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.

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Cristal Dyer

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David Gregory

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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

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16 Responses

    shkeki's avatar
    shkekiMay 7, 2016

    I need to know if we need to let you know about existing medical conditions (if any).

      Richard Laycock's headshotFinder
      RichardMay 9, 2016Finder

      Hi Shkeki,

      Thanks for your question. finder.com.au is a comparison service and not an insurance brand. You will need to inform your insurer of any relevant conditions when you apply for cover.

      I hope this was helpful,
      Richard

    Tanya's avatar
    TanyaSeptember 18, 2015

    Hello,

    If i travel with two children and my luggage is delayed, do you COVER MYSELF AND CHILDREN OR MYSELF WITH AN ‘ADULT ALLOWANCE’ out of which I will have to purchase needed items for my children?

    Thank you
    Tanya

      Richard Laycock's headshotFinder
      RichardSeptember 21, 2015Finder

      Hi Tanya,

      Thanks for your question. finer.com.au is a comparison service and not an insurer. RACV Travel Insurance is not part of the panel of insurers we have access to. Depending on the policy, RACV provide a benefit of $500-750 for luggage delay.

      I hope this was helpful,
      Richard

    Jasper's avatar
    JasperJune 19, 2015

    Am I covered for sea sickness during a sea cruise?

      Richard's headshotFinder
      RichardJune 19, 2015Finder

      Hi Jasper,

      Thanks for your question. finder.com.au is a comparison service and not an insurer, we do not have any affiliation with RACV Travel Insurance. It would depend on your policy whether or not you’re covered for medical costs while travelling. You’re best bet would be to contact RACV Travel Insurance directly, and ask them what your policy covers.

      I hope this was helpful,
      Richard

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