Travel insurance for Australian expats

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.

Already overseas? Compare Australian travel insurance brands that will cover you

Brands	Product	Product Details	Apply
	Already Overseas Travel Insurance	Unlimited overseas medical expenses $3,000 disruption of journey Unlimited cancellation fees and lost deposits $15,000 luggage and personal effects $5 million personal liability cover	Get quote
	Deluxe	$10,000 cancellation and lost deposits Unlimited overseas medical expenses $7,500,000 personal liability $7,500 luggage and personal effects	Get quote

Why do I need expat travel insurance?

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.

What types of cover are available for expatriates?

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.
• One-way cover. This type of policy covers you on your outgoing trip only and lets you make a claim without having to return to Australia.
• 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 my 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.

More tips on how to compare travel insurance companies

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:

• 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

• Q. I’m an Aussie expat and I want to return home to Australia for a holiday. Can I get travel insurance for a visit to Australia?

  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.

• Q. Can I get cover with an Australian insurer if I’m already overseas and don’t want to 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.

• Q. I’m an Australian expat living overseas and I want to take some short trips to neighbouring countries. What sort of policy should I get?

  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.

• Q. What currency will my claim be paid in?

  A. In the event of a claim, you will be paid in the currency of the country that has issued the policy.

• Q. Can I get cover for my family if they live overseas with me?

  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.

• Q. What do I do if I suffer an injury or become ill overseas?

  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.

• Q. Will my insurer return me to Australia or back to the country I am residing in as an expatriate?

  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.

• Q. Can I extend my policy while I am away?

  A. Generally yes. Most insurers will let you extend your policy, provided you do so at least a week before the policy expires.

• Q. Am I covered for working abroad?

  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.

• Q. Can I get cover for one-way trips back home to Australia?

  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.

• Q. I'm an expat from overseas currently living in Australia...can I take out travel insurance?

  A. Yes, it is possible for overseas expats currently living in Australia to take out cover. Learn more about travel insurance for non-residents in Australia.

• Q. I have to cancel my trip...will I be covered?

  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.

• Q. If I suffer an injury or illness overseas and require medical repatriation, will my insurer return me to Australia or back to the country I am residing in as an expatriate?

  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 belowPicture: Shutterstock

Brand	Waiting Period	Journey Must End in Australia?	Enquire
1cover	3 Days for Claims Related to Injury or Illness	Yes	Get quote
World Care	2 Days for Claims Related to Injury or Illness	Yes	Get quote