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Travel Insurance Finder™ is an Australian-owned comparison service that is 100% free to use, helping you compare the different travel insurance products available in Australia.
Read the latest travel news and warnings
It's important to be aware of any travel warnings before you jet off to ensure you will still be covered. Read up on current warnings here:
It’s a fair question. After all, you might have never had to lodge a claim in the past, so why even bother for this trip? Well, consider these factors:
Aren't I already covered by Medicare overseas? Medicare will not cover you overseas. The Reciprocal Health Care Agreement will only cover you for some expenses in some countries, so you could still end up paying tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills.
What's the risk of not having overseas medical expenses cover? finder.com.au publisher Will offers a real-life example: He broke his ankle while travelling in Lima, Peru. Two weeks in hospital, surgery and flights home cost AUD$41,000. Find out just how much it costs to stay in different hospitals per day around the world.
What does travel insurance cover? Cancelled flights or lost, damaged or stolen luggage and valuables are frustrating and costly. Why risk losing thousands when you can cover yourself for as little as $15*?
Is travel insurance compulsory? No, but you will be required to have travel insurance in order to gain entry into some countries, including Cuba, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.
What happens if I don't have cover? Hefty hospital bills and repatriation home could literally leave your family or friends hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt.
Doesn't my credit card travel insurance cover me? There is often an increased level of conditions for cover to be activated and for when a benefit will be paid. Domestic travel is also generally not covered. Find out more below.
Ready to start comparing and get a travel insurance quote?
Here's a checklist for comparing and purchasing travel insurance online.
Are you a senior traveller? (Age limits and costs vary among insurers)
Do you plan on paying for flights, accommodations or tours in advance? Consider how much you will need to cover cancellations.
Who are you travelling with? Need a family policy with free child cover or that will also cover your spouse?
Are you travelling with a large group? (You might be able to get a discount)
Are you not returning home to Australia? Most insurers will require you to depart from and return to Australia in order to take out cover, although a few insurers will provide cover if you are planning on staying on elsewhere.
3. How long are you travelling for? Are you a frequent traveller?
If you travel often, an annual policy might be more affordable and convenient. Just be aware of the maximum period of travel permitted for individual trips (usually 30-90 days).
4. Compare policies and keep an eye out for:
The range of benefits and maximum payment for each claim.
How much you will be paid if your luggage or valuables are lost, stolen or damaged?
What won’t you be covered for? There are some countries, sports and activities that are not covered by travel insurance.
Are any medical conditions you have covered automatically?
Already overseas? Only certain policies will cover you if you are already overseas, and there is usually a waiting period of about 7 days before your cover is activated.
How flexible is your policy? Can you amend or extend cover easily enough? Most single-trip policies only provide cover for up to 12 months. If you wish to extend the period of cover, you will usually need to contact the insurer to give your reasons for extending the policy and pay the additional premium.
What are the most important travel insurance features?
Here are some key features to review when comparing policies. Don't leave home without them.
Trip Cancellation Cover
Provides cover for cancellation fees and lost deposits for travel and accommodation that you have already paid and are not able to recover if your journey is cancelled or shortened.
What am I actually covered for? Trip cancellation insurance will cover transport tickets, pre-booked accommodation and travel agent fees that are not recoverable. You will only be covered if the reason for your travel arrangement being cancelled is for reasons outside of your control, such as:
You or a member of your family passes away
Your travel operator goes bankrupt
You suffer a serious illness or injury
You are made redundant
You are required to stay in Australia following a natural disaster or burglary at your home or business within 48 hours of when you were supposed to leave
When won’t I be covered?
Cancellation is due to a pre-existing condition (either yours or that of a relative) that you were aware of when purchasing the policy
For business, financial or contractual obligations (excluding being made redundant)
Rescheduling by a tour operator because there were not enough people for the tour to go ahead
You failed to obtain the necessary passport or visa required for your planned trip
Overseas Medical Cover
Provides cover for emergency evacuation and treatment overseas if you suffer a serious illness or injury.
What am I actually covered for?
Emergency medical, surgical and hospital treatment
Ambulance costs
Costs of your return to Australia if necessary
Costs of extra accommodation if medically necessary and you are unable to return home
Emergency dental treatment
Daily allowance for hospital stay
When won’t I be covered?
Treatment that can be undertaken back in Australia
Unnecessary hospital costs
Medical losses following cosmetic treatment
Expenses more than 12 months from the date you first received treatment for the injury
Claims related to pregnancy unless related to unforeseen complications
Treatment for a condition you were aware of when taking out cover
Costs for injuries sustained while partaking in sports not covered in the product disclosure statement (PDS)
Luggage and Personal Belongings Cover
Provides cover for luggage and personal items that are lost, stolen or damaged on your trip. Additional cover can be purchased for specified items.
Really? I could have sworn I was covered for that!
The last thing you need is to be left stranded overseas if your claim is rejected. Know exactly what you are covered for and avoid a nasty surprise at claim time.
Had a few drinks? Jumped on a moped after a few drinks and ended up hitting a ditch in downtown Kuta? Yep, you’re not covered. Insurers do not pay claims that arise while you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Renting a motorcycle? You’re only covered if you have a current Australian motorcycle licence and you wear a helmet.
Renting a moped? You're covered if the moped is under an engine capacity specified by the insurer, usually under 50cc. Need cover to ride a motorcycle? Find out what insurers will cover you.
Hang-gliding or jumping out of a plane? Not all activities will be automatically covered. Each insurer will have a list of "high-risk" pursuits that are excluded from cover, which are specified in the PDS. Find out what these are and if you need to purchase any additional cover.
Lost an expensive item? Policies will have limits applied to what will be paid for items, which may not measure up to what it's worth. Consider getting specified cover in place.
Had to pay more once you returned home? You’re only covered for expenses incurred while on your trip overseas, not once you have returned home to Australia. For example, finder.com.au publisher Will was surprised to find out his physiotherapist and specialist appointments were not covered by his policy after he returned to Australia.
Ended up in a war zone or riot? Very few insurers cover claims that are the result of you travelling to a country under a travel advisory issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trading (DFAT) or other warning issued by the government or mass media. This may include strikes, riots, bad weather, civil unrest, contagious diseases, epidemics, pandemics, or threats of epidemics or pandemics. Claims that arise while you're in a country under a do-not-travel warning will not be covered.
Left your bag in the back of the taxi? Most insurers do not cover theft if you did not take reasonable care to protect your belongings. Insurers do not cover theft of expensive items that have been left unattended.
Final stages of pregnancy? Generally, insurers exclude cover for complications that arise past the 26th week of pregnancy, although the specifics of cover do vary from one insurer to the next. Some insurers only provide cover for up to 23 weeks while others may cover up to 32 weeks. Always check your PDS before purchasing.
Waited too long before contacting your insurer or making a claim? Most insurers will require you to notify them of any event leading to a claim within a certain time period, some even as quickly as 24 hours after the event. Find out what this period is and the maximum period of time following your journey that you can lodge a claim (usually about 30 days).
While it may be tempting to not to pay the extra cash for a standalone policy and rely on cover from your credit card, consider the benefits and drawbacks of this option:
The good
It's free, but most cards have an annual fee (can be upwards of $300).
The price you pay is not affected by where your destination. Cover can be provided for multiple destinations.
Credit card travel insurance generally provides better coverage for loss of cash than standalone policies.
Complimentary cover for your spouse and dependent children is usually provided.
The actual cover provided for loss of luggage and valuables is comparable to that offered on standalone policies. Just beware of the conditions for payment.
While cover is usually not available for domestic trips, most cards offer "Travel Inconvenience Cover" as a substitute. This provides cover for flight delays, missed connections or reimbursement for car rental deposits.
Most cards will provide cover for your spouse. Conditions may vary for dependent children.
The not so good
Your pre-existing condition is unlikely to be automatically covered.
Generally not as many features are offered compared to standalone policies, with reduced levels of cover for payments.
Most won’t cover long-term trips over 90 days.
Medical cover is not always offered to senior travellers. Age restrictions usually apply to seniors taking out cover.
The excess is usually much higher than standalone cover and at a fixed rate. Some cards charge an excess of up to $500 (most standalone policies provide options of reducing the excess or removing it altogether by paying a slightly higher premium).
You will usually only be covered for what you paid for on your credit card. Most cards have a minimum spend of $500-$1000 for cover to be activated.
Most cards will not provide cover for domestic trips.
Cover for lost luggage or valuables that are "checked in" or left unattended is generally not included. Check the fine print to see when you will actually be paid for lost items.
Covers an unlimited number of trips in a 12-month period on a single policy
Generally more affordable if you travel at least three times a year
Most providers offer same level of cover provided per benefit as single trip cover
Individual trips can be 30-90 days in length
Domestic
Available as single-trip or annual cover
Cover usually only applies when you're at least 250km away from home
Provides affordable cover for losses including:
Trip cancellation costs for flights and accommodation
Loss, damage or theft of your luggage
Car rental excess insurance charges if you have an accident
Winter Sports
Generally purchased as additional option
Provides cover for:
Emergency evacuation by helicopter from ski fields to the nearest medical facility
Pre-booked lift passes that you had to cancel
Damage or loss of your own or rented equipment
Some policies will cover off-piste skiing
Cruise
Not all insurers will automatically cover cruise trips
Provides cover for:
Missed cruise departure for reasons out of your control
Shore excursion cancellations
Missed port calls due to bad weather
Cabin confinement daily allowance for medical reasons usually up to about $75
Emergency medical evacuation home or to the nearest medical facility
Medical expenses while on board ship
Group Cover
Designed for groups such as travelling families, sports groups, business colleagues and school groups
Covered under single policy, with each applicant receiving the same level of cover
Much more convenient with one policy to fill in for up to 25 adults
Most insurers offer discounts depending on the size of the group such as 10% for more than 10 travellers
Already Overseas
Covers travellers already overseas whose policy has expired or are looking to buy new
Same level of cover as regular policies
There will generally be a waiting period of about 7 days before cover can commence
Some policies may require the traveller to return to Australia at the end of their journey
The excess cannot be removed in most cases
Visitors to Australia
Provides cover for non-Australian residents visiting Australia
Trip duration in Australia must exceed that spent in other countries
A waiting period of roughly 7 days applies for non-Australian residents who purchase cover when already in Australia
Non-residents from New Zealand, Italy, Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, Ireland, United Kingdom, Belgium and Slovenia may be covered for some medical losses under the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement
Still unclear on a few things? Here are some key questions you might have.
1. Purchasing your policy
Q. When is the best* time to purchase travel insurance?
A. As soon as you have booked any part of your trip, it's time to think about buying your travel insurance so that you get your prepaid costs and deposits are covered in the event of cancellations or if your travel company or airline goes bust. You will still only pay for the period of travel you have taken out cover for.
Q. Can I take out travel insurance if I’m already overseas?
A. Yes. There are a number of insurers that will provide cover if you have already left. A waiting period of about 7 days will usually apply.
Q. Can I purchase cover for my child who is travelling alone?
A. Yes. There are some policies that will provide cover for children under 18 who are travelling without an adult. Cover will generally be the same price as an adult policy.
Q. Can I take out travel insurance if I’m already overseas?
A. Yes. There are insurers that offer cover for one-way trips. The journey will usually have to start in Australia and restrictions may apply for different age groups.
Q. Can I buy cover for one-way trips?
A. Yes. There are insurers that offer cover for one-way trips. The journey will usually have to start in Australia and restrictions may apply for different age groups.
Q. Is the price shown just for me or for other travellers listed?
A. The price shown is for all travellers provided they fall within the restrictions of the total number of travellers allowed for that policy. When you get a quote and list all the different traveller ages, the quote shown is for everyone and not just one person.
Q. When do I add additional cover?
A. You can add additional cover such as cover for specific sports, high-value items or extensions such as Destination Wedding Travel Insurance on the insurer's website before entering your trip details.
Q. Do I need to take my travel insurance policy with me?
A. Yes. It is recommended that you take your policy with you as it provides you with information and emergency telephone numbers that you may need in the event of an emergency that may require you to make a claim. Your travel insurance document can provide details of:
What evidence you will require for your claim to be approved
Your policy number
What you are actually covered for
Your insurers emergency contact details
2. Choosing the right option
Q. What countries or regions do I choose to get a quote?
A. When entering your trip details on the finder.com.au quote engine at the top of this page, you can either enter the countries or cities you are visiting or choose the region you are travelling to. Insurers offer policies by region, not by specific countries. The exception is if you are travelling within Australia, in which case you would choose Australia or Domestic as your destination.
Q. So I am covered for all countries in that region?
A. Yes. For example, if you choose “Europe” as the region you're travelling to, you may not be covered for countries that are not considered to be within Europe. You will still only pay what it would cost if you were travelling to just one country within Europe. If travelling in multiple regions, you may want to choose a Worldwide policy. Some insurers offer duo policies, which can be much more affordable and convenient than taking out two separate policies. A duo policy will cover both you and your travelling partner under a single policy. There is usually a reduced amount of cover provided for each cover feature for each traveller.
Q. What policy should I get if I’m taking a cruise to different countries?
A. You will need to ensure that your policy provides cover for all of the destinations that you will be visiting as part of your trip. Not all travel insurance providers will cover cruises, so do your research and find out which insurers offer cruise travel insurance. You may need to select the Worldwide region.
Q. What policy should I get if I’m taking a cruise within Australian waters?
A. If you are taking a cruise in Australian waters, you may still want to get a Worldwide policy with the Pacific region because you won’t be covered for medical events by your private health insurance or Medicare in international waters.
Q. Can I get cover if I plan on travelling for over a year?
Q. Can I cancel my policy after I’ve purchased it?
A. Most plans will come with a cooling-off period of around 14 days. If you cancel your policy during this time, the premium will be refunded.
Q. Can I extend my policy if I need to?
A. Yes, but you usually need to apply for an extension a week before your cover ends.
Q. Can I change to a different policy?
A. Yes, provided you cancel your existing your cover within the cooling-off period. You will receive a full refund and be able to take out a different policy.
4. When you will and won’t be covered
Q. What happens if my travel operator or airline company goes bankrupt?
A. Most insurers will change the dates on the policy to account for your new trip. Alternatively, you may be eligible for a payout to cover any prepaid expenses.
Q. What does car rental excess insurance actually cover?
A. It will cover the amount of excess you are charged by the rental company up to a specific amount. It does not take the place of the insurance provided by the rental company. Learn more about how travel insurance car rental excess cover works.
Q. Does travel insurance cover car hire?
A. Travel insurance does not cover costs associated with you being involved in a car accident or if the vehicle is stolen. This is a separate policy that you take out with the car hire company.
Q. Am I covered for working overseas?
A. Conditions around travel insurance for working overseas vary between insurers. Generally, you will not be covered for injuries sustained if the work is labour-intensive or high-risk. It’s crucial to know exactly how you will be covered if you're looking to work overseas.
Q. Will an annual family policy provide cover if I'm travelling alone?
A. Yes, all family members listed on the policy will be covered for travel on separate trips by themselves (except if they are dependent children travelling alone).
Q. Does my insurer cover follow-up treatment after I return home?
A. No. Your insurer won't cover follow-up treatment for injuries or illnesses sustained overseas after you return home to Australia.
Q. Will I be covered if I develop a medical condition after I purchase cover but before I leave for my trip?
A. Yes, provided you were not aware of the condition and not seeking treatment related to the condition prior to taking out cover. You will be covered for trip cancellation as a result of the condition.
Q. Does travel insurance cover theft?
A. Travel insurance does cover theft, but there are conditions for when a claim will be paid. You must not have left the items unattended, and you must obtain an official police statement within 24 hours of the theft taking place.
Q. Does travel insurance cover terrorism?
A. Some policies will provide cover for hijackings, but most policies exclude claims related to terrorism if you are travelling to a destination that has been issued with a warning against travel.
5. Making a claim
Q. What should I do if I have a medical emergency overseas?
A. You should contact your insurer's emergency medical assistance service as soon as possible. This service should be available 24 hours a day. The insurer will work with local medical providers and services to ensure you receive the attention required.
Q. When must I lodge my claim?
A. Claims generally must be made within 30 days of returning home.
Q. Do I have to pay for my medical bill upfront?
A. It will depend on the nature of the condition. For major procedures where the bill is significant, you should be able to contact your insurer to authorise payment. Where the condition is not as serious, treatment should be paid and receipted. In any case, you must obtain a medical certificate showing the nature of the condition or illness.
Q. What will happen if I am injured overseas and evacuated?
A. If deemed necessary, your insurer will cover the costs to bring you home to Australia to receive medical treatment. Either Medicare or your private health insurer then covers medical costs.
Q. Can I make a claim for expensive items if I don’t have a receipt?
A. Generally, the insurer will require you to have some kind of proof of purchase in order to make a claim for expensive items. Such proof may include receipts or valuation certificates. It’s worth checking the conditions around what will be required prior to making a claim.
Loss and theft of personal belongings and baggage topped InsureandGo’s list of most common claims in 2013, making up 38% of the total number of claims received.
In Teachers Health Fund Travel Insurance data from July 2013 to June 2014, luggage and personal items represented the third most common claim.
Easy Travel Insurance reported that lost or stolen luggage is one of the highest claimed losses.
Steps to avoid a claim
Take care not to leave your items unattended while travelling
Tag your luggage with your contact details appropriately
Take photos of expensive items to help describe lost items
Ensure you have travel locks secured to your items
Find accommodation that offers adequate security for expensive items, such as a room safe or luggage locker at hostels
Trip cancellation and lost deposits
In the period from July 2013 to June 2014, claims for cancellation fees and lost deposits were the most commonly received claim by Teachers Health Fund Travel Insurance, with more than $170,000 paid out.
Easy Travel Insurance lists cancellations as one of the more common claims it receives.
Figures from the Association of British Insurers also reveal that cancellations represented 34% of all travel insurance claims received in 2012.
Steps to avoid a claim
Take out travel insurance as soon as you make any significant bookings to ensure you are covered for cancellations in the period leading up to your trip.
Keep evidence of any significant bookings made with your travel agent.
Keep copies of transactions made for flight, tour or accommodation bookings.
Overseas medical expenses
Medical expenses made up 37% of claims received by InsureandGo in 2013.
Medical and hospital expenses came in second on Teachers Health Fund Travel Insurance’s list of the top claims from July 2013 to June 2014. Medical claims made up 56% of the total cost of travel insurance claims paid.
Steps to avoid a claim
Beware of any medical risks such as diseases or unsanitary water and food in the country you are travelling to. Find out what shots are necessary to avoid infection.
Be wise about where you are eating or drinking and avoid local spots where the risk of illness may be increased.
Take the necessary medication for any pre-existing conditions. You may find it difficult or very expensive to purchase the same medication overseas.
Take necessary precautions to avoid serious injury if participating in sports and activities.
Travel delays and alternative transport
In September 2015, a FlightStats study of 36 major international airports revealed that more than 20% of all departures at 16 of those airports were delayed.
Less than 80% of domestic flight departures in Australia left on time in March 2013, according to figures from the Department of Infrastructure and Transport.
Steps to avoid a claim
Contact your airline in the days prior to and on the day of your flight to find out if there have been any adjustments to the flight schedule.
If a weather warning is issued, contact your airline to find out if your flight is likely to be affected.
Follow luggage restrictions and get to the airport well ahead of your flight.
Lost or stolen money/cards
Money claims represented 5% of all travel claims received by the Association of British Insurers in 2012.
Steps to avoid a claim
Invest in a travel pouch or wallet to conceal cards and cash.
When travelling on public buses or trains, keep your luggage with valuables secure on your lap.
Keep travel cards separate from one another to ensure you always have a backup.
Best travel insurance* companies? What to watch out for when comparing travel insurers.
Unfortunately, we can’t simply tell you who the best* insurer is. It really comes down to your own cover requirements and budget. But there are crucial points to consider when comparing different options.
1. Who is the policy backed/underwritten by? Are they a reputable brand? It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the sheer number of insurance brands and policies available, but there are really only a handful of companies that actually issue and underwrite the policies. It’s crucial to get cover that's backed by a highly regarded underwriter and claims team to ensure you receive adequate emergency assistance and your claim is handled swiftly and efficiently. finder.com.au has worked hard to list policies from reputable companies. Major ones to look for include Allianz, AIG, ACE, Lloyds of London, Mitsui Sumioto and QBE.
2. Is reputable emergency assistance available 24/7? Each major insurer has its own 24/7 emergency assistance team to provide overseas and domestic support when needed. As an example, Travel Guard, a worldwide team of skilled doctors and medical professionals, backs AIG customers 24 hours a day.
3. Is the customer service reputable? Can you contact the insurer any time of day and speak with an actual person? Is there an online chat service available? It's crucial to feel secure in the support you will receive from your insurer in the event of an overseas emergency. You should be confident that you can get in touch with them 24/7.
4. Are there a range of policies on offer? You don’t want to be restricted in the cover options available to you. Look for companies offering a range of policies that offer additional protection and are not just the same policy with a fancy name to draw in more customers. Most leading brands are now offering policies geared towards specific types of travel, such as cruises, winter sports or business travel.
5. Are they flexible to work with? If you're not 100% sure about how your travel plans will unfold, it's worth looking for a provider that lets you make adjustments to your policy before and after the policy commences. This could include adding additional family members to your policy, upgrading your cover with additional options or extending your policy while overseas.
6. What have other travellers' experience been like? You can search through online forums to find out what sort of experience other people had dealing with their insurers. Keep an open mind when reading online user reviews; one disgruntled customer might not really reflect the true quality of the provider. Read reviews from a variety of sources to help you make an informed decision.
It’s really not worth leaving out details of an old medical condition or activity you might be doing in order to save a few extra dollars. Insurance companies will take the time to ensure that your claim is genuine and that you were truthful at the time of application.
Read the important stuff
You might not read 10 different product disclosure statements cover to cover, but at the very least read through the exclusions and cover benefits section so you know when you will and won’t be covered. It’s also worth checking out the claims section so you know exactly what you will need to provide and who to contact in the event of a claim. Here's more on how to lodge a successful claim.
Know the excess you will be charged
Excess charges can vary greatly between insurers and will generally range between $50 and $250. You will be charged excess for each individual claim you make under the policy.
Want to avoid excess altogether?
Certain policies will offer an excess buyout, commonly known as an excess eliminator. This gives you the opportunity of paying a flat fee when you purchase the policy so that you no longer have to pay excess.
Know what you will be paid for loss of valuable items
Most policies will have a sub-limit applied for individual items, such as $500 per item. If you are taking out additional cover for expensive items, make sure you know what the maximum amount is that will be paid for multiple items in the event of a claim.
Keep an eye out for discounts
Competition between insurers for your business means there are some great chances to lock down great savings and bonus gifts.
*Finder.com.au has access to policy discounts of up to 10% with certain providers.
finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We compare from a wide set of major banks, insurers and product issuers.
finder.com.au has access to track details from the product issuers listed on our sites. Although we provide information on the products offered by a wide range of issuers, we don't cover every available product. You should consider whether the products featured on our site are appropriate for your needs and seek independent advice if you have any questions.
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