Travel insurance startup commits to covering non-residents
Zoom doubles down on covering non-residents, but make sure you read the fine print.
In the words of Kate Smith, marketing manager at Zoom Travel Insurance, "We believe that temporary residents have just as much a right to travel safely and securely, regardless of their country of origin."
It's a controversial stance, with Zoom being one of the few travel insurance options for non-residents of Australia. For those down under on a working visa or another form of temporary residency, it's surprisingly difficult to find appropriate travel insurance.
Ahead of the planned 457 visa changes, Zoom Travel Insurance is reaffirming its commitment to travel insurance for all and reassuring temporary Australian residents that they'll still be able to find travel cover with Zoom.
The news will probably come as a relief to 457 visa holders. Other financial products such as home loans might change along with the visa conditions, so it doubtless comes as a relief to know that their travel insurance options will remain unaffected.
However, it looks like 457 and 417 visa holders might still run into some issues in the fine print that permanent residents don't have to worry about. According to the policy documents, cover is only available for:
- Those aged 74 and under
- Those with a return ticket to Australia
- Those with a home in Australia that they plan on returning to
- Those with private health insurance in place for the entire duration of the journey (it will naturally have to be OVHC health insurance)
- International travel only (there is no cover for domestic trips)
There's a much lower age limit for temporary residents, with Australian permanent residents being able to use Zoom Travel Insurance right up until the age of 85. Policy options are also more limited, with domestic travel insurance being available for permanent residents but not temporary residents.
Despite the limitations, it's almost certainly nice to know that there are still options available for temporary residents and that they won't disappear along with the 457 visa.
