Travel Alert: Indonesia
DFAT upgrades warnings for Australians travelling to Bali.
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.26 February 2016: The Australia Government has issued a stern warning for Australians planning to visit Indonesia, including Bali, urging those travelling to exercise a high degree of caution.
Indonesia has long been a favourite for Australians holidaying abroad, with over 1.1 million Australians visiting the region in the last 12 months (Australian Bureau of Statistics Overseas Arrivals and Departures, Australia, Dec 2015).
The advisory did not raise the overall warning from "exercise a high degree of caution", which has been in affect for some time due to myriad events over the last 12 months, including the eruptions of both Mount Rinjani and Mount Raung, and the attacks in Jakarta in January that left at least eight dead and 20 others with serious injuries.
However, the Australia Government issued an addendum on 25 February 2016 updating its warning with the following messaging:
Recent indications suggest that terrorists may be in the advanced stages of preparing attacks in Indonesia. The overall level of advice has not changed. We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Indonesia, including Bali.
The Indonesia Government has heightened its security measures across the nation, which underscores the omnipresence of a terrorist attack.
The Smartraveller website urges Australian travellers going to Indonesia to pay close attention to their personal security and to monitor the media for any updates to travel warnings. Those planning on travelling to Central Sulawesi, Papua and West Papua provinces are being asked to reconsider their need to travel.
Picture: ardianstv / Shutterstock.com
When will insurance cover resume for the recent volcanic eruption near Bali?
Hi Kim,
Thanks for your question. Travel insurance brands won’t lift their moratorium on cover for claims related to the ash cloud until it’s no longer an active event. This doesn’t mean that you can’t take out cover. It just means that you won’t be able to lodge a claim if the claim is related to the ash cloud.
If you do plan on taking out travel insurance, you should speak to your chosen travel insurance brand prior to buying the policy to clarify when you can and can’t claim.
You may also find our article about the Bali ash cloud useful. It’s updated with messaging from insurance brands once they update their websites.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard