We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
Important:
Travel insurance rules continue to change as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. We’re working hard to keep up and make sure our guides are up to date, however some information may not be accurate during the pandemic. It’s even more important to double-check all details that matter to you before taking out cover. Please know that some policies may not be available through Finder at this time. Here are some helpful tips:
If you're buying a policy today, it's unlikely that you'll be covered for border closures
If your travel plans go against government advice, your policy will most likely be voided and you won't be covered
Finally, some good news! Travel is picking up, so some insurers have started offering cover again.
Just remember, you won't be covered for any pandemic related claims if you do take out domestic travel insurance.
If you're an Australian living abroad or looking to move for work or study, protecting yourself with travel insurance for the duration of your stay is crucial. Getting covered can give you peace of mind for medical expenses, which can be astronomical in some countries, as well as provide benefits such as cover for cancellation costs, lost luggage and valuables, and personal liability cover if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property.
If you choose to continue travelling after your first 12 months, you may be able to get a further 12 months of cover by taking an "Already Overeas" policy.
You can apply for up to a 12 month extension (maximum extension of insurance is 12 months. Note: There is no cover for any insured person who is in the USA for 364 consecutive days or more.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, at any given time there are approximately one million Australians living and working overseas. If you're one of those lucky people, or plan to become one sometime soon, it's important to have adequate travel insurance cover in place for the duration of your time abroad. Here are some key reasons why it's important:
Overseas medical expenses. Medicare and your private health insurer won't cover you for any medical costs you incur overseas, so adequate cover for your overseas hospital bills is crucial. Without it, you could be left to deal with a huge financial fallout.
Cover when you're already overseas. If you're already overseas, many Australian travel insurers will refuse to cover you, so expat travel insurance can help you get this vital protection.
Cover for short trips. If you're an Australian citizen temporarily living overseas, you may want travel insurance cover to provide protection when you take short trips from your current country of residence. For example, if you're temporarily living and working in the UK, you might want to take a holiday around continental Europe.
Cover for trips home to Australia. Currently living overseas but planning a quick trip home to Australia to catch up with family and friends? You'll need to find a policy that covers you for the duration of the journey.
Liability cover. If you accidentally injure someone or damage their property while you're overseas, travel insurance will often include liability cover up to $20 million.
Other important benefits. Travel insurance also covers a wide range of other potentially costly mishaps, including cancellation costs when you're forced to call off your trip due to circumstances beyond your control, and lost or stolen luggage or travel documents.
Types of cover or travel insurance for Australian expats
There are several cover options available for Australian citizens living and working overseas:
Already overseas cover. A number of Australian travel insurance providers offer cover for Australians already overseas. These policies offer the same level of cover as ordinary travel insurance, but you may need to serve a waiting period before cover begins and most insurers will require your journey to end in Australia.
Travel insurance from an international provider. Travel insurers in other countries can provide cover to an Australian citizen living overseas. However, keep in mind that many insurers in countries around the world won't offer cover to non-residents, so you'll need to check the fine print closely and shop around for the right policy.
Long-term cover. If your work or study abroad is only for a limited period,a long-term travel insurance policy may offer adequate protection. Some insurers offer "backpacker" cover for journeys up to 18 months long.
Cover for other countries. If you plan to visit neighbouring countries while you're overseas, you'll need travel insurance that covers trips to those destinations. You may be able to purchase non-resident travel insurance from an insurer in the country where you are currently residing, or in some cases you may be able to include cover as part of the policy you purchase before you first leave Australia.
Reciprocal Health Care Agreement. You may be eligible to receive subsidised health care if you are travelling to a country that is part of the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement.
What should expat travel insurance cover?
The most important benefit of any international travel insurance policy is cover for overseas medical expenses. You've probably heard horror stories about uninsured travellers being left with astronomical medical bills after unexpectedly falling ill overseas, as the mind-boggling cost of even a short hospital stay in countries like the USA has been well publicised.With this in mind, it's essential that any expat travel insurance policy you choose provides ample cover for overseas medical expenses. Access to a 24/7 emergency assistance line to help you find help whenever you need it is also essential.But that's not all a travel insurance policy should cover. You should also look for the following benefits:
Cancellation fees and lost deposits. If you're forced to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances outside your control, such as if you suffer a serious injury or a relative dies unexpectedly, travel insurance can cover any cancellation fees you must pay and any non-refundable pre-paid deposits.
Luggage and personal effects. If your luggage or personal items are lost, stolen or damaged during your trip, travel insurance covers the cost of their repair or replacement.
Travel delay. Trip delayed by circumstances beyond your control, for example cancelled flights or extreme weather? Travel insurance can cover the additional meal and accommodation expenses you incur as a result.
Rental vehicle excess cover. If your rental vehicle is involved in a collision, stolen or vandalised, your policy can help cover the costly excess charged by the rental provider.
Personal liability. Travel insurance also covers your legal liability if you're responsible for causing bodily injury to someone else or damage to their property.
Do I need to have a return flight booked back to Australia?
Not necessarily. You don't need to have a return flight booked back to Australia to qualify for one-way travel insurance, which doesn't require you to return home to purchase cover. You also won't need an Australian-bound flight booked if you're buying a policy from an overseas travel insurance provider. However, depending on the policy you buy, you may need a return ticket to the country where you purchase cover.On the other hand, if you're buying already overseas travel insurance, you will typically need to have a return ticket to Australia to be eligible for cover.Do I have to be an Australian citizen?Are you an overseas visitor or a non-Australian citizen or resident? The good news is that you don't have to be an Australian citizen to qualify for cover from an Australian travel insurer.While some policies are only available to Australian residents, there are other insurers that provide cover for non-residents of Australia who want to travel overseas. These policies include all the benefits you would expect from an ordinary travel insurance policy.However, you will need to meet certain terms and conditions to qualify for cover, such as:
Having lived in Australia for a minimum of three months
Being eligible for Medicare or holding valid private health insurance
Being on a working visa
Being within specified age limits
How long can I be covered for?
You'll need to obtain travel insurance that covers you for the entire period of your residency in a foreign country. In fact, it's a requirement of entry to many foreign countries that you hold an adequate level of medical insurance cover for the entire period of your residency.Most travel insurance policies will only cover you for a maximum of 12 months, but there are a number of "backpacker" policies that provide cover for up to 18 months.What if my stay will be longer than 18 months?To be insured for longer than 18 months, you need to renew your 12-month policy. This can be achieved by purchasing a second policy shortly before the first one expires.If you need cover for longer than 24 months, you'll probably need a visa to remain in your country of residence and be required to take out adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay. In this case, it's usually better to purchase health insurance cover instead of travel insurance unless you're planning to travel to other countries.How to find the best* travel insurance for expatsIt's simply not possible to nominate one single policy as the best* choice for Australian expats, as the right policy for you depends on your cover needs, budget and a number of other factors.However, to ensure that you find expat travel insurance that is the right fit for you, remember to consider the following factors:
Understand your cover needs. What destination(s) do you plan on visiting? What experiences and activities will you participate in during your trip? What risks do you want cover for? How much are you willing to pay for a policy? Answering these questions will help you work out what type of policy you need to look for.
Who is the underwriter? Instead of choosing a policy based on the brand that offers it, read the fine print to find out who actually issues the policy. Is it underwritten by a reputable and experienced insurer?
Is 24/7 emergency assistance included? Does the insurer provide access to a 24/7 helpline if you need emergency assistance while overseas? It's also worth checking to see if they have an English-speaking customer service panel if you're taking out cover with an international insurer.
Don't just look at the price. It's no good saving a few extra dollars if you'll be stuck with a dud policy that doesn't actually give you the cover you need. Take the time to compare a range of options and find out what else you can get from an essentials or comprehensive policy by paying a bit extra.
Compare a number of policies. Don't choose cover based solely on how much it costs; take a close look at the PDS for any policy you are considering. Find out what's covered and what isn't, and see how that compares to the cover offered by other insurers.
Check cover limits and exclusions. It's also essential to check the limits that apply to policy benefits. For example, does your insurer cover unlimited overseas medical expenses or only provide cover up to a specified limit? If you're taking valuable personal items with you, are the policy limits sufficient to provide the cover you need? Also remember to check the general exclusions to get a better idea of when cover is inapplicable, such as a travel warning that may invalidate your ability to make a claim.
Check the excess. If you make a travel insurance claim, how much excess will you need to pay? Can you choose a higher excess to lower your premium?
How flexible is the policy? Finally, check whether the policy can be tailored to suit your cover needs. For example, you might want additional cover for cruise, skiing or rental car excess cover.
What about countries with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement?
In some overseas countries, Australian travellers are able to access essential medical treatment for no charge. This is due to the Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCAs) that the Australian Government has in place with the following countries:
United Kingdom
Republic of Ireland
The Netherlands
Sweden
Slovenia
Finland
Belgium
Malta
Italy
New Zealand
Norway
Under these agreements, if you visit any one of the above countries then you are able to access subsidised essential medical care if you can provide:
Your Australian passport or another valid document that shows you are a permanent resident of Australia
A valid Medicare card
Is it worth getting travel insurance if I'm already covered by the RHCA?
It's still a good idea to get travel insurance even if you are visiting a country with which Australia has an RHCA. This is because the cover provided under the RHCA is quite limited, and only provides subsidised cover for medical emergencies overseas. It does not provide cover for expenses such as ambulance costs, treatment that is not immediately necessary, private hospital treatment or medical repatriation back to Australia.Plus, travel insurance can also provide a range of other benefits, including cover for:>
Loss, theft and damage of luggage and expensive items
Travel cancellation and trip delay from transport carriers
Car rental excess charges if you are involved in an accident
Stolen money or travel cards
Can I get health cover if I am an Australian overseas in a country that isn't part of the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement?
Yes. Some private health insurers in Australia provide health care plans designed for Australians moving overseas. This option may be suitable if you:
Are moving abroad and plan to work or study.
Are moving overseas for a prolonged period of time, potentially even to retire.
Live and work overseas but move between countries frequently.
Private health cover is available either as a single policy or as a family policy.Alternatively, if you're working overseas you may be covered under health insurance provided by your employer. Check out our guide to health insurance for expats for more information on the cover options available.How does travel insurance work if I'm already overseas?If you're already overseas, some Australian insurers have policies that will cover you. Common conditions of these policies include:
A waiting period from the start date of the policy (usually between 3-7 days) where claims related to injury or illnesses are excluded.
Your journey must end in Australia
Your cover will only commence from the date the policy is issued. This means you won't be covered for retroactive trip cancellations.
No cover for pre-existing medical conditions, other than those automatically covered on your policy
If you're no longer an Australian resident, which is a requirement of Australian travel insurance policies, you will either have to purchase a non-resident travel insurance policy (if returning to Australia) or find an insurer in your current country of residence who will cover you when you are travelling..Some final questions you may have
A. Cover options may be limited if you plan to return home to Australia. If you've been away for more than five years, your residency status may have lapsed or expired, unless you're an Australian citizen. In this case, you may need to obtain non-resident travel insurance in order to visit or return to Australia. Some insurers specialise in expat travel insurance that can provide cover for your return home.
A. Generally, cover is only available to Australians who plan to return to Australia. If you do not plan to return to Australia, look for an expatriate policy or a policy from an insurer in your new country of residence.
A. Annual travel insurance may be a good option if you are planning on taking multiple trips within a 12-month period. If you're residing in another country and planning on taking short trips to neighbouring countries, or larger trips throughout the year, it could be cheaper and more affordable to get an annual multi-trip policy. However, it's worth noting that the maximum period of cover for individual trips is generally either 30, 60 or 90 days.
A. In the event of a claim, you will be paid in the currency of the country that has issued the policy.
A. It will depend on the conditions of your policy. There are a number of Australian insurers that offer complimentary cover for dependent children provided they are travelling with you for the duration of the trip. It's worth speaking with your insurer to find out how they will be covered.
A. In the event of serious illness or injury, it's crucial to firstly receive the appropriate medical attention. Contact your insurer as soon as possible to let them know what has happened so you can find out what evidence will be required for your claim. Your insurer can assist you with organising the payment of your bill and make necessary transport and accommodation arrangements for your return home. It's crucial to make sure your insurer has a 24/7 emergency medical assistance program to assist with your repatriation.
A. It will depend on the policy you choose. Some insurers will have the option to return you to your country of residence if necessary. This is usually available as an additional option.
A. Generally yes. Most insurers will let you extend your policy, provided you do so at least a week before the policy expires.
A. If you are an expatriate engaged in a full-time position, cover should generally be provided by your employer. If you are looking to undertake casual work while travelling, you may be eligible for cover provided the work isn't labour intensive.
A. Yes. It is possible for you to take out a one-way trip policy with an international insurer up to a period of 12 months.
A. Most policies will provide cancellation cover for pre-booked flights, accommodation, tours and other expenses if you have to cancel your trip for reasons outside of your control. Find out when you will / won't be covered for trip cancellation.
A. It will depend on the policy you choose. Some insurers will have the option to return you to your country of residence if necessary. This is usually available as an additional option.
Need to contact an Australian embassy? Find details in the map below
As head of publishing and editorial for Finder in Australia, Zahra Campbell-Avenell leads a team of experts to deliver on Finder's mission to help people make better decisions with their money. She has spent the last 10 years working on words that help mobilise people into action. Zahra has a Bachelor of Arts (Anthropology and English) from Georgetown University in Washington DC.
The American Express Velocity Business Card earns points per $1 spent and offers complimentary travel insurance and two complimentary Virgin Australia lounge passes each year.
The ANZ Rewards Platinum Credit Card offers a competitive rewards program, $0 annual fee for the first year, a $500 gift card, a balance transfer offer and a range of complimentary insurance covers.
I am considering either Cigna Global or GeoBlue coverage in the USA. Any thoughts on how to decide or which is the better option? These are comprehensive global medical plans – more than just travel insurance – as I will be living in the USA for at least 3 years.
While we do not provide specific product recommendations, we can help guide you through the process of comparing options. You may want to start with what each policy covers which the other does not. Their product disclosure statements may also be of help in you making your decision. This is a good starting point to you comparing both, the price as well as reviews online will also give you a better view of what policy to go with. Hope this helps!
Hi,
I am an Australian living in New Zealand as of Jan 2016 (under 2 years) I am about to fly to Bali for a month with a stop over in Australia for 3 hours going there and 7 hours on my way back. I think most Australian policies won’t cover me because my trip doesn’t end in Australia, or because it will stop once I’m in Australia. Please advise of any travel insurance advice.
Thanks for reaching out. Generally, Australian insurers provide cover only to Australians who plan to return to Australia. Since you’re living in another country and will only have stop overs in Australia, you might want to consider taking out coverage with an international provider instead. There are a number of insurers offering expat travel insurance to Australian such as the World Nomad, Columbus Direct and TINZ, subject to their policy’s terms and conditions.
You have contacted finder.com.au a comparison and information service and not actually an insurer.
Travel insurance doesn’t offer car insurance, it offers cover for car rental excess when you hire a car from a rental company. Your son will need to consider car insurers from the United Kingdom.
Please make sure though to read the eligibility criteria, features and details of the policy, as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statement PDS/T&C’s of the policy before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you. If necessary, speak to the insurance brand to verify any details.
I’m wondering if you can help me solve the mine field that is the USA health insurance, complicated by the fact that I’m looking for a comprehensive cover for my son planing to work there on a visa.
The employer does not cover health insurance.
I want to be sure that in any event dental or medical, where my son takes ill, in an emergency or otherwise requires investigation, he will definitely be covered.
He will be working in the hospitality industry.
Can you please help me with this, as I’m very confused as to best to begin this seemingly endless search.
Your response will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
From a greatly concerned parent.
finder.com.au is a comparison and information service and we are not permitted to provide our users with personalised financial advice or product recommendations. Additionally, as an Australian brand, finder.com.au does not have access to American insurance companies.
Depending on the requirements of your son’s visa and the length of his stay, he may be able to look at working holiday travel Insurance.
You should speak with a visa specialist as they will be able to advise you on these matters.
Hi I am an Australian with private health insurance (HBF).
My wife also has private health insurance while in Australia.
My wife is aThai national with Australian resident status and is covered under her children’s government health cover while in Thailand because they all work for the Thai government.
In the next 12 to 18 months I intend to retire in Thailand and probably spend up to 9 months each year living in Thailand.
I will need to have insurance cover as I’m not covered under my step children’s government cover. If I am living abroad is it possible to take out insurance that will cover me in both countries as my current insurance only covers me while in Australia. I am 64 yrs old and am a type 2 diabetic .
How likely would you be to recommend finder to a friend or colleague?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Very UnlikelyExtremely Likely
Required
Thank you for your feedback.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
Important information about this website
finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We compare from a wide set of banks, insurers and product issuers. We value our editorial independence and follow editorial guidelines.
finder.com.au has access to track details from the product issuers listed on our sites. Although we provide information on the products offered by a wide range of issuers, we don't cover every available product or service.
Please note that the information published on our site should not be construed as personal advice and does not consider your personal needs and circumstances. While our site will provide you with factual information and general advice to help you make better decisions, it isn't a substitute for professional advice. You should consider whether the products or services featured on our site are appropriate for your needs. If you're unsure about anything, seek professional advice before you apply for any product or commit to any plan.
Products marked as 'Promoted' or 'Advertisement' are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Finder's decision to show a 'promoted' product is neither a recommendation that the product is appropriate for you nor an indication that the product is the best in its category. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options.
Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment when you click on those buttons or apply for a product. You can learn more about how we make money here.
When products are grouped in a table or list, the order in which they are initially sorted may be influenced by a range of factors including price, fees and discounts; commercial partnerships; product features; and brand popularity. We provide tools so you can sort and filter these lists to highlight features that matter to you.
We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.
Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labelling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.
Providing or obtaining an estimated insurance quote through us does not guarantee you can get the insurance. Acceptance by insurance companies is based on things like occupation, health and lifestyle. By providing you with the ability to apply for a credit card or loan, we are not guaranteeing that your application will be approved. Your application for credit products is subject to the Provider's terms and conditions as well as their application and lending criteria.
Please read our website terms of use and privacy policy for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.
I am considering either Cigna Global or GeoBlue coverage in the USA. Any thoughts on how to decide or which is the better option? These are comprehensive global medical plans – more than just travel insurance – as I will be living in the USA for at least 3 years.
Hi Asil,
Thank you for reaching out to finder.
While we do not provide specific product recommendations, we can help guide you through the process of comparing options. You may want to start with what each policy covers which the other does not. Their product disclosure statements may also be of help in you making your decision. This is a good starting point to you comparing both, the price as well as reviews online will also give you a better view of what policy to go with. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
Hi,
I am an Australian living in New Zealand as of Jan 2016 (under 2 years) I am about to fly to Bali for a month with a stop over in Australia for 3 hours going there and 7 hours on my way back. I think most Australian policies won’t cover me because my trip doesn’t end in Australia, or because it will stop once I’m in Australia. Please advise of any travel insurance advice.
Hi Renee,
Thanks for reaching out. Generally, Australian insurers provide cover only to Australians who plan to return to Australia. Since you’re living in another country and will only have stop overs in Australia, you might want to consider taking out coverage with an international provider instead. There are a number of insurers offering expat travel insurance to Australian such as the World Nomad, Columbus Direct and TINZ, subject to their policy’s terms and conditions.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Liezl
hi My son is buy a van in the UK and traveling in the UK and Europa. i am after car insurance to cover costs he might in
cure
if he has a accident
Hi John,
Thank you for your question.
You have contacted finder.com.au a comparison and information service and not actually an insurer.
Travel insurance doesn’t offer car insurance, it offers cover for car rental excess when you hire a car from a rental company. Your son will need to consider car insurers from the United Kingdom.
Please make sure though to read the eligibility criteria, features and details of the policy, as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statement PDS/T&C’s of the policy before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you. If necessary, speak to the insurance brand to verify any details.
All the best,
Zubair
Hi,
I’m wondering if you can help me solve the mine field that is the USA health insurance, complicated by the fact that I’m looking for a comprehensive cover for my son planing to work there on a visa.
The employer does not cover health insurance.
I want to be sure that in any event dental or medical, where my son takes ill, in an emergency or otherwise requires investigation, he will definitely be covered.
He will be working in the hospitality industry.
Can you please help me with this, as I’m very confused as to best to begin this seemingly endless search.
Your response will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
From a greatly concerned parent.
Hi Maria,
Thank you for your question.
finder.com.au is a comparison and information service and we are not permitted to provide our users with personalised financial advice or product recommendations. Additionally, as an Australian brand, finder.com.au does not have access to American insurance companies.
Depending on the requirements of your son’s visa and the length of his stay, he may be able to look at working holiday travel Insurance.
You should speak with a visa specialist as they will be able to advise you on these matters.
All the best,
Zubair
Hi I am an Australian with private health insurance (HBF).
My wife also has private health insurance while in Australia.
My wife is aThai national with Australian resident status and is covered under her children’s government health cover while in Thailand because they all work for the Thai government.
In the next 12 to 18 months I intend to retire in Thailand and probably spend up to 9 months each year living in Thailand.
I will need to have insurance cover as I’m not covered under my step children’s government cover. If I am living abroad is it possible to take out insurance that will cover me in both countries as my current insurance only covers me while in Australia. I am 64 yrs old and am a type 2 diabetic .
Hi John,
Thanks for getting in touch. Unfortunately, the funds in our panel will only cover you for medical expenses incurred in Australia.
Cheers,
Richard