international travel insurance that covers covid 19 australia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What COVID-19 expenses can it cover?

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

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

Some can also cover you for:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel insurance can also reimburse you for:

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

A helpful tip if something does happen

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

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

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

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

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Does travel insurance cover COVID-19 or other pandemics?

What you're covered for when travelling during an epidemic or pandemic like covid-19..

Fact-checked

Checked for accuracy by our qualified fact-checkers and verifiers. Find out more about fact-checking at CHOICE .

Australians are back on the international travel bandwagon, but many of us still have bad memories of travel plans that went south due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With those hard-learned lessons behind us, you'll want to ask the tough questions of your travel insurance policy for any future trips. Will travel insurance cover COVID-19 medical expenses or cancellation due to related government travel bans or isolation requirements? And will travel insurance policies cover future pandemics or epidemics?

On this page:

Can you get travel insurance to cover COVID-19?

Which travel insurers cover covid-19, domestic travel insurance for covid-19, does travel insurance cover covid-19 on a cruise, can you get a refund on travel insurance, your travel insurer declined your covid-19 claim. now what, does travel insurance cover pandemics or epidemics (other than covid-19).

Many travel insurance policies will provide limited cover if you or your travelling companion get COVID-19.

Cover will likely be limited to medical, and sometimes quarantine and cancellation costs if you contract COVID-19. Some policies may cover you for expenses if you can't travel because you're a close contact.

Travel insurance is unlikely to cover you for cancellation due to government travel bans.

Many of the most popular travel insurers in Australia, like Cover-More, Allianz, Tick and Travel Insurance Direct, provide cover for COVID-19. The table below shows which international travel insurance policies cover COVID-19 medical and cancellation costs if you're diagnosed with COVID-19 while overseas. 

You may have to pay an optional extra fee for COVID-19 cover. Check the insurer's product disclosure statement (PDS) for more details. 

• 'Variable' means multiple cover options are available and you can select the level of cover you require (for an additional fee).
• Cancellation may not cover you if you're deemed a close contact but haven't tested positive yourself. 

* No cancellation prior to departure; $5000 if you contract COVID-19 on your trip.

Does travel insurance cover medical expenses for COVID-19?

Policies that cover medical expenses for COVID-19 will pay for emergency medical and hospital, and medically assisted repatriation to Australia, if deemed necessary. Most policies that cover COVID-19 provide unlimited cover for medical expenses.

Does travel insurance cover cancellation due to COVID-19?

Some policies will cover cancellation and amendment expenses if you get COVID-19 before you leave or while you're overseas. These policies may also cover you for cancellation and amendment expenses if you're deemed a close contact of someone who tests positive to COVID-19, but this isn't always the case. The cover amount can be limited to as little as a couple thousand dollars, so check with your travel insurer specifically to find out what they'll cover because it can be tricky.

Below are some of the typical exclusions for cancellation cover.

• Cooling-off periods for COVID-19 cancellation cover are usually 72 hours.
• Cover-More and other policies underwritten by Zurich, such as Flight Centre, AHM and Medibank, place restrictions on COVID-19 cancellation cover if you bought the policy within 21 days of your departure date. Check your PDS for details.
• Most (but not all) policies that cover COVID-19 cancellations will provide limited cancellation cover if a non-travelling relative residing in Australia has contracted COVID-19.
• These policies may also cover cancellation and amendment costs if you're designated a close contact of someone with COVID-19 and are required to self-isolate while on your trip.
• Travel insurance is unlikely to cover cancellation costs if you're unable to travel due to general travel restrictions, like lockdowns at home or at your destination, or government travel alerts due to COVID-19.

Does travel insurance cover additional expenses and quarantine costs for COVID-19?

If you contract COVID-19 while on your overseas trip, some policies will provide limited cover for additional accommodation and meal costs under specific circumstances, such as:

• if you're denied boarding scheduled public transport because you have tested positive to COVID-19
• if you have to go to hospital or self-isolate with COVID-19.

If you're ordered into quarantine while overseas because you've contracted COVID-19, some policies will cover your quarantine expenses. However, if you're ordered into quarantine as a close contact, without having contracted COVID-19, very few policies will cover your expenses in this scenario.

There are several insurers selling domestic travel insurance, but not all insurers will cover COVID-19. Domestic travel insurance doesn't cover medical expenses, because that's covered by Medicare or your private health insurance. So you'll just need COVID-19 cover for cancellation or additional expenses if you're travelling around Australia. 

Read the travel insurance PDS to check whether you're covered for cancellation if you, or someone you're travelling with, catches COVID-19. Travel insurance is unlikely to cover you for government travel bans.

Travel insurance for an Aussie holiday may be worth considering if you're:

• spending a lot of money on your trip
• carrying expensive equipment, such as custom-made surfboards
• hiring a car, as some travel insurance can cover the damage excess .

Travel insurance policies that offer cruise cover will often (but not always) cover medical costs if you contract COVID-19. Some of these policies will also cover you if you need to cancel your trip due to COVID-19, or if a non-travelling relative in Australia has contracted COVID-19.

If you're going on a cruise, you'll usually have to pay an extra fee to add cruise cover to your travel insurance, or buy a separate cruise-specific policy. Cover for COVID-19 is restricted, so check your PDS for details.

Travel insurance policies have a 14-day cooling-off period (or longer). If you change your mind in this period, you can cancel your policy and get your money back from the insurer.

AFCA (the Australian Financial Complaints Authority) considers a credit or refund of your premium a fair outcome where:

• you got a refund or credit from all of your travel providers, so there's nothing left to claim on your travel insurance
• your travel insurance policy has a COVID-19-related exclusion that prevents you from claiming on the policy.

Ask your travel insurer what they can do for you.

Partial policy refunds

From the moment you buy a travel insurance policy, cover kicks in for cancellation due to unforeseen events. So if your insurer offers you a refund, they may calculate a partial refund to take into account the cover that you've already received with your policy. 

AFCA considers proportionate refunds for the remaining unused period fair, but your insurer should outline how they calculate it. 

Visit AFCA's website for more information on what they deem fair treatment from insurers when it comes to COVID-19 claims.

Read your travel insurance PDS. In the first instance, it's up to you as the policyholder to establish that you have a valid claim under the policy terms and conditions. That generally means handing in lots of documentation. 

Then it's up to the insurer to decide if your claim is valid and that there are no policy exclusions that should be applied. 

If you disagree with the insurer's decision regarding your claim, raise a complaint via their internal dispute resolution service. 

If you don't get a satisfactory result from the insurer's internal dispute resolution,  escalate your complaint to AFCA , which is the external ombudsman for the insurance industry.

The chance of experiencing a pandemic similar to COVID-19 in a lifetime is estimated to be 38%. Many travel insurance policies now cover COVID-19 to some extent, but not as many policies will cover future pandemics or epidemics other than COVID-19.

There are several policies that cover COVID-19 for medical expenses, but not other pandemics, and very few policies now cover cancellation expenses for pandemics that aren't COVID-19.

An  epidemic  is an outbreak of disease that happens in a wide geographic location and affects a lot of people. 

A  pandemic  is an epidemic that has spread throughout a whole country or across continents. 

Which travel insurers will cover pandemics or epidemics (other than COVID-19)?

Insurers such as Allianz, Travel Insurance Direct and Cover-More cover pandemics or epidemics for medical costs, but Travel Insurance Direct and Cover-More exclude cover for cancellation costs incurred due to a pandemic that isn't COVID-19. 

The table below shows which international travel insurance policies cover pandemic medical and cancellation costs if you're diagnosed with an illness that's classified as a pandemic or epidemic by the World Health Organisation while overseas. Bear in mind that if the pandemic or epidemic is classed as a 'known event' before you buy the policy, then cover will probably be excluded.

When an event becomes 'known' is a grey area, but generally it's when it's publicised in the media or on official government websites. So check the Smartraveller information for your destination before you go

* If the policyholder is diagnosed with a pandemic or epidemic illness.

** Excluding avian influenza.

Stock images:  Getty, unless otherwise stated.

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COVID-19 benefits with Travel Insurance

Benefits with cover for covid-19.

• Cancellation if you or your travel companion are positively diagnosed with COVID-19 during your period of cover 1,2
• Additional Expenses 1,3 related to changing your travel arrangements while travelling
• Overseas Medical and Hospital Expenses 1,4
• Overseas Emergency Assistance available 24 hours a day, with access to Registered Nurses and Doctors 1,4

What COVID-19 benefits our plans offer

Swipe to view more

Comprehensive

Why choose us, thousands of satisfied customers, network of medical experts, emergency assistance available, we’re an established insurer, flexible covid-19 policy cancellation options.

We offer the flexibility to cancel your Allianz Travel Insurance policy at any time if your plans need to change due to COVID-19, provided you haven't made or intend to make a claim or exercise any other right under your policy. 1

You may be entitled to receive a full or partial premium refund if you can’t travel or need to change your journey because of COVID-19 border closures or mandatory quarantine periods. This applies when travelling both domestically and internationally. 1

If you haven’t started your journey, we’ll provide a full premium refund. If you’ve started your journey, we’ll provide a partial premium refund, based on a pro-rata basis from the date you returned home from your journey until the end date of your policy listed on your Certificate of Insurance. Eligibility criteria applies, refer to the PDS for full details.

If you need to cancel your policy due to COVID-19, contact us on 1800 440 806 or email our Travel Helpdesk .

Ready to get started?

Frequently asked questions.

Yes, you can apply to buy a policy even if you haven’t received the recommended vaccinations against COVID-19. The section headed ‘Who is eligible to purchase this product’ in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) contains important information about who is eligible to buy a policy, age limits and cover types.

You may not be covered if you don’t follow any advice or warnings by the Australian government or that were published in a reliable mass media source.

Refer to Smartraveller and the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs for the most up to date travel advice.

Make sure you’re aware of what is required, including any proof of vaccination, before you travel.

If you select Comprehensive , Multi-Trip, or Domestic Travel Insurance, which include the cancellation benefit cover when you buy your policy, you may be able to make a claim if you:

• are subsequently positively diagnosed with COVID-19, which prevents you from travelling and
• need to cancel, reschedule, or shorten your trip as a result. 1

The Cancellation benefit is designed to cover the non-refundable costs, up to the amount chosen, associated with cancelling, rescheduling or shortening the paid and unused portions of your journey. 2

If you’re positively diagnosed with COVID-19, we’ll reimburse your reasonable additional travel and accommodation expenses 3 up to the limit shown in the Table of Benefits for the Plan you have selected, if you meet each of the following three conditions:

• You have bought a Comprehensive, Domestic, or Multi-Trip Travel Insurance plan
• You can’t continue your journey or your journey is disrupted because you or your travel companion are positively diagnosed with COVID-19
• You need immediate and continued treatment from a medical adviser

Call emergency services in your location if your condition is life threatening.

If you’ve contracted COVID-19 overseas and need emergency assistance, contact our Emergency Assistance team on +61 7 3305 7499 . Call charges may apply.

We're here to help

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

• 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 (PDS) to see which benefits offer cover if you contract a sickness recognised as an epidemic or pandemic, and the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions that apply.
• Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits apply. Cancellation cover is only available on Comprehensive, Domestic and Multi-Trip Plans. Refer to ‘Cancellation’ and ‘General Exclusions’ sections of the Product Disclosure Statement for full details.
• Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits apply. Refer to ‘Additional Expenses’ and ‘General Exclusions’ sections of the PDS for full details.
• Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits apply. For full details and before making a decision, consider the relevant PDS.
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Any advice here does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits apply. Before making a decision about this insurance, please consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)/Policy Wording and Supplementary PDS (if applicable). Where applicable, the PDS/Policy Wording, Supplementary PDS and Target Market Determination (TMD) for this insurance are available on this website.

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

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

Search Smartraveller

Choice travel insurance buying guide.

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

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

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

Why travel insurance?

• Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?

How to get travel insurance

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

• How to read the product disclosure statement

What are you covered for?

• Credit card insurance

How to make a complaint

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

Holidays don’t always go as planned.

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

The Australian Government won’t pay your medical bills.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you need domestic travel insurance?

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

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

Does international travel insurance cover COVID-19?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Make your travel plans COVID-safe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Where are you going?

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

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

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

You need different cover for different regions

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. How long are you going for?

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

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

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

3. What are you going to do there?

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

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

4. Are you taking any valuable items?

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

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

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

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

5.   Do you have any medical conditions?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Member discounts

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

Shop around

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

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

Use your credit card

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

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

Compromise on cover

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

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

About that fine print

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

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

How to read the PDS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And what are the catches?

Cancellations, baggage and personal items, sports and activities.

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

Pre-existing conditions

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

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

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

the condition has been stable for more than 12 months

there is no planned surgery

you have not received treatment in the past 12 months.

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

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

If in doubt, declare your condition to your insurer.

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

Is a disability a pre-existing condition?

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

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

Having trouble getting cover?

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

Cover for your equipment

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

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

Cover for your carer

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

Babymooning

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

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

Mental health

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘Unforeseen’

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

Exclusions and inclusions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lost luggage

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

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

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

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

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

Do you have the right licence?

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

Cruise-specific insurance

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

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

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

Not leaving Australian waters?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Motorcycles and mopeds

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

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

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

Skiing and snowboarding

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

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

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

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

Alcohol and drugs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Credit card travel insurance

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

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

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

Is it activated?

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

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

Is it worth it?

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

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

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

Internal dispute resolution

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

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

External dispute resolution

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

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

Legal action

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

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

Related content

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

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

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

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Excl. Vic. Strict eligibility, T&C apply . Always consider the PDS and TMD .

You could save on your travel insurance

You could save up to 5% on a new travel policy if you already have insurance with us 1 .

Choose the cover that’s right for you

Choose between our International Essentials, Comprehensive and Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance plans to make sure you get the cover you need.

What's included

With Essentials and Comprehensive plans (cover varies depending on the plan you choose)

Cancellation

If your trip is cancelled or rescheduled unexpectedly, you can claim non-refundable travel and accommodation costs (limits vary).

Medical expenses

Cover for approved medical and hospital expenses incurred overseas (up to $10 million with Essentials, and unlimited 2 with Comprehensive).

COVID-19 protection

Protect your travel plans against the impacts of COVID-19 (limits and conditions apply).

24-hour emergency hotline

Speak to our expert, multilingual team at any time, from anywhere in the world.

Luggage and personal items

Lost, stolen or damaged luggage and belongings are covered, including travel documents and credit cards (up to $5,000 with Essentials, and up to $12,000 with Comprehensive).

Accidental disability

If you choose Comprehensive and someone on your policy is permanently disabled as a result of an accident, they may be eligible for a lump sum payment (up to $30,000).

Rental vehicle excess

We'll help cover the insurance excess on your rental if it gets damaged or stolen (up to $5,000 with Essentials, and up to $10,000 with Comprehensive).

Personal liability

Your personal and settlement costs are covered in certain situations if you accidentally injure a person or damage their property (up to $1 million with Essentials, and up to $2.5 million with Comprehensive).

Accidental death

We'll pay a lump sum to you or your estate if anyone on your policy dies as a result of an accident (up to $10,000 with Essentials, and up to $30,000 with Comprehensive).

Optional extras

Add these when you get a quote

Skiing and winter sports

Add cover for things like damaged ski equipment, or approved hospital and medical expenses if you're injured on the slopes.

Motorcycle and moped cover

Add cover if you plan on riding or being a passenger on a motorcycle or moped.

Valuable items

Add extra cover for special items like your watch, jewellery or camera.

Cruise cover

Add cover for certain unforeseen cancellations, as well as approved medical and evacuation costs if you get sick or injured.

Annual multi-trip

Take as many trips in a year as you want, all on the one policy. All our annual multi-trip plans are Comprehensive, giving you our highest level travel insurance.

You can select cover for up to 30, 45 or 60 days per trip. That way, you can travel as often as you like throughout the year (up to your chosen limit).

To be covered by an annual multi-trip plan, your destination must be over 250km from your home. Or, if your destination is less than 250km from your home, your trip must include at least one night of paid accommodation (like in a hotel or Airbnb).

Not included

There are some things we don’t cover

Known events

We don't cover incidents due to things you should know about, like a pandemic, or if you travel against warnings or official advice.

Policy booklets

For full details including limits, conditions and exclusions, read these policy documents

Staying in Australia? You can still get travel cover

With over 90 years' experience, we know how to protect the things you care about.

We’re here to give you the emergency assistance you need, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

You could save up to 5% on a new policy if you already have insurance with us 1

Call us on 131 123  to make a claim

Have an International Travel Insurance question? We can help

Does my travel insurance cover covid-19 claims.

To see if your situation will be covered, read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) .

What should I do if my personal items are lost or stolen while I’m overseas?

If your personal items (like your mobile phone) have been lost or stolen:

• Try to get a loss report within 7 days from any relevant people or organisations (like the police or your transport provider)
• When you get home, you can send us any relevant documents online by lodging a claim .

We'll update you on how your claim is progressing within 10 working days.

What’s a travel excess and how much is it?

An excess is an amount you may need to pay towards a claim. Different levels of excesses may apply, depending on the policy you choose.

For full details, read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) .

How long do I have to make a travel claim?

Most claims can be made at any time, but sometimes you'll need our approval before you incur certain costs. Generally, you should make a claim as soon as possible, but if you're unsure, get in touch with us.

Find out how to make a claim

Will I be covered for cancelling my trip?

All our travel policies include cover for cancellation or rescheduling under certain circumstances. The level of cover depends on the amount you select.

To check what's covered with your policy, read the PDS .

Are children covered when they’re travelling with me?

Children are included in the sum insured of their parent, grandparent or legal guardian's policy if they're:

• Under the age of 21
• Identified on your policy document
• Travelling with you.

When travelling without a parent, grandparent or legal guardian, children need a separate insurance policy. This policy needs to be purchased by a parent, grandparent or legal guardian.

Am I covered if I make a booking with a company that goes out of business?

No, you’re not covered if a company you’ve made a booking with goes out of business.

If a company goes out of business, you might be eligible for a payment under Australian Prudential Regulation Authority’s (APRA) Financial Claims Scheme.

For information about the scheme:

• Visit the APRA website , or 
• Call APRA on 1300 558 849 .

Things you should know

The existing customer discount is only available for existing NRMA Insurance customers. We may withdraw this offer at any time.

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

NRMA Travel Insurance issued by Zurich Australian Insurance Limited (ABN 13 000 296 640, AFSL 232507), arranged and administered by Cover-More Insurance Services Pty Ltd ABN 95003 114 145, AFSL 241713 and promoted and distributed by Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722, AFS Licence No. 227681 trading as NRMA Insurance as well as by its authorised distributors. Limits, sub-limits, exclusions, terms and conditions (including eligibility criteria) apply. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider your own needs and the Combined FSG/PDS to decide if this product is right for you. For information on the Target Market and Target Market Determinations visit Target Market Determinations (TMD) . If you decide to purchase NRMA Travel Insurance from NRMA Insurance or its distributors they receive a commission, for more information please refer to NRMA Insurance’s FSG .

• Get a quote
• Make a claim
• Membership and roadside assistance
• Download the app

International Comprehensive Travel Insurance

About International Comprehensive Travel Insurance

International Comprehensive Travel Insurance covers overseas medical expenses, cancellation costs and more. Plus, choose from a range of optional extras:

• Choose your excess
• Increase your single item limit for personal effects
• Increase your rental car excess cover
• Add cover for winter sports
• Add cover for existing medical conditions
• Add cover if you plan to ride a motorcycle or moped

COVID-19 benefits for domestic and international plans 1,5

• Get a quote in minutes
• Great value international and domestic plans
• From comprehensive to basic cover, you choose which benefits matter most
• 24/7 support means help is only a phone call away
• Reduce your premium with variable excess

More information

• 5 myths about travel insurance
• How comprehensive is comprehensive travel insurance?
• Do you really need travel insurance?
• Cruise travel insurance

Travelling soon?

Have cash on hand the moment you land.

Order over 60 currencies online today at $0 commission!

Frequently asked questions

1   Medical and dental cover will not exceed 12 months from onset.

2 Sub-limits apply. 

3 Cover chosen applies per policy.

4 Maximum liability collectively for Loss of income, Accidental Death and Disability is $25,000 on the International Comprehensive Plan.

5 Limits, sub-limits, conditions, exclusions and fees apply.

Policies may not be available to all travellers. Australian Postal Corporation (ABN 28 864 970 579, AR No 338646) is the distributor of Australia Post Travel Insurance and is an Authorised Representative of Australia Post Services Pty Ltd (ABN 67 002 599 340 AFSL 457551). Travel insurance products are underwritten by Zurich Australian Insurance Limited (ABN 13 000 296 640, AFSL 232507). Consider your financial situation, needs and objectives and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination  before deciding to buy this insurance. For information on the Target Market and Target Market Determination for these products, please contact us on 1300 728 015, email [email protected] .

Australia Post acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we operate, live and gather as ​a team. We recognise their continuing connection ​to land, water and community. We pay respect to Elders ​past, present and emerging.

Coronavirus

Coronavirus Will travel insurance cover COVID-19? When is Novavax available in Australia? Here are some of your common questions answered

Every month the ABC receives thousands of questions about COVID-19 from our readers.

Each question is read and sent to specialist reporters at the ABC to find the answers.

Here are some of your most frequently asked questions answered.

What international vaccines has Australia approved for travel?

Travellers are allowed to come into Australia if they are fully vaccinated with any of the following vaccines:

• AstraZeneca ( now known as Vaxzevria )
• Johnson and Johnson

Travellers can be vaccinated with mixed doses of vaccines approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

The TGA said it would continue to consider other vaccines for recognition .

How do I prove I'm vaccinated?

Everyone getting a vaccine in Australia will have it recorded in the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) by their vaccine provider after their appointment.

To access your COVID-19 digital certificate, log into your myGov account and link it to your Medicare account.

If you don't have Medicare, you can apply for an Individual Healthcare Identifiers (IHI) number . This can also be linked to a myGov account to obtain access to your certificate.

If you were vaccinated overseas, you will not be able to apply for an Australian international vaccine certificate .

Will travel insurance cover COVID-19?

Some travel insurance policies may offer COVID-19 cover as standard, and others may offer it as an additional cost.

Australia has reciprocal healthcare arrangements with some countries , including the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

If you have a Medicare card, it can cover essential care that can't wait until you get home.

If you're somewhere without a reciprocal arrangement, either you or your travel insurance policy will need to cover the costs .

When is the Novavax vaccine coming to Australia, and how does it work?

The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is expected to be available in Australia in late 2021 but has not yet been approved by the TGA.

Novavax is a "protein subunit vaccine" and works differently to the vaccines currently available, by delivering spiked proteins .

But health authorities warn against waiting for a particular vaccine, as unvaccinated people are far more likely to die of COVID-19.

Where do I get a rapid antigen testing kit?

Rapid antigen tests are sold in pharmacies, supermarkets, and other retailers, both in-store and online .

The TGA says that, if your rapid antigen test returns a positive result, you should get a PCR test at a laboratory or testing site as soon as possible.

Rapid antigen tests are not as accurate as PCR tests, so — even if you get a negative result — you should still get a PCR test if you feel unwell or have COVID-19 symptoms.

When should I get my booster shot?

People will be eligible for a booster at least six months after their second shot, or third shot for those who are immunocompromised, from November 8.

The TGA  has only approved Pfizer for a booster shot .

If you had the AstraZeneca vaccine for your first two doses, you will able to get Pfizer for your third shot.

But the Australia Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation advises  people who had an adverse reaction to an mRNA vaccine like Pfizer's can receive an AstraZeneca shot as a booster .

When can children get vaccinated for COVID-19?

Children aged 12 years and above can get the COVID-19 vaccine in Australia.

However, Health Minister Greg Hunt has said plans to vaccinate children aged five to 11 would  unlikely happen this year .

Having gained approval in the United States , Pfizer has applied for its vaccine to be given to children aged five to 11 in Australia.

How do I get vaccinated if I'm afraid of needles?

Unfortunately, for anyone afraid of needles, the COVID-19 vaccines are only available in injections in the upper arm.

There are some non-needle COVID-19 vaccine options  in the works, but they are at various stages of research and clinical trials.

Professor Julie Leask from the University of Sydney said that, if you have a fear of needles before your appointment, you should try to avoid reading or watching stories about vaccines, have a sweet treat and practise deep-breathing exercises.

How to ask friends and family if they're COVID vaccinated?

Research fellow Jessica Kaufman and Professor Leask said that, before confirming plans, it is best to talk to someone about vaccines and your vaccination status first.

They also advise to approach the conversation with an open mind and be ready to listen .

Can my pet get COVID-19, and do they need a vaccine?

RSPCA's senior scientific officer, Sarah Zito, said "human-to-pet transmission" had been documented, but it is very rare for pets to be infected .

There are no COVID-19 vaccinations available for pets in Australia, but pets infected with the virus won't get too sick and will fully recover.

Dr Zito said the best way to protect pets from getting COVID-19 is for their owners to get vaccinated.

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Travel Insurance That Covers Border Closures

Find out if travel insurance policies cover border closures by comparing with Savvy.

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The way we holiday has changed since the pandemic and many travel insurance companies have done the same, with most now providing some coverage for COVID-19-related costs, including any cancellations. Whether you’re worried about border closures or a positive test derailing your travel plans, comparing with Savvy will allow you to find the most cover at the best price.

Doing a quick comparison with us allows you to weigh up the pandemic-specific benefits of each policy. You’ll be able to find out if you’re covered for snap border closures, lockdowns and other pandemic-related reasons, so before you take off, compare with Savvy.

Can I get travel insurance that covers border closures?

Most travel insurance providers don’t cover you if you need to cancel your travel plans due to national or international border closures or lockdowns in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Travel insurance companies put the onus on customers to keep on top of federal government alerts and check their destination isn’t under a ‘do not travel’ warning or government-enforced lockdown. As such, many providers won’t cover you for cancellations if the government bans travel to your destination before or during your holiday due to heightened travel warnings.

Some countries will require you to isolate for up to two weeks upon arrival; however, this comes at your own cost. Many companies won’t cover the cost of mandatory quarantine if you’re buying travel insurance for a domestic or overseas trip. They also won’t cover the cost of any testing.

As of August 2022, most countries have phased out mandatory quarantine upon arrival, though some provinces still make it a requirement upon entry. For example, you’ll need to quarantine if you’re travelling to Hong Kong or Jersey off the northwest coast of France. In Hong Kong, you’re required to isolate in a quarantine hotel for three days at your own cost.

What COVID-19-related expenses does travel insurance cover?

Australians are taking to the skies in record numbers following two years of global lockdowns and border closures. The Australian Federation of Travel Agents says international holiday bookings are four times higher than pre-pandemic levels.

If you’re one of the many people jumping on a plane, travel insurance covering COVID-19 -related costs will be vital to make sure your journey is a smooth one. Some of the benefits include:

Medical and hospital expenses

Most travel insurance companies will cover the cost of any medical treatment you require if you test positive for COVID-19 on your holiday. While any medical treatment on Australian soil will be covered by Medicare or your private health insurer, this benefit is particularly important if you’re heading overseas. For example, there are reports of travellers without insurance paying between $50,000 and $100,000 for COVID-19 treatment in American hospitals.

Extra travel expenses

Your policy should cover the cost of any extra expenses if you test positive for COVID-19 while on holiday. These include being directed by your destination’s government to isolate and needing to pay for additional accommodation.

Family emergencies

If you’re overseas or interstate and a close family member tests positive for COVID-19, your insurer will cover the cost of cancelling or rescheduling your travel so you can return home to be by their side. This usually includes if the family member is hospitalised or dies from the virus. Some providers allow you to claim a reasonable amount for the care of your dependents such as pets or children if you also can’t return home due to a positive diagnosis.

24/7 assistance

If you’re embroiled in an emergency and need to reach your insurer as soon as possible, you’ll get around-the-clock assistance over the phone or online. This allows you to double-check aspects of your policy, make claims over the phone and request assistance if you suffer an accident or illness and need help covering medical bills in a hurry.

Evacuation and repatriation

Your insurance company can arrange your evacuation or repatriation if you fall gravely ill due to COVID-19 while on holiday overseas. This is particularly important if you’re travelling on an international cruise , as the cost of being airlifted to shore can reach into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Your insurer will also cover the cost of repatriation if you need to return to Australia. If you’ve passed away, this includes the return of your remains and covering the cost of your funeral up to a certain limit.

Cancellation

Travel insurance covers you if you need to cancel or rearrange any pre-paid bookings, such as airfares, hotels and any tours, because you tested positive for COVID-19. Insurance companies will likely ask you to supply a positive PCR test as proof of diagnosis. This benefit comes with a claim limit, usually about $5,000, though this can vary depending on the provider you choose. Most insurers won’t allow you to make a claim within 72 hours of taking out a policy.

Flight delays and travel disruptions are part and parcel of travelling domestically and internationally in the post-pandemic world. If your flight is delayed or you test positive for COVID-19 and need to reschedule your plans, your insurer will cover the costs. This allows you to claim a modest amount for accommodation, meals and essentials such as toiletries while you wait for your plane.

How do I compare COVID-19-inclusive travel insurance policies?

Comparing travel insurance policies that include COVID-19 coverage is the best way of finding a product with the benefits you need. By comparing with Savvy, you’ll be able to do a side-by-side comparison to see how one policy fares against another.

Some of the factors you should weigh up when it comes to looking for COVID-19 cover include:

Shopping around allows you to price match between different travel insurance providers. Your premium will fluctuate depending on the travel insurance company you choose, so getting a few quotes and weighing up the prices can help you find a policy which gives you the most cover at the best price.

Level of cover

When you’re buying travel insurance, you’ll get the option of basic or comprehensive coverage. Many basic international travel insurance policies, while cheaper, will only cover you for medical-related expenses and personal liability, leaving you unprotected if your trip suffers delays or you need to cancel at the last minute. Consider the type of coverage you need for your overseas holiday and compare to see which provider offers the best option. Keep in mind that some providers will make you take out top-level travel insurance if you’re over 80 due to the increased risk of injury or illness.

Inclusions and exclusions

The main reason you’re buying travel insurance is for the benefits, so it’s important to compare with Savvy and choose a policy that offers you the best bang for your buck. Brush up on different providers’ Product Disclosure Statements and compare what is and isn’t covered to make sure the insurance you choose is right for your next holiday.

Claim limits

Travel insurance providers usually put caps on how much you claim for various incidentals, such as lost luggage or delays to your travel. For example, if you travelled to Canada and your luggage was damaged, some insurers allow you to claim up to $5,000 while others let you claim up to $15,000. It’s best to compare these to find a set of limits sufficient for your travel plans.

If you do need to make a claim, you may need to pay an out-of-pocket excess. This cost varies from $100 to $250; however, there are situations where you won’t need to pay a cent to file a claim. Consider this when you’re doing your homework and reading up on different policies.

Frequently asked COVID-19 travel insurance questions

Many travel insurance providers will cover the cost of treatment relating to COVID-19 onboard your cruise. However, only certain insurers will cover you in the event you are diagnosed with COVID-19 and need to postpone or call off your holiday.

Technically, there’s no real rule around how late you can purchase your travel insurance as long as you buy it before you embark on your holiday. Purchasing your policy as soon as you know your travel dates will give you the maximum amount of coverage time and allow you to be covered for more pre-paid bookings such as tours and flights.

Whether you need to claim for hospital bills or the cost of quarantining in a hotel while recuperating, you can do this through your insurer’s website. It’s a pretty straightforward process which involves doing the following:

• Submitting your policy number and attached email address
• Provide ample details about your claim
• Attach receipts or medical reports to back up your claim
• Submit your claim

Most insurers will tell you it can take up to ten business days for a claim to be approved. It’s important to respond to any queries from your insurer promptly to avoid dragging out the process. 

Yes – there are more than 80 countries which require you to have two doses of a COVID-19 vaccination to enter as of August 2022. These include the United States, Brazil, Canada and New Zealand. However, certain countries relax these rules for children. For example, if you’re travelling to Bali , the Indonesian government doesn’t require children under the age of 18 to be vaccinated upon entry.

Most travel insurance policies won’t allow you to cancel your policy and get a full refund if border closures suddenly impact your travel plans. However, if your policy is still within the cooling-off period, many providers will allow you to cancel for no reason at all. These periods usually range from 14 to 30 days.

Some providers will allow you to extend your policy if you test positive for COVID-19 and need to isolate at your destination. It pays to check with your insurer, however, as certain providers only let you extend your policy if you test positive at the end of your trip.

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Disclaimer: We do not compare all travel insurance brands currently operating in the market. Any advice presented above or on other pages is general in nature and does not consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing an insurance policy.

Savvy earns a commission from our partners each time a customer buys a travel insurance policy via our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased from these brands directly, as all purchases are conducted via their websites.

Before purchasing your policy, we recommend you refer to the provider’s PDS for any further information on the terms, inclusions and exclusions.

© Copyright 2024 Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd T/as Savvy. All Rights Reserved.

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International Travel Insurance

Get more peace of mind for your next overseas trip with Medibank International Travel Insurance.

Plus, Medibank and ahm health members save 15% all year round.

Our international travel insurance options

Medibank International Travel Insurance offers overseas hospital, accident, and medical evacuation expense cover. If you're travelling overseas, find the right fit with our options of International Comprehensive Plan and International Medical Only Plan.

International Comprehensive Plan

Travel cover for overseas medical and dental emergencies, plus inclusions for unforeseen cancellations and lost/stolen valuables.

• 24-hour emergency assistance
• 21 day cooling off period 1
• Overseas medical/dental expenses
• COVID-19 benefits
• Up to $15k luggage cover 2
• Rental car insurance excess
• Cancellation & amendment fees 3
• Cover for missed connections 4

International Medical Only Plan

Our basic international travel insurance provides cover for Overseas Medical and Hospital Expenses that occur whilst you're travelling. 

• Cover for luggage
• Cancellation & amendment fees
• Cover for missed connections

International Annual Multi-Trip

Annual Multi Trip Plan includes the same benefits as International Comprehensive Plan for multiple trips (up to the duration specified) within 12 months. 5

All Medibank international travel covers include:

$unlimited overseas medical expenses.

Get support for medical emergencies whilst you're overseas. Cover is provided for the cost of hospital treatment and medical evacuation. 7

COVID-19 cover

Cover for certain COVID-19 related scenarios, including overseas medical costs if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 by a qualified medical practitioner while travelling.

Free cover for children

Children (or grandchildren) under the age of 21 can be included on your policy for free. 8

Multi-award winning travel insurance

We're proud to be winners of Mozo's Experts Choice awards in 2022 & 2023 and Canstar's 2023 Most Satisfied Customer - Travel Insurance award.

If you'd prefer to chat through our overseas travel insurance options with a team member, g ive us a call on   132 331

Inclusions and annual limits

Both our international travel insurance policies give you $Unlimited medical expenses 7  and return-to-home cover if something goes wrong 9 , plus our comprehensive plan also provides cover for a range of other surprises.

Additional cover options

For an additional premium, you can add cover for additional scenarios like snow sports activities, moped riding and multi-night sea or ocean cruises. And if you're travelling with valuables, you can also opt to increase your item limits for your luggage and personal effects. 

Want extra luggage insurance for when you're travelling with high-value items? 

If you're travelling with an item that is worth more than the limit shown in the PDS, then you can increase the item limit cover (on a per item basis) by specifying the item and paying an additional premium for the increased cover. Some examples of valuable items might include camera equipment, jewellery, watches and phones. 

Refer to the  PDS  for full details of luggage cover, limits and exclusions. 

Please note that the option to increase luggage item limits is not available on the International Medical Only Plan since this plan does not include any cover for luggage and personal effects. 

Going on a multi-night sea or ocean cruise and need Cruise Cover?

If your trip includes travel on a multi-night sea or ocean cruise, then you'll need to add Cruise Cover to be insured for claims relating to a cancelled cruise, cruise travel, or certain claims that arise whilst on a cruise. 

By adding Cruise Cover to your policy, you will also receive a range of additional cruise benefits such as cover for cabin confinement and sea sickness. A summary of additional cruise benefits including any COVID-19 related exclusions can be found in the  PDS . 

When getting a quote for a multi-night cruise which involves an international port, please choose the area or destination where you will spend the most time on your trip and then select "Yes" to Cruise Cover. 

Learn more about cruise cover . 

Please note: Cover for cancellation is not available on an International Medical Only Plan.

Need cover for snow activities like skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling? 

Cover for skiing, snowboarding or snowmobiling is not automatically included in your policy. If you wish to have cover for these snow activities during your trip, then you’ll need to purchase cover for snow sports.

Learn more about winter sports cover . 

Conditions and exclusions apply to snow sports cover (e.g. you must not be participating in the activity in a professional capacity). See the  PDS  for full details. 

Need motorcycle and moped cover for your travels?

If you're planning to use a motorcycle or a moped during your travels, then you'll need to select moped/motorcycle cover option to be able to claim for incidents related to driving or riding on a motorcyle/moped. 

Learn more about moped and motorcycle cover . 

Conditions and exclusions apply for motorcycle/moped cover (e.g. you must wear a helmet, the engine capacity must be 250cc or less). See the  PDS  for full details.

COVID-19 Travel Insurance Benefits and inclusions

Whether you're planning a trip within Australia, or heading overseas, our COVID-19 travel insurance benefits can help you relax and enjoy your much needed break. 

What does international travel insurance cover?

Generally speaking, most international travel insurance provides cover for some overseas medical expenses. More comprehensive international policies can also include cover for cancellation, delays, personal effects and more.

Medibank Travel Insurance has two single-trip policy options for international trips - Comprehensive and Medical Only. Both policy options offer cover for unlimited benefits on overseas medical expenses and repatriation, which includes COVID-19 benefits. On top of this, the Comprehensive policy option also provides benefits including cancellation costs, loss of luggage and personal effects, travel delay expenses, and rental car excess. 

Please read the combined PDS/FSG  for further information on the coverage and exclusions.

Is insurance mandatory for international travel?

Travel restrictions and advice changes all the time. Sometimes it is a requirement of certain countries to take out travel insurance before arrival. To check the requirements for your upcoming trip, visit  SmartTraveller  or  Sherpa . 

What destination do I select when I'm buying international travel insurance?

When getting a quote with Medibank's Travel Insurance, you'll be asked to input a destination where you'll be spending the majority of your trip. You can select a single country (eg. Japan), or a region (eg. All of Asia). 

However, if you'll be spending 20% or more of your trip in the Americas or Africa, you must select "Anywhere in the world" or " Worldwide including the Americas or Africa" or enter and select a country of the Americas or Africa (no matter where you are going before or after).

Emergency assitance whilst travelling

Every Medibank Travel Insurance policy comes with 24 hour emergency assistance. 

Our team of experienced doctors, nurses, travel consultants and case managers are ready to help you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We can help if you need support finding appropriate medical treatment, if you need to organise medical evacuation, or if you require assistance replacing lost travel documents and credit cards. 

Learn more about our 24/7 emergency assistance .

Popular travel destinations

Medibank Travel Insurance has been helping protect Aussie travellers for over 15 years.

Travel Guide to the UK

The United Kingdom has long been a place where Australians go on holiday, visit friends and family, sightsee, and more.

Travel guide to Thailand

With its pristine islands, lush rainforests, and lively cities; Thailand feels like the last empire on earth.

Travel guide to Bali

From the 24/7 parties in Kuta to the idyllic beaches of Seminyak, it’s hard to keep track of everything Bali has to offer.

Things you should know

1  21 day cooling off period applies if you cancel your policy within 21 days of purchase provided you have not made a claim or travelled on the policy. 

2  Item limits and sub-limits apply. See the  Combined FSG/PDS  for terms, conditions and more information.

3  Conditions apply to cancellation cover. Sub-limits apply.

4  Limits apply. See the  Combined FSG/PDS  for terms, conditions, exclusions and more information.

5  Cover is limited to a maximum duration of up to 30, 45 or 60 days for international trips or 15 or 30 days on domestic trips depending on the duration choice you make.

6   See the  PDS/FSG  for the full details of what is and isn't covered. Limits, sub-limits, exclusions and conditions apply.

7  Medical cover will not exceed 12 months from the onset of the illness or injury. Medical evacuation cover subject to claim approval.

8  Cover on the policy is included for your children or grandchildren identified on the Certificate of Insurance and travelling with you on your Journey provided they are not in full time employment, they are financially dependent on you.

9  Subject to approval. 

10  Limits apply. See the  Combined FSG/PDS  for more information. Limits will be shown on the Certificate of Insurance.

11  Maximum liability collectively for sections Loss of Income, Personal Liability and Accidental Death is $25,000 on the International Comprehensive Plan. Limits will be shown on the Certificate of Insurance.

Limits, sub-limits, exclusions and conditions apply. This is general advice only. Medibank Private Limited, ABN 47 080 890 259, an Authorised Representative, AR 286089, of Travel Insurance Partners Pty Limited, ABN 73 144 049 230 AFSL 360138 arranges the insurance on behalf of the insurer. The insurer is Zurich Australian Insurance Limited ABN 13 000 296 640, AFSL 232507. Please consider your own needs and the  Combined FSG/PDS  to decide if this product is right for you. For information on the Target Market and  Target Market Determinations , visit  medibank.com.au/travel-insurance/help/

Request a call back

Leave your details and a Medibank expert will be in touch to take you through your options. In providing your telephone number, you consent to Medibank contacting you about health insurance.

We'll have someone call you soon to help with any questions you have.

COVID-19 Health Assist - Expression of interest

Complete this form to express your interest in one of our programs. If you're eligible, a member of our team will call you within 2-3 business days.

What program are you interested in?

Sorry, only members with current Hospital cover are eligible to participate in these programs

Eligible Medibank members with Extras cover are able to access a range of telehealth services included on their cover - you can find out more here . Alternatively, if you would like to talk to one of our team about your cover, we're here on 132 331 .

Your membership details

Please provide your details so we can know how to contact you.

Your contact details

By clicking Submit, I understand that Medibank or its subsidiaries may contact me to discuss my eligibility for the Covid-19 Heath Assist program(s), and will disclose my personal information within the Medibank Group of companies and to third party service providers. Please see Medibank’s privacy policy for further information about how Medibank will handle my personal information, and how to contact Medibank: https://www.medibank.com.au/privacy/

Thank you for expressing your interest in one of our COVID-19 Health Assist programs.

If you are eligible, one of our health professionals will call you in 2-3 business days to discuss your situation and help to enrol you in the relevant program.

There is no cost to participate, however some referred services may incur an out of pocket cost.

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Australia Travel Insurance for Visitors

Travel insurance and safety advice for visitors to australia.

Learn what you need to know about travel insurance and safety for an Australian journey, including our top seven tips for safe travel.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Australia?

You are not required to have travel insurance to visit Australia, but it is strongly encouraged. Australia’s government travel authority says, “ If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.”

Medical care in Australia can be expensive for travelers and visitors. A doctor or dentist visit can cost hundreds of dollars. Most hospital stays, for emergencies or illnesses, cost a visitor several thousand dollars – often more. Visitor health coverage in Australia is worth the investment if you get sick or injured.

Read the fine print of your travel insurance before you sign up for a plan. Try to match the insurance coverage with your trip plans and coverage needs. If you are scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef, for example, make sure appropriate adventure sports insurance is included when considering travel insurance policies. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, make sure those will be treated with the coverage you select.

Some Countries Share Reciprocal Health Care with Australia – and Their Visitors Still Choose Travel Insurance

People from some countries can receive coverage for emergency health care in Australia as part of a reciprocal health care agreement. These countries include the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Italy, and Malta.

However, travelers from these countries still purchase travel insurance with comprehensive health coverage for visits to Australia. Travel health insurance provides many more benefits than basic emergency care. These can include repatriation support or special travel accommodations after an emergency.

Related: Health Insurance in Australia for Expats and Foreigners

What Vaccinations Are Required for Travel to Australia?

Travelers who have been in a yellow fever danger zone within six days before their arrival in Australia also need to show proof of vaccination against yellow fever.

You may want a rabies vaccine if you plan on outdoor activities, like caving or conservation volunteering, where you might get bitten by a bat. While Australia is rabies-free, its bats can carry the closely related illness, Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), which the rabies vaccine also protects against. Get the rabies vaccine two weeks before you travel, and bring proof of vaccination with you.

Starting in November 2021, travelers to Australia had to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, that requirement was lifted in July 2022. For the latest information about COVID-19 and travel from Australia, visit the Department of Home Affairs . Since issues around the COVID-19 pandemic change rapidly, you should also keep up to date with the  Australia Travel Declaration in case it becomes necessary again.

Bring Your Necessary Medications and Prescriptions

You need to bring your own medications to Australia, and it’s helpful to bring printed copies of your necessary prescriptions. When packing your medication for your trip, leave all medication in its original, labeled container. Try to bring enough to cover your entire trip. For any medications you need, also bring a prescription and note from your doctor containing the generic name of the drug and an explanation of why you need the medication.

Some drugs found over-the-counter in your home may need a prescription in Australia. These include oral contraceptives, asthma medication, all antibiotics, and medicine for pre-existing medical conditions.

Get Online Travel Insurance Quotes for Australia

You should have travel insurance that includes visitor health cover and cover for theft, evacuation, repatriation, and trip interruption. We have two recommendations for the best travel insurance for visitors to Australia.

For most travelers to Australia, we recommend the Atlas Travel Insurance plan for affordable global coverage. For US citizens traveling to Australia, we recommend GeoBlue Voyager Insurance. This is a premium option with a high level of coverage for a slightly higher rate. Get quotes for each of these options here.

• Emergency medical, evacuation, repatriation benefits
• Choose between the basic and more extensive coverage
• Meets Schengen visa insurance requirements
• 24/7 worldwide travel and emergency medical assistance

GeoBlue Voyager Plan

• For U.S. citizens up to age 95
• Includes pregnancy coverage, baggage loss, trip interruption & more
• 24/7/365 service and assistance

Seven Top Tips for Travel Safety in Australia

Here are our top seven tips for safe travel and travel insurance in Australia. With common sense and good travel insurance, you can prepare for every adventure Australia offers.

1.       Be Sensible Around Personal Security

Australia is a relatively safe destination for personal security. Take special care when out late at night in city centers. Do you plan on enjoying the nightlife? Have fun, but don’t leave drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers. And only get rides from licensed taxis or rideshare providers.

If you are staying in a quiet rural area, lock your doors, and keep valuables and luggage in your lodging, not in your vehicle. Tourist rental cars sometimes get broken into at remote parking lots for natural attractions. A travel insurance plan with theft and loss coverage will support you if this happens.

2.       Stay Informed With Australian Travel Warnings and Updates

Australian emergency services provide travel warnings and updates. Check the Australian Bureau of Meteorolog y for reports about weather and, in summer, bush fires.

In 2019 and 2020, extreme bush fires in Australia made international news. If you are visiting an area and a bush fire breaks out, follow local evacuation orders. Travel insurance can support you if your plan covers evacuation and accommodation around emergencies or travel delays.

3.       Prepare for Weather Extremes – Sun and Heat, Dryness and Rain

Out of all the outdoor perils in Australia, you are most likely to encounter the harsh sun. The saying Down Under is "slip, slop, and slap" – slip on a shirt, slop on lots of sunscreen, and slap on a hat. Even schoolchildren wear hats and long sleeves to go outside at recess. Sunscreen is required, too. Australian high-SPF sunscreens, starting at 30 SPF, are made for Australian conditions. A good visitor health plan will cover you if you need emergency care for an extreme sunburn – but you’ll still have to deal with discomfort and inconvenience.

Australian weather can be extreme. A warm day can cool down to a chilly evening. Summer days in desert areas like Alice Springs can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). The intense sun can be dry and thirst-inducing one day, and the next day can bring monsoon-like rains. When you go on night-time tours, it can get extremely cold. Bring layers of clothing to wear, and accessorize with your favorite hat and water bottle.

4.       Watch Out for Wildlife

Australian wildlife is famous for being venomous, poisonous, and dangerous. You are most likely to encounter the smaller venomous animals. Snakes often bask by roadsides, in parking lots, and on hiking trails. Spiders love to sneak into human bathrooms and surprise you at night. To avoid both, wear shoes or sandals, and shake out clothes and footwear before you put them on. In the water, watch out for jellyfish. Australians nickname them "stingers"  because of their often powerful and occasionally fatal sting. Beaches that have a lot of jellyfish usually post warning signs.

Most people are wary around sharks and crocodiles in Australian waters. Swim securely at beaches with lifeguards and other people around. Lifeguards will warn you if they see or hear about risky creatures. Lifeguards can also provide first aid and get you to help. A beautiful beach with no swimmers and no lifeguards may conceal dangerous creatures!

The smallest animals in Australia can make you very uncomfortable. Insects like mosquitos, ticks, and sandflies are major pests. Mosquitos can carry diseases, including dengue fever, encephalitis, and Ross River virus. Sandfly bites are notorious for being very uncomfortable.

Protect yourself from insect stings. Wear long sleeves and full-length trousers. Sleep in rooms with screened windows. And invest in Australian insect repellent with at least 20% DEET, even if you wouldn't use it normally. If an insect bite is swollen or infected, get emergency care for the reaction. This will be covered by a good travel health insurance plan.

5.       Swim and Boat Safely

Australia is full of beautiful beaches and idyllic rivers. The first point of being safe around them is, again, to swim at beaches with lifeguards and other people. If a beach or a river is empty of people, there is often a good reason for that: contaminated water, dangerous currents, or the presence of sharks and crocodiles.

Visitors often rent jet skis, kayaks, and other boating equipment. Follow the safety instructions and laws when you hire these and go out on the water. Always wear a life jacket, and never go out on unfamiliar waters alone. If you’re planning on jet skis and kayaks, boost your travel insurance with adventure sports coverage.

6.       Driving the Outback? Be Prepared

Adventure-minded travelers love to hit the road in Australia. In Australia, the road rules are to drive on the left side of the road. Not familiar with this? Take some time to practice in a quiet area. A car rental location can often tell you a good area nearby to practice Australian driving.

For long rural drives in Australia, know that you are driving through remote deserts. Bring extra gasoline, water and food in your vehicle. Let someone know when you are leaving, where you are going, and when you expect to arrive. If you are looking at Google maps and you don’t see any small towns or buildings, that means no places to buy food or fuel. So be prepared!

Roads in the Outback are often unpaved, dusty and stony. Watch out for rocks damaging axles and stones chipping windscreens. If it rains, you can suddenly be driving in a stream bed. Most distressing of all, if you don’t drive carefully, you might hit an animal, especially at night. Kangaroo-and-car collisions are very common. Make sure that you have comprehensive vehicle insurance so that all these things are covered – even the kangaroo collision.

7.       Get Ready When Hiking or Tramping

Hiking or tramping in the Outback or natural parks like the Blue Mountains calls for extra safety, too. Here are some of the basics for hiking safely in Australia. Planning to hike? Definitely learn more before you go.

Again, let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back. You may ask a local if anything unusual has happened in the area where you plan to hike, such as a forest fire. Bring more food and water than you need and first aid supplies. Dress for the extremes of the weather where you are going. Serious hikers can rent a satellite phone or a personal locator beacon in case of emergency. Consider buying Emergency Evacuation Insurance which will transport you to the closest medical facility able to handle your injury or illness.

The best safety aid in the Outback is an experienced guide. Guides will provide first aid, communication help, and knowledge of the country. Hiring a local guide is an excellent way to support Australia’s many indigenous communities. A good guide makes your Outback journey far safer and truly special.

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• travel_explore Not sure? See region list.

Where are you going?

Enter the destination(s) you plan to visit or select them from the list of countries and regions in the dropdown.

Planning a stopover? If you’re in a country for less than 72 hours, you do not need to list it as a destination.

Don’t currently know all the countries you’ll be visiting? You can select a region to obtain cover for all countries within that region, or you can select “Anywhere in the world”. Important: If selecting “Anywhere in the world”, your policy will not provide cover for claims arising in countries that are subject to sanctions. Your safety is paramount, so please read and familiarise yourself with the “ Standing Travel Alert for High Risk and Sanctioned Countries ” when undertaking worldwide travel – and before making any side trips to neighbouring countries – to ensure you have adequate cover.

Going on a cruise? If your cruise is in inland Australia (e.g. on the Murray River) or in Australian coastal water (e.g. the Kimberley), enter or select “Australia”. If your cruise embarks and disembarks from Australia ports only without any stopover at a port outside of Australia (e.g. a “Sampler Cruise” or cruise from Sydney to Brisbane), enter or select “Domestic Cruise”. If your cruise is overseas (e.g. a European river cruise, a Caribbean cruise, or a cruise from Sydney to Hong Kong), enter or select the country or region you will spend the most time in during your trip.

Want to come to Australia on our Inbound Plan? Select “Australia Inbound”.

When do you depart?

Enter the date you will leave your home to start your trip.

When do you return?

Enter the date you will arrive home based on AEST (considering any time differences/zones and travel times).

Duration of each trip?

Select the maximum trip duration that best suits your needs.

The maximum trip duration you select will apply to each separate trip you take during the 12-month period of your policy.

For cover to apply, you cannot take trips that exceed this maximum duration. If you make a claim related to a trip that exceeds this maximum duration, it may be declined.

The maximum trip duration you select will be shown on your Certificate of Insurance.

Age of each traveller?

Enter the age (as of today) of each adult and child to be included on the policy.

International Travel Insurance for Australians

Protect your overseas trip with international travel insurance

Planning an overseas trip? Don’t forget to pack an important item that can help if things go pear shaped while you’re travelling abroad – an overseas travel insurance policy.

At Cover-More, we provide Australian residents with travel insurance for international trips to help protect against an array of unforeseen complications – from unexpected injury or illness to travel delays, lost luggage, and more.

Whether you are a frequent traveller , seeking the most comprehensive cover or on a budget, you can compare our plans to find the best international travel insurance for you. After all, taking out a policy could save you and your family on overseas medical bills, emergency evacuation costs and/or other unforeseen expenses.

Skip to read:

What is international travel?

Why do i need international travel insurance, what overseas travel insurance plans does cover-more offer.

• What does Cover-More international travel insurance include?

How do I know which Cover-More international plan is right for me?

• Why should I consider Cover-More's travel insurance for my overseas holiday?

International travel is any travel that takes you out of Australia. This could be for work, a personal holiday, or to visit relatives who live overseas.

It might be an island escape to Fiji, a snowboarding trip to Japan, a backpacking trip through Europe, or a cruise in the South Pacific. Whether you’re taking a short trip or are travelling for an extended period, protecting your trip with international travel insurance for Australians is important.

It’s important to consider protecting your trip abroad with the right level of travel insurance for you.

From minor mishaps to major emergencies, international travel insurance may help offer financial protection when things go wrong – and could even help get you back home if need be.

Worldwide travel insurance can provide cover for incidents such as:

• Overseas emergency medical and dental costs – which can be extremely expensive in many countries
• If your luggage is lost, stolen, or delayed
• Missed flight connections or travel delays

With international travel insurance you can worry less and travel more, knowing you’ve got protection if something goes wrong.

At Cover-More, we offer three different international travel insurance plans. You can choose the plan that suits the level of cover you require – and your budget.

• International Comprehensive+: our most comprehensive overseas travel insurance for Australian travellers with our highest benefit levels, plus extra business-related benefits included for business travel.
• International Comprehensive: our mid-tier comprehensive plan with excellent benefits and coverage levels for travellers who want comprehensive cover for their trips abroad.
• International Basic: our base-level insurance plan with essential benefits – including $Unlimited~ overseas medical expenses – for Australian travellers on a budget.

If you’re a frequent traveller, our International Comprehensive+ and International Comprehensive Plans can be purchased as an Annual Multi-Trip policy. This provides cover for unlimited trips (up to the maximum duration per trip you choose) to your selected destinations over a 12-month period.

What does Cover-More international travel insurance cover?

If you travel overseas as a Cover-More travel insurance policyholder, we may be able to help if something goes wrong.

Check out some of the benefits below. Each plan has different benefits so consider carefully what your needs may be.

Each of our three international travel insurance plans for Australian travellers have some benefits that differ and the benefit coverage amounts can vary. You can compare our plans below to find the best overseas travel insurance plan for you:

* Sub-limits apply. Please refer to the PDS for full policy conditions.      ** Cooling-off period is available if you cancel your policy within 21 days provided you have not made a claim or departed on your journey.      ~ Cover will not exceed 12 months from onset of the illness, condition, or injury.      ^ Cover chosen applies per policy.      ^^ Conditions apply if you are aware of the pregnancy at the relevant time. For a single trip policy, relevant time means the time of issue of the policy and for an annual multi-trip policy it means the first time at which any part of the relevant trip is paid for or the time at which the policy is issued, whichever occurs last.      † Liability collectively for Loss of Income, Disability and Accidental Death is $45,000 on the Comprehensive+ Plan and $30,000 on the Comprehensive Plan.      • Item limit applies for any one item, set or pair of items including attached and unattached accessories. You may increase these items limits if you wish. See PDS for full details.

For full details on the terms and conditions, sub-limits, and exclusions you should consider before you purchase, read the PDS . You can also get a free quote online now.

You can compare our worldwide travel insurance plans above to find the one that best fits your travel requirements and budget. We recommend you also read the Product Disclosure Statement before purchasing to understand what you are – and aren’t – covered for under our plan.

If your trip includes a multi-night cruise you need to tell us and Cruise Cover will be added to your policy. An additional premium applies.

As a Cover-More customer, you can also vary your cover to fit your individual requirements for an additional premium by:

• adding a suitable level of amendment and cancellation cover; some plans include a cancellation extension upgrade that provide extra cover for non-travelling relatives or business partners and pregnancy;
• adding our Snow Sports or Snow Sports+ Cover to your policy if your winter holiday includes snow skiing, snowboarding, and/or snowmobiling;
• including our Adventure Activities or Adventure+ Activities Cover if you’re planning on engaging in activities not automatically included in our plans;
• adding Motorcycle/Moped Riding Cover or Motorcycle/Moped Riding+ Cover if you’re planning on driving or riding motorcycle or moped while aboard.

Got questions? Call our team on 1300 72 88 22 during business hours.

Ready to purchase? All Cover-More policyholders are covered by a 21-day cooling-off period**, which means we can refund you for the cost of your policy should you change your mind within this period.

​Why should I consider Cover-More travel insurance?

At Cover-More, we encourage all international travellers to consider taking out worldwide travel insurance as part of their holiday preparation – because you never know what might happen while you’re away.

Our customer Katie-Anne was involved in a car accident while on a trip in the United States of America. Our Cover-More team was there to help in her time of need – liaising with medical staff, paying for hospital bills, and making sure that Katie-Anne and her partner Jacob had the emotional support they needed. We also paid Katie-Anne's overseas medical expenses claim, which ended up totalling over $900,000.

Watch as she shares her heartfelt story:

Want us to safeguard your overseas holiday?

Discover our best international travel insurance plan for you.

** Cooling-off period is available if you cancel your policy within 21 days provided you have not made a claim or departed on your journey.

Travel Insurance and COVID-19 - Travelling from Australia During the Pandemic

Australians are known for their love of overseas travel. Now that our international borders have re-opened, many Aussies are dusting off their suitcase and making travel plans. Part of the planning should include travel insurance and what the policy will and won’t cover you for in the event that COVID-19 causes a cancellation, extension or medical expenses. Find out what you should consider when reviewing your travel insurance policy.  

What Do You Need to Consider with Travel Insurance Now?

Before the pandemic, most travellers took out a travel policy barely bothering to read the fine print. However, travellers are now much more concerned about what their travel insurance does and doesn’t cover. Remember to read the Product Disclosure Statement and ask questions if you’re unsure before signing up for a policy. Some circumstances you need to consider with travel insurance and COVID-19 are:

If you or a travelling family member tests positive to COVID-19 pre-departure and you need to cancel your trip;

If you or a travel companion tests positive for COVID-19 while away and incurs medical expenses; or

If you or a travel companion tests positive for COVID-19 while away, extending your stay to self isolate/recover.  

Cancelling Your Trip

With COVID-19 circulating in the Australian community, it’s possible that you could be infected just before you’re due to depart for your trip. With seven days of mandatory isolation, you may need to cancel or postpone. There’s a risk that another member of the family will be infected after you and need to serve their seven days in isolation. When your trip is so close, it’s likely you will lose deposits and if not, the full payment for some flights, accommodation and tours booked. A travel insurance policy can help cover some or all of these expenses. Find out what is and isn’t covered and the maximum dollar value you will be able to claim.

Overseas Medical Expenses

You may leave Australia well, but become infected while in transit or at the destination. If you suffer a severe case of COVID-19 and you require care in hospital, you’ll want a policy that will cover the hospital bill. A stay in an intensive care unit in the United States can cost as much as $20,000 per night. Singapore requires visitors to purchase travel insurance that has minimum coverage of SGD $30,000 for medical expenses. Check with your destination country if there are travel insurance requirements and what medical care expenses are covered.   

Extending Your Stay

You may need to stay longer than you planned because you test positive or one of your travelling companions does. If you are travelling with your family and one after the other tests positive over multiple weeks, your stay could be quite lengthy with a large accommodation bill. Not all travel insurance policies cover expenses related to a longer stay in accommodation due to a COVID-19 infection.

Not all travel policies cover COVID-19 related expenses, and the policies that do can vary greatly in what is and isn’t covered. You’ll need to do your homework and know what type of coverage you’re looking for. There are also some potential expenses that aren’t covered by any travel policy, such as a government travel ban. You could be out of pocket in several circumstances, so decide what financial risks you’re willing to take. However, with the State borders open within Australia, there are many fantastic destinations waiting for you throughout the country if you don’t want the financial risk of international travel just yet.

Can I Purchase Travel Insurance Close to the Date I’m Due to Leave?

Yes, you can buy travel insurance close to your departure date, however you may not be covered for cancellation costs if you test positive before you leave. Some insurers require you to have purchased your policy more than 21 days before the departure date to be able to claim for cancellation costs. Many insurers recommend taking out a travel policy at the same time that you book your trip to make sure you’re covered.  

What Can I Do to Reduce the Risk of Contracting COVID-19 While Travelling?

Travelling usually means you’re in contact with more people in different locations than if you were at home, so it’s best to be vigilant to reduce some of the risk.

In many locations it’s hard to do, but try to avoid crowds where you can. Carry hand sanitiser with you and use it regularly, particularly after coming into contact with high-touch surfaces. Choose outdoor restaurants and activities over indoor, where possible. When you can’t physically distance yourself, wear a mask.

Should I Take Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) With Me? 

Will i need to get tested before i leave or return to australia .

Every country and airline has their own requirements for entry, so it’s good to do your research to know what you need to do before each flight you board. Don’t forget about the countries you are transiting through either.  

Do I Need to Be Vaccinated for COVID-19 to Travel? 

Some countries grant entry to people who are unvaccinated, but they may have other restrictions such as proof of a negative PCR or RAT test, taken no more than two or three days earlier. Some of the countries that currently welcome unvaccinated travellers include Greece, Turkey, Slovenia, United Arab Emirates, Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Maldives, Italy, Sweden, Egypt, Norway, South Africa, Norway, Luxembourg, Bahamas and Maldives.

Remember, it’s not just COVID-19 vaccinations that you need to check. There are other vaccinations that are still required to enter or return to some countries. Check the Australian Department of Health website for more information.

Has Travel Insurance Increased in Price?

Many Australians haven’t travelled in more than two years, so it’s likely the cost of your travel insurance has increased, like most things you purchased two years ago. If your travel policy allows you to claim for expenses related to COVID-19, it’s likely that the cost of your policy is higher.  

Do I Need Travel Insurance? 

Thailand, Singapore, Israel, Costa Rica, and Tahiti are among the countries that have made travel insurance mandatory for all visitors. It’s important to carefully check the requirements of the countries you’re visiting before you leave home so you know what you need to organise in advance.  

Is There a Limit to the Value of Cancellation Expenses Covered?

Yes, most policies have a limit on how much you can claim. Expenses can climb quickly when you’re paying for an additional seven (or more) days of hotel accommodation and rescheduling flights. Some limits are $2,500, so beware that you may still be out of pocket despite having travel insurance.

Most travel insurance policies don’t cover your costs if you have to cancel your trip due to travel restrictions such as a lockdown at home or the destination country.

Do All Travel Insurers Cover All Countries?

No, most travel insurers won’t cover you for travel to countries that have a current advice warning of:

Level 3 - Reconsider Your Need to Travel; and

Level 4 - Do Not Travel.

You can find more information on the Smartraveller advice page . The threat level could be increased for a number of reasons. For example, a new COVID-19 variant of concern could cause a wave of infections in a country that the Australian government deems of higher risk than usual. With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the potential for war to break out elsewhere, the government may raise the threat level of other European countries.

It’s important to check regularly for changes to advice levels. Before taking out your policy, make sure you can cancel your trip if the threat level increases before your travel date and you prefer to stay in Australia. A standard travel policy won’t cover you for Level 4 destinations.

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Tammy george please note: tammy's blog is general advice only. for further information on this topic please consult your healthcare professional..

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Travel Insurance for a Trip to Australia (2024)

Travel insurance is affordable and can reduce sunken costs if you can’t make it to Australia as expected.

in under 2 minutes

Nicole Leigh West is an experienced lifestyle journalist and writer for publications including Wanderlust, TripSavvy and Vacations & Travel. Along with roaming the globe and penning fiction novels, Nicole works for World Words as a sub-editor and writer.

Sabrina Lopez is an editor with over six years of experience writing and editing digital content with a particular focus on home services, home products and personal finance. When she is not working on articles to help consumers make informed decisions, Sabrina enjoys creative writing and spending time with her family and their two parrots.

Whether you experience a travel delay or a medical emergency, travel insurance for Australian vacations provides valuable protection for expensive trip costs. Depending on the level of coverage you choose, reimbursements recoup losses for trip cancellation, lost baggage, unexpected medical treatment and more.

Below, we at the MarketWatch Guides Team discuss the benefits, costs and requirements of international travel insurance for Australia.

Compare Top Travel Insurance Companies for Australia

Use the table below to compare COVID-19 coverages, CFAR protection and pricing for travel insurance companies that will cover a trip to Australia.

Why Trust MarketWatch Guides

Our editorial team follows a comprehensive methodology for rating and reviewing travel insurance companies. Advertisers have no effect on our rankings.

Companies Reviewed

Quotes Collected

Rating Factors

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Australia?

It’s not mandatory to purchase travel insurance as a condition of entry to Australia or neighboring New Zealand in the Australasia region. However, the Australian government strongly recommends visitors have travel insurance to cover unexpected medical costs.

While public Medicare and domestic travel insurance cover residents, visitors to Australia are treated as private patients. Therefore, you’re generally required to pay hospital expenses and other medical bills at the time of treatment. Furthermore, comprehensive travel insurance with trip cancellation protects against sudden cancellation costs.

Australia is renowned for exciting adventure activities, including boating, hiking and winter sports. Medical coverage ensures you’ll have peace of mind in the event of an injury. The following are some of the most common policies to help you buy travel insurance to suit you.

Types of Travel Insurance for Australia

Travel insurance plans differ in their coverage options. For comprehensive coverage, be sure to opt for a plan with trip cancellation and interruption coverage, baggage loss and baggage delay, emergency evacuation coverage, cancel for any reason insurance and medical coverage.

Cancel for Any Reason Coverage

Cancel for any reason coverage , or CFAR, is sold as an additional premium that reimburses nonrefundable trip costs without limits on why you need to cancel. With standard insurance products, cancellation policies generally reimburse you for a limited and predetermined number of reasons, including hospitalization or the death of a family member.

This type of coverage is useful during situations such as the coronavirus pandemic with changing circumstances and in the absence of COVID-19 coverage. Whether your reason is due to a country’s travel advice changing or simply a change of personal plans, you can claim for prepaid costs and enjoy the flexibility.

CFAR is subject to rules that vary via insurance providers. They can include time limits, such as a requirement to cancel within 48 hours of departure.

Gear Theft Protection

Whether you’re traveling to Sydney or exploring the Outback, gear theft protection is useful on every overseas trip as insurance for your personal effects. For a trip to Australia, you might wish to bring the following:

• Professional camera plus equipment
• Sports equipment, including surfboards and snowboards

Travel insurance plans help you recover the costs of items that are stolen, damaged or lost via airlines or tour operators. As general advice, your policy covers up to predetermined cost limits, and exclusions may apply.

Be aware that the sub-limits might not cover the full value of items. Check the product disclosure statement (PDS) to ensure gear theft protection is sufficient; otherwise, leave valuable items at home.

Medical Emergency Insurance and Emergency Medical Evacuation

Excellent medical treatment is available in Australia, and there are no major health hazards of concern, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) . However, in the case of medical expenses, emergency assistance or any pre-existing medical conditions you may have, health insurance is important to recover significant up-front costs.

In the case of an overseas emergency, travel insurance for medical emergencies covers a range of expenses including:

• Dental emergencies
• Hospital fees
• Lab tests and X-rays
• Operating room charges and anesthesia

Depending on the insurance company, policies also cover expenses if you require medical assistance for injuries via sports and adventure activities. Most cover emergency medical evacuation to a major hospital or your home country.

Rental Car Protection

In Australia, a loss damage waiver and third-party insurance for personal liability are mandatory and therefore, included in the contract for any rental vehicle. Premium car insurance, through an authorized representative for rental cars, further limits your liabilities while driving.

Depending on the type of car insurance and the coverage you choose, premium plans may include the following safeguards:

• Collision damage waiver and theft protection
• Personal effects coverage
• Roadside protection
• Tire and windshield protection

As a separate protection and on top of local car insurance, a standard travel insurance policy generally includes rental vehicle excess cover. This helps to recoup the losses you’re liable for regarding extra costs for damaged or stolen vehicles.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Standard Australian travel insurance cover generally provides reimbursement for financial loss due to cancellation up to a limit. If you cancel your vacation before departure, nonrefundable and prepaid expenses are covered. However, trip cancellation insurance is subject to binding rules limiting valid reasons. For flexibility, it’s a good idea to choose CFAR.

One of the most common questions regarding cancellation coverage is how you qualify for it. As general advice, the acceptable reasons include:

• Death of a family member
• Hospitalization, illness or serious injury
• Military orders
• Severe weather conditions, excluding some natural disasters

How Much Does Australia Travel Insurance Cost?

From an annual multi-trip policy to a single trip, a travel insurance quote depends on your personal preferences, age and the destination. International travel insurance providers often use target market determination to design insurance products to suit your demographic.

To get a travel insurance quote, you’ll enter the following on provider sites:

• Age and number of travelers in your group
• Destination country and location
• Total trip price

We requested quotes from five different providers of affordable travel insurance coverage as an example. The below quotes are for a 30-year-old traveler from New York traveling to Australia from Aug. 1 to Aug. 14, 2024. Including accommodation and flights, the total trip cost is $5,000.

The quotes listed were collected from each company’s website in May 2023. The most affordable policy plans for international travel insurance to Australia include coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical expenses for emergencies, baggage loss or delay and emergency evacuation.

How Do I Get Travel Insurance for Australia?

The first step for getting travel insurance for Australia is to check your credit cards and current health insurance. You might already have travel insurance coverage for an Australian vacation. Most airlines offer comprehensive travel insurance upon booking your flights.

To find the best quote and buy travel insurance, shop around to compare prices. The level of coverage you need depends on your personal preferences.

Australia Safety Tips

Below are safety and travel tips to help you enjoy your trip to Australia with peace of mind.

Crime and Safety

The Australian Travel Advisory from the U.S Department of State is at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. For international travel alerts and onward travel, Australia’s Smartraveller site provides information.

In general, U.S. citizens aren’t specifically targeted for crime in Australia. However, it pays to be aware of your surroundings in large cities. Robberies and auto theft are common in some areas, along with pickpockets at crowded tourist destinations.

Day Trips, Tours and Excursions

From diving on the Great Barrier Reef to hiking through the remote Outback, day trips and excursions in Australia are the best way to see the sights. If you’re participating in extreme sports, it’s wise to check with insurance providers with regard to specific insurance coverage.

To ensure tour companies are reputable, use trusted organizations. You’ll find information on Australia’s official tourism site , along with sites in each state you visit.

According to the Australian government , all entry restrictions and rules pertaining to COVID-19 are removed. Most public health measures are also removed across the country. Check with local authorities in the event of changes.

Is Travel Insurance for a Trip to Australia Worth It?

You’re not legally obligated to buy travel insurance for a vacation in Australia. However, the benefits of doing so ensure you’re covered for the possibility of financial loss if you need to cancel your trip or you experience delays.

When deciding if travel insurance is worth it , the main factor for a trip to Australia are the medical costs you might incur in the event of an emergency health issue or injury. We recommend you get quotes from a few different providers to find the best deal for your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance in Australia

Can i claim flight compensation.

Travel insurance is the best protection against canceled flights, and it might be the only way you can claim flight compensation . For the most part, U.S. airlines only compensate via refunds if cancellations are a direct result of overbooking or airline fault.

Do you need travel insurance to go to Australia?

Travel insurance isn’t mandatory for entry into or travel around Australia. Due to expensive upfront medical costs, most travelers choose to buy travel insurance to cover medical expenses in the event of illness or injury.

Do all credit cards have travel insurance?

Not all credit cards offer travel insurance. Credit cards that feature travel rewards often include travel insurance with the benefits. Check the coverage to ensure it’s suitable for your personal needs.

Do tourists get free health care in Australia?

Visitors to Australia don’t receive free health care and are treated as private patients. If you’re admitted to a hospital or need treatment for an injury, costs are usually required upfront. As this may be expensive, travel insurance to cover unexpected medical expenses is recommended.

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Travel Insurance

Cheapest travel insurance of April 2024

Mandy Sleight

Heidi Gollub

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

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

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

Cheapest travel insurance of 2024

Why trust our travel insurance experts

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

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

Best cheap travel insurance

Top-scoring plans

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

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

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

Pros and cons

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

Cheap travel insurance for cruises

Travel insured.

Top-scoring plan

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

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

Best cheap travel insurance for families

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

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

Best cheap travel insurance for seniors

Evacuation limit per person

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

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

Best cheap travel insurance for add-on options

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

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

Best cheap travel insurance for missed connections

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

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

Cheapest travel insurance comparison

How much does the cheapest travel insurance cost?

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

Factors that determine travel insurance cost

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

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

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

Is buying the cheapest travel insurance a good idea?

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

For example, compare these two Travelex travel insurance plans:

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

Reasons to consider paying more for travel insurance 

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

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

How to find the cheapest travel insurance

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

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

Consider the following factors when comparing cheap travel insurance plans.

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

Is cheap travel insurance worth it?

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

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

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

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

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

Methodology

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

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

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

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

Cheapest travel insurance FAQs

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

Get the coverage you need: Best travel insurance of 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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