best overseas travel insurance australia

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International travel insurance comparison

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

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

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

List of brands we tested in this review.

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

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

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

Policy type

• One trip 65
• Policy age limit

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

Does the policy cover international cruises?

• Optional 71

Medical expenses for COVID-19

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

Cancellation expenses for mental health

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

• Cancellation for insolvency of a travel services provider

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

Cancellation expenses for a natural disaster

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

Cancellation expenses for civil unrest

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

• Baggage cover

Are stolen or damaged personal belongings covered

• Limit for baggage expenses

The overall limit for stolen or damaged personal belongings.

• Limit for a smartphone

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

• Limit for a laptop or tablet

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

• Limit for rental car excess

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

• Scuba diving

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

Skiing and snowboarding on-piste

Does the policy cover skiing and snowboarding on-piste?

• Optional 82

Skiing and snowboarding off-piste

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

• Optional 72

Tobogganing

Does the policy cover tobogganing on snow?

• Optional 50

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

• Optional 32

Moped 125cc

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

• Optional 28

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

• Optional 34

Included in this comparison

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

Displaying all 91 products

• Brand (A-Z)

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

Your filters

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

1Cover Comprehensive

1Cover Frequent Traveller

1Cover Medical Only

AANT Annual Multi-Trip

AANT Basics

AANT Essentials

AANT Premium

AHM Comprehensive

AHM Comprehensive Multi-Trip

AHM Medical Only

Battleface Covid Essentials

Battleface Discovery

Cover-More Basic

Cover-More Comprehensive

Cover-More Comprehensive Multi-Trip

Cover-More Comprehensive Plus

Cover-More Comprehensive Plus Multi-Trip

FastCover Basics

FastCover Comprehensive

FastCover Frequent Traveller Saver

FastCover Standard Saver

Flight Centre Multi-Trip YourCover Essentials

Flight Centre Multi-Trip YourCover Plus

Flight Centre YourCover Essentials

Flight Centre YourCover Plus

Go Insurance Go Basic

Go Insurance Go Basic Annual Multi-Trip

Go Insurance Go Plus

Go Insurance Go Plus Annual Multi-Trip

InsureandGo Bare Essentials

InsureandGo Gold

InsureandGo Silver

Jetstar Comprehensive

Medibank Comprehensive

Medibank Medical Only

Medibank Multi-Trip Comprehensive

NIB Annual Multi-Trip

NIB Comprehensive

NIB Essentials

NRMA Comprehensive

NRMA Comprehensive Multi-Trip

NRMA Essentials

Qantas Annual Multi-Trip

Qantas International Comprehensive

RAA Essentials

RAA Multi-Trip

RAA Premium

RAC Annual Multi-Trip

RAC Comprehensive

RAC Essentials

RAC Medical Only

RACQ Annual Multi-Trip

RACQ Premium

RACQ Standard

RACT Annual Multi-Trip

RACT Comprehensive

RACT Essentials

RACV Annual Multi-Trip

RACV Basics

RACV Comprehensive

RACV Essentials

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) Annual Multi-Trip

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) Comprehensive

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) Medical Only

Tick Travel Insurance Basic

Tick Travel Insurance Budget

Tick Travel Insurance Standard

Tick Travel Insurance Top

Travel Insurance Direct Annual Multi-Trip

Travel Insurance Direct Basics

Travel Insurance Direct The Works

Virgin Australia International Plan (bought with flight purchase)

Virgin Australia Travel Safe International

Virgin Australia Travel Safe International Multi-Trip

Virgin Australia Travel Safe Plus International

Virgin Australia Travel Safe Plus International Multi-Trip

WAS Insurance Covid Essentials

WAS Insurance Discovery

Webjet Travel Safe International

Webjet Travel Safe International Multi-Trip

Webjet Travel Safe Plus International

Webjet Travel Safe Plus International Multi-Trip

World Nomads Explorer

World Nomads Standard

World2Cover Annual Multi-Trip

World2Cover Basics

World2Cover Essentials

World2Cover Top

• Insurance provider

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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

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.

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.

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

Compare Travel Insurance

Thinking about taking a trip in the near future? Well you’ve come to the right place. At Mozo we compare travel insurance policies from multiple insurance providers! We also have a long list of frequently asked questions and a range of travel insurance guides below, if you want to read more information on getting travel insurance cover while overseas or when travelling around Australia.

Travel insurance is a type of insurance that is designed to provide cover while travelling away from home. Typically it provides cover for events such as medical emergencies, sudden cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, alternative transport expenses and so forth. Travel insurance can usually be purchased for both domestic and international trips, although it is generally more popular for people travelling overseas.

Travel Insurance

Searching for travel insurance that suits you and your travels overseas? That will depend on which kind of traveller you are…

Let’s take a look!

• Going overseas just once this year? A single-trip policy could be the way to go.
• Caught the travel bug? Or buying to different cities for work? A MULTI-TRIP policy is great if you’re doing 2 or more trips a year.
• Are you a snow bunny? Take out snow insurance if you’re planning to hit the slopes.
• Going on a cruise? Cruise insurance can protect you from mishaps abroad and before boarding.
• Globetrotting in your golden years? For seniors, comprehensive insurance is a safety net in case anything goes wrong.
• Travelling while pregnant? Look out for insurance that covers pregnancy! But pregnancy with twins or more is most likely not covered.
• Backpacking across uncharted paths? A backpacker’s travel insurance is essential to cover your bases - it’s great for multiple destinations.

And remember the golden rule… Always read the fine print!

Check the insurer’s product disclosure statement (PDS) for exclusions and inclusions.

Top things to consider about travel insurance

Current travel advice and restrictions.

Need to knows about Australian Government Guidelines

Travel and Covid-19

Key aspects to consider before travelling

Travel insurance cover levels

What’s covered and what’s not

Types of Travel Insurance

Important information on terms, conditions and sub-limits.

International

Cover for when you are holidaying or visiting international destinations

Learn about domestic holiday cover for when you’re travelling within Australia.

Annual cover if you take more than one overseas trip per year.

How to compare travel insurance on Mozo

Select the type of travel insurance you’ll need.

Compare policy limits and features of each travel insurance provider based on your needs.

Get a quote directly. You’ll need to know your travel dates, number of travellers and key destinations.

See policy details from these travel insurance providers

Current travel advice and restrictions

Thanks to mass vaccination, the world continues to reopen in 2022. Vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers alike can now leave Australia to visit countries not classified as "do not travel" (which still require an exemption). 

There are four travel advice levels for classifying countries. The levels are based on factors such as crime, terrorism, health, medical care, and natural disasters. From 1-4, the advice levels 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

According to Smart Traveller, most travel insurance providers will offer cover for travel to countries classified level one or two. Read more about the latest international travel advice for the country or countries you are planning on travelling to at: smartraveller.gov.au .

Travel and COVID-19

Fully vaccinated Australians can now travel outside of Australia without applying for an exemption. Plus, if you have been fully vaccinated with a TGA-approved COVID-19 vaccine, you will also be able to apply for an International Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate .

Before you get carried away thinking about all the places you could travel to though, it is important to remember that travelling now is nothing like travelling in pre-pandemic days. Prior to departing, you will need to make sure you are aware of what the rules are for entering the country you're visiting. For example, many countries now require a negative COVID-19 test on arrival, as well as proof of vaccination. Some countries may also still have quarantine in place for vaccinated travellers. Others still will require you present valid travel insurance upon entry that at least covers the emergency medical costs associated with treating COVID-19.

What to do when involved in an accident or emergency overseas

To make sure you are prepared for an accident or emergency overseas, it’s a good idea to know what the laws are in the country you are travelling to and what emergency situations your travel insurance covers.

A few things you may want to take note of prior to travelling are:

• What healthcare the country offers
• Emergency numbers, including for an ambulance, the police and the fire service
• Where the Australian embassy is located
• What the laws are around driving with an international licence
• The number for the Consular Emergency Centre (CEC) in Australia
• The emergency contact number for your travel insurance provider.

While you can contact the Australian embassy or call the CEC for things like a lost or stolen passport, in a crisis situation Smart Traveller recommends getting in touch with the local authorities. If you have travel insurance cover, you could also call your travel insurance provider’s emergency assistance phone line.

What does travel insurance cover?

What travel insurance covers will depend on a number of things including, whether you’re purchasing domestic or international travel insurance, what level of coverage you opt for and which insurance provider you go with.

Generally, domestic travel insurance offers cover for things like luggage and personal belongings, trip cancellations and delays, rental vehicle excess and personal liability. It should also be noted that most travel insurance companies will only offer domestic cover if you are travelling more than a certain number of kilometres away from your home – usually around 100 to 250km.

International travel insurance takes into account a few more things like medical or dental emergencies. Typically it includes cover for instances such as overseas medical and hospital expenses, lost or stolen luggage, cancellations and trip delays, rental vehicle insurance excess and personal liability. Some policies may also provide cover for things like replacement travel documents and credit card fraud.

How to get cheaper travel insurance

While the cost of travelling is expensive enough, there's no reason why you have to spend more than necessary on a travel insurance policy – after all, when you're travelling you don't want to spend all your time fretting about your finances. 

That's why it's important to look into cheap travel insurance , and the ways you might be able to trim the fat on your policy and premium.

What’s the best travel insurance?

Finding the best travel insurance policy shouldn’t be difficult, which is why every year Mozo announces the Mozo Experts Choice Travel Insurance Awards to help you find one that complements your personal needs and budget. 

Mozo’s expert judges analyse hundreds of travel insurance policies to find the best value and best quality insurance across a range of coverage tiers, from medical only to comprehensive, for a variety of different holiday activities and destinations. 

Head to our best travel insurance  hub page to compare this year's winners. 

As a Mozo money writer, Jack’s goal is to cut through the jargon and give people the knowledge they need to make better informed financial decisions. With a background in communications and journalism, he brings his creative flair for language to make the world of insurance and money management fun, as well as educational.

Travel insurance FAQs

What types of travel insurance are there.

Generally travel insurance providers will offer four different types of cover, these are:

• domestic travel insurance for travel around Australia
• basic international travel insurance, usually only medical cover
• comprehensive international travel insurance which includes medical, cancellations, luggage and more
• multi-trip international travel insurance, if you travel more than once a year

A few providers may offer more specific cover for things like going on a cruise, travelling as a student or in a group. Some may even provide cover specifically tailored towards seniors , skiing trips and Australians who are already overseas.

Is travel insurance expensive?

Whether you see travel insurance as expensive or a necessary cost for peace of mind will depend on your perspective. As with all types of insurance, travel insurance premiums are calculated on a case-by-case basis.

The cost of travel insurance will depend on a number of factors:

• The duration of the trip
• The destination/s
• The age of each traveller
• Level of cover selected
• Any pre-existing conditions

Having cover while abroad could help you dodge hefty costs if things do go wrong, so it can be a small price to pay to know you are covered.

How can I find the best travel insurance?

We should start by saying that no one travel insurance policy will be the ‘best’ for everyone. People have different reasons for travelling, budgets and needs. That said, shopping around can help you find travel insurance that works best for you. Are you worried about being covered for medical expenses? Or are you more concerned about lost luggage? Once you have an idea of the cover you need, then you can compare policies.

What is comprehensive travel insurance?

Comprehensive travel insurance is the highest level of cover you can get when taking a trip overseas. Generally it offers cover for things like:

• Medical emergencies
• Lost luggage
• Trip delays
• Cancellations
• Rental vehicle insurance excess
• Personal liability

A lot of comprehensive travel insurance providers will also offer optional extras for specific types of holiday. For instance, things like snow cover or cruise cover. Others will also offer cover tailored towards certain individuals, such as cover for students, seniors and people travelling in a group.

What is flight insurance?

Flight insurance is generally insurance that covers unexpected delays or incidents that happen when flying. Insurance providers do not typically offer standalone flight insurance, rather this will usually be included in a travel insurance policy.

How do I make a travel insurance claim?

Generally travel insurance providers will give customers the option to make a claim online, via email or by giving them a phone call. Details on how you can make a claim can usually be found on the travel insurance provider’s website. It might be a good idea to note down how to make a claim , before heading off on your trip.

Latest travel insurance guides

Latest travel insurance news

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There are several things people think about when planning for a holiday: where they want to go, what they want to see, how much it will cost, and what kind of travel insurance they need.

5 Travel Insurance essentials to consider this Easter

Easter, much like many other holidays, is a time for travel and exploration. But with travel comes the essential addition of travel insurance, particularly when you’re heading abroad. But just what should you consider when it comes to travel insurance?

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Latest travel insurance customer reviews

Australia post travel insurance, disaster, left in agony without treatment for week.

tortured with broken leg due to refusel of immediate treatmentleft with broken leg, no pain killers no cast for 2 weeks as they wanted to send me home for treatment to avoid paining medical in America. While waiting 2 weeks for them to organize my trip back to Australia I was left humiliated and in agony, having to crawl on my hands and knees even just to got to the toilet, then if I made it there it was often too late by the time I had to maneuver myself up and on to the toilet. I was unable to obtain a drink or a proper meal as I had no was of carrying it back. Partially approved with transport to Australia, still waiting on claim from airport transport to home. Finally received my travel cost to get home from airport after 10 weeks of numerous submissions

Qantas Travel Insurance

Provided quote with cover then wouldn't honour it..

Provided a quote saying medical issues were covered. Then when went to purchase the insurance prior to the date of the quotation expiring, they said they'd changed the rules... They then put me through to customer service and said it was out of hours in that country and to phone back later. When I phoned back they wouldn't speak to me regarding the other passenger, even though it was okay for me to do the screening for them online earlier.

Cheap Travel Insurance Travel Insurance

Super easy to purchase! Amazing coverage! Amazing customer service.

Who we are and how we get paid

Our goal at Mozo is to help you make smart financial decisions and our award-winning comparison tools and services are provided free of charge. As a marketplace business, we do earn money from advertising.

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.

U.S. News takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

The Best Travel Insurance for Australia in 2024

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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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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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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

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Visiting Australia? Consider Travel Insurance

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Table of Contents

Different types of travel insurance

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

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

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

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

Here are some common types of travel insurance:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card .

Chase Sapphire Reserve® .

The Platinum Card® from American Express . Terms apply.

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

United℠ Explorer Card .

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

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

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

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

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

» Learn more: The best credit cards with travel insurance

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

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

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

» Learn more: Is travel insurance worth it?

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

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

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.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 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.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 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.

Travel insurance for visitors to Australia

You can get travel insurance from an australian provider if you are planning to visit the country. it can cover medical expenses, cancellations, lost luggage and more..

In this guide

Compare policies for visitors to Australia

What is travel insurance for overseas visitors to australia, what does travel insurance for overseas visitors cover, other insurance options for visitors to australia, conditions of non-resident travel insurance for australia, questions about travel insurance for visitors to australia.

Destinations

What you need to know

• If you are coming to Australia, a handful of providers offer inbound travel insurance policies .
• You can take out policies for family members coming to Australia as well.
• Travel insurance can cover things like medical expenses, flight cancellations and personal liability – it is not the same as OVHC.

*When looking for cover, make sure to read any guidelines in the PDS to ensure you qualify for the policy. Most insurers have limitations when it comes to covering pre-existing medical conditions for visitors to Australia. Note: This information was last updated August 2023

Travel insurance for overseas visitors, sometimes called inbound travel insurance, is for non-Australian residents who plan to travel to Australia.

For example, if you are currently in the Phillipines and want cover for when you are in Australia, including the inbound flight, this type of policy can cover you. It can also cover family members – for example, if you're currently living in Australia and want to cover a family member travelling to see you.

Inbound travel insurance is not the same as Overseas Visitor Health Cover . This is a type of health insurance you often need if you are coming to work in Australia on a visa.

Can non-residents get regular travel insurance?

If you don't live in Australia, you will need to get inbound travel insurance – it's a type of policy designed for non-residents. However, if you're a temporary or permanent resident in Australia, you should be able to get regular travel insurance. I was able to do this as temporary resident when I first moved to Australia from Scotland.

Gary Ross Hunter Finder's insurance and innovations editor

Travel insurance for overseas visitors includes similar benefits to international travel insurance policies, such as:

• Medical care. Cover if you need medical care while you're in Australia. Emergencies are often unexpected and expensive, so don't let you or your family get caught out.
• Interruption. Sometimes, unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or cut your trip short. Whether you lose your job or are diagnosed with an illness, the long journey means that flights to Australia can be pretty expensive. Travel insurance policies reimburse you for the money you are otherwise not able to get back.
• Belongings. You're travelling such a long way so the last thing you want is to be stuck in Australia without your luggage. If your luggage and belongings are lost, stolen or damaged on your trip, your insurance policy will provide cover for the cost of their repair or replacement. Similarly, if an airline misplaces your luggage or it is delayed, cover is available to help you buy essential clothing and toiletries.
• Theft. Australia is a generally safe country but theft can occur anywhere, especially if you're planning on exploring different parts of the country. Travel insurance looks after you if your cash, credit cards, passport or important travel documents are stolen.
• Accidents. If you're planning a road trip, rental vehicle excess cover makes sure you don't have to pay the excess on the rental vehicle if something goes wrong. Travel insurance for visitors to Australia can also include personal liability . If an accident occurs and you are legally liable to pay for the costs, this can reimburse you up to the limit specified on your policy.
• Travel insurance for overseas students
• Inbound travel insurance
• Long term visitors
• Health insurance for Australian visa holders

Typical conditions and eligibilty requirements for non-resident travel insurance include:

• Most of your time must be spent in Australia. You can travel to other destinations for a short time but most of your trip must be spent in Australia.
• Pre-existing conditions. Not all pre-existing medical conditions will be covered by insurers. Some may be automatically excluded and for others, you may be required to submit further information detailing the nature of your condition.
• Age limits. Non-resident travel insurance will generally have an age limit on people who can take out cover. For example, many policies stop offering cover if you are under the age of 80.

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What is the best travel insurance for visitors to australia.

The best travel insurance for visitors to Australia depends on your needs. However, you will probably need inbound travel insurance because this covers non-residents travelling to Australia for a short stay. If you live and reside in Australia – for example, you're on a visa, you should be eligible for any type of travel insurance.

Is it possible to purchase a travel insurance policy once you're already in Australia?

Yes, it is. You can purchase cover before you leave home or once you arrive in Australia. If you purchase cover when you're already in Australia, you may have to serve a brief waiting period (commonly 48 hours) before certain aspects of the cover will take effect.

Will my children be covered?

Most non-resident travel insurance policies can also cover your dependent children, often for no additional charge.

When can I buy a policy?

You can buy a policy online as soon as you book your trip. If you forget to get cover and have already arrived in Australia, some insurers will still let you buy a policy if you buy it within a few days of arrival.

Will I be covered for trips outside of Australia?

There are some insurers who will cover you for trips outside of Australia but the majority of your time must be spent in Australia.

Gary Ross Hunter

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

More guides on Finder

Find out what inbound travel insurance covers and compare policies to find the right cover option.

Is travel insurance really necessary when you’re coming here on a visa? The answer is "yes" and this guide looks at what you need and why you need it when travelling to Australia on a 457 visa.

Are you a non-resident living in Australia and wanting to travel overseas? Don't fret – you can still get travel insurance.

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What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is designed to cover you for a range of unexpected events that could happen when you’re travelling overseas or in Australia. Allianz Travel Insurance can cover costs like travel delays or emergency medical treatment, or the cost of replacing items that were lost or stolen during your trip. 1

We have Basic, Comprehensive, Domestic, and Multi-Trip Plans to choose from, with varying levels of cover to help you when you need it most. Our plans are available for singles, duos or families. Read through our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for detailed information about our plans to see which level of cover is right for you.

Find the right cover for your trip

Basic Travel Insurance

• Overseas emergency assistance 1
• Overseas medical and hospital expenses 1
• Personal Liability 1

Comprehensive Travel Insurance

• Overseas emergency assistance, medical and hospital expenses 1
• Unexpected trip cancellation 3
• Loss of or damage to luggage and personal effects 1
• COVID-19 benefits 2

Domestic Travel Insurance

• Travel delay expenses 1
• Rental vehicle excess 1

Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

Additional cover options.

For an additional premium, you can choose to add an Adventure Pack, Cruise Pack, or Snow Pack to eligible plans. Increased Item Limits Cover can also be added to insure your luggage, personal effects or valuables should something happen to them while travelling.

You have the option to vary the base excess when you buy your policy (premium adjustment will apply depending on the excess selected). The choice is yours.

Website review and travel remediation

Choose what suits your needs, single cover, family plan, ready to get started, frequently asked questions.

Without travel insurance, you run the risk of incurring some significant expenses that may take years to pay off.

If you’re travelling overseas, travel insurance is an important consideration for unexpected medical bills and hospitalisation. Other unforeseen expenses could include the replacement of lost or stolen luggage, delays or cancellations to your trip, and many other unfortunate scenarios.

We don’t cover medical expenses under our Domestic Travel Insurance policy. However, you may wish to take out insurance for domestic flight changes or cancellations, lost or stolen baggage, or rental vehicle excess. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for more information.

Travel insurance may cover you for a range of unexpected events that may affect your trip, such as emergency medical assistance if you become ill or injured while travelling overseas, including arranging your evacuation if needed.

Other incidents that travel insurance may cover include costs due to unexpected delays and cancellations, rental vehicle excess, and personal liability. You also have the option to purchase additional cover for activities such as adventure sports or skiing, although this isn’t available on all plans.

Cover limits vary from insurance provider to insurance provider, as do policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions, so it’s important to read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure you fully understand what’s covered, the limits applying to the policy, and to make sure the policy is appropriate for your needs.

The length of your Travel Insurance policy is largely dependent on the travel dates you supply. When obtaining a quote, or buying a policy, you’ll be prompted to enter in your departure and return dates – this will be the period of cover for all benefits except the cancellation benefit, which begins from the date your policy is issued.

The period of cover is also shown on your Certificate of Insurance, which is sent to you at the time of purchase. You may want to extend the length of your holiday abroad (and therefore need an extension of your period of cover) and you may be able to do this within specified timeframes.

If you think you may travel more than once a year, you may wish to consider a Multi-Trip policy . Different start and end dates apply, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for full details.

It’s up to you when you buy Allianz Travel Insurance, however, keep in mind these three things:

• You can buy our Travel Insurance up to 12 months in advance.
• You must buy Allianz Travel Insurance before you start your journey. Your journey starts when any traveller named on the Certificate of Insurance leaves home or work in Australia to begin travel.
• Depending on the plan you choose you may have trip cancellation cover, which covers unexpected trip cancellation, rescheduling or shortening from the date your Certificate of Insurance is issued. So, consider buying our Travel Insurance as soon as you’ve booked and paid for some or all your trip as you may be covered for such events before you depart.

Yes, if you change your mind after you buy your Travel Insurance policy, you may cancel it within 14 days of your Certificate of Insurance being issued.

You’ll be given a full refund of the premium you’ve paid, provided you’ve not started your journey and don’t intend to make a claim or exercise any other right under your policy.

When considering which policy is right for you, make sure you consider your needs, as well as your financial situation. Reading the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination (TMD) is a good place to start as they will give you more detail, so you can decide if the plan is right for you.

Allianz Travel Insurance offers a number of travel insurance plans – Basic , Comprehensive , Domestic , Non-Medical or Multi-Trip Travel Insurance . You can see more detailed information on our Compare Cover Options page .

This product has a general exclusion, with limited exceptions, against epidemics and pandemics. That means we don’t cover claims that arise from, or are related to, an epidemic or pandemic.

However, you’re covered under selected benefits in this product if, during your period of cover, you’re positively diagnosed as suffering a sickness recognised as an epidemic or pandemic, such as COVID-19.

Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement to see which benefits offer cover in the event that you contract a sickness recognised as an epidemic or pandemic, and the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions that apply.

Note: There is no cover under any benefit of this policy if your claim arises because you did not follow advice or a warning that has been issued by the Australian Government or a reliable mass media source. This applies even if an Australian government has given you permission to travel, or you fall under a specific exemption where there is otherwise a travel ban in place.

If you have any questions call us on 13 1000 .

If you need to shorten your journey while travelling, or are prevented from travelling due to a COVID-19 border closure or mandatory quarantine period, you may be entitled to receive a partial or full refund on your premium. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for more information.

Eligibility criteria applies. Contact us on 1800 440 806 or email us .

There is no cover under any benefit of this policy if your claim arises because you didn’t follow an advice or warning that a reasonable person would have been aware of, that has been issued by the Australian government (when a ‘reconsider your need to travel’ or ‘do not travel’ alert is in place), which can be found on Smartraveller ; or which was published in a reliable mass media source.

Before buying travel insurance, and while you’re travelling, check Smartraveller and Allianz Partners for travel alerts or advisories for your intended destination(s).

Note: This applies even if an Australian government has given you permission to travel, or you fall under a specific exemption where there is otherwise a travel ban in place.

Tip: Subscribe to Smartraveller to get travel alerts and advisory updates by email.

Refer to General Exclusions in the Product Disclosure Statement for a full list of exclusions.

If you have any questions, call us on 13 1000 .

A general exclusion, sometimes referred to as a policy exclusion or exclusion, is an exclusion that applies to all policy benefits.

Should a general exclusion apply, your travel insurance policy won’t provide cover for the specified event, activities or circumstances.

Refer to General Exclusions in the Product Disclosure Statement provided at the time of purchase for a full list of exclusions.

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

• Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits apply. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for full details.
• Policy terms, conditions, limits, exclusions, and sub-limits apply to particular types of losses, premium refunds (full or partial) or claims. This product has a general exclusion, with limited exceptions, against epidemics and pandemics. That means we don’t cover claims that arise from, or are related to, an epidemic or pandemic. However, you’re covered under selected benefits in this product if, during your period of cover, you’re positively diagnosed as suffering a sickness recognised as an epidemic or pandemic, such as COVID-19. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement to see which benefits offer cover in the event you contract a sickness recognised as an epidemic or pandemic, and the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions that apply.
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Travel Insurance is issued and managed by AWP Australia Pty Ltd ABN 52 097 227 177 AFS Licence No. 245631, trading as Allianz Global Assistance (AGA) as agent of the insurer Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFS Licence No. 234708 (Allianz). Travel Insurance is underwritten by the insurer Allianz. Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits apply.

+ The 10% off Travel Insurance ‘GETAWAY’ discount is available from 09:00am AEST 23/05/2024 until 11:59pm AEST 07/06/2024 by entering the valid promo code. The discount applies to new policy purchases and is based on standard premium rates (including optional extras). It applies automatically upon successful input of the promo code and applies to any changes, upgrades or amendments made to the policy prior to commencement of the journey. The discount may apply to changes made after commencement of the journey, contact Allianz Global Assistance to find out more. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

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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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Our Guide To The Best Family Travel Insurance For Australians

Updated: Mar 13, 2024, 12:31pm

Table of Contents

What is family travel insurance, should i take out family travel insurance, what types of family travel insurance are there, what does family travel insurance cover, what does family travel insurance exclude, how much does family travel insurance cost, frequently asked questions (faqs).

A family holiday can be the experience of a lifetime, often jam-packed with day trips and activities for both the adults and kids to enjoy.

However, travelling in numbers, following complex itineraries and taking long trips to other continents, as many Australians do, can provide plenty of opportunity for something to go wrong and potentially ruin the getaway.

Family travel insurance can cover you losing your luggage en route to Bali, the little one breaking an arm on a waterslide, and even needing to cancel the holiday due to the whole family falling ill. We explain how it works below.

Related: Our Pick of the Best Comprehensive Travel Insurance for Australians

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Fast Cover Travel Insurance

On Fast Cover’s Secure Website

Medical cover

Unlimited, 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Cancellations

Unlimited, (Trip Disruption $50,000)

Key Features

25-Day Cooling Off Period, Australian Based Call Centre, 4.6 Star Product Review Rating

Cover-More Travel Insurance

On Cover-more’s secure website

Unlimited, with a $2000 limit to dental

Yes, amount chosen by customer

Southern Cross Travel Insurance

Medical Cover

Unlimited, with a $2000 limit on dental

$2,500 with option to increase to unlimited

You can take out separate cover for each person in a party, but many providers also offer the option to cover a family in one go, on one policy. To be considered a family, you and your partner must be travelling with children, who are your dependents, are not in full-time work and depending on the provider, are aged under 18 to 25. Often providers will accept parents, step-parents or legal guardians going on holiday with their children, or step-children and grandparents travelling with their grandchildren.

When running quotes on an insurer’s website you may or may not come across an option specifically for family cover. Either way, you’ll be required to state the number of people travelling and their ages, which will enable you to view quotes for policies suitable for families.

Travellers may choose family travel insurance over purchasing individual policies for each family member for the following reasons:

• Lower costs: Family cover can be the cheaper option, but not always so it’s best to compare individual policies too.
• Less paperwork: You and the rest of your family will all be on the same policy, and typically will have the same cover levels, so you won’t have tonnes of form-filling.
• Shorter application process: You’ll be able to take out cover for all family members at the same time, rather than going through the application process multiple times.

To be considered a family, you and your partner must be travelling with children, who are your dependents, are not in full-time work and depending on the provider, are aged under 18 to 25.

Family travel insurance may not be the best option if you are:

• Travelling with a mature relative: travel insurance tends to rise in cost the older you are, owing to the increased risk of falling ill while away. As mature relatives can bump up the cost of a policy, it may be worth insuring them separately.
• Travelling with someone who has a medical condition: Insurers refer to medical conditions travellers had before taking out cover as ‘pre-existing’, and some don’t cover these conditions. Those that do may charge extra, which can raise the overall cost of a family policy. Taking out separate cover for relatives with pre-existing conditions can sometimes work out cheaper.

As with other forms of travel insurance, there are three main options when taking out cover for the family:

Single trip: This type of policy covers a one-off holiday taken within the space of 12 months. >Annual Multi-trip: It can be more cost-effective to opt for this type of policy if you and your family intend to take more than one holiday in the next year, and you’re able to plan your vacation well in advance. Long-stay: You’ll need this type of policy if you intend to travel for longer than 31 days, typically. Depending on the provider, cover can last for six, 12, 18 and even 24 months.

The various types of cover provided by family travel insurance is wide ranging and differs between policies. Common forms include:

• Emergency medical expenses: Covers the cost of treatment should a member of the party fall ill or get injured while away. Comprehensive policies often offer no limit on this cover.
• Trip cancellation: Pays out should an emergency such as illness or bereavement prevent your trip from going ahead.
• Baggage and belongings: Covers your luggage and personal effects. Look out for a total limit on cover as well as sub-limits for individual items.
• Passport and personal documents: Covers the cost of replacing travel documents if lost or stolen.
• Personal liability: covers you or a family member that injures someone else or damages someone’s property.

Policies will usually protect you and your family for an array of sports and activities, but cover for winter sports, and cruise holidays often come at an additional cost through ‘add-on’ packs.

Looking through the product disclosure statement (PDS) of a travel insurance policy is a crucial prerequisite to purchasing cover, as it will list exactly what the policy covers but also any restrictions and exclusions and sub limits that apply. While these all can differ between policies, generally you can expect most insures to refuse claims that are the result of:

• Intoxication and disorderly behaviour: an insurer is unlikely to pay out if your claim resulted from being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or reckless behaviour.
• A pre-existing condition you didn’t declare: some travel insurance providers do not cover pre-existing medical conditions. If they do, you’ll need to declare these conditions during the medical screening section of the application to make a related claim in the future.
• Injury caused when not wearing safety gear: Insurers often refuse injury claims caused by taking part in a sport or activity, where the traveller did not wear the appropriate safety gear, such as a helmet, harness or knee pads.
• Travelling against official advice: All travellers should make sure to regularly refer to the government’s Smartraveller updates on the status of their holiday destination. Travelling to a destination on the Smartraveller’s “do not travel” list, such as Iran or Yemen, can invalidate your policy.

The cost of family travel insurance varies between providers, but they tend to consider holiday destination and length, the age of all members of the party and whether anyone has any pre-existing conditions among other factors when determining price.

To provide an idea of how much a comprehensive policy can cost we ran quotes for a family spending 13 to 26 May in Bali, on the website of the top five insurers we consider to offer the best travel insurance. You can view our full ranking to see how our top 10 picks compare.

We used the profile of a family of four, aged 42, 40, 14, and 12, all without pre-existing conditions, though all five providers cover pre-existing conditions. Note: quotes will likely be higher for this form of protection. You can find the quotes below, including the maximum number of dependents that can be covered by the insurer:

Each also offers an unlimited amount of emergency medical cover, while the policies from Travel Insurance Direct, Bupa Travel Insurance and insure4less additionally include cover for unexpected dental issues. All policies also cover travel delay, baggage and belongings, travel documents and passports, accidental death and permanent disability should you or another member of the family suffer life changing injury. For a full breakdown of the full range of cover a policy offers, you can read its PDS.

When considering the cost of a policy, it’s also important to weigh up price against the excess it levies. This is the set portion of each claim amount you’ll be expected to pay, subject to certain exclusions as detailed in the PDS. Allianz and insure4less levies a standard excess of $200 on its policy. Bupa charges $250 in excess and InsureandGo, $100. Travel Insurance Direct does not readily state the excess amount payable on its policy online. Allianz and Bupa levies excess per incident, while insure4less applies it per person per incident. InsureandGo expects an excess payment per person, per incident, per section of the policy you are claiming under.

All providers offer more basic policies with lower levels of cover for a lower premium, and some also allow you to choose the excess level. Generally, opting to pay less in excess will raise the policy price, while paying more will lower it.

Can I buy travel insurance after arrival?

While you can buy travel insurance while away, it’s best to take out cover as soon as you book your trip. This will provide you with immediate protection should you have to cancel your holiday due to an emergency. Also, if you take out cover during your holiday, you may be subjected to a waiting period of three days or so before you can claim on your policy.

Does travel insurance cover the whole family?

Travel insurers set their own limits on the number of dependents they cover on their family travel insurance policies. Usually, they will insure up to six or eight children and two adults. Certain policies may offer cover for an unlimited number of dependents.

Do I need travel insurance for my child?

While travel insurance isn’t usually a legal obligation for children or adults, it can offer a vital form of protection, covering large expenses, such as emergency medical costs, that often reach into the tens of thousands of dollars.

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Your checklist for travelling overseas this year

Are you dreaming of an overseas holiday?

Or dreading the admin involved?

Travelling can be a bit of a headache in 2022, with all the considerations involved like vaccine passports, travel insurance and health concerns.

And when trying to research what's required, the real answer is almost always "it depends".

Rules and restrictions vary from country to country, and they'll even change from day to day.

You'll want to thoroughly research your dream destination before you head off.

But to answer some of your questions, we chatted with Adelaide-based travel agent Holly Velardo and CHOICE travel expert Jodi Bird about what to keep in mind when travelling internationally this year.

Don't forget the basics

It's been a while since any of us travelled, so Holly says the first thing you should check is if your passport is due to expire.

She says the renewal process is taking much longer these days, and in some cases, you could be waiting up to six weeks — so get organised early.

It's best to be fully vaccinated

Holly says Australia's major vaccines  AstraZeneca , Pfizer and Moderna, are recognised in most countries, as long as you're double vaccinated. At this point, countries aren't requiring you to be triple vaxxed.

She says while some destinations are also doing away with vaccine requirements altogether, "generally we recommend that everybody is double vaccinated before they leave".

You'll need an international vaccine certificate

Holly says you "absolutely cannot" just use the usual vax certificate you've been using at home.

Instead, she says it's easy to apply for an International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate (ICVC) through the myGov or Medicare app. You can download it on your phone, but she recommends printing a copy too, in case of technology failures.

You may need additional vaccine documentation

While your ICVC will get you into the country, some locations, including many places in Europe, require proof of vaccination to do things like enter a museum, sit in a café or use public transport.

Some places can accept a printout of your Australian-issued ICVC, while at others, you may run into issues. In some countries, you can apply for a local COVID certificate using your ICVC.

Head to SmartTraveller for up-to-date information about what documentation you'll need for the country you're visiting.

You may need to get tested to travel

Testing requirements will also vary between countries.

At some, you'll need to stay at an approved hotel while awaiting a PCR test result.

Others have done away with testing requirements for international arrivals altogether, or are just requiring a rapid test rather than a PCR.

However, even if your destination doesn't require a negative result, many airlines will still require a negative PCR test within 72 hours of boarding.

You'll need to research the requirements of any stopover countries too

If you're travelling to London via Singapore, you'll also need to make sure you're abiding by Singapore's restrictions.

"Anytime we're booking anyone, we look at the stopover destinations first. And if they're too restrictive, then we will look at going via somewhere else," Holly says.

"But there's different rules for transiting and different rules stopping over. So if you're only transiting in that country, the rules are generally much more relaxed."

You may also like to check if you're covered by insurance during your stopover.

You won't need to isolate on return, if you're fully vaxxed

Restrictions around returning to Australia will depend on which state you're returning to, and they often change.

For most states at the time of writing, if you're fully vaccinated, you can do a rapid test on your return and won't have to isolate.

If you're unvaccinated, many states will still require you to isolate for seven or 14 days when you return to Australia, either at home or in hotel quarantine.

Travel insurance is highly recommended

SmartTraveller highly recommends securing travel insurance, and notes it has "never been more important than in this current environment."

Many countries will also require you to have a minimum level of medical cover just to enter the country. For example, Singapore requires you to have a minimum of $30,000 Singapore dollars of COVID medical cover.

CHOICE's Mr Bird says while not all insurers will cover COVID, an increasing number are, given most consumers aren't interested in a policy without COVID cover. CHOICE have a list of the insurers with COVID cover on their website.

You should check if your insurance covers:

The country you're visiting.

Your insurer may not cover travel to destinations SmartTraveller has listed as "do not travel" or "reconsider your need to travel," so you'll need to check it covers the country you're visiting.

Hospitalisation

When an insurer says they have COVID cover, Mr Bird says "at a minimum" that should include medical, hospitalisation and repatriation costs if you get COVID.

He says most policies will provide unlimited cover for medical expenses, however some might limit your cover to a certain amount.

Quarantine and cancellation

While Mr Bird says quite a few insurers also cover isolation and cancellation costs, this is where the exclusions and sub limits come in.

"You can't just buy a travel insurance policy and presume you're going to be covered to cancel for any reason related to COVID," he says.

"You need to have a look at the policy and understand what cover you're going to get."

If you contract COVID and need to isolate, he says some insurers will cover the cost of your hotel quarantine, as well as refund you for any tours or bookings you may have missed.

However, some insurers will only cover you for a small amount.

"We've seen some insurers that might only cover up to $2500 per person. If you had to cancel a trip or pay for seven days or 14 days of quarantine, that's probably [not going to cover it]," Mr Bird says.

He adds that some policies will cover you if you contract COVID-19, including if you get sick before you leave Australia, but won't cover you if you're a close contact and need to isolate.

Some of them also have a cooling off period.

"If you bought the policy the day before you leave, and you caught COVID the next day, they might not cover that," he explains.

"So you really want to buy the travel insurance cover as soon as you've booked your airplane ticket."

Lockdowns and border closures

If Australia or your destination country closes its borders or goes into lockdown due to COVID, most insurers won't cover you. However Mr Bird says some might allow you to cancel your insurance cover, or move it to a later date.

You should check refund policies when booking too

In addition to travel insurance, it's a good idea to check the refund policies of everything you're booking — whether that's flights, accommodation, or tours.

Many will offer you a full or partial refund if you cancel before a certain date, which could be a lot simpler than going through insurance.

If you've read through the terms and conditions, or emailed a travel provider to confirm a cancellation policy, Mr Bird recommends saving a copy as evidence, in case you need to refer to it later.

This is general advice only. Travel restrictions and requirements will differ between countries, and the time you're travelling. For up to date information, head to  SmartTraveller .

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