Cheap basic travel insurance from $3.36/day November 2026

What does basic travel insurance cover?

Entry-level travel insurance policies are designed to protect you from some of the more common scenarios. Compare basic travel insurance policies by looking at what they cover, including:

• Overseas medical expenses. Without cover for these expenses, overseas injury or illness might leave you deeply in debt.
• Medical evacuation and repatriation. If you need to be medically evacuated or repatriated, such as if you break a leg and need an airlift while mountain climbing, or develop an illness that requires you to be return to Australia under medical supervision, travel insurance can cover it. These expenses also typically run into thousands or tens of thousands of dollars.
• Personal liability. If you find yourself on the hook for personal legal liability when overseas – for example, if you’re involved in a car crash and the other party decides to sue you – basic travel insurance can cover the costs.

How much does a basic travel insurance policy cost?

You can get basic travel insurance from around $3.36 per day. To put that into context, we got quotes for a 2 week trip to Bali. Basic travel insurance policies ranged from around $47 to $180. By comparison, a comprehensive policy is likely to start from around $80 but it covers you for much more.

Is basic cover enough? What level of travel insurance do I need?

Before you choose essentials-only travel cover, you might ask yourself some questions to make sure it works for you.

• Where am I travelling and how long will I be away? Find a policy that covers you for all of your destinations and for the amount of time you will be travelling. If the Australian Government has issued a Do not travel (level 4) advisory for your destination, claims arising from the reason for that warning will generally not be paid. Check Smartraveller and your PDS before you travel.
• Do I have any pre-existing conditions? You might not be able to count on all insurers offering equal cover of pre-existing conditions. If this is relevant to you it is important to understand how your policy covers pre-existing conditions and which insurers might be more or less flexible.
• What do I want to do on my holiday? Will you be riding a motorbike, going skiing or participating in adventure sports? If so, you may need to check your policy’s list of exclusions and get additional cover.
• Do I just need cover for myself or for my whole family? Ideally your children will have cover too. You may want to look for a special family travel insurance policy, but you can also save money by finding travel insurance with free cover for kids.
• What happens if something goes wrong? Think about what would happen if the airline lost every single piece of luggage you were travelling with. And what if you lost your job, had to cancel your trip and really needed to get those non-refundable deposits back? Consider the real-world consequences of different situations for an idea of what type of cover you may need.

How to save money on travel insurance

Sticking to basic travel insurance can save you money, and following these tips can save you even more.

• Shop around. Don’t settle for the first policy you come across. Comparing quotes online is both fast and simple.
• Choose a bigger excess. Many insurers will give you the option to choose a higher excess in return for lower premiums.
• Keep an eye out for discounts. Promotions and discounts from insurers can help you enjoy sizeable savings, while promo codes are an incredibly easy way to pay less for the same cover.

Frequently Asked Questions About Basic Travel Insurance

• What does basic travel insurance typically not cover?

  Basic travel insurance focuses on medical emergencies, repatriation and personal liability. It generally does not cover non essential items like lost or stolen luggage, trip cancellations, rental car excess or adventure sports, unless specifically added and paid for. Always check your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for a full list of exclusions.

• Does basic travel insurance include cover for lost or stolen luggage?

  Typically, no. Basic travel insurance policies usually do not include cover for lost, stolen or damaged luggage and personal belongings. This type of cover is generally found in comprehensive travel insurance policies. If luggage cover is important to you, you may need to upgrade your policy or look for an insurer that offers it as an optional extra.

• Will basic travel insurance cover trip cancellations or delays?

  Generally, basic travel insurance does not cover trip cancellations or delays. These benefits are usually part of a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Basic cover is primarily designed for emergency medical expenses, repatriation and personal liability. If you are concerned about losing money due to cancellations or delays you should consider a higher level of cover.

• Is basic travel insurance the same as medical only travel insurance?

  Often, basic travel insurance is very similar to medical-only travel insurance. Both focus on overseas medical expenses, medical evacuation and repatriation. However, some basic policies might also include a small amount of personal liability cover, which medical-only policies may not. Always compare the specific inclusions of each policy.

• Does basic travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?

  Cover for pre-existing medical conditions varies significantly between insurers, even for basic policies. Some insurers may automatically cover certain common conditions, while others require you to declare all conditions and may apply an additional premium, an exclusion, or refuse cover. It is crucial to declare all pre-existing conditions when applying and read your PDS carefully.

• Can I buy basic travel insurance for domestic trips within Australia?

  While some insurers offer basic domestic travel insurance, most basic policies are geared towards international travel, focusing on overseas medical emergencies. Domestic policies are a different product. They usually cover cancellation, luggage and rental car excess rather than medical expenses, because Medicare already covers you in Australia. Always verify the specific inclusions for domestic policies.

• Are there age restrictions for purchasing basic travel insurance?

  Yes, many travel insurance policies, including basic ones, have age restrictions. While some insurers offer cover for all ages, others may have an upper age limit such as 75 or 80. Travellers over a certain age may also face higher premiums or specific exclusions. It is essential to check the age eligibility criteria with each insurer.

• What is an excess and how does it apply to basic travel insurance?

  An excess is the amount you pay out of your own pocket when you make a claim before your insurer pays the rest. For basic travel insurance choosing a higher excess can lower your premium. For example, if your claim is $1,000 and your excess is $250, you will pay $250 and your insurer will pay $750.

• What should I do if I have a medical emergency overseas with basic travel insurance?

  If you have a medical emergency overseas first seek immediate medical attention. Then contact your insurer's 24 hour emergency assistance line as soon as it is safe to do so. They can guide you through the process, approve treatment and arrange medical evacuation or repatriation if necessary. Keep all medical records, receipts and contact details.

Written by

Gary Ross Hunter

Journalist

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Gary Ross Hunter has over 6 years of expertise writing about insurance, including life, health, home, and car insurance. Having reviewed hundreds of product disclosure statements and published over 800 articles, he loves simplifying complex insurance topics for everyday readers. Gary has contributed to major outlets like Yahoo Finance, The Sydney Morning Herald, and news.com.au, and holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Literature from the University of Glasgow, along with a Tier 2 General Advice certification, ensuring his work adheres to ASIC’s RG146 standards. See full bio

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Gary Ross has written 521 Finder guides across topics including:

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