Medical only travel insurance

Compare medical-only travel insurance

Use the Finder travel insurance engine to compare medical-only travel insurance. Pop in your trip details, click on the basic policies and you'll be able to compare medical-only options.

Who offers medical only travel insurance?

Some medical-only policies are also named "Basic". Different insurers include other benefits or differing amounts, which is why it pays to compare. Medical cover doesn't always include cover for accidental death or permanent disability.

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Overseas medical expenses	Dental expenses	Luggage and belongings
Insure4Less Medical Only Travel Insurance	Unlimited	$500	No	Get quoteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
ahm International Medical Only Travel Insurance	Unlimited	$2,000	No	Get quoteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
Southern Cross International Medical Only Travel Insurance	Yes	$2,000	No	Get quoteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
Medibank International Medical Only Travel Insurance	Unlimited	$2,000	No	Get quoteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
Zoom Medical Only Travel Insurance	Unlimited	$2,000	No	Get quoteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading

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What is medical travel insurance?

Medical travel insurance is the most basic form of travel insurance you can buy, meaning it's also typically the cheapest. It's designed to come in handy if you get sick or injured while you're overseas. International travel insurance with medical-only cover usually includes:

• 24/7 emergency medical assistance
• GP visits and medication
• Hospital expenses if you need to be admitted for an injury or illness
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation back to Australia due to a medical emergency
• Emergency dental treatment up to a set benefit limit (depending on the policy)
• Funeral costs (if you pass away as a result of your injury or illness)

Many basic travel insurance policies also include personal liability cover. This covers you if you injure another person or damage their belongings.

Medical exclusions you should note

All insurance policies contain exclusions. In the case of medical-only travel insurance, the exclusions differ depending on the benefit. Here is what can be excluded under each one:

Emergency medical assistance

• Any expenses you incur that have not been pre-approved by the Assistance Provider
• Failing to follow the medical advice of the Assistance Provider
• Any medical evacuation or transport of remains from Australia to another country
• Any medical or hospital expenses incurred in Australia.

Overseas medical and hospital expenses:

• Any expenses incurred in Australia
• Any expenses resulting from a pre-existing medical condition that is not covered in your policy
• Failing to notify your insurer or their Assistance Provider of your hospitalisation as soon as possible
• Failing to heed the advice of the insurer or their Assistance Provider
• Any treatment by a chiropractor, physiotherapist or dentist lasting more than two weeks that has not been approved by the insurer or their Assistance Provider
• Any medical care that is covered under a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA)
• Any damage to dentures, prostheses, bridges or crowns (if applicable)
• Cosmetic dentistry or treatment involving precious metals (if applicable)

How much does medical-only travel insurance cost?

Medical-only travel insurance generally costs between $2.40 to just over $5 per day, depending on the travel insurer, your age, the destination and a few other factors. For context, we found a basic policy to cost between $35 and $65 for a 2 week trip to Bali. We got these quotes in July 2025.

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Medical-only travel insurance FAQs

• Who is medical-only travel insurance best for?

  This policy type suits budget conscious travellers who are primarily concerned about unexpected medical emergencies overseas. It's also a good option for those whose trip details like luggage or trip cancellation are already covered by other means such as credit card insurance or airline policies.

• Does medical-only travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?

  Medical-only policies typically exclude pre-existing medical conditions unless you declare them and the insurer agrees to cover them usually for an additional premium. You must disclose all conditions when applying to ensure your cover is valid.

• What should I do if I need medical attention overseas?

  In a medical emergency overseas contact your insurer's 24/7 emergency assistance team immediately. They will guide you on where to seek treatment, arrange for medical payments if necessary and coordinate any required evacuation or repatriation. For non-emergencies you should still contact them for approval before incurring significant costs.

• Does medical-only travel insurance cover general practitioner visits and medication?

  Yes, most medical-only travel insurance policies cover necessary general practitioner visits and prescribed medication while you are overseas due to an unexpected illness or injury.

• Can I get medical-only travel insurance if I am over 70 or 80 years old?

  Many insurers offer medical-only travel insurance for older travellers including those over 70 or 80. However, you may face higher premiums, stricter terms and conditions or specific age limits depending on the insurer and your health.

• How do Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA) affect my medical only travel insurance?

  Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA) help Australians who live here with the cost of medically necessary care in the 11 countries Australia has an agreement with. Some policies exclude costs an RHCA would have paid, so check the PDS. Just keep in mind, RHCAs often have gaps in coverage and are not a substitute for travel insurance.

• What happens if I need ongoing medical treatment when I return to Australia?

  Medical-only travel insurance is designed to cover medical expenses incurred while you are overseas. It potentially won't cover any ongoing medical treatment costs once you return to Australia. Australian Medicare and your private health insurance if you have it would then apply.

• Will medical-only travel insurance cover me for adventure activities or sports?

  Standard medical-only policies do not cover high risk adventure activities or sports unless specifically listed or added as an optional extra. Activities like skiing, scuba diving or bungee jumping often require additional coverage, so always check your policy's PDS.

Written by

Gary Ross Hunter

Journalist

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Gary Ross Hunter has over 6 years of expertise writing about insurance, including life, health, home, and car insurance. Having reviewed hundreds of product disclosure statements and published over 800 articles, he loves simplifying complex insurance topics for everyday readers. Gary has contributed to major outlets like Yahoo Finance, The Sydney Morning Herald, and news.com.au, and holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Literature from the University of Glasgow, along with a Tier 2 General Advice certification, ensuring his work adheres to ASIC’s RG146 standards. See full bio

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