Travel Insurance Australia

A handful of brands now offer travel insurance benefits for the coronavirus pandemic. Cover is usually limited to specific situations including:

• Medical expenses
• Trip rearrangement costs if you get COVID-19
• Expenses if you're forced into quarantine unexpectedly

The type of cover and amount of cover you get also depends on the policy. That's why you should always check the product disclosure statement (PDS) for full details of the cover you'll get.

Brand	COVID-19 expenses	Cooling off period	Overseas medical expenses	Theft or damage to luggage	Standard excess	Apply
	Some cover	21 days		Up to $15,000	$200	Get quote
	Some cover	21 days		Up to $15,000	$250	Get quote
	Some cover	14 days		Up to $15,000	$100	Get quote
	Some cover	14 days		Up to $7,500	$200	Get quote
	Some cover	14 days		Up to $15,000	$100	More info
	Some cover	21 days		Optional add on	$100	More info
	Some cover	21 days		Up to $12,000	$250	More info
	Some cover	21 days		Up to $15,000	$250	More info
	Some cover	14 days		Up to $15,000	$200	More info
	Some cover	21 days		Up to $8,000	$250	More info
	Some cover	14 days		Up to $10,000	$200	More info
	Some cover	21 days		Up to $15,000	$250	More info
	Some cover	21 days		Up to $15,000	$100	More info
	Some cover	21 days		Up to $15,000	$250	More info
	Some cover	21 days		Up to $4,000	$250	More info
	Some cover	21 days		Up to $15,000	$250	More info
	Some cover	14 days		Up to $10,000	$200	More info

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Frequently asked questions

• Can I get travel insurance that covers COVID-19?

  A handful of insurers offer some limited cover for COVID-19. You'll normally be covered if you get diagnosed with coronavirus and can't go on your trip, but you won't be covered for events like border closures.

• Do I really need travel insurance?

  Travel insurance is compulsory for some countries such as Cuba, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Belarus. Even when it's not compulsory, Smartraveller.gov.au advises that if you can afford to travel, you can afford travel insurance. It's a small price to pay compared to the thousands you could lose if something unexpected happens.

• What's the difference between flight insurance and travel insurance?

  Flight insurance is sometimes offered by airlines to cover you for the costs of flight cancellations and delays. It only covers flight-related expenses compared to travel insurance which is more inclusive. Travel insurance can protect your entire trip including your flights, overseas medical costs and luggage to name a few.

• What's a PDS?

  A PDS (Product Disclosure Statement) is a legally binding document that outlines what you're covered for. If something's not mentioned in a PDS then that insurer won't cover it. You'll also find a list of common exclusions, which are events you won't be insured for.

• Will travel insurance pay my medical expenses up-front?

  Travel insurance will typically pay for emergency medical expenses up-front if you need it. But you'll have to get in contact with your insurer as soon as possible to arrange it.

  If your condition isn't major and you don't have to pay a lot, it might be easier for you to claim your expenses when you get back home.

• What's an excess?

  An excess is the out-of-pocket expense you'll have to pay if you need to make a claim on your travel insurance policy. Depending on how risk-averse you are, you can opt for a higher excess, which will mean lower premiums (policy cost), but this might mean that smaller claims are not worth it.

• Are there age restrictions on travel insurance?

  Most Australian insurers will have an age limit for seniors which can vary from 65 onwards. Those that do cover all ages often have limits on trip durations and exclusions on pre-existing conditions.
  Most policies will cover kids for free if they're travelling with the parent or guardian listed on the Certificate of Insurance. You usually need to be under 21 to be eligible as a dependent, though this varies between brands.

• What's the difference between standalone travel insurance and complimentary credit card travel insurance?

  Complimentary credit card travel insurance often comes with more conditions and exclusions than a standalone policy.

  You should always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for the fine print regarding the excesses you will have to pay, the benefit limits, the maximum trip duration and which pre-existing medical conditions are automatically excluded.

  If you find the few dollars you save isn't worth the risk of being underinsured, consider taking out a standalone policy instead.

• Will travel insurance cover me for my pre-existing medical condition?

  Depending on your condition and the insurer, you might be automatically covered for free, you may have to pay more for a policy, or you might not be covered at all. Either way, be sure to let your insurer know about your pre-existing conditions when you apply. Otherwise, any related claims you make are likely to be denied.
  Picture: Getty Images

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