Travel insurance can cover you for:
Some brands go further when it comes to COVID benefits. Benefits can include:
Some providers, including Cover-More and Easy Travel Insurance, won't accept COVID-related claims within 21 days of your trip. Just one reason you should get insurance as soon as you book your trip.
Jillian, Kerry and Tyson travelled from Sydney to Dallas. 10 days in, Tyson (Jillian's son) caught COVID, a day before the family was supposed to leave for a ski trip in Colorado. As a result, they had to rearrange their travel plans.
Unfortunately, Jillian got COVID later and the family had to send Tyson and Kerry home to Sydney, while Jillian stayed another 4 days until she tested negative. She then rebooked her trip home.
Their insurer, Southern Cross Travel Insurance, covered just under $3,000 in costs. The family paid a $500 excess to claim on 2 events.
Finder has partnerships with over 15 travel insurers that offer specific cover for COVID-19.
| Brand | COVID-19 medical expenses | Covid-19 related cancellation | Cooling off period | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Unlimited | 21 days | Bonus | |
 | $10,000 | 21 days | Bonus | |
 | $40,000 | 21 days | Get quote | |
 | $5,000 | 21 days | Bonus | |
 | $5,000 | 14 days | Finder AwardBonus | |
 | $5,000 | 21 days | Bonus | |
 | $4,000 | 21 days | Bonus | |
 | $4,000 | 21 days | Get quote | |
 | $2,500 | 14 days | Bonus | |
 | 14 days | Get quote | ||
 | $5,000 | 25 days | Finder AwardBonus | |
 | 14 days | Get quote | ||
 | 14 days | Get quote | ||
 | $3,500 | 21 days | Get quote | |
 | $5,000 | 21 days | Bonus | |
 | $5,000 | 14 days | Finder Award | |
 | $10,000 | 21 days | Get quote | |
 | $5,000 | 21 days | Get quote | |
 | $10,000 | 21 days | Bonus | |
 | $5,000 | 14 days | Get quote | |
 | 21 days | Bonus |
While many of these scenarios are uncommon now, it's worth keeping in mind you typically won't be covered for these COVID-19-related events:
Covid continues to be one of the main reasons our customers claim, and it looks like it's going to affect travellers for some time to come. Taking a look at the data for our International Comprehensive policy, it's clear claims spiked as travellers really started to take off around the world again. And, while there's been a dramatic slump since September '22, Covid still makes up 11% of all claims paid to customers across the two markets. On average we are paying out claims for cancellation and travel disruption due to Covid to the value of $1,500, which is a sizeable cost.
Jo McCauley
CEO - Southern Cross Travel Insurance
With travel plans changing all the time, you may want to choose flexible flight payment options – which have been offered by the likes of Qantas and Virgin – to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses if things go wrong.
"Look through each travel provider's terms and conditions, paying close attention to their wording on cancellations and refunds," explained Adam Glezer, travel expert and consumer rights advocate.
Glezer added: "If your terms and conditions are live on a website, make sure you print a copy for your records. In the event of a cancellation, you'll have the relevant evidence of your entitlements."
It's a good idea to try booking with flexible conditions for minimum hassle. Keep in mind, if you book through a third party such as a travel agent, you'll also have to deal with it for any refund or change requests.
Finally, be sure to check your passport has at least 6 months' validity before it expires.
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