Get exclusive travel offers and guides
Straight to your inbox
By signing up, you agree to the Finder
Privacy & Cookies Policy
and
Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy.
Travel Insurance Australia
Compare travel insurance and get the right cover for your trip here or abroad.
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
Travel insurance rules continue to change due to the coronavirus pandemic.
We’re working hard to make sure our guides are up to date, but some information may not be accurate during this time. It's important to double-check all details before taking out cover. Some policies may not be available through Finder.
Types
Guides
Keep up to date with the changing domestic travel restrictions.
Other ways we can help
Most travel insurance policies are unavailable right now, but we still want to help. Here's some useful info about getting on top of your finances, so there's less to worry about during this very weird time.
More travel insurance information for...
Travel Insurance Finder® helps you easily compare travel insurance
What is travel insurance in Australia?
Travel insurance is an agreement between you and your travel insurer. You pay them a fee (also known as your premium) based on the risks associated with your trip. In exchange, your insurer agrees to pay you for unexpected bills related to your trip, up to an agreed amount. Travel insurance can help out in lots of ways by:
- Helping to pay for medical expenses if you're sick or injured overseas
- Reimbursing you if you need to cancel your trip or cut it short
- Covering your valuables and travel documents if they get lost, stolen or damaged
When one of these problems does occur while you're away, travel insurance can reimburse you for the costs incurred, so you can travel with peace of mind.
Why compare travel insurance with Finder
100% free
We don't charge you anything to compare policies with us. If you do choose to buy a policy by clicking through to one of our partners, you'll pay no more than going directly to their site.
Trustworthy Rankings
Our unique algorithm ranks partners' policies based on how comprehensive they are – not by how much they pay us.
Get more than just a quote
We write our content based on information travellers are looking for. We're an independent publisher and want to help you find the best information.
How we look at travel insurance comparison
Enter your trip details into our search tool and you can get loads of quotes in seconds. Here are some other features of our search tool to help you compare:
Finder Rating
Finder RatingThe finder rating helps with comparison by giving you an idea of how comprehensive a policy is, based on how many benefits are included and to what extent.
Price
You can sort travel insurance policies by price - budget to most expensive (and vice versa). It's always worth comparing prices because you can get more value.
Benefits
If some policy benefits are more important to you than others, use the "More info" tab to compare included benefits and limits across different travel insurance brands.
Choose the type of cover you need
Multi Trip
Cruise
Ski
Domestic
Senior
Student
Visitors to Australia
Pregnancy
Pre-existing Conditions
Rental Car Excess
Popular travel insurance comparisons and guides
5 things you need to know
Travel insurance doesn't protect you from yourself
Travel insurance doesn't protect you from yourselfYour claim can be denied if the insurer finds that you failed to take care or act responsibly. Consider this before you have a few too many drinks on your trip or jump on a moped without a helmet.
Rules about renting motorcycles and scooters on your holiday
Rules about renting motorcycles and scooters on your holidayDid you know that travel insurance will only cover you if you're riding with an Australian motorcycle licence, or a valid licence in that country? You also need to be wearing a helmet and stick to a specific engine size.
You might need to pay more for certain activities
You might need to pay more for certain activitiesYou'll need to pay extra for some high-risk activities such as skiing and motorcycling. This can be added when applying online. You'll find that most Australian insurers have a list of activities found in the PDS which are included for free.
How travel insurers treat natural disasters
How travel insurers treat natural disastersTravel insurance can cover cancellations and injuries that arise from natural disasters depending on your policy type and when it was issued. If you buy your policy after the natural disaster becomes a "known event", you won't be covered.
Don't make assumptions when it comes to claims
Don't make assumptions when it comes to claimsIf you're unsure about what to do when the unexpected happens, most insurers have a 24/7 emergency assistance line that you can contact. They will advise you on the right steps to take and help start your claim process.
It's important to know that travel insurance doesn't cover everything. Check out our guide for a list of common exclusions from Australian travel insurers.
Looking for other insurance options?
Find out how to protect your finances during the global coronavirus pandemic with insurance.
Compare the cost of travel insurance with Finder
There is no flat fee when it comes to travel insurance. The cost depends on a range of factors including:
- The trip length
- The level of cover you choose
- The places you go
- Your age
- Activities you'll partake in
- Pre-existing medical conditions
Prices can also vary based on which travel insurance company you choose. The graph below shows how the price of travel insurance for a 7-day trip in Bali for a 49-year-old differs between insurers. You'll also notice the difference in price between travel plans (basic and comprehensive), because budget policies will generally cover less. This is why it's so important to compare travel insurance.
This graph was last updated in August 2019.
Travel insurance guides for our most popular destinations
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is compulsory for some countries such as Cuba, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Belarus. But even if it's not compulsory for other countries, 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.
How much does travel insurance cost?
On average, a travel insurance policy to Bali for 2 weeks for a 30-year-old is $56.84 (as of February 2020), but the cost of travel insurance can vary so much between different people, you should always compare your options. You can get cheaper policies with fewer inclusions, or more expensive policies with upgrades. When looking for travel insurance, the way to get the most value is to consider your trip and only get cover for what you need.
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's different because 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.
Before you buy any travel insurance policy, always read the PDS to make sure you're covered for what you need. After you buy a policy, you should expect an email with your certificate of insurance and a copy of the PDS.
Before you buy any travel insurance policy, always read the PDS to make sure you're covered for what you need. After you buy a policy, you should expect an email with your certificate of insurance and a copy of the PDS.
Will travel insurance pay my medical expenses up-front?
Travel insurance will typically pay for emergency medical expenses up-front if you need, 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 a "known event"?
In insurance, a known event is an incident that has been reported by the media or government, e.g. a planned pilot strike or weather warning. If you buy travel insurance after these incidents become known events, you most likely won't be covered for any related claims.
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. For example, you might have to pay for a certain percentage of your trip using your credit card. 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
*Travel Insurance Finder compares brands for Australians looking for cover. The number of brands compared may vary based on external factors such as age, destination, cover type and technical issues.
Read more on this topic
-
Travel insurance that covers frequent flyer points
Find out how travel insurance covers frequent flyer points if you need to cancel.
-
Coronavirus: How to plan your holiday if you’ve bought travel insurance too late
Here's how to navigate your holiday if you bought travel insurance too late.
-
Coronavirus exposes little-known travel insurance clause
We analysed 31 travel insurance policies to see what's really covered.
-
Is South Korea safe?
South Korea has become a tourist hotspot in recent years, and is usually a very safe choice if you travel smart.
-
Pelikin Travel Insurance
Get the Pelikin app and keep all your travel essentials in one place.
-
Domestic car rental excess insurance
Find out how domestic car rental excess insurance could save you thousands.
-
Cheap car hire excess insurance
Is cheap car hire excess insurance worth it? Find out the inclusions and exclusions here.
-
What is collision damage waiver?
CDWs and LDWs can financially protect you and your rental car, but to what extend? Compare 5 major brands to find the best cover for you.
Ask an Expert
I would like a years travel insurance worldwide please advise
Hi Mike,
Thanks for getting in touch! It’s great to know that you are looking to get travel insurance. To get started, please utilize the online form found on top of the page above. Enter all the details needed in the form and press GET MY QUOTE. Once done, you will see a list of providers that may review your insurance inquiry. If you need further help, a quick guide on how to compare travel insurance is also included on the page.
As a friendly reminder, carefully review the Product Disclosure Statement of the product before applying. You may also contact the insurance provider should you have any questions about their policy.
Hope this helps and feel free to reach out to us again for further assistance.
Best,
Nikki
Do I need to purchase Travel insurance before I pay for flights etc?
Hi Lorelie,
Thanks for reaching out to us at Finder!
There’s nothing stopping you from purchasing travel insurance before you pay for flights but typically, people usually buy it after or at the same time of booking.
This is because your flight dates will generally confirm your travel dates. You’ll have a confirmed flight itinerary and be able to match those dates to the date range you’ll need cover for.
I hope you find this helpful.
Kind regards,
Jessica
How long before I travel should I purchase travel insurance?
Hi Lorelei,
Thanks for getting in contact with us at Finder!
We always recommend buying travel insurance as early as possible. This is so that you can take advantage of cancellation benefits in case something out of your control happens.
Most policies cost the same if you buy it today, versus if you but it later, so generally; you’ll get better value out of buying it earlier.
I hope you found this helpful.
Kind regards,
Jessica
How can I get travel insurance for a boat cruise for the 25/02/2020 going to the South Pacific islands. Our ages are 78 and 75 respectively. Is there any chance on getting yearly insurance or is it just for a single trip. Thank you.
Hi Delia,
Thanks for getting in contact with us at Finder!
From research of over 15 of our travel insurance partners, InsureandGo offer annual multi-trip policies for people up to the age of 100. Their annual multi-trip policies also offer automatic cover for on-board hospital and medical expenses as long as any pre-existing conditions are declared.
If you decide to choose a single trip policy instead, head to our cruise travel insurance page and enter your trip details into the comparison tool to compare quotes for eligible policies.
I hope this has been helpful.
Kind regards,
Jessica
Are there any insurance companies that cover Outdoor Rock Climbing without a guide. My son has already left Australia.
Hi Matilda,
Thanks for your message. Yes, here is the page showing insurers who cover Outdoor Rock Climbing, however, they require all climbs to be with a professional/guide. Given that your son is already overseas, you may want to review this page listing out insurers for travellers who are already overseas. As a friendly reminder, carefully review the Product Disclosure Statement of the product before applying. You may also contact the insurance provider should you have any questions about their policy.
Hope this helps and best of luck in finding an insurer for your son!
Best,
Nikki
Hi Maureen,
Thanks for getting in touch with Finder. As a comparison site, we can’t recommend a single insurer, but we can try to help you choose one that’s right for you!
You might find our pages about seniors travel insurance and pre-existing conditions to be helpful.
Some things to note:
– Most brands cover cruises but not all brands cover all ages or pre-existing conditions
– Depending on the nature and severity of your condition, you may want to look at insurers such as AllClear and InsureandGo that consider all ages and pre-existing conditions
– Some brands that automatically cover cruises only include medical, while others offer cruise-specific benefits such as missed port departure etc. You can decide which one works best for you
Best of luck and enjoy your trip!
Cheers,
Jess
Hi my daughter is travelling to the US and are looking for insurance however she has Cystic fibrosis. can you assist
Hi Eddie,
Thanks for your question. Sorry to hear about your daughter’s condition. You can find travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions options on this page. It gives you a guide on how to apply for one and an online form that gives you a list and estimated quotes relative to your daughter’s case.
As a friendly reminder, carefully review the Product Disclosure Statement of the product before applying. You may also contact the insurance provider should you have any questions about their policy.
Hope this helps! For any further questions, feel free to reach out to us again, we’re here to help.
Best,
Nikki
I am looking for travel insurance covering high altitude trekking in Nepal up to 6000m
Hi there,
No worries! You might find this guide on trekking and travel insurance to be helpful. It includes our research of our partner brands, a few of which will cover you for high altitude trekking up to 6000 metres.
Safe travels!
Cheers,
Zahra
Does Westpac free travel insurance cover medical evacuation like from ship to nearest port hospital?
Thank you.
Hi Patricia,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
Yes, medical evacuation, if needed/emergency, is covered. Please note that medical evacuation due to your pre-existing medical condition may not make you eligible for claims. You may learn more on Westpac credit card complimentary travel insurance on this page.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
Will Amex Platinum Reserve card complimentary cover be enough for a trip to turkey. We are 74 and 77 years old , in good health and physical fitness. Will this cover emergency flight back home to Australia?
Hi Kay,
Thanks for reaching out. In answer to your question, it looks like the insurance included with the Amex Platinum Reserve card covers medically necessary repatriation back to Australia up to a maximum of $2,500,000. It’s important to note however that it doesn’t cover any pre-existing medical conditions, so if you or your companion have had any medical issues in the past, you might want to look into a separate travel insurance policy and declare your condition. Our guide on pre-existing conditions and travel insurance might be helpful. As for whether it’s enough cover, unfortunately only you can decide that! Hope this helps and feel free to reach out if you have any other questions. Safe travels!
Cheers,
Zahra