RAC Travel Insurance

Read the Finder.com.au RAC Travel Insurance Review and discover each policy's benefits.

Established in 1905 as the Automobile Club of Western Australia, RAC was originally a small group of passionate car owners. Fast forward to today and more than half a million vehicles are now covered under RAC membership. The organisation aims to put its members first and to work in the best interests of motorists.

In addition to roadside assistance and a range of auto services, RAC also offers a variety of insurance policies, including travel insurance. RAC Travel Insurance is designed to help you and your loved ones enjoy a safe and happy holiday wherever you may plan on travelling.

In order to offer competitive and effective cover RAC offers a range of affordable travel insurance policies to suit the needs of a variety of travellers, so read on to find out if they have a policy that could be right for you.

RAC Travel Insurance policy options

Travel Insurance RAC International Comprehensive

Travel Insurance RAC International

If you’re planning a trip overseas, you can choose from two RAC Travel Insurance International plans: the Essentials plan and the comprehensive Premium plan. Depending on the option you choose, you’ll receive cover for a range of common risks you may face while travelling abroad. At the top of this list is unlimited cover for overseas medical emergencies, including cover for emergency evacuation, hospital costs, medical costs and emergency dental treatment.

Features of the International Comprehensive policy include;

• Unlimited cover for overseas emergency medical expenses

• Unlimited cover for cancellation fees and lost deposits

• Up to $15,000 cover for luggage and personal effects
• Travel documents cover
• Rental car insurance excess cover
• Personal liability protection

Features of the International Essential policy include;

• Unlimited cover for overseas emergency medical expenses
• $1,000 cover for cancellation fees and lost deposits
• $2,500 of luggage and personal effects cover
• Travel documents cover
• Rental car insurance excess
• Accidental death
• Personal liability cover

RAC Travel Insurance Australia – Domestic Cover

Travel insurance is also an extremely important consideration even if you’re only planning on travelling within Australia. Unlike an International plan, a Domestic policy doesn’t include any cover for medical expenses. However, it does still provide protection against a range of common losses faced overseas. This includes:

• $7,500 of luggage and personal effects cover
• Rental car insurance excess cover
• Accidental death benefit
• Personal liability protection

RAC Annual Multi-Trip Insurance

If you’re a frequent traveller, taking out a separate travel insurance policy for every trip you take can be quite expensive. This is why RAC offers Annual Multi-Trip Insurance, which is designed to provide protection for all the trips you take over a 12-month period. Multi-trip cover is more affordable than a single trip policy, but it still provides much-needed peace of mind as it protects you for an unlimited number of trips.

You’ll be covered for all the risks you would see included on any normal travel insurance policy, such as:

• Unlimited overseas emergency medical expenses
• Unlimited cover for cancellation fees and lost deposits
• Travel delay
• Luggage and personal effects cover
• Personal liability cover

RAC Rental Car Excess Insurance

As RAC has a strong focus on motoring and motorists, it also offers a Rental Car Excess Insurance plan to its customers. If you rent a vehicle which is then stolen, crashed or damaged, this RAC policy will cover the cost of the insurance excess you would otherwise have to pay. Rental companies regularly charge a hefty excess for any damage, so this type of policy could save you a lot of money in the long run.

Medical Only Travel Insurance

You’ll be covered for:

• Medical
• Dental
• Compensation for luggage

Benefits of RAC Holiday Insurance

The exact level of cover provided differs from one RAC policy to the next, but the range of benefits offered includes:

• Overseas medical and dental expenses. This benefit provides cover if you suffer a medical emergency overseas. This includes cover for the cost of medical treatment, emergency dental treatment and ambulance transportation outside Australia. The Premium, Essentials and Multi-Trip plans all provide unlimited cover.
• Additional expenses. If you suffer an injury or illness, or if you die, RAC will pay the additional accommodation and transport expenses incurred by your relative or travelling companion as a result.
• Amendment or cancellation costs. Sometimes, circumstances beyond your control (for example losing your job unexpectedly) force you to either cancel your trip or cut it short. In such cases, your policy will reimburse you for the cost of any pre-paid deposits that cannot be refunded or for any cancellation fees you incur.
• Luggage and personal effects. If your luggage or personal effects are lost, stolen or damaged on your trip, you’ll be covered for the cost of their repair or replacement.
• Travel documents. If your travel documents and credit cards are lost or stolen on your journey, you’ll be covered for the cost of their replacement, as well as any legal liability resulting from their illegal use.
• Delayed luggage allowance. When a travel provider misplaces or loses your luggage for more than 24 hours, you’ll receive funds to buy emergency items like clothing and toiletries.
• Money. You’ll receive $250 of cover for money you accidentally lose or that is stolen from your person.
• Rental car insurance excess. If your rental vehicle is crashed, stolen or damaged, RAC will cover the cost of the insurance excess charged by your rental company.
• Travel delay. RAC will cover the cost of your additional accommodation expenses when your pre-arranged transport is delayed by circumstances beyond your control for at least six hours.
• Resumption of journey. This benefit provides cover for costs incurred if you have to return to Australia when a relative or business partner suffers a sudden serious injury, sickness, disease or death.
• Special events. If your pre-arranged transport is cancelled or delayed and you need to make alternative transport arrangements to get to a special event (such as a wedding) on time
• Hospital incidentals. When you are hospitalised, incidental costs such as phone calls and magazines will be covered.
• Loss of income. If you suffer an injury during your trip which prevents you from returning to work, you will receive a monthly benefit to replace your lost income.
• Disability. You will receive a lump sum benefit payment if you become disabled as a result of an injury you suffer on your trip.
• Accidental death. If you die as a result of an accident on your journey, your beneficiaries will receive a lump sum benefit payment.
• Personal liability. If you are deemed legally liable for causing bodily injury or property damage to a third party, your policy will cover you for any damages or compensation you have to pay.

RAC General Exclusions

As you’d expect from any insurance policy, there are certain circumstances where your RAC Travel Insurance claim will not be paid. This includes:

• If your claim arises from air travel other than as a passenger on a commercial aircraft.
• If your claim is a result of war or terrorism.
• If your claim is the result of the confiscation, detention or destruction of anything by customs or other authorities.
• If your claim is the result of an unlawful act committed by you.
• If your claim arises from any government prohibition or regulation.
• If you have travelled against the advice of your doctor.
• If you fail to take reasonable care to protect yourself and your property against loss.
• If your claim is the result of a pre-existing medical condition.
• If your claim is the result of pregnancy or childbirth.
• If your claim involves your suicide, attempted suicide or deliberate self-inflicted injury.
• If your claim arises from you being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• If your claim arises from anxiety, depression, or other mental or nervous disorders.
• If you participate in hunting, racing, BASE jumping, professional sports, hang gliding etc.
• If your claim is related to complications after elective surgery.
• If your claim arises from the insolvency of a travel agent, tour operator, accommodation provider or airline.
• If your claim involves you participating in riding a motorbike.

RAC Travel Insurance claims

Under an RAC Travel Insurance policy, you can receive a benefit when an insured event occurs and the insurer accepts your claim. However, there are important steps you can take to ensure that your claim is processed quickly and effectively.

The loss or theft of luggage, personal effects, travel documents or money must be reported to the police or relevant travel provider within 24 hours. You should also obtain a copy of any written reports as supporting evidence for when you lodge your claim.

If you are hospitalised or if you anticipate that your medical expenses will exceed $2,000, you’ll need to phone the emergency assistance number as soon as possible. You’ll also need to remember at all times to take all necessary steps to minimise your loss.

You’ll need to notify the insurer of any incident which may give rise to a claim as soon as possible, plus you’ll need to complete a claim form within 60 days of your return. RAC may also request certain documents and supporting information to help process your claim, such as police reports, valuations, receipts and medical certificates. You’ll need to provide these at your own expense.

RAC Travel Insurance FAQs

Q. Do I really need cover?

• A. Yes, travel problems can end up being enormously expensive and turn your dream trip into a disaster. Buying travel insurance is essential when you are planning any holiday.

Q. Who issues the insurance?

• A. RAC’s Travel Insurance is issued and administered by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd, who also arrange emergency assistance services and claims processing.

Q. How can I save money on cover?

• A. RAC members receive a 15 per cent discount when they take out a travel insurance policy.

Receive a quote for RAC Travel Insurance

RAC Travel Insurance offers a range of competitive policy options to suit the needs of a variety of travellers. It’s quick and easy to get a quote online, so compare RAC’s policy features and see how they stack up against other offerings on the market. This will help you end up with the right policy for your next holiday.