travel insurance in australia that covers covid

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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.

Travel Insurance with COVID Cover

All Medibank Travel Insurance Plans have some COVID-19 cover included as standard.

Plus, Medibank and ahm health members save 15%.

What is travel insurance with covid cover?

A travel insurance policy with COVID-19 benefits includes cover for certain unforeseen COVID-19-related scenarios and can help reduce the financial risk of travelling. Depending on the level of cover you choose, benefits can include such things as COVID-19 overseas medical expenses, trip amendments & cancellation costs, and additional expenses.

COVID-19 policy benefits are for both international and domestic plans, but it's important to understand that not all COVID-19 scenarios will be covered. Continue reading to learn more about what you are - and aren't covered for when it comes to travel insurance with covid cover.

What COVID-19 benefits do we offer?

When taking out travel insurance with Medibank, cover will be provided for some common scenarios related to COVID-19. This means there's no need to "add covid cover" when purchasing Medibank Travel Insurance because every policy will come with some level of inbuilt covid cover.

Which benefits are included and the cover amount will depend on the travel insurance plan you select. Benefits may include:

Cover for COVID-19 overseas medical costs ¹

Cover for covid-19 cancellation and amendments ², cover for additional covid-19 expenses ³.

Limits, sub-limits, conditions, and exclusions apply to COVID-19 travel insurance benefits. Please read our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for full details.

COVID-19 travel insurance options

All Medibank Travel Insurance Plans contain some inbuilt COVID-19 Cover. The information below helps you understand some of the high level inclusions at a glance.

International Comprehensive Travel Insurance

$Unlimited COVID-19 overseas medical costs 1
Up to $10,000 for COVID-19 trip cancellations and amendments 2
$Unlimited additional expenses if diagnosed with COVID-19 on trip and admitted to a hospital 3
Up to $5,000 additional expenses if diagnosed with COVID-19 and unfit to travel 3

International Medical Only Travel Insurance

$Unlimited COVID-19 overseas medical costs 1
No cover provided for COVID-19 trip cancellation and amendments
$Unlimited additional expenses if diagnosed with COVID-19 on trip and admitted to hospital 3

Domestic Travel Insurance

No cover provided for any COVID-19 medical costs
Up to $5,000 for COVID-19 trip cancellations and amendments 2
Up to $10,000 additional expenses if diagnosed with COVID-19 on trip and admitted to hospital 3
Up to $5,000 additional expenses if diagnosed with COVID-19 and unfit to travel 3

Limits, sub-limits, conditions, and exclusions apply to COVID-19 travel insurance benefits. Please read our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for full details.

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.

We're proud winners of Mozo's Experts Choice awards in 2022 and 2023.

Travel insurance with COVID-19 cover: what is included?

COVID-19 benefits are available on our International Comprehensive and Medical Only , and Domestic travel insurance plans. Covid benefits apply to both Single Trip and Annual Multi-Trip policies.

What is covered depends on the type of policy you purchase. COVID-19 benefits may include:

Pre-trip cancellation:², cover for your on-trip cancellation and amendment costs:², additional expenses:³, cancellation due to a relative or business partner having life-threatening covid-19:², $unlimited overseas medical costs:¹, cover for essential health care workers:.

What is not covered:

Cancellation and Amendment cover is not available if you purchase an International Medical Only Plan.
Medical and Hospital Expense cover is not available on a Domestic Plan.

Medibank Travel Insurance is proud to offer COVID-19 benefits, but unfortunately, we can’t cover every scenario that may arise as a result of COVID-19.

For example, we will not pay any claims arising from or caused by COVID-19 if:

Your destination is subject to a ‘Do not travel’ advice on the Smartraveller website at the time you enter the country or part of the country. (This ‘Do not travel’ exclusion does not apply if your destination is Australia or New Zealand).
Your claim is related to you having travelled on a multi-night ocean or sea cruise and you have not purchased the additional Cruise Cover for your policy. (Note: Cabin confinement cover is not available even if Cruise Cover has been added).
Your costs are related to a government directed border closure.
Your costs are due to mandatory quarantine or isolation orders required to cross a border, such as a border between states, countries, or regions.

It is important to read the Product Disclosure Statement before you consider purchasing a travel insurance policy. Please take note of limits to cover. For full details on our covid travel insurance benefits, please read the PDS here.

FAQs: Before you travel

Remember to check the PDS for full details. For more information, contact 13 23 31 .

Is COVID-19 cover an additional add on?

No, our COVID-19 benefits are in-built into every Medibank Travel Insurance policy. This means you do not need to add additional COVID-19 benefits cover when purchasing a policy.

However, don't forget that if you are travelling on a multi-night ocean or sea cruise then you will need to make sure you have purchased Cruise Cover to be eligible to make any claims that are in any way related to cruise travel (this includes COVID-19 related cruise claims).

Not every policy has the same level of covid cover, so it's important to carefully read the PDS to understand any limits, sub-limits, conditions and exclusions that apply to COVID-19 benefits.

Will the COVID-19 benefit cover me if I’m diagnosed with COVID-19 and need to cancel my trip?

If you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 by a qualified medical practitioner and they confirm that you are unfit to travel, you may be able to claim the non-refundable cancellation costs.

Cover details:

Domestic Plan: Cancellation and amendment benefit limit $5,000.
International Comprehensive Plan: Cancellation and amendment benefit limit $10,000.
International Medical Plan: No cover for cancellation and amendment costs.

Cover conditions:

Subject to evidence of your positive COVID-19 diagnosis as diagnosed by a qualified medical practitioner who certifies you are not fit to travel.
There is no cover if symptoms or diagnosis occurred prior to buying your policy.
Pre-booked sea and ocean cruises are included provided you added Cruise Cover to your policy.

Will the COVID-19 benefit cover me if I am deemed to have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 and need to cancel my trip?

Unfortunately, no cover is provided if you are deemed to be a close contact and must isolate and can therefore no longer go on your trip.

Will the COVID-19 benefit cover me if I want to cancel as the government issued a ‘do not travel advice’ to my destination after I booked?

Unfortunately, no. If you booked your trip to a destination deemed safe to travel by the Australian Government and purchased Medibank Travel insurance, but prior to travelling that destination is now under a ‘Do not travel’ warning on smartraveller.gov.au , you may need to cancel your trip due to the risks of travel. There is no cancellation cover when cancelling your trip due to COVID-19 related travel warnings, regardless of the warning level.

Cover applies for this event if the country or part of the country you travelled to was not subject to “Do not travel” advice on the smartraveller.gov.au website at the time you entered the country or part of the country. However, for trips in Australia or New Zealand, the Smartraveller “Do not travel” condition will be waived.
This cover is subject to evidence of your positive COVID-19 diagnosis (confirmed by a qualified medical practitioner).
No costs or expenses are covered if a quarantine or isolation order is placed on you by a government or public health authority.

Can I buy travel insurance if I am not vaccinated?

Yes, there are no limitations on getting an insurance policy with Medibank due to vaccination status.

FAQs: During your trip

Remember to check the PDS for full details. For more information, contact 13 23 31 .

Who should I contact if I get COVID-19 while overseas?

If you suspect you have COVID-19 you should call the Medibank 24/7 emergency assistance line. They'll be able to give you advice on what you need to do in order to make a claim against your policy. This can include how and where find a qualified medical practitioner to confirm a COVID-19 diagnosis.

Learn more about our 24/7 emergency assistance .

Will Medibank Travel Insurance COVID-19 benefit cover me if I am diagnosed with COVID-19 while travelling and need to extend my stay?

If you get sick on your journey and need to extend your stay because a qualified medical practitioner certifies that you're unfit to travel as a result of COVID-19, then you'll be able to claim up to $5,000 of additional accommodation and transport expenses.

If you are hospitalised as a result of COVID-19 then $10,000 of additional expense cover applies to Domestic Plans and $Unlimited additional expense cover applies to International Comprehensive and Medical Only Plans to help cover the cost of additional accomodation and transport as a result of extending your stay.

Please note, there is no cover for this event if your COVID-19 diagnosis requires you to enter a period of cabin confinement while on board the cruise ship, even if your policy includes Cruise Cover.

Cover applies for this event if the country or part of the country you travelled to was not subject to “Do not travel” advice on the smartraveller.gov.au website at the time you entered the country or part of the country. However, for trips in Australia or New Zealand, the Smartraveller “Do not travel” condition will be waived.
Other expenses you may incur (such as food, drinks, groceries, laundry etc.) are not included.

Terms conditions and exclusions apply, for full details, make sure you check out the PDS .

Will Medibank Travel Insurance COVID-19 benefits cover me if I’m diagnosed with COVID-19 while travelling and need medical treatment?

Yes, on the International Comprehensive and International Medical Only plans, cover is available if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 by a qualified medical practitioner and require medical treatment overseas.

Non-cruise travel: Yes, cover is available.

Cruise travel: Yes, cover is available for overseas emergency medical expenses and ship-to-shore expenses if Cruise Cover is added to your policy.

There is no cover for medical expenses on the Domestic plan.

Cover applies for this event if the country or part of the country you travelled to was not subject to “Do not travel” advice on the smartraveller.gov.au website at the time you entered the country or part of the country.
For trips in Australia or New Zealand, the Smartraveller “Do not travel” condition will be waived.
Cover is subject to evidence of your positive COVID-19 diagnosis (confirmed by a qualified medical practitioner).

Do I need medical proof of my COVID-19 positive test result?

Yes, you will need a qualified medical practitioner to diagnose you with COVID-19 and certify that you are unfit for travel. A positive test result will not be sufficient proof to make a claim.

Ready to book?

Great, use our handy tool for a quick and easy online quote or give us a call on 132 331 to chat through your options.

Things you should know

1 Medical cover will not exceed 12 months from onset. Medical evacuation cover subject to claim approval.

2 Conditions and limits apply to COVID-19 cancellation cover. Cancellation cover applies to the International Comprehensive and Domestic policies. See the Combined FSG/PDS for more information.

3 Cover is for reasonable Additional accommodation expenses (room rate only) and Additional transport expenses. Conditions apply to COVID-19 additional expense cover. See the Combined FSG/PDS for more information.

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/

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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.

Join CHOICE

Does travel insurance cover COVID-19 or other pandemics?

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

travel_insurance_pandemic_woman_on_train_wearing_mask

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.

Join the conversation

To share your thoughts or ask a question, visit the CHOICE Community forum.

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Choice travel insurance buying guide.

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

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

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

Why travel insurance?

Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?

How to get travel insurance

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

How to read the product disclosure statement

What are you covered for?

Credit card insurance

How to make a complaint

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

Holidays don’t always go as planned.

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

The Australian Government won’t pay your medical bills.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you need domestic travel insurance?

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

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

Does international travel insurance cover COVID-19?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Make your travel plans COVID-safe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Where are you going?

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

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

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

You need different cover for different regions

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. How long are you going for?

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

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

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

3. What are you going to do there?

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

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

4. Are you taking any valuable items?

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

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

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

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

5. Do you have any medical conditions?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Member discounts

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

Shop around

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

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

Use your credit card

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

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

Compromise on cover

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

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

About that fine print

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

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

How to read the PDS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And what are the catches?

Cancellations, baggage and personal items, sports and activities.

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

Pre-existing conditions

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

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

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

the condition has been stable for more than 12 months

there is no planned surgery

you have not received treatment in the past 12 months.

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

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

If in doubt, declare your condition to your insurer.

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

Is a disability a pre-existing condition?

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

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

Having trouble getting cover?

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

Cover for your equipment

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

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

Cover for your carer

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

Babymooning

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

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

Mental health

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘Unforeseen’

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

Exclusions and inclusions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lost luggage

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

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

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

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

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

Do you have the right licence?

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

Cruise-specific insurance

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

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

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

Not leaving Australian waters?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Motorcycles and mopeds

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

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

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

Skiing and snowboarding

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

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

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

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

Alcohol and drugs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Credit card travel insurance

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

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

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

Is it activated?

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

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

Is it worth it?

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

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

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

Internal dispute resolution

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

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

External dispute resolution

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

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

Legal action

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

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

Covid-19 Travel Insurance Benefits

Are you looking for travel insurance with coverage for Covid-19 related events? InsureandGo policies provide you with several travel insurance benefits related to Covid-19. We are all excited to travel again and we want to give travellers peace of mind on their next holiday, domestically or overseas. We understand the travel landscape has changed and our travel insurance policies need to account for the new risks that travellers can face. Our Covid-19 travel insurance will give you additional coverage whenever you are ready to explore the world again.

Always visit Smartraveller to understand if your destination is marked as safe to travel. If your destination is marked as a “do not travel” on Smartraveller website, travel insurance coverage is not available. The below content is a summary only, always check the PDS for full details and Target Market Determination to understand if our policies are right for you.

For more information, check the FAQ’s below or visit our help centre here

Overseas policies

Our One-Trip and Cruise policies can cover you for the following benefits, in case your trip is impacted by Covid-19:

Overseas medical expenses (Unlimited Coverage in our Silver and Gold policies, not included in our Bare Essentials Policies): We will pay for the necessary and reasonable medical costs incurred outside of Australia as a result of you being medically diagnosed with COVID-19. This includes emergency medical, surgical, hospital, ambulance and repatriation costs where necessary.
you being medically diagnosed with COVID-19 after you purchase the policy,
a close relative being diagnosed with Covid-19 after purchasing the policy and the treating doctor confirms in writing the level of infection is life threatening or
a travelling companion being medically diagnosed with Covid-19 after purchasing the policy

We will pay up to the amount shown in the Table of benefits for:

travel and accommodation expenses and pre-paid meal expenses which you have paid or have agreed to pay under a contract and which you cannot reasonably recover from any sources;
the cost of excursions, tours and activities which you have paid for and which you cannot reasonably recover from any sources;
your additional reasonable and necessary travel and accommodation expenses, incurred after departure, that are over and above what you had originally budgeted to pay, where you need to catch-up to your original schedule;

Domestic Policies

Our Single-Trip and Cruise Domestic policies also provide benefits for Covid-19 related events. Medical expenses in Australia are covered by Medicare or Private Health Insurance, so there are no medical benefits related to Covid-19 in our domestic policies. However, we provide coverage for the Cancellation or amendment of your trip if your travel plans are impacted by Covid-19.

you being medically diagnosed with COVID-19 after you purchase the policy and you are unfit to travel
a travelling companion being medically diagnosed with Covid-19 after purchasing the policy and they are you are unfit to travel

Most Common Questions

Am i covered if i get covid-19 overseas.

Our Silver and Gold levels of cover provide benefits for necessary and reasonable medical costs also necessary and unavoidable cancellation or amendment of your trip, related to a diagnosis of COVID-19. See the PDS for the details of what is covered.

Am I covered for Cancellation if there is a border closure?

Unfortunately our policies exclude any claims arising from border closures, or any other claims relating to any government travel bans, “Do not travel” warnings; or mandatory quarantine or self-isolation requirements related to cross border, region or territory travel.

Can I claim for cancellation if a family member gets Covid-19?

Under the InsureandGo Silver and Gold levels of cover, we will provide coverage if it is necessary and unavoidable for you to cancel or amend your trip if a close relative in Australia is diagnosed with Covid-19 after purchasing the policy and the treating doctor confirms in writing their level of infection is life threatening.

Can I claim for cancellation if a travelling companion gets Covid-19?

Our Silver and Gold levels of cover provide benefits for necessary and unavoidable cancellation or amendment of your trip if your travelling companion is medically diagnosed with COVID-19 after purchasing the policy. See the PDS for the details of what is covered.

Can I claim for cancellation if I get diagnosed with Covid-19 before going away?

Yes, our Silver and Gold policies provide coverage if it is necessary and unavoidable for you to cancel your trip if you are diagnosed with Covid-19 after purchasing your policy.

Am I covered for quarantine or travel delay if I get Covid-19 while overseas?

Our Gold and Silver policies provide coverage for your reasonable additional travel and accommodation expenses if you are unexpectedly forced into quarantine whilst overseas as a result of being diagnosed with Covid-19. We cannot provide cover if you are forced into quarantine for any other reason other than you being diagnosed with Covid-19.

What should I do if I get diagnosed with Covid-19 while travelling?

If you are diagnosed with Covid-19 while travelling, please contact us on +61293333999 or email [email protected] . Our teams will guide you through the process on what to do and how to submit your claim.

Useful Numbers

Emergency assistance:, non emergency claims:, insureandgo here's why....

Award winning travel insurance company
24 hours emergency assistance
All medical conditions considered
Cover up to 100 years old (Cruise and Bare Essential policies cover up to 79 years of age)
Unlimited overseas medical expenses cover
Unlimited cancellation in our Gold policies

You can now get COVID-19 travel insurance. Here's what it does and doesn't cover

Australians travelling overseas for the first time since international borders reopened are paying hundreds of dollars for travel insurance — but the fine print reveals some very big COVID-related exclusions.

Key points:

Major companies including NIB and Qantas are starting to sell travel insurance again
Most are offering limited protection for medical and travel expenses if people get COVID while overseas
No policies cover people for general lockdowns or border closures outside Australia or New Zealand

Sydney couple Beth and Larry Lee are about to fly to the United States to meet a grandchild they've never seen in person.

"I'm the kind of person [who] watches people at airports and cries when the people they know come in," Ms Lee says.

"So, I'm really excited, but also a little nervous."

The Lees' nerves about their trip to the United States comes down to the unpredictability of post-COVID travel.

A recent survey by consumer group Choice found only 23 per cent of Australians were confident making travel plans.

"There are nerves because, if something happens, we might get stuck over there. We might end up in hospital," Mr Lee says.

"And we won't have money to cover that."

To try to protect themselves financially, Beth shopped around for travel insurance that could cover them for COVID-related issues.

She called several companies and got knocked back, before finding one with a supplementary policy for COVID-19.

What does their COVID travel insurance cover?

The Lees' travel insurance with the company Southern Cross cost $698 for two people for three weeks to the United States.

It was slightly more expensive than standard cover because the retired couple have some pre-existing medical conditions.

Beth and Larry's COVID travel insurance fineprint shows what it covers

The Lees were only able to take out their policy to travel to the United States after the Smartraveller travel advice was downgraded from "do not travel" to instead "travel with caution", due to its ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks .

When it comes to what their policy covers for COVID-19, the Lees are protected for:

Medical expenses if they are diagnosed with COVID-19 while on their journey
Costs to change their travel arrangements if they, or a relevant person, are diagnosed with COVID-19 before they leave and their journey is cancelled or amended
Costs to change their travel arrangements if they, or a relevant person, are diagnosed with COVID-19 after they leave and their journey is interrupted or cut short.

Importantly, if the travel advice to the United States changes to "do not travel", ABC News has confirmed that Southern Cross will not cover them for COVID-19 expenses if they decide to push forward with their plans.

"They would be able to claim under our COVID-19 cover for costs to [cut short] their journey and return to Australia, as the change happened after they left and was unexpected," Southern Cross said in a statement.

"It's really important people monitor when they're travelling around.

"You could be in New York and, while you're there, there's a huge surge in COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles. Smartraveller updates change to say "do not travel" to Los Angeles because of the surge.

"If you go to that high-risk city, regardless of government advice, and catch COVID, there won't be cover. If you go anyway, against government advice, and have an unexpected medical event, then there would be cover."

It's also important to note that Australia has reciprocal healthcare agreements with 11 nations, including the UK, New Zealand and Italy .

This covers Australians travelling there for urgent medical treatment, however, often not the entire bill. Evacuations also aren't covered by reciprocal healthcare agreements.

What about lockdowns or border closures?

The most glaring omission from the Lees' travel insurance is coverage that would see them refunded travelling costs or compensated for rearranging plans in the event of general COVID-19 lockdowns or border closures.

Southern Cross says providing this sort of generalised cover for travellers would simply be too expensive.

"Our customers also want affordable travel insurance, so our policies currently don't provide cover for lockdowns, which would expose us to much greater insured losses," the company explains.

"Were our policies to provide lockdown cover, they'd be less affordable, so fewer people would have insurance cover."

Yet, as the current situation in Europe highlights, lockdowns are still very much a consideration for travellers .

The Lees feel somewhat less nervous, knowing that their travel insurance covers them for contracting COVID-19 and associated medical and cancellation expenses.

They're both vaccinated but will still be travelling to San Francisco and then on to Los Angeles with caution.

"We're going to do rapid antigen testing twice a week while away," Beth says.

"We probably will not go into a restaurant to eat inside over there.

"We've thought about it and are taking as many precautions as we can. We want to see our family, we pray we'll get back there safely and come back safely."

They're still nervous about not being covered for rolling lockdowns or border closures.

"That's the tricky one," Larry says.

"You could certainly book into a place and be left high and dry. That could be a problem.

"We don't want to go into our superannuation. And it could take huge amounts of money."

The retired teachers have so far spent $10,000 on their short-term accommodation and flights to the United States.

Their flights aren't refundable but they may be able to get travel credits if their plans need to change.

They've intentionally booked short-term rentals where the cancellation policies say they can be given full refunds until just up to a few days before they're due to check-in.

A man and a woman sit on a couch outdoor.

"We love to travel, so we won't stop travelling," Beth says.

"We're aware of the fact that your travel plans can be up-ended at any time."

Is this the best COVID travel insurance on offer?

ABC News contacted a range of other major insurers that are offering overseas travel insurance, including Allianz, CoverMore and NIB.

None of them offers overseas travel insurance with COVID protections beyond what Southern Cross was selling, except CoverMore, which offers some general lockdown coverage for travel to New Zealand. (More on that later.)

Allianz is also offering customers a partial refund of the insurance that they paid for if they get caught out by general COVID-19 issues.

Mark Fitzgibbon, managing director of NIB health insurance. Interviewed by 7.30, July 2019

Pre-COVID, NIB was one of the bigger providers of travel insurance, with $200 million in premiums taken every year.

"But, of course, throughout COVID-19, things have been much tougher. And, you know, we've been losing money," NIB's chief executive Mark Fitzgibbon tells The Business.

NIB had to exit the market altogether this year after its financial backer — or underwriter — AXA ended its financial arrangement.

"Travel insurance is not the most popular category for global insurers at the moment, for obvious reasons," Mr Fitzgibbon says.

"We thought we had another underwriting arrangement in place but it fell apart at the last minute. So, frankly, we've had to scramble to establish a new underwriting partnership.

"We [now] have and, very soon, we'll be back online and selling travel insurance across Australia and New Zealand."

The NIB policy that will be on offer — underwritten by new backer Pacific International Insurance — will be very similar to the coverage offered by Southern Cross, without any protection for general COVID-19 lockdowns or border closures.

Mr Fitzgibbon says it's unlikely that NIB would ever offer this sort of coverage. He says this doesn't come down to the insurance companies who sell premiums, but the underwriters who carry the financial risk of paying out policies.

"You talk to people at some of the global underwriters, and they certainly confirm that it's not an insurable risk if the entire world shuts down and closes borders. The financial consequences are just too dire."

Unclear if premiums to rise dramatically

Mr Fitzgibbon says premiums will rise due to the extra pandemic coverage.

"There'll be a little bit of pressure on premiums as a result of that additional COVID cover, but we're talking maybe 5 to 10 per cent. Nothing particularly egregious," he predicts.

After a "collapse" in the market of 99.3 per cent at the start of COVID, insurance comparison website Compare The Market is currently experiencing a return of browsers looking for deals.

a man in a blue shirt in front of a company sign

The website's travel insurance specialist, Warren Duke, says brands are also slowly re-entering the market.

"At this stage, we've not seen any travel insurers that have included cover if you need to cancel because of a border closure," he says.

"But we're all hoping that border closures and travel bans are a thing of the past.

"So, hopefully, that won't be much of an issue going forward.

"We've not seen prices change to a great degree at this stage. It's a little bit hard to tell because not all insurers have returned to the market.

"We're probably a couple of months away from understanding if the impact of introducing COVID-19 cover has had a dramatic impact on the price of policies."

What about add-on travel insurance?

Many people buy overseas travel insurance directly from companies, including Larry and Beth Lee.

However, there's also travel insurance that people sometimes buy when purchasing plane tickets or even the sort many get given for free by banks when signing up for credit cards.

A row of Qantas planes are on the tarmac, viewed from inside an airport terminal where cafe benches are packed away.

The Australian airline Qantas halted sales of travel insurance during the pandemic.

ABC News has confirmed that it has just resumed selling travel insurance with a product offered through NIB, meaning people who buy travel insurance through the airline should get the general COVID-19 coverage that the insurer offers.

Online ticket sales website FlightCentre is also selling travel insurance through CoverMore which, as well covering people internationally if they catch COVID-19, offers additional protection including:

For essential workers who have their leave revoked due to COVID-19 and can no longer travel
If the person you were planning on staying with in Australia or New Zealand has to go into quarantine for COVID-19 and you need to find new accommodation
If your accommodation in Australia or New Zealand is cancelled for a deep clean
For refunds, if your holiday activities in Australia or New Zealand are cancelled due to COVID-19.

When it comes to free travel insurance offered to people when signing up for credit cards, it appears the coverage for COVID-19 is exceedingly limited.

ABC News looked at the policies for the big four banks. All exclude pandemics as a general rule.

"While there is a broad exclusion on pandemics, including COVID, this is consistent with other types of travel insurance across the industry," Commonwealth Bank said in a statement.

"We are looking at ways to offer broader cover to provide better protection for customers."

"The travel insurance offered through some CBA credit cards is complimentary. Customers can, if they choose, take up additional cover for extra cost."

X (formerly Twitter)

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.

COVID-19 Travel Insurance Cover

The below information relates to COVID-19 cover included in policies sold on or after 26 July 2023. For policies purchased prior to this date, please consult the relevant PDS and/or your Policy Wording.

IMPORTANT: Our customer service team cannot provide customers with personal advice over the phone or confirm if a claim will be approved. All claims need to be submitted for consideration via our claims portal . For general questions related to our Cover-More COVID-19 cover, please read the PDS and/or your Policy Wording, read our COVID-19 Travel Guide and review our COVID-19 FAQs before calling us. For helpful information on your destination's rates of COVID-19 infection, entry and quarantine requirements, and rules for public spaces, check our COVID-19 Travel Risk Tool before and during travel.

Family going on holiday at airport wearing face masks

Protect your international or domestic trip with our COVID-19 benefits

Looking for travel insurance with COVID-19 cover for trips within Australia and overseas?

At Cover-More, we provide several COVID-19 travel insurance benefits across our international and domestic plans to help you book and travel with confidence. Yes, this means you can focus on planning your getaway knowing we’re by your side to support you during the coronavirus pandemic.

For more information on our travel insurance with COVID-19 cover, keep reading below or skip ahead to learn:

What COVID-19 travel insurance cover is
If Cover-More travel insurance offers cover for COVID
What Cover-More’s COVID-19 benefits do cover
What Cover-More’s COVID-19 benefits don’t cover
What Cover-More international travel insurance plans cover COVID-19
What Cover-More domestic travel insurance plans cover COVID-19
Why choose Cover-More travel insurance

You can also read the COVID-19 travel insurance cover FAQs or get a quote online now.

What is COVID-19 travel insurance cover?

A travel insurance policy that includes cover for unforeseen COVID-19-related scenarios can help reduce the financial risk of travelling during the novel coronavirus pandemic. It is common for travel insurance with COVID-19 benefits to include cover for incidents relating to overseas medical expenses, trip amendment or cancellation costs, and additional expenses.

However, policies will vary from provider to provider, so it’s important to understand what you are – and aren’t – covered for when it comes to international and domestic travel insurance with COVID-19 cover when choosing the best travel insurance for you during the current pandemic.

Does Cover-More provide travel insurance with COVID-19 cover?

We have provided some COVID-19 travel insurance cover since December 2020 to help support our Cover-More customers who continued to travel throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

As of 26 July 2023, many COVID-19 travel insurance benefits are still available on all our plans; however, coverage varies between our International Plans and Domestic Plans, and across our three tiers of cover: Basic, Comprehensive, and Comprehensive+.

Before deciding if our travel insurance with COVID-19 cover is right for you, we recommend you read the PDS and compare our International Plans ' and Domestic Plans' COVID-19 cover below.

What do Cover-More’s COVID-19 benefits cover?

At Cover-More, our COVID-19 travel insurance benefits help protect you from unforeseen expenses related to the current coronavirus pandemic. These benefits include:

Cover for COVID-19 Overseas Medical Costs*#~

Cover for COVID-19 Amendment or Cancellation Costs*^

Cover for COVID-19-Related Additional Expenses*#^

What don’t cover-more’s covid-19 benefits cover.

Unfortunately, our COVID-19 travel insurance cover can’t protect against absolutely every scenario resulting from the global coronavirus pandemic. To help provide clarity from the get-go, our travel insurance COVID-19 benefits don’t cover the following:

Government Border Closures, Lockdowns, Self-isolation, or Quarantine

Mandated COVID-19 Tests (PCRs and Rapid Antigen Tests)

Close Contacts of a Person Diagnosed with COVID-19

Cruise Cabin Confinement Costs Related to COVID-19

To ensure you understand the COVID-19 scenarios you aren’t covered for – plus more details on any general exclusions beyond our COVID-19 travel insurance benefits – we encourage you to read the PDS .

Ready to travel? To understand the latest information on COVID-19 and government travel restrictions when planning your trip, please visit  smartraveller.gov.au or the relevant Australian State or Territory Government website before getting a quote online .

Important reminder: No travel insurance cover for COVID-19 is provided if you enter a country with an active “Do not travel” warning from the Australian Government if the reason (or one of the) reason(s) for the advice was the presence of COVID-19 or if you do not follow travel advice or warnings published in the mass media. To find out the current overall advice rating of your intended destination, visit Smartraveller’s destinations page .

What COVID-19 cover do Cover-More’s international travel insurance plans provide?

If you’re wanting to find the best COVID-19 travel insurance cover for your overseas trip, we can help. At Cover-More, we offer three tiers of international travel insurance with COVID-19 cover to assist you in finding the right cover for your trip, travel style and budget.

You can compare all the benefits of our International Plans here or compare our international Cover-More COVID-19 cover below:

~Medical cover will not exceed 12 months from onset.

Please note: If the amount of Amendment or Cancellation Costs cover shown on your Certificate of Insurance is less than the maximum limit listed above, the Amendment or Cancellation Costs amount shown on your Certificate of Insurance will be the maximum cover available.

For full details on our international COVID-19 travel insurance cover, please read the PDS .

Ready to cover your overseas trip? You can get a quote online now.

Tip: Want protection against unforeseen COVID-19 scenarios both before and during your international holiday? Consider purchasing our International Comprehensive Plan or Comprehensive+ Plan with Amendment or Cancellation Costs cover included as soon as you book any part of your trip to benefit from pre-trip protection.

What COVID-19 cover do Cover-More’s domestic travel insurance plans provide?

If you want to protect your Australian trip with domestic travel insurance with COVID-19 cover, we can help provide extra peace of mind. Whether you’re planning a city break in one of our beautiful major cities or planning a relaxing escape to the countryside, our travel insurance could help prevent unforeseen expenses from ruining your trip.

You can compare all the benefits included in our Domestic Plans here or view the tables below to compare our domestic travel insurance COVID-19 cover for Australian trips:

To understand more about our domestic COVID-19 travel insurance cover for Australian residents, please read the PDS . If you’ve got questions about our domestic cover – including why we can’t cover medical costs in Australia – check out our domestic plans and domestic FAQs pages.

If you’re a non-Australia resident looking to protect your trip to Australia, our Inbound Plan may be suitable for you. To find out more, read our Inbound Plan page and consult the PDS for details on our Inbound COVID-19 benefits.

Ready to cover your Australian trip? You can generate a quote online now.

Tip: Looking to protect your Australian trip from unexpected COVID-19 events that occur before you leave home? Consider purchasing our Domestic Comprehensive Plan or Comprehensive+ Plan with Amendment or Cancellation Costs cover included as soon as you book any part of your trip to benefit from pre-trip protection.

Why should I choose to travel with Cover-More travel insurance?

You can trust our Cover-More team to support you with more than COVID-19 travel insurance benefits. Our customers choose to travel with us by their side because we provide:

24/7 Access to Our Emergency Assistance Team

Cover for Over 80 Adventure Activities as Standard

35+ Years of Travel and Medical Assistance Expertise

…and more. To learn more about us and our cover, visit our Cover-More Australia About Us page and read about our most popular benefits here .

FAQs about our Cover-More COVID-19 travel insurance cover

Good news: we’ve answered common questions about our Cover-More COVID-19 cover over on our COVID-19 FAQs page and within our COVID-19 Travel Guide .

If you can’t find the answer to your general question on this page, you can call our friendly team on 1300 72 88 22 or speak with them via Live Chat during Australian business hours.

Eager to travel again?

Find out how much it costs to protect your international or domestic trip with our travel insurance.

*Limits, sub-limits, conditions, and exclusions apply. For full details on exactly what’s covered by our COVID-19 travel insurance benefits, please read our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) document. ~Medical cover will not exceed 12 months from onset. #Cover for medical costs related to COVID-19 is not available on our Domestic Plans. ^A special excess will apply to COVID-19 claims under the Amendment or Cancellation and Additional Expenses sections of the policy. If you make a claim that falls under both sections, the higher special excess will be deducted. The special excess applies in addition to any other applicable excess. You cannot remove this special excess.

The information contained on this page is indicative and for illustrative purposes only to help provide information regarding likely coverage under the relevant terms and conditions of a policy. The information relates to policies sold on or after 26 July 2023, is correct at the time of writing on 20 June 2023, and may change at any time, so be sure to check here regularly for updates. For definitive confirmation for your situation, you will need to submit a claim for consideration via our online claims portal .

Travel insurance in the time of COVID-19

Ray Giblett, Benjamin Kende and Timothy Chan NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT AUSTRALIA

As travel restrictions remain in place for at least part of Australia’s winter, it has become abundantly clear that any plans Australians may have to enjoy a summer in Italy, Spain or England are quickly fading. Travel insurers are now facing increasing scrutiny from customers and regulators, with new policy sales grinding to a halt. It is an important time for insurers to assess their position and how they can best service their clients moving forward.

In this article, we investigate how the travel industry is approaching cover for epidemics and pandemics, some potential coverage issues, and how travel insurers can use this time to regain consumer trust, following the Financial Services Royal Commission.

Are overseas medical costs covered?

While many travel insurance policies exclude cover for epidemics and pandemics, these exclusions do not always apply to all sections of the policy. Choice, a consumer advocacy group, reports that about half of international travel insurance policies cover medical expenses in a pandemic, whilst less than half of travel insurers cover cancellation as a result of a pandemic or epidemic. 1

Coverage for overseas medical costs may be affected by exclusions relating to epidemics and pandemics. If such an exclusion does not apply, there may be cover available if an insured contracts COVID-19. This coverage will benefit insureds who are stranded overseas and who may also need to rely on automatic extensions to their policy to remain covered until they are able to return home. Assessment of these claims may not be straightforward, but it is possible that insurers will advance emergency medical costs on a without prejudice basis pending full assessment of the circumstances. Based on the information released so far, COVID-19 is likely to be exacerbated by existing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease. 2 Coverage under a policy may be restricted if the insured requires treatment for COVID-19 and the condition is exacerbated by or arises from an existing medical condition for which the insured has not obtained additional cover. Where a policy excludes cover for COVID-19-related medical costs, there is a real risk that customers may need to foot any medical bill themselves unless they are subject to reciprocal government health care arrangements or the foreign government has committed to providing treatment to stranded travelers. The policy may continue to provide cover if the insured requires treatment for a medical condition not related to COVID-19, subject to it not being an existing medical condition at the time of policy inception or a continuation of treatment commenced prior to departing for the trip. Complex coverage questions may arise if the insured suffers superimposed infections and treatment for one of those infections (e.g. COVID-19) may be excluded under the policy by an epidemic exclusion. Travel insurance policies rarely contain allocation clauses.

How are cancellation costs dealt with under travel insurance policies?

Cancellation is the most pressing issue facing travel insurers and their insureds. Travel insurance policies generally provide cover if an insured needs to cancel or reschedule the trip before departure or cancel part of the trip following departure. However, the minimum requirement is usually an unforeseen event that results in the insured being unable to undertake the planned overseas travel to some degree. For example, a policy may require the insured to be unable to travel whilst another policy may require the cancellation to be necessary and unavoidable because of the unforeseen event. Fear of COVID-19, however grave, may not be sufficient to trigger the insuring clause because the insured is able to go on the trip. However, if the insured has another reason for needing to cancel the trip, it is possible there is an alternative proximate cause for the cancellation claim.

Travel insurers have drawn different lines in the sand about when they considered COVID-19 to no longer be an unforeseen event. As the Australian Government issued “do not travel” warnings for some countries before putting in place the worldwide travel ban, the inability to travel to those select countries may have become a foreseeable event at an earlier point in time.

Some key dates are:

21–24 January 2020 — when the Australian Government issued travel warnings for Wuhan, China due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and China ceased outbound travel from Wuhan and nearby cities
30 January 2020 — when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 to be a public health emergency of international concern
1–2 February 2020 — when the Australian Government announced travel restrictions on all foreign travelers who had left or transited through mainland China in the past 14 days
23 February to 1 March 2020 — when the Australian Government issued travel warnings for other countries such as South Korea, Japan and Italy
11–12 March 2020 — when the WHO declared the COVID-19 a pandemic 3 and
18 March 2020 — when the Australian Government issued a “do not travel” advice for the whole world
for travel booked after these dates and/or
under a policy purchased after these dates

Is the insured unable to travel?

Coverage under some policies may depend on whether the insured is prevented from travelling because of or due to a government restriction. Usually, travel insurers use the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website to determine whether a country is subject to a “do not travel” advisory. The website is not a government regulation; however, it is travel advice.

For the first time, the Governor-General has used powers under s 475 of the Biosecurity Act 2015 (Cth) (the Act) to declare a human biosecurity emergency period. The first human biosecurity emergency period began on 18 March 2020 and will expire on 17 June 2020; this can be extended. A declaration has been made by the Health Minister under s 477 of the Act that, during the human biosecurity emergency period, Australian citizens and permanent residents are not permitted to leave the country unless they are exempt.

Accordingly, for the human biosecurity emergency period, insureds may be prevented from travelling due to a government restriction. Unexpected border restrictions implemented overseas by foreign authorities may also prevent insureds from entering their destination country, resulting in an inability to go on their booked trip.

However, for travel planned outside this period, it is uncertain whether cancellation is presently necessary and unavoidable.

Epidemic and pandemic exclusions

Some policies exclude cancellation cover for epidemic and pandemics. These types of exclusions were introduced following the severe acute respiratory syn- drome (SARS) outbreak in 2003 and avian influenza outbreak in 2008. Exclusions may refer to a declared epidemic or pandemic by the WHO or a government authority, to the Act or its predecessor (the Quarantine Act 1908 (Cth)), or specifically to SARS or avian influenza.

Generally speaking, an epidemic is defined as an outbreak of a disease that occurs in a wide geographic location and impacts many people. A pandemic, on the other hand, is an epidemic that has spread throughout a whole country or across continents. On 11 March 2020, the WHO declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic.

For travel insurance policies that provide cover for epidemics and pandemics, particularly as they relate to government restrictions, it is unclear whether the human biosecurity emergency period will remain in force after 17 June 2020. As such, insurers may take the view that customers can still travel on trips booked to take place after 17 June 2020, on the basis that the human biosecurity emergency period may end, allowing the customer to continue their travel as originally planned. The precise wording which triggers the insuring clause for cancellation costs will need to be examined closely

What is the loss?

The calculation of the loss for cancellation claims may be complicated by the differing refund policies of travel, tour and accommodation providers around the world. Due to the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, some providers have waived their “no refund” policies and are allowing refunds on a case by case basis or even automatically. Others are issuing credit vouchers for use toward future travel arrangements.

Accordingly, travel insurers may need to review more than just the refund policies shown on the insured’s booking confirmations. These may have been superseded by more generous refund or credit policies. To minimise claims leakage, it may be necessary to obtain updated information from the travel provider about whether the claimed costs are still not refundable.

While insurers may be able to use their subrogated rights to obtain any refunds due to the insured, it may be logistically simpler to require the insured to obtain this information before the claim is approved and to reduce the possibility of “double dipping” by opportunistic customers.

However, these considerations need to be balanced with the undesirable prospect of a protracted claims assessment, especially if the provider is not responsive to the insured’s requests. Travel insurers may also need to look at the scope of any policy conditions which enable or prevent the insurer to require the insured to obtain this information, including any cooperation and recovery conditions.

Furthermore, if a credit voucher is issued by the provider, it is possible the insured no longer wants to travel or is not able to use it within the voucher’s validity period. In this instance, it is arguable that the insured has still suffered a loss that can be indemnified by the travel insurer if the voucher cannot be used because of reasons beyond the insured’s control. However, it is less clear where the insured has received the voucher but simply does not want to go to a particular destination anymore. Travel insurers may find it difficult to see there is a loss if the travel provider has issued a credit, but the customer says they do not want to use it. Subject to the policy wording, it may be open for the insurer to decline the claim unless the credit is cancelled or assigned to the insurer. The language used in the policy will guide the insurer’s interpretation as to whether the insuring clause is enlivened and whether credits provided by the provider affect the claimable amount.

The rise and fall of “cancel for any reason” insurance policies

Some travel insurers provide “cancel for any reason” cover. Under a “cancel for any reason” policy (or policy add-on), cover is offered for cancellation expenses arising from travel that is cancelled within a specified time (e.g. 48 hours before departure). “Cancel for any reason policies” provide cover for a fixed percentage of the trip. Following the COVID-19 outbreak, insurers reconsidered “cancel for any reason” policies and ceased selling them.

The way forward

This article has explored some issues facing travel insurers during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is likely customers will be asking their insurers questions about policy coverage, claims and policy cancellations.

Certain insurers, including Suncorp, Allianz, QBE Insurance Group Ltd and other insurers who opt in by notifying the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, have obtained authorisation to work together by implementing COVID-19 relief measures for consumers and certain small businesses. 4 Under the pack- age, customers are able to claim a credit or refund for any unused travel insurance premiums without any cancellation or administration fees. However, this is not without its own challenges as divergent approaches to calculating the “unused” premium may be available.

On 27 April 2020, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) wrote to directors of general insurers to outline ASIC’s expectations about general insurers’ responses to COVID-19. 5 In doing so, ASIC made it clear that they expect “entities to treat customers fairly, avoid adding further financial harm or burden to consumers, and act to maintain the integrity and efficiency of markets”. 6

More specifically, ASIC noted that general insurers should (among other things):

stand by their commitments made in the 2020 General Insurance Code of Practice — to provide value, transparency and fairness
be flexible in dealing with customers’ specific complaints, financial hardship and vulnerabilities — especially, for example, when customers are stuck overseas and seeking extensions of travel insurance coverage
handle complaints with “utmost good faith and to deal with complaints genuinely, promptly, fairly and consistently”
not (either intentionally or inadvertently) discourage consumers from making claims — particularly as the treatment of COVID-19 claims may differ between travel insurance insurers and policies
communicate “proactively, clearly and accurately with consumers about their insurance cover, recognising the rapidly changing situation they are facing”

Following the Financial Services Royal Commission, which concluded in early 2019, now is an opportune time for insurers to regain consumer trust by ensuring they put customers first by acting efficiently, honestly and fairly. This standard is expected to be imposed on insurance claims handling and settlement services in the near future.7 The Insurance Council of Australia is already thinking about how the industry can potentially reintroduce cover for pandemics, perhaps with government support. 8

In the meantime, insurers can promote consumer trust by executing a clear, transparent and consistent strategy when dealing with COVID-19 issues. Some ways insurers can do this include:
providing upfront information about policy cover- age to the extent possible (for example, how and when an epidemic or pandemic exclusion is triggered)
only asking for relevant information when assessing a claim and
ensuring staff are ready to address any financial hardship concerns and fast track any advance payments that may be required

Although overseas travel may be restricted in the short term, it will not be forever. While emergency assistance to customers stranded around the world must be a priority, travel insurers should not neglect their large customer base staying at home in Australia. Travel insurers can retain consumer loyalty for the eventual uplift in travel bookings and insurance sales by addressing customer concerns around claims and policy cancellations in line with community expectations.

This article was published in the May 2020 edition of Australian Insurance Law Bulletin.

For access to in-depth commentary and analysis on legal issues arising from COVID-19, please request a complimentary trial of Lexis Advance .

Contact [email protected] or call us on 1800 772 772.

J Bird, Does travel insurance cover the COVID-19 coronavirus?, 9 April 2020, www.choice.com.au/travel/money/travel-insurance/ articles/travel-insurance-pandemic.
Australian Medical Association, COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is Challenging the Capacity of our Nation, 28 February 2020, www.ama.com.au/article/update-novel-coronavirus-covid-19.
World Health Organization, WHO Director-General’s opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19, 11 March 2020, www.who.int/dg/speeches/detail/who-director-general-s-opening- remarks-at-the-media-briefing-on-covid-19 11-march-2020.
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission “Insurers to offer deferred payments, refunds under small business relief package” media release (2 April 2020) www.accc.gov.au/media- release/insurers-to-offer-deferred-payments-refunds-under-small- business-relief-package.
Letter from Emma Curtis to Directors of general insurance companies (27 April 2020) https://download.asic.gov.au/media/ 5573527/letter-to-directors-of-general-insurance-companies-27- 4-20.pdf.
Australian Securities and Investments Commission “Details of changes to ASIC regulatory work and priorities in light of COVID-19” media release (14 April 2020) www.asic.gov.au/ about-asic/news-centre/find-a-media-release/2020-releases/20- 086mr-details-of-changes-to-asic-regulatory-work-and-priorities- in-light-of-covid-19/.
The Treasury, Making insurance claims handling a financial service, 29 November 2019, www.treasury.gov.au/consultation/ c2019-36687.
Insurance News, ICA considers coverage options for next pandemic, 30 April 2020, www.insurancenews.com.au/daily/ ica-considers-coverage-options-for-next-pandemic.

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.

Woman without travel insurance waits at the airport after her flight was cancelled due to COVID-19.

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.

Woman with COVID-19 extending her stay at a hotel and wondering if she’s covered by travel insurance.

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.

A family uses the RAT tests they brought with them on their travels.

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.

A person receiving the COVID-19 vaccination prior to travelling as a form of insurance.

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.

A woman researching travel insurance policies for COVID-19 before she books her holiday.

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.

Need Travel Insurance?

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Call 1300 134 060 or Get a quote

Where to Get COVID Travel Insurance

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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Australia Travel Insurance

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Key takeaways

Australia travel information & requirements

Do i need travel insurance to visit australia, what does travel insurance for australia cover, what isn’t covered by travel insurance for australia, how much does travel insurance for australia cost, tips for getting the best australia travel insurance, australia travel insurance faqs, related topics.

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

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

Whether you want to explore the Outback or attend an opera in Sydney, there’s always a chance that something will go wrong during a trip to Australia. To protect yourself, we recommend purchasing travel insurance tailored to your unique needs.

We created this guide to help you understand:

Why you might need travel insurance during your Australian vacation
What travel insurance covers
How much travel insurance costs for a trip to Australia
How to select a comprehensive travel insurance policy

Our top picks for the best australia travel insurance

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

Our top picks for travel insurance for Australia

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

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

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

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

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

Is it safe to visit Australia?

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

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

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

Risks with adventure activities

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

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

Risks due to wildlife

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

Risks due to bushfires

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

Risks related to long-distance driving

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

Travel insurance covers a wide range of circumstances, including the ones below.

Trip cancellation insurance

It’s never fun to cancel a vacation you’ve been looking forward to for months, but it’s even worse when a cancellation results in significant financial losses. Trip cancellation insurance protects you if you have to cancel your trip to Australia for a covered reason. For example, if one of your travel companions is diagnosed with advanced cancer before your departure date, you can use your insurance to recoup pre-paid, nonrefundable expenses.

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

Trip delay insurance

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

Trip interruption insurance

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

Travel medical insurance

As noted previously, you probably won’t be able to use your U.S. health insurance in Australia . Therefore, it’s important to have travel medical insurance to cover things like nursing care, hospitalization, blood tests, CT scans and other healthcare services. If you’re injured while snorkeling or suddenly develop appendicitis during your trip, you can rest easy knowing that your medical expenses are covered.

Medical evacuation insurance

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

Insurance for personal items

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

Rental car coverage

Rental car coverage can protect you under the following circumstances:

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

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

Travel insurance for Australia doesn’t cover the following:

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

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

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

These quotes are based on the following criteria:

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

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

Example Where Plan Doesn’t Reimburse the Full Trip Cost

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

Example Where Plan Does Reimburse the Full Trip Cost

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

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

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

Consider how you’re getting to and around Australia.

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

Think carefully about what you plan to do.

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

Time your purchase carefully.

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

What travel insurance do I need to travel to Australia?

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

Does American health insurance work in Australia?

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

Can foreigners buy travel insurance in Australia?

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

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

In the last 5 years, she’s authored over 300 articles for credit unions, digital banks, and financial professionals. Morgan is also the author of “77 Tips for Preventing Elder Financial Abuse,” a book focused on helping caregivers protect the elderly from financial scams.

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

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Travel Insurance Direct Review

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When covering investment and personal finance stories, we aim to inform our readers rather than recommend specific financial product or asset classes. While we may highlight certain positives of a financial product or asset class, there is no guarantee that readers will benefit from the product or investment approach and may, in fact, make a loss if they acquire the product or adopt the approach.

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Travel Insurance Direct Review: Pros and Cons

Published: Mar 26, 2024, 1:44pm

Travel Insurance Direct is one of our highest ranking comprehensive policies, largely due to its thorough Covid-19 cover which includes both medical expenses and trip cancellations. It also includes some 43 medical conditions automatically, and covers a broad range of sports and adventure activities—some 93, in fact.

Related: Best Comprehensive Travel Insurance Providers for Australians

Thorough Covid-19 cover for both medical and cancellations
93 sports and activities are automatically covered
Lost luggage coverage up to $12,000, with the ability to increase item limits
Online discounts are only available for multiple policies or group policies
Certain pre-existing medical conditions cannot be covered
Only covered up to 75 years of age

About travel insurance direct, what does travel insurance direct cover, covid-19 coverage, what about pregnancy, sports and activities, customer service.

Travel Insurance Direct has been offering travel insurance policies to Australian customers since 2005, and sells policies in more than 100 countries.

The company is part of the nib group, with all insurance policies offered by Travel Insurance Direct underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd.

In Forbes Advisor Australia’s pick of the best comprehensive travel insurance policies , Travel Insurance Direct ranked the highest with 4.5 stars (as did Allianz and Bupa ). But it is not just Forbes Advisor Australia that has given Travel Insurance Direct a positive review: from more than 2,500 customer submissions, TID has received a star ranking of 4.2 stars on Australia’s independent consumer opinion website, ProductReview.

Related: How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

Featured Partners

Fast Cover Travel Insurance

On Fast Cover’s Secure Website

Medical cover

Unlimited, 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Cancellations

Unlimited, (Trip Disruption $50,000)

Key Features

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

Cover-More Travel Insurance

Covid Cover?

Maximum age limit?

99 years old

Lost luggage cover?

Yes, up to $15,000

Southern Cross Travel Insurance

Medical Cover

Including medical treatment, doctors’ visits, prescribed medication, specialist treatment & medical transport costs

$2,500 with option to increase to unlimited

While Travel Insurance Direct offers a comprehensive policy with significant Covid-19 cover, emergency evacuation and other features, it is only available for those aged up to 75 years old at the time of the policy being issued. This means for elderly travellers, or grandparents wishing to travel with their families, the policy may not be suitable.

However, for families looking to travel without their elderly grandparents or relatives, the policy automatically includes children up to the age of 21 provided they are working fewer than 30 hours per week and are travelling with the policyholders for the entire trip.

In terms of financial coverage, Travel Insurance Direct will cover up to $3,000 in credit card fraud and up to $2.5 million for personal liability.

Additionally, travel delays are covered up to $2,000, while missed connections are only covered for special events (and included in the $2,000 travel delay limit). Cancellations are also covered with the amount chosen by the customer, which in turn, affects the premium.

For those looking to hire a car while abroad, Travel Insurance Direct offers a car hire excess of $6,000 in coverage.

Lost luggage

Travel Insurance Direct covers lost luggage up to $12,000, but sub limits apply. If required, item limits can be increased within individual policies, but, once again, this is likely to increase the premium.

Unlimited overseas medical cover is included with the Travel Insurance Direct comprehensive policy. Within that cover, there are 43 pre-existing conditions that will automatically be accepted pending certain criteria.

These conditions include allergies, epilepsy, iron deficiency, migraines and more. Unfortunately, other conditions are not covered, nor is there a way to include them within your policy as an additional fee.

On its website, Travel Insurance Direct states that “if you have an existing medical condition that’s not listed above as an automatically accepted condition, or you don’t satisfy all criteria for any listed condition, then you can still buy a policy, but you won’t be covered for any claim that arises in relation to the existing medical condition”.

It’s worth noting that the unlimited medical cover also includes illness arising from Covid-19, which is explained in more depth below.

Is Dental Cover Included in Medical?

No, dental cover is not included in Travel Insurance Direct’s medical cover. Dental is still covered, but only to a limit of $1,000, although this is still higher than some insurers, which offer policies that top out at $500 for dental.

Travel Insurance Direct includes Covid-19 related medical expenses within its unlimited medical coverage. From our analysis, we found that Travel Insurance Direct had one of the best Covid-19 cover options on the market—which is important in this day and age.

Along with medical expenses, any additional travel expenses incurred due to Covid-19 are covered up to $2,500. Plus, cancellations due to Covid are covered for both you and your travelling party.

Travel Insurance Direct will cover pregnancy covered up until week 26 provided there are no pre-existing complications. Pre-existing complications are not covered, and cannot be covered under any circumstance.

Childbirth is not covered.

Related: Guide To Pregnancy And Travel Insurance

There are 93 automatically included sports and activities within the Travel Insurance Direct comprehensive policy, making it a great choice for customers looking to embark on an adventure-filled holiday.

The list includes quite a few thrill-seeking holiday activities, such as bungee jumping, go-karting, canoeing, mountain biking, zip lining and more.

Certain activities may come with caveats and conditions. For example, hiking and trekking is included as an activity but will only be covered to certain heights and in certain locations. Another example is motorcycle riding, which is only covered if you are riding a motorbike that is 250cc or less and are wearing a helmet.

For other specific adventure coverage—such as snow sports, cruising, or policies targeted towards backpackers—Travel Insurance Direct offers optional add-ons at an extra cost.

Travel Insurance Direct offers its policyholders 24/7 emergency assistance.

The TID Worldwide 24/7 emergency assistance team can be called on:

+61 2 8256 1523, or
+61 2 9234 3123

Phone enquiries are also available from Australia and overseas on Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm AEST. These lines are:

1300 843 843 from Australia, or
+61 2 8256 1537 from overseas

You can also submit online enquiries via the TID website at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who underwrites travel insurance direct.

Travel Insurance Direct is underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd.

What is the best travel insurance for Australians?

The best travel insurance for Australians will depend on a multitude of factors: whether you’re travelling domestically or internationally, where you are going, what activities you have planned, your age, any pre-existing conditions, and more.

This means that the best policy for you may not be the best policy for someone else.

For ease, Forbes Advisor Australia has reviewed the comprehensive options on the market and chosen our top 10 picks. Travel Insurance Direct ranked the highest, scoring 4.5 stars.

We have also ranked our picks for the best domestic policies for Australians for those looking for local options; the best policies for senior travellers ; the best cruise policies, for travellers setting sail; and the best family-friendly policies .

Is there a promo code for Travel Insurance Direct?

No, at the time of writing, there are no active promotional codes for Travel Insurance Direct. However, you can be eligible for a discount if you purchase multiple policies at once, which can be helpful for families.

Sophie Venz is an experienced editor and features reporter, and has previously worked in the small business and start-up reporting space. Previously the Associate Editor of SmartCompany site, Sophie has worked closely with finance experts and columnists around Australia and internationally. Sophie grew up on the Gold Coast and now lives in Melbourne.

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Understanding What Travel Insurance Covers

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Travel insurance is intended to cover risks and financial losses associated with traveling.
Coverage can include trip cancellation, baggage protection, medical care, and emergency evacuation.
When filing a claim, be specific and comprehensive in your documentation to ease the process.

Whether it's a trip across the world or a trip across the state, having travel insurance provides major relief if things go awry. Flight delays, lost baggage, illness, injuries, and other unforeseen events can disrupt even the best-laid plans. With a major disruption comes the potential for unanticipated expenses.

Travel insurance and the coverage it offers can help keep you protected and save you money in the long run.

Overview of Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance policies protect travelers from financial losses should something go wrong during their trip. You can customize which coverages you want to include, and there are several to choose from.

"Common types of coverage include trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage protection, coverage for medical care if you get sick or hurt during your trip, and emergency medical evacuation," says Angela Borden, a travel insurance expert and product strategist for travel insurance company Seven Corners.

Travel insurance plans offer nonrefundable payments and other trip-related expenses. While monetary compensation is a primary benefit, there is another valuable perk of travel insurance. It can provide peace of mind.

What does travel insurance cover?

Your specific travel insurance plan (and its terms and conditions) will determine the minutia and specifics of what is covered. As with most other forms of insurance, a general rule of thumb is the more you spend, the better your coverage.

"Travel insurance can be confusing, so it's best to research a reputable company that specializes in travel insurance and has a long history of successfully helping travelers all over the world," says Borden.

Trip cancellation and interruptions

A travel insurance policy can reimburse you for a prepaid, nonrefundable trip if it is canceled for a covered event, such as a natural disaster or a global pandemic.

Trip interruption insurance covers you if you're already on your trip and you get sick, there's a natural disaster, or something else happens. Make sure to check with your travel insurance providers to discuss any inclusions, coverage, and more.

Travel delays and missed connections

Travel delay insurance coverage provides reimbursement for any expenses you incur when you experience a delay in transit over a minimum time. Reimbursements can include hotels, airfare, food, and other related expenses.

Medical emergencies and evacuations

Typically, US healthcare plans are not accepted in other countries. So travel insurance with medical coverage can be particularly beneficial when you are abroad. Medical coverage can also help with locating doctors and healthcare facilities.

Medical transportation coverage will also pay for emergency evacuation expenses such as airlifts and medically-equipped flights back to the US. Out of pocket, these expenses can easily amount to tens of thousands of dollars. Certain plans may even transport you to a hospital of choice for care.

Travel insurance generally does not include coverage for pre-existing conditions. That said, you can obtain a pre-existing condition waiver, which we will talk about later.

Baggage and personal belongings

Most airlines will reimburse travelers for lost or destroyed baggage, but be prepared for limitations. Travel insurance plans will typically cover stolen items, such as those stolen out of a hotel room. This may not include expensive jewelry, antiques, or heirloom items. Typically, airlines have a few days to recover your bag.

In the meantime, you can make a claim to pay for items like certain toiletries and other items you need to pick up. If your bag is truly lost or you don't get it for an extended period, you can file a true lost baggage claim.

What does credit card travel insurance cover?

A major perk on several travel credit cards is embedded credit card travel insurance . Typically, you will need to use the specific card for the transaction (at least with partial payment) for travel coverage to kick in.

Each card has specific rules on what exactly is covered. But one of the industry leaders is the $550-per-year Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card. Here's a snapshot of what is covered with this specific card:

Baggage delay: up to $100 reimbursed per day for up to five days if a passenger carrier delays your baggage by more than six hours.
Lost and damaged baggage: up to $3,000 per passenger per trip, but only up to $500 per passenger for jewelry and watches and up to $500 per passenger for cameras and other electronic equipment.
Trip delay reimbursement: up to $500 per ticket if you're delayed more than six hours or require an overnight stay.
Trip cancellation and interruption protection: up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses.
Medical evacuation benefit: up to $100,000 for necessary emergency evacuation and transportation when on a trip of five to 60 days and traveling more than 100 miles from home.
Travel accident insurance: accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $100,000 (up to $1,000,000 for common carrier travel).
Emergency medical and dental benefits: up to $2,500 for medical expenses (subject to a $50 deductible) when on a trip arranged by a travel agency and traveling more than 100 miles from home.
Rental car coverage: primary coverage for damages caused by theft or collision up to $75,000 on rentals of 31 days or fewer

More protections are included with cards with an annual fee, but there are exceptions. The no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex , for instance, includes up to $1,500 per person (and up to $6,000 per trip) in trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage.

However, there are some differences between credit card travel coverage and obtaining coverage from a third party.

"Credit card coverage does not typically provide travel medical benefits," Borden says. "For protection if you get sick or hurt while traveling, you'll want a travel insurance plan with medical coverage."

Whether you get your travel insurance in a standalone policy or through a credit card, it's important to review your plan details carefully. In either case, there may be exclusions and other requirements such as deadlines when filing a claim, Borden notes.

What travel insurance coverage do you need to pay more for?

Knowing what travel insurance doesn't cover is as important as knowing what it does cover.

"Travelers should understand that travel insurance benefits come into play only if a covered reason occurs," Borden says. Most standard travel insurance plans won't reimburse you for the following:

Cancel for any reason (CFAR)

Cancel-for-any-reason travel insurance covers a trip cancellation for any reason, not just a covered event. your standard benefits won't kick in unless it's a covered event. For instance, you'll be reimbursed simply for changing your mind about taking a trip.

That said, CFAR travel insurance is not without its downsides. For one, it's more expensive than traditional insurance, and most CFAR policies will only reimburse you for a percentage of your travel expenses. Additionally, CFAR policies aren't available for annual travel insurance .

You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance here.

Foreseen weather events

Sudden storms or unforeseen weather events are typically covered by standard travel insurance plans. There are exceptions to be aware of. For example, an anticipated and named hurricane will not be covered.

Medical tourism

If you're going to travel internationally for a medical procedure or doctor's visit, your travel insurance plan will not cover the procedure itself. Most medical travel plans also won't cover you if something goes wrong with your procedure.

Pre-existing conditions and pregnancy

Those with specific pre-existing conditions, such as someone with diabetes and needing more insulin, will not be covered by most plans. In addition, pregnancy-related expenses will likely not be covered under most plans.

That said, you can obtain a pre-existing condition waiver for stable conditions. In order to obtain a wavier, you will need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time frame from when you booked your trip, usually two to three weeks, depending on your policy.

Extreme sports and activities

Accidents occurring while participating in extreme sports like skydiving and paragliding will typically not be covered under most plans. However, many plans offer the ability to upgrade to a higher-priced version with extended coverage.

Navigating claims and assistance

When a trip goes awry, the first thing you should do is document everything and be as specific as possible with documentation. This will make the claims process easier, as you can substantiate and quantify your financial losses due to the delay.

For example, your flight home has been delayed long enough to be covered under your policy, you'll want to keep any receipts from purchases made while waiting. For instances where your luggage is lost, you will need to file a report with local authorities and document all the items you packed.

Cancellation protection also requires meticulous attention to detail. If you're too sick to fly, you may need to see a doctor to prove your eligibility. If an airline cancels a flight, you'll also need to document any refunds you received as travel insurance isn't going to reimburse you for money you've already gotten back.

Part of the benefit of CFAR insurance is the reduced paperwork necessary to file a claim. You'll still need to document your nonrefundable losses, but you won't have to substantiate why you're canceling a trip.

Choosing the right travel insurance

Each plan should be personalized to meet the insured party's needs. Some travelers prefer to stick to the bare minimum (flight cancellation benefits through the airline). Others want a comprehensive plan with every coverage possible. Before you buy anything, set your destination. Are there any travel restrictions or changes pending? Does your destination country require emergency or other medical coverage?

If the destination airport is known for lost or delayed luggage, travelers should keep important items in carry-ons. Lost or delayed luggage coverage protects insured parties in the event of a significant delay or total loss.

Second, check current credit card travel benefits to avoid redundancies. Savvy travelers don't need to pay for the same coverage twice.

Finally, consider your individual needs. Do you have a chronic medical condition, or do you feel safe with emergency-only medical coverage? Keep in mind, this does not include coverage for cosmetic surgery or other medical tourism. Do you have a budget limit for travel insurance? Asking and answering these important questions will help every traveler find the right product.

Most travel insurance plans are simple, and Business Insider's guide to the best travel insurance companies outlines our top picks. Remember, read your policy and its specifics closely to ensure it includes the items you need coverage for.

No one likes to dwell on how a trip might not go as planned before even leaving. However, at its core, travel insurance provides peace of mind as you go about your trip. While the upfront cost may seem significant, when you compare it to the potential expenses of a canceled flight, emergency evacuation, or a hefty medical bill, it's a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things.

Get Travel Insurance Quotes Online

Protect your trip with the best travel insurance . Compare travel insurance quotes from multiple providers with Squaremouth.

What does travel insurance cover frequently asked questions

Does travel insurance cover trip cancellations due to a pandemic like covid-19.

Coverage for pandemics vary from policy to policy. Some travel insurance companies have specific provisions for pandemic-related cancellations, while others may exclude them entirely.

Are sports injuries covered under travel insurance?

Sports injuries are often covered under travel insurance, but high-risk or adventure sports might require additional coverage or a special policy.

Can travel insurance provide coverage for travel advisories or warnings?

Travel advisories have different effects on your travel insurance depending on your policy. Traveling to a country already under travel advisory may invalidate your coverage, but if you're already traveling when a travel advisory is announced, you may be covered.

How does travel insurance handle emergency medical evacuations?

Travel insurance usually covers the cost of emergency medical evacuations to the nearest suitable medical facility, and sometimes back to your home country, if necessary.

Are lost or stolen passports covered by travel insurance?

Many travel insurance policies provide coverage for the cost of replacing lost or stolen passports during a trip.

If you enjoyed this story, be sure to follow Business Insider on Microsoft Start.

Understanding What Travel Insurance Covers

Nationwide Travel Insurance
AXA Assistance USA
Seven Corners Travel Insurance
HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance
World Nomads Travel Insurance

Cruise Travel Insurance Tips

Why You Should Trust Us

Best Cruise Insurance Companies of April 2024

A cruise vacation can take much of the stress out of planning a vacation. With a pre-set itinerary on the high seas, you don't have to worry about how you're getting to your destination and what you're going to do there. However, an unexpected emergency can take the wind out of your sails and money out of your travel budget. So you'll want to ensure you have the best travel insurance coverage that won't leave you high and dry in an emergency.

Best Cruise Insurance Companies

Nationwide Travel Insurance : Best Overall
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HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance : Best for Expensive Trips
World Nomads Travel Insurance : Best for Exotic Locations

Compare the Top Cruise Insurance Offers

Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel insurance plans available
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason coverage available
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer

Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

Cancel for any reason coverage available

Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

Seven Corners Seven Corners Travel Insurance

Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Diverse coverage options such as CFAR, optional sports equipment coverage, etc.
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Available in all 50 states
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Prices are higher than many competitors
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews around claims processing are mixed
Trip cancellation insurance of up to 100% of the trip cost
Trip interruption insurance of up to 150% of the trip cost
Cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance available

HTH Worldwide HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance

Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three plans to choose from
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Reasonable premiums
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR coverage available with some plans
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical emergency and evacuation coverage
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc not available
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited reviews with complaints about claims not being paid
Trip cancellation of up to $5,000 with the Economy plan and up to $50,000 with the Preferred plan
Cancel for any reason insurance and missed connection insurance available with the Preferred plan
Baggage delay insurance starting after 24 or 12 hours depending on the plan

World Nomads World Nomads Travel Insurance

Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
2 plans: Standard and Explorer
Trip protection for up to $10,000
Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

Cruise Insurance Reviews

Best cruise insurance overall: nationwide travel insurance.

Nationwide Travel Insurance is a long-standing and reputable brand within the insurance marketplace that offers cruise insurance plans with solid coverage and reasonable rates.

It has three cruise insurance options: Universal, Choice, and Luxury. The Nationwide Choice plan, for example, offers $100,000 in emergency medical coverage and $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage.

The right plan for you depends on your budget and coverage needs. But each plan offers cruise-specific coverages like ship-based mechanical breakdowns, coverage for missed prepaid excursions if your cruise itinerary changes, and covered service disruptions aboard the cruise ship.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best Cruise Insurance for Affordability: AXA Travel Insurance

AXA Assistance USA offers three comprehensive coverage plans: Gold, Silver, and Platinum. Each of these plans offers coverage for issues like missed flights, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and more.

The highest-tier Platinum plan provides $250,000 in medical emergency coverage and $1 million in medical evacuation coverage. The baggage loss coverage is $3,000 per person, and their missed connection coverage is $1,500 per person for cruises and tours.

In addition, travelers can take advantage of AXA's concierge service, which provides an extensive network of international service providers. They'll be able to assist you with things like restaurant reservations and referrals, golf course information, and more. This service could come in handy if you're stopping at a variety of unfamiliar destinations during your cruise.

The coverage limits on AXA's policies are on the higher end compared to other providers. And you can buy coverage for a little as 4% of your trip cost depending on your age, travel destination, and state of residence.

Read our AXA Travel Insurance review here.

Best Cruise Insurance for Seniors: Seven Corners Travel Insurance

Seven Corners Travel Insurance lets cruisers enjoy traveling in their golden years with the knowledge they're covered in the event of an accident or emergency. While other providers do offer coverage to those 80+ years old, Seven Corners is known for its affordable premiums while offering above-average medical expenses and medical evacuation coverage limits — two areas of travel insurance coverage that are even more important as we get older.

Seven Corners also offers the option of a preexisting conditions waiver and CFAR insurance at an additional cost, plus "Trip Interruption for Any Reason" coverage, which you won't find on many policies.

You can choose between the Trip Protection Basic or Trip Protection Choice plans, with the higher-tier Choice plan costing more but providing more coverage.

Read our Seven Corners Travel Insurance review here.

Best Cruise Insurance for Expensive Trips: HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance

HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance offers three levels of trip protection: TripProtector Economy, Classic, and Preferred. The higher the tier, the more coverage you'll get for things like baggage delays, trip delays & cancellations, and medical expenses. But their premiums remain reasonable even at the highest tier of coverage.

Not only does the HTH Worldwide Trip Protector Preferred plan offer higher-than-average medical emergency and evacuation coverage limits ($500,000 and $1 million, respectively), but you'll also get a baggage loss coverage limit of $2,000 per person and coverage for trip interruption of up to 200% of the trip cost. You also have the option to add CFAR coverage for an additional cost.

Read our HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best Cruise Insurance for Exotic Locations: World Nomads Travel Insurance

World Nomads Travel Insurance has been a top choice for comprehensive travel insurance for many years now. And it's a great option when it comes to cruise coverage, too.

Even the most basic Standard Plan comes with $100,000 in medical emergency coverage and $300,000 in emergency evacuation coverage. And you'll get higher coverage limits with their Premium Plan. Plus, unlike many other providers, World Nomads trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage include COVID-19-related issues.

What sets World Nomads apart from many other insurance companies is that its policies cover 200+ adventure sports. This can be important for adventurous cruisers who plan to take part in activities like jet skiing, scuba diving, or parasailing during their cruise.

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Introduction to Cruise Insurance

Cruise insurance may offer unique coverage like missed port of call and medical evacuation coverage. You might not need the flight protections of a regular travel insurance plan if you're catching a cruise at a port near you, but medical and cancel for any reason coverage could be critical.

Understanding the Basics of Cruise Insurance

At its core, cruise insurance is your financial lifeboat, designed to protect you from unforeseen events that could disrupt your sea voyage. Whether it's a sudden illness, adverse weather, or other unexpected occurrences, having the right insurance can make a world of difference.

Why Cruise Insurance is Important

Picture this: You're all set for your dream cruise, but a sudden family emergency means you can't set sail. Or worse, you fall ill in the middle of the ocean. Without cruise insurance, you're not just missing out on an adventure, but also facing potentially huge financial losses. That's why securing cruise insurance isn't just recommended; it's a crucial part of your cruise planning.

Types of Cruise Insurance Coverage

Cruise insurance isn't a one-size-fits-all life jacket. There are various types of coverage, each tailored to protect different aspects of your cruise experience.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage

This coverage is like your safety net, catching you financially if you need to cancel your trip last minute or cut it short due to emergencies, be it due to personal, health-related, or even certain work conflicts.

Medical Coverage

Being on a cruise shouldn't mean being adrift from medical care. Medical coverage ensures that if you fall ill or get injured, your medical expenses won't sink your finances.

Emergency Evacuation Coverage

In the rare case that you need to be evacuated from the ship due to a medical emergency or severe weather, this coverage ensures you're not left adrift in a sea of expenses.

Baggage and Personal Effects Coverage

Imagine reaching your dream destination only to find your luggage lost at sea. This coverage ensures that lost, stolen, or damaged baggage doesn't dampen your cruise experience.

Buying Cruise Insurance

Securing the best cruise insurance isn't just about finding the best price; it's about ensuring it covers all your potential needs.

When to Purchase Cruise Insurance

Timing is everything. Purchasing your insurance soon after booking your cruise can often provide additional benefits and ensure you're covered for any early surprises. As you get closer to your trip your coverage options may get more expensive, and certain providers may not be able to offer you coverage.

How to Find the Best Deals on Cruise Insurance

Keep a lookout for deals, but remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best. Balance cost with coverage, and ensure you're getting the protection you need at a price that doesn't rock your financial boat. A travel insurance comparison site like SquareMouth is a good place to compare multiple quotes from all of the major carriers at once.

How to Pick The Best Cruise Insurance for You

When buying travel insurance for a cruise, consider the additional risks that are specific to cruising. These include hurricanes and other weather-related concerns, strict cancellation terms, high pre-paid costs of a cruise, and the distance to emergency medical assistance.

To find the policy that's right for you, it's best to compare several different cruise insurance policies based on the pricing and coverage they provide. Remember too that all reputable insurance providers will offer a "free-look period." This allows you to return the policy you've purchased for any reason, within a specific time period, for a full refund.

The most important coverages to look for in cruise insurance are:

Medical coverage — This coverage will pay for medical bills outside the US. But because treatment can be more expensive while onboard, make sure your policy offers sufficient coverage ($100,000+).
Medical evacuation coverage — This coverage will transport you to the nearest hospital or even back home if you become sick or injured during your journey. But an evacuation from sea will be more expensive than one from land. So you'll want to make sure your coverage has sufficiently high limits ($250,000+).
Missed connection (missed port of call) coverage — This type of coverage will help you catch up to your itinerary if you miss your port of call for a covered reason, like a delayed flight on the way to the airport.
Coverage for hurricane warnings — With this type of coverage, you don't actually need to be affected by the hurricane. You can cancel and be reimbursed for your trip if the NOAA issues a hurricane warning. If you're cruising anywhere during (or on the tail ends) of hurricane season, this can come in handy. Just note: You can't buy travel insurance to cover a weather event once a storm or hurricane has been named.
Cancel for any reason (CFAR) — This is the most comprehensive coverage you can get, as it allows cancellations and reimbursement for pre-paid expenses for any reason. This can be a wise add-on for cruise coverage given the often higher prepaid expenses associated with cruising. See our guide to the best CFAR travel insurance options to learn more.
Preexisting conditions — This coverage ensures that no known health conditions are excluded from coverage. Obtaining a preexisting condition waiver usually requires purchasing your travel insurance soon after booking your trip.
Personal possessions insurance — Because of the events and fancy dinners cruise ships hold, you might take more valuable clothing or jewelry with you on a cruise. This type of coverage will insure your belongings against loss or theft while cruising.
Baggage loss and delay — This coverage will reimburse you up to a specified amount for essentials if your bags are delayed or if your bags get lost en route.

As a rule of thumb, you can expect to pay between 5% and 10% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses for cruise insurance coverage. The price will vary depending on factors like your age, your travel destination, and whether you require additional coverage.

If you're booking a cruise, we recommend purchasing travel insurance when you make your first trip payment. That could be for the cruise itself or an expense like airfare to get you to your cruising destination. This way, if you have to cancel your trip, you'll have the most extended coverage period possible.

You can buy your own cruise insurance that isn't offered directly through the cruise line operator. In fact, this could be a better option if you want coverage for your travel to the cruise's departure point, not just for the cruise itself.

The difference between traditional travel insurance and cruise insurance is that cruise insurance offers more specialized coverage, for situations such as missing a departure port and more coverage for medical evacuations, since it's more expensive to evacuate someone at sea than on land.

Most cruise insurance includes coverage for missing a departure port, so you should be able to claim for a missed port. Just make sure you check the details of your policy before you file a claim, and before you travel so you know what compensation you're entitled to.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Cruise Travel Insurance

When comparing cruise travel insurance providers, we evaluated them based on the following criteria to come up with our list of top picks:

Customer Satisfaction

We look at ratings from JD Power and other industry giants to see where a company ranks in customer satisfaction. We also look at customer review sites like Trustpilot and SquareMouth.

Policy Types

We look at policy types and offerings, from standard travel protections to adventure sports coverage. We look at the amount of insurance offered

Average Premiums

We compare average premiums per trip. Some companies also offer annual plans, and we compare policies accordingly.

Claims Paid

How frequently do companies pay claims easily and quickly? We check customer reviews and other resources to see which companies honor policies most effectively.

We look at the company's overall behavior. Is it operating ethically? Companies can earn additional points for such behaviors.

You can read more about how Business Insider rates insurance here.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

Main content

IMAGES

Travel Insurance Explained
Travel Insurance Australia
COVID-19 Travel Insurance: What Canadians Need to Know
Travel insurance in huge demand thanks to Covid-19: Southern Cross
COVID-19 Travel Medical Insurance FAQs
You can finally get COVID-19 travel insurance (but what does it

COMMENTS

COVID-19 Benefits Available with Allianz 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 ...
Travel Insurance with Covid Cover
What is travel insurance with covid cover? A travel insurance policy with COVID-19 benefits includes cover for certain unforeseen COVID-19-related scenarios and can help reduce the financial risk of travelling. Depending on the level of cover you choose, benefits can include such things as COVID-19 overseas medical expenses, trip amendments & cancellation costs, and additional expenses.
Best Comprehensive Travel Insurance Policies In 2024
According to our analysis, the best Australian travel insurance with COVID-19 cover is Cover-More's Comprehensive Travel Insurance Plan. The policy covers Covid-19- related medical expenses as ...
Does travel insurance cover COVID-19 or other pandemics?
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 ...
Travel insurance that covers COVID
Some providers, including Cover-More and Easy Travel Insurance, won't accept COVID-related claims within 21 days of your trip. Just one reason you should get insurance as soon as you book your trip.
CHOICE travel insurance buying guide
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.
Best travel insurance in Australia March 2024
The majority of comprehensive travel insurance policies cover COVID now but Medibank is a standout. Its $10,000 limit for COVID related trip cancellations is double the majority of insurers.
Travel insurance for COVID-19
If you catch COVID-19 overseas, you may require medical treatment for your illness. If your policy covers COVID-19, your insurer might guarantee to pay your overseas hospital bills or reimburse you after your return to Australia. Without COVID-19 cover, any medical expenses will have to be paid out-of-pocket. You should always keep all receipts ...
Finding travel insurance for Covid
Unlimited, (Trip Disruption $50,000) Key Features. 25-Day Cooling Off Period, Australian Based Call Centre, 4.6 Star Product Review Rating. 2. Cover-More Travel Insurance. Get a Quick Quote. On ...
You can finally get COVID-19 travel insurance (but what does it
We took a closer look at two travel insurance policies which offer COVID-19 cover, so you know what you're getting for your money. ... Australia Post Domestic Travel Insurance. $6,000 $10,000 $50 ...
Travel Insurance COVID-19
That's why it's important to compare deals so you get the best coverage to suit your needs. Many providers require you to take out comprehensive travel insurance if you want cover for COVID-19-related expenses. Plenty of these comprehensive insurance policies allow you to claim between $2,500 and $5,000 in non-refundable costs, as long as ...
InsureandGo Australia
Our One-Trip and Cruise policies can cover you for the following benefits, in case your trip is impacted by Covid-19: Overseas medical expenses (Unlimited Coverage in our Silver and Gold policies, not included in our Bare Essentials Policies): We will pay for the necessary and reasonable medical costs incurred outside of Australia as a result ...
You can now get COVID-19 travel insurance. Here's what it does and
NIB's chief executive, Mark Fitzgibbon, says offering travel insurance that offers coverage for general lockdowns and border closures isn't financially sound. (ABC News: Jerry Rickard) Pre-COVID ...
Is There Travel Insurance To Cover COVID-19?
Yes. Important notes: No COVID-19 cover for claims arising from border closures, or any other claims relating to government travel bans. No cover for places with 'Do not travel' warnings, or mandatory quarantine or self-isolation requirements related to cross-border travel.
Travel Insurance Quote
Get a FREE Cover-More travel insurance quote now. Trusted by 15 million global travellers. 35+ years' experience. ... our travel insurance provides cover for COVID-19-related: Overseas medical costs*~# ... AFSL 241713) on behalf of the product issuer, Zurich Australian Insurance Limited (ABN 13 000 296 640, AFSL 232507). Any advice is general ...
Find Travel Insurance That Covers Coronavirus
COVID-19 Travel Insurance Cover. The below information relates to COVID-19 cover included in policies sold on or after 26 July 2023. For policies purchased prior to this date, please consult the relevant PDS and/or your Policy Wording.. IMPORTANT: Our customer service team cannot provide customers with personal advice over the phone or confirm if a claim will be approved.
What does COVID-19 travel insurance actually cover?
1. COVID-19 cancellation/amendment cover in Australia and New Zealand. If your trip is disrupted due to one of the following scenarios, then you may be able to claim on the cancellation/amendment portion of your policy. When you're diagnosed with COVID-19, or are a close contact of someone diagnosed, and can no longer travel.
Travel insurance in the time of COVID-19
On 11 March 2020, the WHO declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic. For travel insurance policies that provide cover for epidemics and pandemics, particularly as they relate to government restrictions, it is unclear whether the human biosecurity emergency period will remain in force after 17 June 2020.
Travel Insurance and COVID-19
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.
Australia Travel Insurance: Trip Info & Quotes for U.S. Visitors
What does travel insurance for Australia cover? Travel insurance covers a wide range of circumstances, including the ones below. ... Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Plans for 2024. By Holly D ...
Travel Insurance Direct Review
While Travel Insurance Direct offers a comprehensive policy with significant Covid-19 cover, emergency evacuation and other features, it is only available for those aged up to 75 years old at the ...
Travel Insurance
Does travel insurance cover coronavirus (covid-19)? ... Which is the best travel insurance in Australia? The best travel insurance depends entirely on your planned trip and your circumstances. If you're a backpacker on a strict budget, you might want a no-frills medical-only policy, while if you've paid a lot in deposits or if you have pre ...
Travel insurance and COVID cover: Your top questions answered
Disclaimer - Hive Empire Pty Ltd (trading as finder.com.au, ABN: 18 118 785 121) provides factual information, general advice and dealing services on a range of financial products as a Corporate ...
Understanding What Travel Insurance Covers
Does travel insurance cover trip cancellations due to a pandemic like COVID-19? Coverage for pandemics vary from policy to policy. Some travel insurance companies have specific provisions for ...
Best Cruise Insurance Guide 2024: Sail Securely With Top ...
Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment ... Nationwide Travel Insurance. ... World Nomads trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage include COVID-19-related issues.
Compare Travel Insurance Quotes Online
Fast Cover Travel Insurance's COVID-19 Benefits & Refund Policy earned it a place among the finalists in the Insurance Innovation category of this ... Best travel insurance in Australia March 2024.
Deaths in 2024
Paul Alexander, 78, American lawyer and paralytic polio survivor, complications from COVID-19. Antonije , 53, Serbian Orthodox prelate. Mohammed Barakat, 39, Palestinian footballer (national team), airstrike. Robert L. Barry, 89, American diplomat, ambassador to Bulgaria (1981-1984) and Indonesia (1992-1995), dementia.

COVID-19 benefits with Travel Insurance

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Travel Insurance with COVID Cover

What is travel insurance with covid cover?

What COVID-19 benefits do we offer?

Cover for COVID-19 overseas medical costs ¹

COVID-19 travel insurance options

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Travel insurance with COVID-19 cover: what is included?

What is covered depends on the type of policy you purchase. COVID-19 benefits may include:

FAQs: Before you travel

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Will the COVID-19 benefit cover me if I’m diagnosed with COVID-19 and need to cancel my trip?

Will the COVID-19 benefit cover me if I am deemed to have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 and need to cancel my trip?

Will the COVID-19 benefit cover me if I want to cancel as the government issued a ‘do not travel advice’ to my destination after I booked?

Can I buy travel insurance if I am not vaccinated?

FAQs: During your trip

Who should I contact if I get COVID-19 while overseas?

Will Medibank Travel Insurance COVID-19 benefit cover me if I am diagnosed with COVID-19 while travelling and need to extend my stay?

Will Medibank Travel Insurance COVID-19 benefits cover me if I’m diagnosed with COVID-19 while travelling and need medical treatment?

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