AAMI travel insurance review
Part of the allure of travel is the discovery of the unknown, the taking of the road less travelled. Unfortunately the nature of travel means that we are often exposed to new risks that we do not usually face in day-to-day life. Travel insurance allows you to venture into the unknown, all the while providing you with financial protection should you experience an unexpected loss. AAMI travel insurance can provide customised travel insurance packages at reasonable prices to suit a variety of different travellers.
AAMI is a long-serving small business, compulsory third party (CTP), home and car insurer. They take care of all the details that have to be taken care of while you travel around the globe. They make sure that you have a wonderful travel experience without worrying about adverse situations.
Who is AAMI?
AAMI was incorporated in Victoria and the back end of 1969, and begun trading on 1 January 1970 as a motor vehicle insurer. The company was started to provide customers with an alternative option to the club and government owned insurers.
Today, AAMI has more than 2.5 million policyholders and handles millions of incoming telephone calls each year. AAMI understands that protecting your property is of the utmost, which is why they will make sure that you get the right policy. You can get in contact with an AAMI representative 24/7/365 and best of all, you'll find yourself talking to a real person.
AAMI International Travel Insurance provides you with protection against the unknown for when you are holidaying abroad. They cover:
- Illness or injury
- Loss or damage of your personal items
- Cancelled, interrupted or delayed journey
- Legal liability
Why Take Out Cover with AAMI travel insurance?
- Flexible coverage: They understand that no two people have the same needs, which is why they will customise the travel insurance plan according to your requirements. You can choose a single or multi-person cover and because you are dealing directly with the insurers you will save a lot of money as you won't be paying any commissions to a third party.
- Unlimited medical cover: AAMI International Travel Insurance provides cover for unlimited medical expenses when you travel overseas, as well as cover for lost or stolen baggage.
- New for old baggage replacement: AAMI International Travel Insurance covers you if your luggage or other personal belongings need to be replaced as a result of a claim, AAMI International Travel Insurance covers the new for old replacement of those items (cover limits apply).
AAMI travel insurance policy cover
Who is covered?
The AAMI single policy covers:
- The adult named as the policyholder on the insurance schedule
- If accompanied on the journey by a dependent child, that child as named on the insurance schedule.
The AAMI multi-person policy covers up to two adults and eight dependent children:
- The adult named as the policyholder on the insurance schedule
- The other adult and/or dependent children who accompany the policyholder on the journey and who are named on the insurance schedule.
Where are you covered?
AAMI travel insurance covers your overseas travel only if it starts and ends in Australia. The company does not cover travel within Australia that is not an integral part of an international journey.
What is the period of cover?
The period of cover for:
- Cancelled travel and accommodation is from the policy issue date to the policy end date
- All other cover is from the departure date to the policy end date inclusive, up to a maximum period of 180 days.
The policy end date is the earlier of the policy end date shown on the insurance schedule and the date you return to your home in Australia.
The period you are covered for is shown on the insurance schedule. If you are unable to return to your home in Australia within the cover period on the advice of a foreign doctor, you will need to provide, in writing, proof that you needed to extend your stay because of a medical condition. If you can obtain proof then AAMI will extend the period of cover and allow you to complete your journey by the next available and convenient means of transportation.
You can apply to extend the policy for up to a further 180 days, provided it hasn’t already expired. When you contact them, you must tell them if:
- There is a claim made against you or pending
- You now suffer from a chronic or ongoing medical condition that you did not have when you purchased the policy.
They will tell you if they will extend the policy, the premium payable, and how it is to be paid. When you pay them, they will send you a new insurance schedule.
AAMI travel insurance benefit options
AAMI travel insurance provides different types of cover for an array of situations. These benefits include:
1. Medical expenses and additional expenses related to illness, injury and death
The company will pay the reasonable cost of your medical expenses if:
- They are incurred as the direct result of an illness contracted or sustained an injury during your journey outside Australia
- You allow the company the option, at its expense and subject to medical advice, of returning you to your home in Australia
- They are incurred within 12 months from the date the injury or illness first occurred.
The company will pay your dental expenses if:
- They agree that the treatment is necessary
- They are due to damage caused by an injury sustained during your journey outside Australia.
2. Baggage, personal effects, travel documents – delays, damage, loss and theft
- The items covered are suitcases, travel bags and their contents including clothing that you take or purchase on your journey.
- They will pay the reasonable cost for the repairs or replacement of luggage or personal belongings that are damaged, stolen or lost during your trip.
- They will decide either to repair or replace your baggage and personal effects or to pay the cost of repairing or replacing them.
3. Cancelled, interrupted or delayed journey
The company will pay the reasonable cost of travel and accommodation that is cancelled because of an unforeseen situation that was outside your control, provided:
- You have already paid the expenses you are claiming for
- You cannot recover these expenses from anyone else
- You have not already undertaken that part of the journey you are claiming for
- They have not already paid a claim that arises from the same event elsewhere under the policy.
The unforeseen circumstances they cover include interruption of your scheduled public transport services caused by severe weather conditions, natural disaster, strike, civil unrest or riot, but not the events shown below.
4. Accidents for which you are legally liable
They will pay for claims against you arising out of an accident occurring during the journey, causing:
- Injury to or the death of someone other than you
- Loss of or damage to property owned or controlled by someone other than you.
The company will only pay for your liability for legal costs and expenses if they are reasonable and they agree to do so in writing before those costs and expenses are incurred.
You are requested to refer to the Product Disclosure Statement to view the benefits in detail.
AAMI travel insurance claims process
How to contact the company to claim on the policy:
- When you are away from Australia you can call them on +61 2 8987 1674 (They accept reverse charges through the international operator.)
- When you are within Australia, call 13 22 44. You can also email them attravelclaims@aami.com.au.
If you require emergency assistance you can call them on +61 2 8987 1674 at any time. (They accept reverse charges through the international operator.)
Helping the company to pay your claim
When you provide them with the information they need, you help them make speedy and accurate decisions regarding your claim. This information includes:
- The Original medical certificate, dental certificate and a medical report from the doctor or specialist
- Police reports and transportation providers’ reports
- Receipts, invoices, travel itineraries, and airline, train or bus tickets
- Any court documents or other communication you receive in relation to your claim.
The company may require information such as:
- The circumstances of and the extent of the damage
- Loss or liability incurred
- The ownership and value of any lost, damaged or stolen items.
If you are unable to provide this type of information, they may reduce or refuse to pay your claim.
You must not make any admissions or settle any claims made against you regarding your liability for an accident without the company’s prior written consent. They shall be entitled, but not obliged, to defend or represent you in any legal proceedings relating to an accident or event which may give rise to a claim against them, and to control, settle and deal with those proceedings as they see fit.
They will pay the legal and other reasonable related costs of defending any claim made against you, provided they appoint the solicitors who will defend the claim and the company has told you in writing that they will pay their costs.
