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Mental health travel insurance

Travel insurance for mental health issues isn't always easy to find, but we can try to help.

Richard Laycock
Richard Laycock

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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:
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    We've researched over 25 travel insurance brands to find which ones provide mental health travel insurance. It's possible to get cover for a variety of conditions including depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety and stress. Get a quote from our partners that consider all conditions, or read on to learn more about how different insurers treat mental health.

    Compare travel insurance for mental health conditions

    Based on our research of 25+ travel insurance brands, these are among the few in Australia that consider mental health conditions.

    What are you looking for?

    How do the insurance brands on finder treat mental health?

    BrandConditions
    1coverNo cover for claims arising directly or indirectly from any mental health conditions as defined by DSM-IV including:
    • Dementia, depression, anxiety, stress, phobias and schizophrenia
    • Eating disorders and addictive behaviour
    American ExpressThere is no cover for claims arising directly or indirectly from:
    • Suicide, attempted suicide, self-inflicted injury or conditions
    • Nervous condition, anxiety or stress disorders
    AllClear logo (1)Provides medical travel insurance for mental health conditions, mild and severe:
    • AllClear uses a medical screening process to determine the risk factor involved with providing cover for mental health including anxiety, depression, bipolar affective disorder and schizophrenia
    • The screening process only takes a few minutes and you could have your quote within just a couple of clicks
    Budget DirectThere is no cover for claims arising directly or indirectly from:
    • Any psychiatric or psychological condition (including anxiety or depression)
    columbus direct travel insurance logoColumbus Direct
    • Classes mental disorders and psychological conditions as pre‐existing medical conditions, so you may be able to get cover as there is no blanket exclusion
    • Cover is available subject to medical screening, and payment of an additional premium may be required

    fastcover

    		There is no cover for claims arising directly or indirectly from:
    • Depression, anxiety, stress, mental or nervous conditions
    InsureandGoYou will not be covered for claims if you or any insured person on your policy has in the last five (5) years suffered from or received medical advice, treatment or medication for:
    • Any psychiatric or psychological condition (including anxiety or depression)
    Insure4lessThere is no cover for claims arising directly or indirectly from any mental health conditions as defined by DSM-IV including:
    • Dementia, depression, anxiety, stress or other nervous conditions
    • Behavioural diagnoses such as autism
    • Eating disorders
    • Drug or alcohol addiction

    Medibank

    		There is no cover for claims arising directly or indirectly from:
    • Anxiety, depression, mental illness or stress

    Online Travel Insurance

    		There is no cover for claims arising directly or indirectly from:
    • Mental illness or disorders

    Tick

    		You will not be covered for claims if you or any insured person on your policy has in the last five (5) years suffered from or received medical advice, treatment or medication for:
    • Any psychiatric or psychological condition (including anxiety or depression)
    Travel InsuranzThere is no cover for claims arising directly or indirectly from your mental health condition as defined by DSMIV including but not limited to:
    • Dementia, depression, anxiety, stress or other nervous condition
    • Behavioural diagnoses such as autism
    • Eating disorders
    • Drug or alcohol addiction
    virgin money logoVirginThere is no cover for claims arising directly or indirectly from:
    • Mental illness or disorders

    Webjet

    		There is no cover for claims arising directly or indirectly from:
    • Mental illness or disorders

    World2cover

    		There is no cover for claims arising directly or indirectly from:
    • Depression, anxiety, stress, mental or nervous conditions
    • However, the condition can be assessed subject to approval by World2Cover with the additional premium paid.
    World CareThere is no cover for claims arising directly or indirectly from:
    • Mental health or disorders
    zoom logo

    Zoom

    		There is no cover for claims arising directly or indirectly from:
    • Mental illness or disorders

    Important: Please note that the information contained in the table above about travel insurance for mental health is correct as of 18/06/2019 and is subject to change.

    What is a pre-existing medical condition?

    When it comes to travel insurance policies, a pre-existing medical condition is usually any medical condition that you're aware of, take medication for, or have taken medication for in the past.

    If you're looking for travel insurance for mental health, one of the first places you might check is the product disclosure statement (PDS) of different products or insurers, where the conditions relating to pre-existing medical conditions can often be found.

    While many pre-existing mental illnesses are not covered under any circumstances, some forms, such as anxiety and depression, often require further assessment prior to the issue of a policy. This usually means you can get cover by undergoing an assessment and paying an additional premium.

    How much does it cost?

    Those insurers who do cover mental health will typically charge a higher premium, due to the higher perceived risk. But no two premiums are the same and how much you might pay can depend on the insurer, the type and severity of your mental illness and the usual factors that determine the cost of travel insurance which include:

    • The level of cover you choose (benefit amounts etc)
    • The options you select
    • The destination you are travelling to
    • Your age and general health

    Australian counselling services for people suffering from mental health

    If you’d like some help or advice, whether insurance-related or otherwise, the following is a list of potentially useful links to organisations who may specialise in providing support to those dealing with mental illness.

    • Beyondblue. Beyondblue provides 24/7 support and information regarding depression and anxiety. Phone: 1300 22 4636 website: beyondblue.org.au
    • Mental Health Australia. Mental Health Australia an organisation that strives for better mental health for all Australians through education and affecting reform. Phone: (02) 6285 3100 website: https://mhaustralia.org/
    • MindHealthConnect. MindHealthConnect features mental health resources, info and online programs. Website: mindhealthconnect.org.au
    • Mental Health Council of Australia. Mental Health Council of Australia is an independent body that advises on mental health in Australia. Website: mhca.org.au
    • SANE Australia. SANE is a national charity helping people affected by mental illness. Website: www.sane.org
    • ReachOut Pro. ReachOut Pro provides information about mental health and advice to professionals. Website: reachoutpro.com.au
    • Black Dog Institute. Black Dog Institute provides information on depression and bipolar disorder. Website: blackdoginstitute.org.au
    • BlueBoard. BlueBoard is an online support group for people affected by depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders. Website: blueboard.anu.edu.au
    • e-couch. e-couch is a self-help interactive mental health program. Website: ecouch.anu.edu.au
    • Headspace. Headspace provides info, support and advice for young people. Website: headspace.org.au
    • Mental health online. Mental health online offers info on anxiety disorders, free automated psychological assessment and self-help treatment programs. Website: mentalhealthonline.org.au
    • MoodGYM. MoodGYM is an interactive program incorporating cognitive behaviour therapy for depression. Website: moodgym.anu.edu.au
    • Partners In Depression. Partners In Depression provides information and support for people supporting someone experiencing depression. Website: partnersindepression.com.au

    Note: Except where may be stated otherwise, finder.com.au is not affiliated with any of the above organisations and the presence of this list should not be taken as an endorsement of any of these organisations or their work.

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    6 Responses

      Default Gravatar
      JudyDecember 16, 2018

      I want to go on a cruise. My husband is in permanent care with Lewy body dementia and Parkinsons. Is there any insurance I can get in case I need to return if there is an emergency as in death.

      Reply
        Avatarfinder Customer Care
        JeniDecember 19, 2018Staff

        Hi Judy,

        Thank you for getting in touch with finder.

        Kindly check out this page for travel insurance for family emergency like if a family member falls ill or dies while you are travelling or before you depart. As per the said page, travel insurance for family emergency can help you recover your cancellation costs including pre-booked tickets and hotels, costs associated with returning home at short notice and costs associated with resuming your journey at a later date. It is best to contact your chosen insurer to know their conditions.

        I hope this helps.

        Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other enquiries.

        Thank you and have a wonderful day!

        Cheers,
        Jeni

        Reply
      Default Gravatar
      GABRIELLEJune 26, 2017

      What does it mean if you cannot get insurance on pre- existing conditions?

      Reply
        Avatarfinder Customer Care
        JhezJune 27, 2017Staff

        Hi Gabrielle,

        Thanks for your comment.

        A pre-existing condition is a medical condition that started before a person’s health benefits went into effect. Most insurance policies does not cover pre-existing medical condition.

        Having a pre-existing medical condition doesn’t mean you can’t get an insurance or have to fork out more cash. It just means you have to look a little harder for the right policy.

        Regards,
        Jhezelyn

        Reply
      Default Gravatar
      LeanneFebruary 1, 2017

      I am travelling to france on the 19th april 2017 for 7 weeks with my parents.I am 43 and have Schizophrenia and are on medication.I have not been admitted to hospital since 2009 and see my Psychiatrist every 6to8 weeks.can I get travel insurance to cover me for this .I will be travelling with my parents.

      Reply
        Avatarfinder Customer Care
        RichardFebruary 2, 2017Staff

        Hi Leanne,

        Thanks for getting in touch. Getting cover for mental illness can be tricky. Please review the brands mentioned at the top of the article. Cover varies from person to person and insurer to insurer.

        Cheers,
        Richard

        Reply
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