How Does Bupa Travel Insurance Compare to Other Health Fund Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is important, whether you're travelling at home or abroad. Travel insurance protects your investment in your journey and makes sure that you make the most of your trip and get help if things go wrong. If you want travel insurance that provides comprehensive cover, so that you can enjoy your trip and have peace of mind knowing that you are covered anywhere you go, then Bupa Travel Insurance might be an options for you to consider.
Who Underwrites Bupa Travel Insurance?
Bupa Travel insurance is issued by Insurance Australia Limited (IAL).
How do the policies compare?
Bupa understands that different people have different needs, hence the need for different types of cover. For detailed benefits including covers for resumption of journey, dental expenses, liability and cancellation, please go to the company website.
- Unlimited cover for cancellation and rescheduled travel for both single members and couple or family members.
- Cover for additional expenses due to travel delays for single members is $10,000 and for family or couple members is $20,000.
- A cover of $2,000 for alternative transport to a special event for a single member and for family or couple members.
- For luggage and travel documents there is a limit of $500 per item or per set or pair of items for single members and for family or couple members.
- $100,000 overseas medical expenses and evacuation for single members and $250,000 for couple or family members.
- For luggage and travel documents the cover for single members is $3,500 and for couple or family members it is $7,000.
- Cover for accidental death and disability is $10,000 for single members and $20,000 for couple or family members.
- $300,000 overseas medical expenses and evacuation for single members and $600,000 for couple or family members.
- For luggage and travel documents the cover for single members is $5,000 and for couple or family members it is $10,000.
- Cover for accidental death and disability is $15,000 for single members and $30,000 for couple or family members.
- Unlimited overseas medical expenses and evacuation for both single members and couple or family members.
- For luggage and travel documents the cover for single members is $10,000 and for couple or family members it is $20,000.
- Cover for accidental death and disability is $25,000 for single members and $50,000 for couple or family members.
- Unlimited overseas medical expenses and evacuation for both single members and couple or family members.
- For luggage and travel documents the cover for single members is $12,000 and for couple or family members it is $24,000.
- Cover for accidental death and disability is $25,000 for single members and $50,000 for couple or family members.
How do these policies stack up side-by-side?
| Economy cover | Standard cover | Super cover | Super Plus cover | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singles | Couples & Families | Singles | Couples & Families | Singles | Couples & Families | Singles | Couples & Families | |
| Accidental death and disability | $10,000 | $20,000 | $15,000 | $30,000 | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| Additional expenses from travel delays | Reasonable cost | |||||||
| Cancelled or rescheduled travel | Unlimited | |||||||
| Hire vehicle excess waiver | $2,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | ||||
| Luggage and travel documents | $3,500 | $7,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $20,000 | $12,000 | $24,000 |
| Up to $500 per camera, portable electronic equipment and video cameras. Up to $500 on other items | Up to $2,000 per camera, portable electronic equipment and video cameras. Up to $500 on other items | Up to $3,000 per camera, portable electronic equipment and video cameras. Up to $500 on other items | Up to $4,000 per camera, portable electronic equipment and video cameras. Up to $500 on other items | |||||
| Missed connection | $2,000 | |||||||
| Overseas dental (limit) | $1,000 | $2,000 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| Overseas medical and evacuation | $100,000 | $250,000 | $300,000 | $600,000 | Unlimited | Unlimited | ||
| Personal liability | $1 million | $2 million | $2.5 million | $2.5 million | ||||
| Resumption of overseas travel | $1,500 | $3,000 | $1,500 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $6,000 | $3,000 | $6,000 |
What am I paying for?
Getting travel insurance from Bupa is beneficial as it provides different types of cover for different situations. Here are some of the benefits that Bupa Travel Insurance provides in the following cases:
- My flight was cancelled, am I covered? If your journey is cancelled, delayed, rescheduled or interrupted, Bupa Travel Insurance will cover any amount you have paid in advance for travel that is unused and you are unable to cover:
- For minor travel delays Bupa Travel Insurance will cover the reasonable costs of additional accommodation and meals up to $500 for single members and $1,000 for couple or family members.
- Bupa Travel Insurance will cover additional boarding fees for your domestic pets, up to $25 for every 24 hours you are delayed and up to a total of $500.
- What happens if my bags are stolen? If your luggage or travel documents are lost, damaged or stolen Bupa Travel Insurance will pay you a limited amount depending upon the insurance cover that you have opted for:
- You will be paid for video cameras, cameras, mobile phones and portable electronic equipment if they are lost, damaged or stolen.
- If your luggage has been misdirected, misplaced or delayed by your carrier, Bupa Travel Insurance will pay for emergency purchases of clothing and toiletries, up to $400 for single members and $800 for couples.
- This amount will be doubled if your luggage is still not returned to you after 72 hours.
- Bupa Travel Insurance will cover the cost of hire of ski or golf equipment due to damage or a delay in transit of your ski or golf equipment up to $1,000 per person and up to $5,000 in total on the Super Plus plan.
- If I get sick overseas, does Bupa cover medical expenses? In case you become ill, injured or need medical or dental treatment Bupa Travel Insurance will cover you according to the plan that you have taken:
- Bupa Travel Insurance will cover your overseas dental expenses of up to $1,000 for single members and $2,000 for couples.
- If you become ill or injured and are hospitalised for more than 48 continuous hours while you are overseas, they will provide you with $75 for every 24 hours you are required to stay in hospital, up to $6,000 for single members and $12,000 for couples.
- Bupa Travel Insurance will cover the cost of transporting you back to Australia or another place if you become ill or injured.
- Does Bupa provide a death benefit? If you die or become permanently disabled as a result of an accident caused by violent, visible and external means, Bupa Travel Insurance will pay your estate up to the maximum amount under your plan:
- If you die during the period of cover they will cover your overseas funeral or cremation costs or the cost of returning your remains to Australia up to $20,000.
- If you are unable to resume work due to injury, Bupa Travel Insurance will cover you for loss of income for up to a maximum of six months commencing on the 31st day after you were due to resume your usual work in Australia.
You are requested to refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for details on additional benefits.
Back to topWhy choose Bupa?
When selecting a travel insurance company, there are good reasons to choose Bupa Travel Insurance:
- Does Bupa provide comprehensive cover? Bupa Travel Insurance is committed to offering high-quality cover with a wide range of options to meet all your travel needs. So wherever your holiday takes you, they can help find the right cover for you.
- What if something goes wrong, can I contact Bupa 24/7? If the unexpected happens while you’re travelling overseas, emergency help is available 24 hours a day. If you have any difficulties while you are travelling, do not hesitate to contact Bupa's Emergency Assistance Hotline and you will be able to speak with one of their multilingual and highly trained staff, who are trained to handle a range of issues.
- I'm already a member of Bupa, is there a discount available? Bupa Travel Insurance members are important to them, and they know your bank balance is important to you. That’s why, as a valued Bupa health insurance member, you will receive a 15% discount on your travel insurance premium.
- How can I contact Bupa? You can contact them by phone, talk to someone face to face at one of over 100 retail centres or visit them online.
- I'm pregnant, can I still get cover? Yes. Bupa Travel Insurance provide cover for pregnant women up to and including the 24 weeks. This is provided that there have been no complications with this or any previous pregnancies.
How can I save money on cover?
Like many travel insurance brands, Bupa have specials and discounts. One of the Bupa benefits is the members discount.
- I'm a member, does that mean I can get a discount? Yes. If you're an existing Bupa health fund member, you are eligible to a 15% discount on travel insurance policy.
- How much is it going to cost me? If you're a Bupa health fund member, you can get cover from as little as *eight dollars a day.
- I need something to sweeten the deal, any promotions running? Yes. Bupa regularly run competitions for their members.
*Price based on a standard policy for a 20 year old travelling to Asia for 10 days, with a $500 excess
Back to topHow does it compare? Bupa vs NIB vs Medibank
Want to know how Bupa compares to other private health fund travel insurance policies? Below is a side-by-side comparison of three providers: Bupa vs NIB vs Medibank. Each of these providers offer discounts for existing members, Bupa offers the highest discount or 15%, while NIB and Medibank bother offer 10% member discounts.
| Cover | Bupa | NIB | Medibank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Policy Type | Super Plan | Comprehensive | Comprehensive |
| Medical Expenses Incurred Overseas | $Unlimited | $Unlimited | $Unlimited |
| Cancellation Costs | $Unlimited | $Unlimited | $Unlimited |
| Additional Expenses & Medical Evacuation | Reasonable cost | $Unlimited | $Unlimited |
| Luggage & Travel documents | $10,000 | $12,000 | $8,000 |
| Accidental Death | $25,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Personal Liability | $2.5 million | $2.5 million | $5 million |
| Rental Car Insurance Excess | $2,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| Cost | $78.67 | $87.30 | $77.40 |
Who is Bupa?
Bupa is a private health insurer whose aim is to help its members live longer, healthier and happier lives. As a long-serving healthcare organisation in Australia and New Zealand, Bupa is well-placed to support and look after your health and that of your family. Bupa pride themselves on not only delivering the highest quality health cover but also making it affordable. Bupa has been around for over 60 years and traces its roots in well known brands such as HBA, Mutual Community and MBF. Today, Bupa proudly looks after the health concern for over three-million people in Australia and New Zealand. Bupa strive to understand their members and know just how important long term health is to them. That’s why Bupa will provide you with the best* advice, support, care and treatment, and help you find the cover that suits your needs. Bupa provides a range of healthcare services that will help you live a healthier life, both in sickness and in health. Bupa offers travel, home, car and life insurance and also provides health phone coaching through Bupa Health Dialog, corporate health services through Bupa Wellness and eye care through Bupa Optical. Bupa's travel insurance stands out because of the situations they cover their clients for such as hire vehicle excess waiver, cancellation, overseas dental and medical treatment,cover for dependents (under the age of 21) and 24-hour emergency assistance. They provide you with a comprehensive range of covers including Super travel insurance, Standard travel insurance, Super Plus travel insurance, Economy travel insurance and Domestic travel insurance. You can select the one that matches your requirements.
Back to topI need to make a claim, what do I do?
Bupa Travel Insurance gives you immediate advice and assistance with your claim lodgement, round the clock. You can call them on 1800 112 449 or email them at travel.claimsenquiry@cgu.com.au. You must inform them of any claim within 30 days of completing or cancelling your journey. Bupa Travel Insurance requires that you provide them with an original copies of the police reports, valuations, receipts, declarations, or evidence of ownership and dental or medical records. Following are the details regarding the settlement of your claim:
- If Bupa Travel Insurance agrees to settle your claim they will pay for all the claims in total under each section of the policy for the plan you have selected.
- If they settle your claim, they will deduct the amount of the excess from the amount they are due to pay or Bupa Travel Insurance will ask you to pay the excess to them.
- If they agree to settle your luggage claim they will decide whether to repair the luggage, replace the luggage with the nearest equivalent or pay you the cost of repair or replacement.
- If Bupa Travel Insurance agrees to settle your cancellation claim and you have used frequent flyer points or a similar scheme to purchase your ticket, they will obtain the cost of an equivalent class airline ticket based on the quoted retail price at the time the original ticket was issued.
Bupa Travel Insurance will deduct your financial contribution, then multiply this figure by the total number of points lost and divide by the total number of points used to obtain your original ticket.
* The offers compared on this page are chosen from a range of products finder.com.au has access to track details from and is not representative of all the products available in the market. Products are displayed in no particular order or ranking. The use of terms 'Best' and 'Top' are not product ratings and are subject to our disclaimer. You should consider seeking independent financial advice and consider your personal financial circumstances when comparing products.
hi,
Do you cover missed flights due to illness?
and providing you a medical certificate for proof?
thanks
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for your question. finder.com.au is a comparison service and not an insurer. Bupa Travel Insurance do provide cover for cancellation and yes you will need to be able to provide them with substantiating evidence that a claimable event did happen.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard