Expat travel insurance

Compare expat travel insurance if you need long term cover.

Brand	Maximum length covered in one trip	How does it work?	Enquire
Medibank	12 months	You can purchase the new cover subject to approval. The total duration of cover cannot exceed 12 months.	Get quote
Freely	Limit not specified in the product disclosure statement (PDS)	You can extend your trip by changing your return date in the Freely app. If you buy a policy after you've left Australia, there's a 3-day no-cover period.	Get quote
Zoom	12 months	You can apply to extend your policy through Zoom's online policy manager before it expires. You must buy your policy before you leave Australia.	Get quote
Fast Cover	24 months	You can purchase a 12-month policy and apply to extend it for another 12 months after your trip has started.	Get quote
Insure4Less	12 months	You can extend your policy while overseas, up to 12 months in total from when cover first started. If it has already expired, you'll need to apply for a new policy, with no cover for the first 48 hours.	Get quote
Travel Insuranz	12 months	You can extend your policy while overseas, up to 12 months in total from when cover first started. If it has already expired, you'll need to apply for a new policy, with no cover for the first 48 hours.	Get quote
InsureandGo	12 months	Cover can be extended, subject to approval from InsureandGo.	Get quote
Tick	12 months	Cover can be extended, subject to approval from Tick.	Get quote
World2Cover	12 months	You can purchase the new cover subject to approval. The total duration of cover cannot exceed 12 months.	More info
Cover-More	12 months	You can purchase the new cover subject to approval. The total duration of cover cannot exceed 12 months.	Get quote
Southern Cross	12 months	You can purchase the new cover subject to approval. The total duration of cover cannot exceed 12 months.
Easy	12 months	You can purchase the new cover subject to approval. The total duration of cover cannot exceed 12 months.	Get quote
Australia Post	12 months	You can purchase the new cover subject to approval. The total duration of cover cannot exceed 12 months.	Get quote
Travel Insurance Saver	Limit not specified in the product disclosure statement (PDS)	You can make most changes to your policy online. If you buy a policy while already overseas, there's no cover for the first 48 hours.
1cover	12 months	You can apply to extend your policy online before it expires. If your cover has run out, 1cover's Already Overseas plan covers trips of up to 90 days, with no cover for the first 72 hours.	More info
Worldcare	12 months	Apply for a new policy before your original cover expires. If accepted, it's a new policy rather than an extension, and it can run for up to 12 months.

^{Note: This information was last updated October 2026.}

Why might I need expat travel insurance?

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, at any given time there are approximately one million Australians living and working overseas. Here are some key reasons why having expat travel cover is important:

• Overseas medical expenses. Medicare and your private health insurer won't cover you for any medical costs you incur overseas, so adequate cover for your overseas hospital bills is crucial. Without it, you could be left to deal with a huge financial fallout.
• Cover when you're already overseas. If you're already overseas, many Australian travel insurers will refuse to cover you, so expat travel insurance can help you get this vital protection.
• Cover for short trips. If you're an Australian citizen temporarily living overseas, you may want travel insurance cover to provide protection when you take short trips from your current country of residence. For example, if you're temporarily living and working in the UK, you might want to take a holiday around continental Europe.
• Cover for trips home to Australia. Currently living overseas but planning a quick trip home to Australia to catch up with family and friends? You'll need to find a policy that covers you for the duration of the journey.
• Liability cover. If you accidentally injure someone or damage their property while you're overseas, travel insurance will often include liability cover up to $20 million.
• Other important benefits. Travel insurance also covers a wide range of other potentially costly mishaps, including cancellation costs when you're forced to call off your trip due to circumstances beyond your control, and lost or stolen luggage or travel documents.

Types of cover or travel insurance for Australian expats

There are several cover options available for Australian citizens living and working overseas:

• Already overseas cover. A number of Australian travel insurance providers offer cover for Australians already overseas. These policies offer the same level of cover as ordinary travel insurance, but you may need to serve a waiting period before cover begins and most insurers will require your journey to end in Australia.
• Travel insurance from an international provider. Travel insurers in other countries can provide cover to an Australian citizen living overseas. However, keep in mind that many insurers in countries around the world won't offer cover to non-residents, so you'll need to check the fine print closely and shop around for the right policy.
• One-way cover. This type of policy covers you on your outgoing trip only and lets you make a claim without having to return to Australia.
• Long-term cover. If your work or study abroad is only for a limited period, a long-term travel insurance policy may offer adequate protection. Some insurers offer "backpacker" cover for journeys up to 18 months long.
• Cover for other countries. If you plan to visit neighbouring countries while you're overseas, you'll need travel insurance that covers trips to those destinations. You may be able to purchase non-resident travel insurance from an insurer in the country where you are currently residing, or in some cases, you may be able to include cover as part of the policy you purchase before you first leave Australia.
• Reciprocal Health Care Agreement. You may be eligible to receive subsidised health care if you are travelling to a country that is part of the RHCA.

What about countries with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA)?

In some overseas countries, Australian travellers are able to access essential medical treatment for minimal or no charge. This is due to the Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCAs) that the Australian Government has in place with the following countries:

What each agreement covers is different in every country, so check the rules for where you are going. To get subsidised essential medical care in an agreement country you need to show:

• Your Australian passport or another valid document that shows you are a permanent resident of Australia
• A valid Medicare card

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Frequently asked questions

• What is the definition of an Australian expat for travel insurance purposes?

  An Australian expat for travel insurance refers to an Australian citizen temporarily or long-term residing overseas. Insurers often require you to be an Australian resident for the policy to be valid. Some policies may cover permanent residents, but you should always check the specific product disclosure statement.

• Does expat travel insurance cover me if I am working overseas?

  Yes, expat travel insurance can cover you while working overseas, but specific conditions apply. It usually covers unexpected medical emergencies and personal liability but may not cover claims arising directly from your work activities, such as work related injuries. Always check your policy's terms and conditions regarding employment overseas.

• What is the difference between expat travel insurance and expat health insurance?

  Expat travel insurance provides cover for unexpected events during your travels, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations and lost belongings. Expat health insurance on the other hand offers comprehensive medical coverage for routine doctor visits, specialist consultations and ongoing medical treatments while you are residing in a foreign country. They serve different purposes and often complement each other.

• Will my expat travel insurance cover me for extreme sports or adventure activities?

  Most standard expat travel insurance policies do not automatically cover extreme sports or adventure activities. If you plan to participate in activities like skiing, snowboarding, diving, or bungee jumping, you may need to purchase an optional add on or a specialised policy. Always declare your planned activities to your insurer.

• What factors influence the cost of expat travel insurance?

  The cost of expat travel insurance is influenced by several factors, including your age, the duration of your trip, the countries you plan to visit, the level of cover you choose, and any pre-existing medical conditions. Optional extras like cover for adventure sports or high value items will also increase the premium.

• Can students studying overseas get expat travel insurance?

  Yes, Australian students studying overseas can typically get expat travel insurance. Many insurers offer specific policies tailored for students which can cover long-term stays, medical emergencies, study interruption and personal belongings. Some education institutions may also require you to have certain levels of insurance.

• How do I make a claim on my expat travel insurance policy?

  To make a claim on your expat travel insurance policy you usually need to contact your insurer as soon as reasonably possible. You will need to provide supporting documentation, such as medical reports, police reports, receipts and proof of ownership for lost items. Follow your insurer's specific claims process which is detailed in your product disclosure statement.

• What is typically not covered by expat travel insurance?

  Expat travel insurance typically does not cover pre-existing medical conditions unless declared and approved by your insurer. It also won't cover acts of war, terrorism, self-inflicted injuries, illegal activities, or claims arising from being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It also generally excludes routine medical check ups or cosmetic procedures.