RACV Travel Insurance

RACV has multiple plans tailored to domestic and international travel, but if you’ve got something out of the ordinary on the itinerary, you might not be covered.

Not enough reviews Write a review
Cristal Dyer's headshot

By

Cristal Dyer

Edited by

David Gregory

Updated

Fact checked
RACV Travel Insurance

Key takeaways

  • RACV members receive discounts and free dependent child cover under 25, exceeding typical industry standards.
  • Many adventure activities and specific medical conditions are often excluded; review the PDS for full details.
  • COVID-19 cover applies only to specific benefits with sub-limits, and customer satisfaction is slightly below the average of 4.26.

Pros

  • By becoming an RACV member, you can access generous discounts on its insurance policies. We struggled to find another insurance provider offering similar benefits.
  • Enjoy free cover for dependent children under the age of 25 on any policy. This is better than the industry standard that limits dependants to those under the age of 18 or sometimes 21.

Cons

  • RACV doesn't have much choice of optional cover and its detailed list of exclusions could be a turn-off for some. If you're looking for cover for some adventure activities, like sky diving, you'll have to look elsewhere.
RACV travel insurance is not currently available via Finder. You can head to the RACV website or compare alternative options available below.

Compare other options

Summary of RACV's International Comprehensive policy

Overseas medical and hospital expensesUnlimited
Emergency expensesUnlimited
Luggage and personal effects$15,000
Maximum age limit110

Benefit limits and age limit for single trip policies, from RACV's PDS effective 31 March 2026. Cancellation cover is a limit you choose when you buy.

How does RACV Travel Insurance cover COVID-19?

RACV covers COVID-19 in a variety of scenarios that include medical expenses and cancellation. Here's what you can expect:

  • Cancellation fees and lost deposits for travel and accommodation arrangements if your trip is cancelled or cut short due to COVID-19
  • Medical, hospital and emergency expenses outside of Australia if you are diagnosed with COVID-19
  • Emergency or additional expenses including travel and accommodation costs if you are diagnosed with COVID-19
  • Funeral expenses overseas if you die from COVID-19 during your trip
  • Cabin confinement and missed shore excursions if you've added the Cruise Benefits option, and ski pack costs if you've added the Ski and Winter Sports option

However, some exclusions apply, so it's important to review RACV's product disclosure statement (PDS) to ensure you'll have enough cover when you need it the most.

The COVID-19 benefits you get depend on your plan. Cancellation claims related to COVID-19 have their own sub-limit, which varies by plan, and the International Basics plan doesn't include cancellation cover at all. Rental Car Excess policies don't include COVID-19 benefits.

If RACV's COVID-19 cover isn't quite hitting the mark, we've compared all the providers that offer cover for COVID-19.

What policies does RACV offer?

RACV has a wide variety of travel insurance to choose from. If you're heading overseas, you've got Comprehensive, Essentials, Basics and Annual Multi-trip policies. For travel around Australia, there are Domestic, Domestic Cancellation and Rental Car Excess policies.

Travel plane luggage passport

International Comprehensive

Passport

International Essentials

Luggage

International
Basics

Hiking

Annual Multi-trip

Australian Map Icon

Domestic

Map

Domestic Cancellation

Luggage

Rental Car Excess

This insurance is issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd (Tokio Marine & Nichido). It comes with a 21-day cooling-off period and a choice of excess.

The cooling-off period gives you 21 days from the date of issue of your policy to make sure this is the right policy for you. You'll receive a full refund provided you have not started your trip and that you do not want to make a claim or exercise any other right under the policy.

Here's a breakdown of RACV travel insurance features

Standard features
Optional add-on
Exclusions

plus icon

Optional add-on

Even RACV's comprehensive cover doesn't include everything. If you're finding your chosen policy a bit lacking, there are some optional benefits that you can add on for an additional premium.

  • Cruise cover is all about loss or damage when you're exploring the high seas. It covers medical expenses and medical evacuation while on board the ship.
  • Ski and winter sports cover is essential if you plan on hitting the slopes. This add-on covers medical expenses, equipment hire and even prepaid ski passes, ski hire, tuition fees or lift passes if you fall ill.

cross icon

Exclusions

RACV has a ton of standard inclusions, especially if you opt for its Comprehensive cover, but, as with any insurer, there are certain conditions in which your policy won't pay out. They include the following:

  • The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issuing a "Do Not Travel" advisory to your country or region of intended travel
  • Errors, omissions or failure to obtain the relevant visa, passport or travel documents
  • You drive a vehicle (including a motorcycle) without a current Australian driver's licence or a valid licence for the country you're in (even if that country doesn't require you to hold one)
  • Travel booked or undertaken against the advice of your doctor
  • Travel booked or undertaken to seek medical treatment or review
  • Being under the influence or addicted to intoxicating liquor or drugs except a drug prescribed to you
  • Elective surgery including cosmetic treatment, body piercing or tattooing
  • Some adventure activities, including engaging in open water sailing, going rock climbing using ropes or climbing equipment and sky diving
  • Diving underwater using an artificial breathing apparatus
  • Unexpected pregnancy complications after the 26th week or childbirth after the 26th week that is accelerated by accidental injury

Make sure you review RACV's PDS for a detailed breakdown of what you can expect to be covered for, found under its list of general exclusions.

How to make an RACV Travel Insurance claim

You can contact the RACV claims team at 1300 207 387 to start the claim process. Alternatively, the quickest way to make a claim is by using the online claim lodgement following the steps below.

  1. Head to https://racv-onlineclaim.tmnfatravelinsurance.com.au/Account/Register
  2. Register with the email address you used to purchase your policy
  3. Complete your claim details by answering all sections
  4. Upload any supporting documents relevant to your claim
  5. Submit and your claim should be assessed within 10 working days

Here's the bottom line about RACV Travel Insurance

RACV offers one of the most varied suites of travel insurance offerings that we've seen. With 7 different levels of cover, you're likely to find something to fit both your budget and travel plans. Key benefits include free cover for dependent children under 25, no additional premium for motorcycle or scooter riding and new for old replacement of luggage.

The downside of RACV's cover is its lack of optional add-ons and long list of exclusions. Where some of the best travel insurance policies shine is the ability to tailor your insurance to make sure you're fully covered for every scenario. With RACV, if you're planning any high-risk activities or need to insure any of your belongings above the benefit limits, you're out of luck.

RACV not quite hitting the mark? You can compare it to other travel insurance companies here to find a better fit.

Frequently asked questions

Compare your travel insurance quotes

Add kids under the age of 1 by typing a "0" 0 traveller(s)

By submitting this form, you agree to our Privacy & Cookies Policy and Terms of Service . By entering an email address you agree to create a Finder account. We will send you an email to setup your password.

Compare other products from RACV

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by David Gregory as part of our fact-checking process.
Cristal Dyer's headshot
Written by

Writer
Add to Preferred Sources

Cristal Dyer is a travel writer at Finder. She has been writing about travel for over five years and has visited over 40 countries around the world. Cristal currently travels full-time, writing about her favourite cities and food finds, and she is always on the lookout for amazing flight deals to share. See full bio

More resources on Finder

Get rewarded $$ for switching with Finder Rewards

Find a better deal, save on your bills and get a free gift card. Sign up to be the first to hear about new Finder Rewards.

Ask a question

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms Of Service and Finder Group Privacy & Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

16 Responses

    Mel's avatar
    MelAugust 7, 2019

    Going on a cruise and plan to have a few drinks, not excessive though, wondering if we are covered if we have had a drink and anything happens.

      Jeni's avatarFinder
      JeniAugust 8, 2019Finder

      Hi Mel,

      Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.

      Normally insurers will have a general exclusion that prohibits claims where alcohol was the root cause. You can learn more about how travel insurers treat alcohol and drug use. To know the level of your travel insurance cover, please contact your provider directly.

      I hope this helps.

      Thank you and have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Jeni

    Geoff's avatar
    GeoffAugust 31, 2018

    does RACV travel insurance cover being picked up from a cruise ship at sea

      John Basanes's avatarFinder
      JohnAugust 31, 2018Finder

      Hi Geoff,

      Thank you for leaving a question.

      Upon verifying in the terms and conditions for RACV. If you take out any of the international travel insurance policies, you’re covered with cruise travel insurance which covers the following:

      Overseas medical expenses and medical evacuation
      Cancellations
      Luggage and personal items
      24-hour emergency assistance
      Emergency expenses overseas
      Pre-existing medical conditions and pregnancy

      Hope this helps!
      Reggie

    Keith's avatar
    KeithFebruary 4, 2018

    Does RACV Travel Insurance cover cost of repatriation to home should I have a serious accident or contract a serious disease or medical condition where I am required to return home on a special stretcher etc. and/or require in flight and travel assistance and/or medical assistance?

      Joshua's avatarFinder
      JoshuaFebruary 11, 2018Finder

      Hi Keith,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      Basically, RACV Travel insurance includes “Amendment or Cancellation Costs”. They will cover your trip amendments or cancellation due to circumstances outside your control and unforeseen at the relevant time. So in the event that you are sent home due to a serious accident or you got a serious disease or medical condition while overseas, you may have to contact RACV to confirm if you can get a claim for your trip cancellation costs.

      Although they have Resumption of Journey, they will only cover you for this if your repatriation is due to the sudden serious injury, sickness, disease or death *of a relative or business partner in Australia*. RACV can cover you for economy class transport costs.

      I hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Joshua

    Steph's avatar
    StephJuly 10, 2017

    I would like to know if RACV travel insurance covers you for a break up of relationship therefore not wanting to travel anymore?

      Jhezelyn Andoy's avatarFinder
      JhezelynJuly 11, 2017Finder

      Hi Steph,

      Thanks for your comment.

      The Comprehensive RACV travel insurance policy covers amendment or cancellation costs due to circumstances outside your control and unforeseen at the relevant time. Therefore, RACV (or any other travel insurance provider) will not provide any cover for cancellation due to breakup of relationship.

      You may try to contact RACV about this as cover varies from policy to policy.

      Regards,
      Jhezelyn

    bob's avatar
    bobFebruary 3, 2017

    does t/ insurance cover property rental if owners cancel my booking

      Richard Laycock's headshotFinder
      RichardFebruary 3, 2017Finder

      Hi Bob,

      Thanks for getting in touch. You will need to contact RACV about this as cover varies from provider to provider and policy to policy but generally policies won’t for scheduling and cancellations of that nature.

      Cheers,
      Richard

More guides on Finder

Go to site