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Does travel insurance cover strikes?
In short, yes, but different travel insurance brands may cover strikes in a different way. Read on to find out how.
We’re committed to our readers and editorial independence. We don’t compare all products in the market and may receive compensation when we refer you to our partners, but this does not influence our opinions or reviews. Learn more about Finder .
Finally, some good news! Domestic 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.You can be covered by travel insurance if your flight is delayed or cancelled due to a strike, but cover will depend on when you purchased your travel insurance. If you bought your policy after an industrial strike becomes a 'known event', it's unlikely that your insurer will cover you for associated costs. Here is an example of how a PDS explains a known event;
Losses, liability or expenses are not covered if you did not take all necessary precautions to avoid a claim after there was a warning in the mass media of a strike...
This is one of the reasons why getting travel insurance earlier rather than later is a good idea.
How do Finder travel insurance partners deal with strikes?
| Brand | Conditions for travel insurance for strikes | Apply |
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 | Budget Direct will pay claims as follows:
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 | InsureandGo will pay claims as follows:
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 | Tick Travel Insurance will pay claims as follows:
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What does cancellation insurance normally cover?
If your trip is affected by a strike, you'll most likely need to claim your expenses under the cancellation and amendment benefits if you're eligible. Cancellation and amendment benefits cover a number of events and situations that result in you having to cancel, reschedule or amend your holiday plans depending on whether or not your policy covers cancellation. Below are some common questions we get asked:
When am I covered?
- Am I covered if my flight is cancelled? Yes, generally if your flight is cancelled due to an insured event such as a strike, your policy will provide you with cover.
- Am I covered if my flight is delayed? Generally your flight will need to be delayed more than six (6) hours if you are going to be eligible to make a claim.
- What happens if my passport is stolen overseas? If your passport or other travel documents are stolen, your policy will generally cover the cost of replacing them. You will need to provide your insurer with supporting evidence such as a police report.
- Am I covered if have an accident on the way to the airport? Yes, generally you will be covered if you have an accident means you're unable to make a prebooked flight. You will need to provide your evidence of the accident.
- What happens to my prepaid accommodation expenses if my trip is cancelled? If an insured event such as adverse weather conditions results in you having to cancel your prepaid accommodation, your policy should reimburse you up to the policy limit.
- What happens if I get injured overseas? If during your trip you are forced to cut your trip short due to an illness or injury, your policy will provide you with a benefit for any prepaid expenses you will not be using up to the policy limit.
- If I paid with my frequent flyer points and have to cancel my trip, will my insurer cover me? Yes, your travel insurer will generally reimburse you for your lost frequent flyer points as long as you are not able to recover your loss via any other means.
When might I be covered?
- I'm too sick to travel, is that covered? It will depend on when you took out your policy. If you are unable to travel due to a pre-existing condition that you knew about prior to taking out your policy, you will not have cover.
- Am I covered if I have to cancel my trip due to a death in the family? Depending on your policy you will have cover for your return trip to Australia and for any unused portions of your journey. However, there are various conditions that apply including whether or not the death was the result of a pre-existing condition and the age of the deceased.
When won't I be covered?
- Am I covered if my flight is cancelled for any other reason than strike or weather? No, this is a common misconception about cancellation cover. It is up to the airline to reimburse your losses for the actual missed flight.
- My employer cancelled my leave and I have to cancel my trip, am I covered? No, you will not have cover in this situation.
- I was late to the airport and missed my flight, am I covered? No, if you didn't leave enough time to get to the airport your insurer won't pay out your claim. This also goes for the flow on affect if you incur roll-on affects such as missed accommodation due to your missed flight.
- I've changed my mind and I don't want to go any more, can I make a claim? Unfortunately, the only type of policy that would cover you in the event is "cancellation for any reason" travel insurance, which is not offered in Australia.
Compare policies that provide cover for strikes
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Ask an Expert
We typically use a bank credit card to be eligible for their card insurance which lists cover for overseas and interstate travel, domestic hotel burglary, transport accident, extended warranty, purchase protection and price protection. The rules state that cover is under a Master Policy issued by Chubb.
Are we in safe hands here please?
Hi David,
Thanks for your question. finder.com.au is a comparison service and we are not permitted to provide our users with personalised financial advice or make specific product recommendations. Not knowing the bank that policy was issued through I can’t speak to how and when it would cover strikes but generally if the strike is planned and known in the media, you won’t be covered for costs associated with cancellation etc.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard