for entry. Some embassies also require proof of medical insurance before issuing a visa.

Does international travel insurance cover preexisting medical conditions?

International travel insurance does not cover preexisting medical conditions.

Is it possible to extend international travel insurance coverage while abroad?

Most insurance companies will allow you to extend your international travel insurance coverage while abroad though there may be time limits.

• United States
• United Kingdom

International travel is back: How to get travel insurance that covers COVID

Smartraveller says that if you're going overseas, travel insurance is as important as a passport. Here's how to get the least fun (but very important) part of your trip sorted.

It has been 704 days, but the day has finally come – Australia's international borders have reopened.

If you're one of the many Australians planning to travel soon , it's a pretty exciting time – so let's get the boring but necessary bit out of the way first: travel insurance.

According to the Australian government's travel advice website , "If you're going overseas, travel insurance is as important as a passport. If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel."

In addition to Smartraveller's stern messaging, lots of countries have also made travel insurance mandatory . Some even require you to have a minimum amount of medical cover.

Basically, the line is, if you plan to travel, get travel insurance.

The good news is that, in addition to protection for all the usual travel mishaps (like lost luggage), travel insurance can cover you for COVID-19-related expenses as well.

What COVID-19 expenses can it cover?

We found 23 travel insurers that offer some form of COVID cover . All can reimburse you for the following:

• COVID-19 medical expenses
• Trip rearrangement costs if you, a fellow traveller or your host gets COVID and it impacts your trip
• Expenses if you're unexpectedly forced into quarantine during your trip

Some can also cover you for:

• A prepaid activity that's booked in Australia or New Zealand is shut down
• Extra child care costs if you get COVID
• The accommodation you planned to stay at if it's closed due to a COVID-19 outbreak
• Added pet care costs if you're infected and can't return home

We've made a list of the policies that come with COVID-19 benefits below.

What COVID-19 expenses won't I be covered for?

There are a few other COVID-related situations where travel insurance won't help out. These include if:

• There's a government-imposed border closure or lockdown – for example, if this is announced while you're overseas, you won't be covered for rearranging your flights.
• You go into quarantine or self-isolation that you knew about in advance.
• You ignore a doctor's advice that you aren't well enough to travel.
• You contract COVID-19 on a multi-night cruise.
• You travel to a "Do Not Travel" country. You can find these on the Smartraveller website.

These are the main COVID-related exclusions but for a full list of what's not covered, it's worth reading the product disclosure statement (PDS) before you buy. You can usually find this at the bottom of the insurer's website.

"When it comes to COVID-19 cover, we strongly encourage our customers to carefully read their policy to really understand the benefits available to them, and the circumstances in which they could realistically make a claim," said Southern Cross Travel Insurance CEO Jo McCauley.

For example, travel insurance doesn't cover PCR test costs. This is because insurance only covers unforeseen events, not ones you should have been aware of in advance.

It has been a while. Remind me, what else does travel insurance cover?

Travel insurance can also reimburse you for:

• Medical expenses including repatriation
• Cancellation fees and lost deposits
• Rescheduling flights
• Luggage and personal belongings
• Rental vehicle excess insurance
• Legal fees and penalties – for example if you accidentally injure someone

A helpful tip if something does happen

Even with travel insurance, it's worth putting some extra funds aside just in case something happens. "Having access to extra funds is a safety net before you make your insurance claim," said Finder credit card expert Amy Bradney-George.

For example, if you or your partner catch COVID and need to quarantine, you'll need to pay upfront for the hotel and rearrange your flights . Your travel insurance generally reimburses you for those costs after you've returned home.

"It's worth setting some savings aside, or keeping a credit card with you just in case – whether it's a frequent flyer card to earn more points or a low rate card to keep costs down. Just remember you'll need to make monthly payments, and when your claim is approved, you can clear the balance," added Bradney-George.

Have you ticked travel insurance off your list yet? You can compare policies on our COVID travel insurance page here .

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Travel Insurance

Cheapest travel insurance of April 2024

Mandy Sleight

Heidi Gollub

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 9:52 a.m. UTC April 11, 2024

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WorldTrips is the best cheap travel insurance company of 2024 based on our in-depth analysis of the cheapest travel insurance plans. Its Atlas Journey Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier plans offer affordable travel insurance with high limits for emergency medical and evacuation benefits bundled with good coverage for trip delays, travel inconvenience and missed connections.

Cheapest travel insurance of 2024

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our team of travel insurance experts analyzes hundreds of insurance products and thousands of data points to help you find the best travel insurance for your next trip. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content . You can read more about our methodology below.

• 1,855 coverage details evaluated.
• 567 rates reviewed.
• 5 levels of fact-checking.

Best cheap travel insurance

Top-scoring plans

Average cost, medical limit per person, medical evacuation limit per person, why it’s the best.

WorldTrips tops our rating of the cheapest travel insurance with two plans:

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheaper travel insurance plan of the two, with $100,000 per person in emergency medical benefits as secondary coverage and an optional upgrade to primary coverage. It’s also our pick for the best travel insurance for cruises .
• Atlas Journey Premier costs a little more but gives you $150,000 in travel medical insurance with primary coverage . This is a good option if health insurance for international travel is a priority.

Pros and cons

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheapest of our 5-star travel insurance plans.
• Atlas Journey Premier offers $150,000 in primary medical coverage.
• Both plans have top-notch $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Each plan offers travel inconvenience coverage of $750 per person.
• 12 optional upgrades, including destination wedding and rental car damage and theft.
• No non-medical evacuation coverage.

Cheap travel insurance for cruises

Travel insured.

Top-scoring plan

Travel Insured offers cheap travel insurance for cruises and its Worldwide Trip Protector plan gets 4 stars in our rating of the best cruise travel insurance .

• Worldwide Trip Protector offers $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage per person and a rare $150,000 in non-medical evacuation per person. It also has primary coverage for travel medical insurance benefits, which means you won’t have to file medical claims with your health insurance first.
• Cheap trip insurance for cruises.
• Offers a rare $150,000 for non-medical evacuation.
• $500 per person baggage delay benefit only requires a 3-hour delay.
• Optional rental car damage benefit up to $50,000.
• Missed connection benefit of $500 per person only available for cruises and tours.

Best cheap travel insurance for families

Travelex has the best cheap travel insurance for families because kids age 17 are covered by your policy for free when they’re traveling with you.

• Free coverage for children 17 and under on the same policy.
• $2,000 travel delay coverage per person ($250 per day) after 5 hours.
• Hurricane and weather coverage after a common carrier delay of any amount of time.
• Only $50,000 per person emergency medical coverage.
• Baggage delay coverage is only $200 and requires a 12-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for seniors

Evacuation limit per person

Nationwide has the best cheap travel insurance for seniors — its Prime plan gets 4 stars in our best senior travel insurance rating. However, Nationwide’s Cruise Choice plan ranks higher in our best cheap travel insurance rating.

• Cruise Choice has a $500 per person benefit if a cruise itinerary change causes you to miss a prepaid excursion. It also has a missed connections benefit of $1,500 per person after only a 3-hour delay, for cruises or tours. But note that this coverage is secondary coverage to any compensation provided by a common carrier.
• Coverage for cruise itinerary changes, ship-based mechanical breakdowns and covered shipboard service disruptions.
• Non-medical evacuation benefit of $25,000 per person.
• Baggage loss benefits of $2,500 per person.
• Travel medical coverage is secondary.
• Trip cancellation benefit for losing your job requires three years of continuous employment.
• No “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) upgrade available.
• Missed connection coverage of $1,500 per person is only for tours and cruises, after a 3-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for add-on options

AIG offers the best cheap travel insurance for add-on options because the Travel Guard Preferred plan allows you to customize your policy with a host of optional upgrades.

• Travel Guard Preferred upgrades include “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , rental vehicle damage coverage and bundles that offer additional benefits for adventure sports, travel inconvenience, quarantine, pets, security and weddings. There’s also a medical bundle that increases the travel medical benefit to $100,000 and emergency evacuation to $1 million.
• Bundle upgrades allow you to customize your affordable travel insurance policy.
• Emergency medical and evacuation limits can be doubled with optional upgrade.
• Base travel insurance policy has relatively low medical limits.
• $300 baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour delay.
• Optional CFAR upgrade only reimburses up to 50% of trip cost.

Best cheap travel insurance for missed connections

TravelSafe has the best cheap travel insurance for missed connections because coverage is not limited to cruises and tours, as it is with many policies.

• Best-in-class $2,500 per person in missed connection coverage.
• $1 million per person in medical evacuation and $25,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• Generous $2,500 per person baggage and personal items loss benefit.
• Most expensive of the best cheap travel insurance plans.
• No “interruption for any reason” coverage available.
• Weak baggage delay coverage of $250 per person after 12 hours.

Cheapest travel insurance comparison

How much does the cheapest travel insurance cost?

The cheapest travel insurance in our rating is $334. This is for a WorldTrips Atlas Journey Preferred travel insurance plan, based on the average of seven quotes for travelers of various ages to international destinations with a range of trip values.  

Factors that determine travel insurance cost

There are several factors that determine the cost of travel insurance, including:

• Age and number of travelers being insured.
• Trip length.
• Total trip cost.
• The travel insurance plan you choose.
• The travel insurance company.
• Any add-ons, features or upgraded benefits you include in the travel insurance plan.

Expert tip: “In general, travelers can expect to pay anywhere from 4% to 10% of their total prepaid, non-refundable trip costs,” said Suzanne Morrow, CEO of InsureMyTrip.

Is buying the cheapest travel insurance a good idea?

Choosing cheaper travel insurance without paying attention to what a plan covers and excludes could leave you underinsured for your trip. Comparing travel insurance plans side-by-side can help ensure you get enough coverage to protect yourself financially in an emergency for the best price. 

For example, compare these two Travelex travel insurance plans:

• Travel Basic is cheaper but it only provides up to $15,000 for emergency medical expense coverage. You’ll also have to pay extra for coverage for children.
• Travel Select will cost you a bit more but it covers up to $50,000 in medical expenses and includes coverage for kids aged 17 and younger traveling with you. It also offers upgrades such additional medical coverage, “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage and an adventure sports rider that may be a good fit for your trip.

Reasons to consider paying more for travel insurance 

Make sure you understand what you’re giving up if you buy the cheapest travel insurance. Here are a few reasons you may consider paying a little extra for better coverage. 

• Emergency medical. The best travel medical insurance offers primary coverage for emergency medical benefits. Travel insurance with primary coverage can cost more than secondary coverage but will save you from having to file a claim with your health insurance company before filing a travel insurance claim.
• Emergency evacuation. If you’re traveling to a remote location or planning a boat excursion on your trip, look at travel insurance with a high medical evacuation insurance limit. If you are injured while traveling, transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility could cost in the tens to hundreds of thousands. It may make sense to pay more for travel insurance with robust emergency evacuation coverage. 
• Flexibility. To maximize your trip flexibility, you might consider upgrading your travel insurance to “ cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage . This will increase the cost of your travel insurance but allow you to cancel your trip for any reason — not just those listed in your policy. The catch is that you’ll need to cancel at least 48 hours before your trip and will only be reimbursed 50% or 75% of your trip expenses, depending on the plan. 
• Upgrades. Many travel insurance plans have optional extras like car rental collision and adventure sports (which may otherwise be excluded from coverage). These will cost you extra but may give you the coverage you need. 

How to find the cheapest travel insurance

The best way to find the cheapest travel insurance is to determine what you’re looking for in a travel insurance policy and compare plans that meet your needs.

 “Travel insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every trip is different, and every traveler has different needs, wants and concerns. This is why comparison is key,” said Morrow.

Consider the following factors when comparing cheap travel insurance plans.

• How often you’re traveling. A single-trip policy may be the most cost-effective if you’re only going on a single trip this year. But a multi-trip travel insurance plan may be cheaper if you’re going on multiple international trips throughout the year. Annual travel insurance policies cover you for a whole year as long as each trip doesn’t exceed a certain number of days, usually 30 to 90 days. 
• Credit card has travel insurance benefits. The best credit cards offer perks and benefits, and many offer travel insurance-specific benefits. The coverage types and benefit limits can vary, and you must put the entire trip cost on the credit card to use the coverage. If your trip costs more than the coverage limit on your card, you can supplement the rest with a cheaper travel insurance plan.
• The coverage you need. When looking for the best travel insurance option at the most affordable price, only buy extras and upgrades you really need. A basic plan may only provide up to $500 in baggage insurance, but if you only plan to take $300 worth of clothes and accessories, you don’t need to pay more for higher coverage limits.

Is cheap travel insurance worth it?

Cheap travel insurance can be worth it, as long as you understand the plan limitations and exclusions. Taking the time to read your policy, especially the fine print, well before your trip can ensure there won’t be any surprises about what’s covered once your journey begins.

“If a traveler is looking for coverage for travel delays, cancellations, interruptions, medical and baggage — a comprehensive travel insurance policy will provide the most bang for their buck,” said Morrow. But if you’re on a tight budget and are only worried about emergency medical care and evacuation coverage while traveling abroad, stand-alone options are cheaper.

Before buying travel insurance, you should also consider what your health insurance will cover. 

“Most domestic health insurance plans, including Medicare, will not cover medical bills abroad,” said Morrow. Even if you’re staying stateside, you may find value in an affordable travel insurance plan with medical coverage if you have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). 

A cheap travel insurance plan is better than none at all if you end up in a situation that would have covered some or all of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses.

Methodology

Our insurance experts reviewed 1,855 coverage details and 567 rates to determine the best travel insurance . From those top-scoring travel insurance plans, we chose the most affordable for our rating of the cheapest travel insurance.

Insurers could score up to 100 points based on the following factors:

• Cost: 40 points. We scored the average cost of each travel insurance policy for a variety of trips and traveler profiles.
• Medical expenses: 10 points. We scored travel medical insurance by the coverage amount available. Travel insurance policies with emergency medical expense benefits of $250,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Medical evacuation: 10 points. We scored each plan’s emergency medical evacuation coverage by coverage amount. Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver: 10 points. We gave full points to travel insurance policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions if certain conditions are met.
• Missed connection: 10 points. Travel insurance plans with missed connection benefits of $1,000 per person or more received full points.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade: 5 points. We gave points to travel insurance plans with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75%.
• Travel delay required waiting time: 5 points. We gave 5 points to travel insurance policies with travel delay benefits that kick in after a delay of 6 hours or less.
• Cancel for work reasons: 5 points. If a travel insurance plan allows you to cancel your trip for work reasons, such as your boss requiring you to stay and work, we gave it 5 points.
• Hurricane and severe weather: 5 points. Travel insurance plans that have a required waiting period for hurricane and weather coverage of 12 hours or less received 5 points.

Some travel insurance companies may offer plans with additional benefits or lower prices than the plans that scored the highest, so make sure to compare travel insurance quotes to see your full range of options.

Cheapest travel insurance FAQs

When buying travel insurance, cheapest is not always the best. The most affordable travel insurance plans typically offer fewer coverages with lower policy limits and few or no optional upgrades. Add up your total nonrefundable trip costs and compare travel insurance plans and available features that cover your travel expenses. This strategy can help you find the cheapest travel insurance policy that best protects you from financial loss if an unforeseen circumstance arises.

Get the coverage you need: Best travel insurance of 2024

According to our analysis, WorldTrips , Travel Insured International and Travelex offer the best cheap travel insurance. Policy coverage types and limits can vary by each travel insurance provider, so the best way to get the cheapest travel insurance plan is to compare several policies and companies to find the right fit for your budget.

A good rate for travel insurance depends on your budget and coverage needs. The most comprehensive travel insurance plan is usually not the cheapest. But cheap trip insurance may not have enough coverage or the types of coverage you want. Comparing different levels of coverage and how much they cost can help you find the best cheap insurance for travel. 

The average cost of travel insurance is between 5% to 6% of your total travel expenses for one trip, according to our analysis of rates. However, you may find cheaper travel insurance if you opt for a plan with fewer benefits or lower coverage limits. How much you pay for travel insurance will also depend on the number of travelers covered, their ages, the length of the trip and any upgrades you add to your plan.

Travel insurance covers nonrefundable, prepaid trip costs — up to the policy coverage limits — when your trip is interrupted or canceled for a covered reason outlined in your plan documents. Even the cheapest travel insurance policies usually provide coverage for:

• Medical emergencies.
• Trip delays.
• Trip interruption.
• Trip cancellation.
• Lost, stolen or damaged luggage.

However, if you’re looking to save on travel insurance, you can shop for a policy that only has travel medical insurance and does not include benefits for trip cancellation .

Even when you buy cheap travel insurance, you can often use upgrade options to customize your policy to meet your specific needs. 

Some common travel insurance add-ons you may want to consider include:

• Rental car damage coverage. 
• Medical bundle.
• Security bundle.
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
• Adventure sports bundle.
• Pet bundle.
• Wedding bundle.
• “Cancel for work reasons” coverage.
• “Interruption for any reason” (IFAR) coverage.
• “Cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage .

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Mandy is an insurance writer who has been creating online content since 2018. Before becoming a full-time freelance writer, Mandy spent 15 years working as an insurance agent. Her work has been published in Bankrate, MoneyGeek, The Insurance Bulletin, U.S. News and more.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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Our Pick Of The Best Boat Insurance For Australians

Published: Apr 18, 2024, 8:17pm

It may not come as a surprise that Australians love taking boats out on the water as 87% of the population live within 50km of the coast. Data from the Boating Industry Association for 2022/23 shows that 2.5 million Australians have a boat licence—that’s almost 10% of the population.

As a boat is a considerable investment, it’s a good idea to protect it as you would your car. Boat insurance can offer similar benefits to car insurance , such as cover for damage to the boat itself and its contents, and legal liability, if you damage someone else’s property, or someone is injured or dies as a result of an accident you’ve caused.

However, it additionally offers more boat-specific cover, paying out for environmental damage caused by an oil, fuel or waste leakage, for example. Many policies also offer cover for sailboat racing and waterskiing, typically as an optional extra and for an additional premium.

As all policies differ in their features, it’s essential to compare them to find what you need for a suitable price. You should first decide, if you need third-party only; third party, fire and theft; or comprehensive cover which protects against the widest range of eventualities. We’ve conducted extensive research into the latter, to find what we consider to be the best comprehensive policies. All policies include cover for loss or damage to your boat as a result of storms, floods, fire and theft. You can find out how we scored them in the methodology section further down this page.

Note: the below list represents a selection of our top category picks, as chosen by Forbes Advisor Australia’s editors and journalists. The information provided is purely factual and is not intended to imply any recommendation, opinion, or advice about a financial product. Not every product or provider in the marketplace has been reviewed, and the list below is not intended to be exhaustive nor replace your own research or independent financial advice. For more information on how Forbes Advisor ranks and reviews products, including how we identified our top category picks, read the methodology selection below.

Nautilus Marine Boat Insurance

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Agreed or market value

• Choice of repairer

Liability cover

Limit not readily disclosed

This offering is the most comprehensive we found, covering your boat up to 250 nautical miles from the Australian coastline. Unlike most boat insurance policies, there’s the option to have your boat insured at market or agreed value.

There’s $5,000 each for emergency expenses and funeral costs, $20,000 for personal effects, $500,000 for marine damage, and $50,000 for related fines and penalties. This policy also allows you, rather than the insurer, to choose a repairer for your boat if damaged. Additionally, you have a choice of how much you pay in excess on accepted claims, which can lower or raise the policy premium, to a more favourable level. This policy is also a rare one in that it automatically covers sailboat racing, limiting the distance to up to 100 nautical miles. Additional cover can be purchased for longer races. Note that while this policy offers legal liability cover, the limit is not disclosed.

Aside from comprehensive cover, this insurer also offers third party only, extended blue water yacht racing and blue water cruising policies.

• Lay-up discount available
• 21-day cooling off period
• Insures at market value or agreed value
• No rescue cover
• No salvage cover
• Cover for ‘reasonable’ repairs at market value only

$10 million

As is common with boat insurance, this policy covers you up to 200 nautical miles off Australia’s shores. However, it offers up to $10 million in salvage and removal cover, which is relatively high compared to policies provided by other insurers.

It also includes $250,000 to cover the cost of removing or containing damage caused by pollution from your boat and related legal costs, if your boat is stranded or damaged. There’s $5,000 each for emergency repair, the boat’s contents and fatal injury. Unlike certain policies, this one also covers rescue, paying out up to $5,000. However, one drawback is that your boat can only be insured at agreed value. A lay-up discount and cover for sailboat racing and watersports are optional extras that can be added.

If you make a successful claim, the policy allows you to choose the repairer. You can also pay an excess amount that you choose on taking out the policy. Paying a low amount in excess typically raises the policy premium and vice versa.

This insurer also offers third-party boat insurance as an alternative to comprehensive cover.

• $10 million legal liability
• Rescue cover included
• Insures at agreed value only

This policy pays out up to $5,000 for emergency expenses, and covers damage up to the agreed value, as long as your boat stays within 200 nautical miles of Australia’s coastline.

It also covers rescue up to $5,000 and salvage costs, as long as they are ‘reasonable’, while $250,000 is available for clean-up expenses to remove, contain or clear debris and liquid from your boat as a result of an insured event. For funeral expenses, there’s $10,000, while $10 million is provided in legal liability cover. However, content cover is only available to bolt on to the policy as an optional extra. Insurance for sailboat racing and watersports are also available as add-ons, for an extra premium.

Unlike certain policies, you can choose a repairer, which is an added bonus. You also have a choice of how much excess you pay on each accepted claim. Note that this comprehensive offering is the only type of boat cover this insurer offers.

• $250,000 clean-up costs
• Covers ‘reasonable’ salvage costs only
• Contents cover not automatically included

Suncorp’s comprehensive boat insurance offers a suite of attractive features: there’s $10 million in salvage and removal cover; an equal amount in legal liability cover; $250,000 for pollution by oil, fuel or waste; and $5,000 each for emergency expenses, the boat’s contents, and for fatal injury.

The policy will remain valid up to 200 nautical miles from Australia’s shores, covering your boat at agreed value only and paying out up to this value for rescue. Note that if the boat is damaged, only the insurer can choose a repairer. However, you will have a choice of how much excess you pay on accepted claims, when you first take out the policy. Paying more in excess can lower your policy premium and vice versa.

Cover for sailboat racing and water-skiing can be added on to the policy at an extra cost. This insurer offers third party cover, as an alternative to comprehensive cover.

• No choice of repairer

This policy will cover your boat up to 200 nautical miles from Australia’s coastline, covering ‘reasonable’ repair costs up to an agreed value only. However, it allows you to choose a repairer, if you wish, and offers several excess options to choose from when taking out the policy. Opting to pay a higher excess on accepted claims can lower the policy premium and vice versa.

The policy also includes salvage cover, though no specific limit is readily provided, and $10 million in legal liability cover, including $250,000 for clean-up costs. It also offers $10,000 for funeral costs, up to $800 for emergency repairs and an additional $1,000 to cover emergency transport and accomodation. There’s $1,000 to cover the boat’s contents, which is relatively low compared to other insurers, but there is the option to increase this amount to $1,500 by paying an additional premium.

This policy does not cover rescue, but insurance for sailboat racing and water-skiing are available at an additional cost. This insurer also provides third party insurance as an alternative to its comprehensive offering.

• 21-day cooling period
• $800 only for emergency repairs

In addition to $5,000 in cover for rescue, Apia’s comprehensive boat insurance includes $10 million each for salvage and legal liability. It also offers $250,000 for clean up and $5,000 for emergency expenses.

For fatal injury, there’s $5,000, while up to $250 is provided for the boat’s contents and $250 for personal effects. Cover for sailboats and watersports come as optional extras, at an additional cost. Cover remains valid up to 200 miles from the Australian mainland and Tasmanian coastlines.

The policy offers several excess amounts to choose from, allowing you the ability to lower your policy premium, if you prefer to pay more in excess, and vice versa. Note that the insurer will choose a repairer for you on this policy. As an alternative to comprehensive cover, it also offers third party insurance.

• $10 million salvage
• Insured at agreed value only
• No lay-up discount

Youi Comprehensive Boat Insurance covers you up to 200 nautical miles from the Australian and Tasmanian coastlines, providing $1,000 for emergency repairs, transport and accomodation. However, it insures at market value only and you can’t choose the repairer if you’re boat is damaged.

There’s $1,000 for the boat’s contents, $10 million for legal liability and $5,000 for accidental personal injury. The latter rises to $10,000, including for funeral expenses, if injury leads to death. The policy also includes $150,000 for salvage costs and $250,000 in pollution cover. Note that the policy does not include cover for rescue, and offers a 20-day cooling off period, which is slightly shorter than the 21-day period offered by many insurers. Social sailboat racing cover is available as an optional extra for an additional premium, but water-skiing cover is not provided.

As well as comprehensive cover, Youi offers a third party property only policy, and third party fire and theft insurance. It also provides a choice of excess amounts, allowing you to raise how much is levied in exchange for a lower policy premium, or vice versa.

• $10 million legal liability cover
• Insurer offers good range of policy types
• $10,000 accidental injury cover
• Market value only
• Water-skiing cover not available

While pleasure boat insurance is Club Marine’s most comprehensive offering, it also provides third party cover. The former, which we analysed, can cover your boat at market or agreed value, up to 250 nautical miles from Australia, protecting it against damage costs up to the policy limit. You, rather than the insurer, can choose a repairer when needed.

The policy also includes $10,000 for personal effects, $500,000 to cover clean up costs, and covers ‘reasonable’ costs for salvage. Insurance for water-skiing and sailboat racing can be bolted on to the policy at an additional cost. You can also add cover for emergency measures if you choose, but such scenarios are only covered up to a ‘reasonable’ amount. There is no automatic or optional cover for rescue.

You can choose from a number of excess options when taking out the policy, which allows you to raise the excess to lower the policy premium or vice versa, depending on your preference.

• 14-day cooling period
• Lay-up discount optional

To find our pick of the best comprehensive caravan insurers in Australia, Forbes Advisor analysed 14 of the most popular companies in the country.

Our analysis included comparing how a boat is insured (whether by market value or agreed value); policy benefits, such as cover for emergency expenses and accidental damage; and an in-depth review of each provider’s product disclosure statement (PDS) to evaluate any exclusions and extras.

The policies were compared across the following 16 key data points:

Market versus agreed value: Can owners choose how their boat is insured? Choice of repairer: Can boat owners choose the repairer? Choice of excess: Do boat owners have a choice of how much excess they pay? Note that paying a high amount in excess usually lowers the policy premium, and vice versa. Cooling-off period: What is the cooling off period for purchase? Emergency expenses: Are boat owners covered for emergency expenses and by up to how much? Above $1,000 is great. Fire and theft: Does the policy include fire and theft cover? Legal liability: As boating and its equipment is expensive, is there at least $10 million for damage a boat owner may accidentally cause with their boat? Contents cover: Are the contents of the boat covered by more than $4,000? Natural disasters: Is there cover for floods and storms? Funeral services: Is there at least $10,000 or more for funeral expenses? Salvage costs: Is there at least $10 million for salvage operations? Clean-up costs: is there at least $250,000 for clean-up costs? Rescue services: Is there at least $5,000 for rescue services? Water-skiing: Is there cover for water-skiing automatically or as a policy add-on? Sailboat racing: Is there cover for sailboat racing automatically or is there an add-on? Discounts for ‘lay-up’: Does the insurer offer lay-up cover to allow owners to save on their premium when the boat is stored?

These variables were compared to complete an overall ranking of each comprehensive boat insurance provider. Each provider was ranked between one and five, with the leading providers (being those ranked higher than 3.5) included in the above best-of list.

A Note on Star Rankings

You will note that we have included a star rating next to each product or provider. This rating was determined by the editorial team once all of the data points above were considered, and the pros and cons of each product attribute was reviewed. The star rating is solely the view of Forbes Advisor editorial staff. Commercial partners or advertisers have no bearing on the star rating or their inclusion on this list. Star ratings are only one factor to be considered, and Forbes Advisor encourages you to seek independent advice from an authorised financial adviser in relation to your own financial circumstances and investments before you decide to choose a particular financial product or service.

As the name suggests, cover for boats can protect you when using a vessel such as a motorboat, yacht, small craft or super yacht. An insurer will be able to tell you what type of vessels it specifically covers. Similar to car insurance, the following types of boat cover are available:

Third party only: Protects against claims of injury or death, or damage to property by passengers or other third parties. Third party, fire and theft: Covers everything a third party only policy does, as well as someone stealing your boat and damage caused by fire. Comprehensive: Covers the widest range of unexpected emergencies, including those caused by theft, accidents and natural disasters.

The benefits of boat insurance can differ between policies. However, you’ll find that most comprehensive policies tend to include cover for the following:

Accidental loss and damage: This can include cover for theft, impact, sinking, fire, a storm, malicious damage and transit damage, when your boat is being transported on its own trailer

Emergency expenses: Covers the cost of emergency assistance such as the towing of your boat to the nearest safe place, or for the delivery of fuel, if your boat is stranded due to an emergency or unforeseen incident. It can also cover urgent repairs.

Personal effects/contents: Insures you for theft, loss or damage of belongings owned by you and depending on the insurer, your passengers, which are being used or stored on your boat at the time of an incident. This can include clothing, fishing and diving equipment and unfixed furniture. There are typically exclusions to this cover such as jewellery, money and mobile phones. Sub-limits on cover may also apply to certain items. Clean-up: Covers the cost to remove, contain or clear waste and pollution caused by your boat. Salvage and removal: Covers the cost of recovering your boat and moving it to a safe place in the event your boat is stranded or damaged in a covered incident. Legal liability: Covers you for injury to other people or damage to someone’s property when using your boat. Funeral expenses: Pays out following the accidental death of an insured person on the policy while boating.

A policy may also include cover for rescuing from a stranded boat, while insurance for sailboat racing and waterskiing may each come as optional extras that you can bolt on to your policy at an additional cost.

In addition to the types of cover included on a policy, you’ll also want to find out how far you can take your boat from land. Typically, you can travel 200 nautical miles away from Australia’s coastline without invalidating your policy. Certain insurers may allow you to travel farther out. You may also want to check if you can choose the repairer if you claim for damage, or if the insurer must choose.

Certain policies may offer a lay-up discount, often as an optional extra. This is when you can nominate certain months in the year that you don’t use your boat, and the insurer will charge you less for your policy during these times. This discount is worth considering, in addition to the policy premium (the cost of the policy). You’ll also want to weigh these factors up against the excess you’re typically required to pay on each accepted claim. This sum is usually automatically deducted from the claim amount. On taking out your policy you may have the option to choose an excess amount. While lowering it can usually raise your policy premium, paying more in excess could lower your policy premium to an amount that you may prefer.

Most insurers offer either agreed value or market value policies. However, some insurers may offer the option to insure at agreed value or market value, depending on your preference, although this is rare.

On an agreed value policy, the value is determined through a boat valuation you arrange before the policy starts. This must usually be carried out by a registered boat dealer or broker who specialises in your type of boat.

On a market value policy, the value of your boat will be determined at the time of claiming, typically using dealer or repairer valuations or industry publications.

You’ll want to read a policy’s PDS thoroughly before deciding whether it’s worth purchasing. This should be available to view on the insurer’s website. It will detail what the cover includes and excludes, as this differs between policies.

Insurers usually offer a 21-day cooling-off period during which you can cancel your policy and get a refund, should you change your mind and haven’t yet made a claim.

Certain policies may come with a shorter cooling off period of 20, or even 14 days. As with all the details of your policy, you can check how long this period will last in its PDS.

A quick way to compare boat insurance policies is to run quotes on the websites of individual insurers. Shopping around will raise your chances of finding a suitable policy, at the best price available.

As well as the cost of a policy, you will be able to compare factors, such as the types of cover included, cover levels and the amount of excess levied on each successful claim you make.

First, you’ll need to enter a few details into the insurer’s online quotation tool to give it an idea of the type of boat that needs covering, how you use it, its speed and engine type, where you store it when not using it and more. An insurer will also want to know information about you, such as your age, and boating experience.

Data Research: Mia Dunn

How much boat insurance do I need?

The amount of cover you will need will depend on factors such as the value of your boat and the contents inside, whether it will be insured at agreed or market value.

You’ll want to carefully look through a policy’s PDS to find out exactly what it does and does not cover. You may want to consider a different policy if it automatically includes cover you don’t need such as water skiing insurance.

What is the best boat insurance policy?

Our above ranking of what we consider to be the best comprehensive boat insurance policies gives you an idea of how they compare based on what we’ve identified as key factors.

In addition to the levels of cover available, we considered whether owners can choose the repairer that fixes their boat, whether they have a choice of what they pay in excess, how long of a cooling off period is provided, should they wish to cancel their policy and get a refund and more.

However, the best boat insurance for you will ultimately come down to your personal preferences, budget and needs.

How much is boat insurance in Australia?

According to the Pacific Boating club, insuring your vessel can cost upwards of $300 per year.

The specific price will be based on factors such as the size and make of your boat, as well as the type of policy you choose.

I have been writing for newspapers, magazines and online publications for over 10 years. My passion is providing, in a way that is easily accessible and digestible to all, the knowledge needed for readers to not only manage their finances, but financially flourish.