Find out why SCTI has become as popular as it is, around Australia and New Zealand, and review the cover available.
This review will give details of the cover provided under the different plans from Southern Cross. If you would like to take out cover from this insurer, you can follow the secure links below through to the Southern Cross website or enter your trip details to see how they compare to other insurers on the market. Since entering the insurance market in 1982, Southern Cross has grown to become a well-known and trusted insurer for Australian's and New Zealanders planning their next trip. Southern Cross offers a number policies to choose, including unlimited medical and evacuation cover, worldwide emergency assistance and free cover for dependent children.
Policies from Southern Cross - Receive a secure quote online
How do Southern Cross policies compare side-by-side?
Below is what you will be covered for under the Southern Cross Single Journey and Annual Frequent Traveller Policy. Please note that some of the cover options will have sub-limits applied for certain events, and that conditions may apply.
| Cover Feature | Individual Single Journey | Family Single Journey | Single Frequent Traveller | Family Frequent Traveller |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical and Evacuation | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Changes to Your Journey | $50,000 | $100,000 | $50,000 | $100,000 |
| Baggage and Personal Items | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| Cash and Travel Documents | $1,000 | $2,000 | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| Personal Accident | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| Personal Liability | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Rental Vehicle Excess | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
Who Underwrites Southern Cross Travel Insurance?
Southern Cross Benefits limited is a registered financial services provider and member of the Insurance and Savings Ombudsman. Southern Cross underwrites the TravelCare suite of products.
Want to see how well SCTI compares to 1Cover and TID? Find out here
What am I actually covered for?
Medical
Subject to all terms of your policy, you are covered for:
- Medical expenses and evacuation. If, as a result of an unexpected event, you require medical treatment during your journey, SCTI will reimburse you for your medical expenses. Medical evacuation is also covered, even if you need to be repatriated to Australia.
- Emergency dental treatment.
- Cash allowance while in hospital to help you cover necessary expenses.
- Extra travel and accommodation costs incurred if you are unfit to travel.
- If you are travelling alone and hospitalised for more than 10 days, SCTI will cover the cost of flights and accommodation for a friend or relative to travel from Australia and stay by your side.
- Funeral expenses.
Changes to your journey
- If you have to cancel or alter your journey before leaving Australia, for example due to an unexpected illness or the loss of your job, the policy helps you recoup the pre-paid expenses you’ve spent booking your holiday.
- Travel interruption. If your trip is delayed or disrupted, for example a delayed flight causing you to miss a connecting flight, cover is provided.
- Cover also applies if unexpected delays cause you to miss a special event, or if an unexpected event forces you to cut your journey short and return home to Australia.
Baggage and personal items
- Baggage and personal belongings cover for insured items that are lost, stolen and damaged items while travelling.
- Baggage delay. If an airline misplaces your baggage for 12 hours or more, you can be reimbursed up to the relevant limits for the cost of buying essential items of clothing and personal effects until your bags catch up with you.
Cash and travel documents
- Cover can include for lost or stolen cash.
- If your essential bank cards, travel documents or passports are lost, stolen or damaged, SCTI can reimburse you for the cost of their replacement.
Personal accident
- This covers things like death or disablement during your journey, as well as loss of income as the result of an injury.
- Cover is also provided for personal liability.
Personal liability
- Cover is provided for expenses you may be liable for
Rental vehicle excess
- Cover for rental vehicle excess is also available. If you hire a rental vehicle overseas and it is stolen or damaged on your journey, SCTI can reimburse you for the non-refundable excess payable to the rental company, up to the relevant limits.
Different cover options to suit your travel needs
SCTI offers two policy types depending on the number of trips you intend to take in a year, a single journey policy and an annual frequent traveller policy:
- Single policy. A single journey policy provides cover for a single journey overseas
- Annual policy. A annual frequent traveller policy provides cover for an unlimited number of journeys overseas, each no longer than 90 days, over a 12 month period.
This choice of options lets you select cover to match your situation. To ensure you are able to have cover in your destination, SCTI has three different regions to choose from:
- New Zealand and South Pacific
- Limited World – Excluding USA and Canada
- World – Including USA and Canada
Cover the kids for free
Southern Cross will provide free child cover provided they are:
- Your unmarried children, stepchildren, foster children, grand children, nieces or nephews
- Aged 17 years or under
- Not engaged in full-time employment
How does SCTI compare to other providers?
| Cover | SCTI | TID | 1Cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Do they cover cruise travel? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Do they cover ski related losses? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Who are they underwritten by? | Southern Cross Benefits Ltd | Certain underwriters at Lloyd's | Allianz |
| What is the cooling off period? | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days |
| Is there a group travel option available? | For groups of a maximum 11 people | For groups of more the 10 people | For groups of a maximum 25 people |
| Are dependents covered at no extra cost? | Yes, children under 17* | Yes, children under 21* | Yes, children under 21* |
| Is there an excess eliminator? | No | Yes | Yes |
| How long can single trips be on an annual policy? | 90 days |
| 90 days |
| What is the maximum age of people cover? | There is no age limit to purchase the TravelCare policy |
|
|
| Baggage & Personal Items | $25,000 | $12,000 | $15,000 |
| Travel Documents | $1,000 | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| Cancellation and trip interruption | $50,000 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Medical & Evacuation | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Personal Accident | $25,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Personal Liability | $1,000,000 | $2,500,000 | $5,000,000 |
| Rental Vehicle Excess | $5,000 | $4,000 | $5,000 |
Find out more about how these three insurers match-up
What is the Southern Cross Travel Insurance excess charged?
A $100 excess applies per event to any claims made under the Changes to Your Journey, Baggage and Personal Items, and Cash and Travel Documents sections listed above. For example, if your wallet containing your cash and credit cards is stolen and you make a claim, an amount of $100 will be deducted from the claim paid amount.
Back to topWhat are the benefits of SCTI policies?
SCTI are the only travel insurer in Australia selected by CANSTAR for the Outstanding Value Award in International Travel Insurance five years in a row.
Key Benefits:
- 24 hour worldwide emergency assistance
- overseas hospitalisation and medical expenses
- medical evacuation back to Australia
- travel cancellations and interruptions
- lost, stolen or damaged personal items
- personal accident
- personal liability
- rental vehicle excess
Worldwide Assistance
Southern Cross offers worldwide emergency assistance, giving you access to a global network of emergency medical resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you have an accident or get sick while on holiday, Southern Cross Travel Insurance Emergency Assistance can help you locate the nearest registered English speaking medical practitioner, arrange emergency medical evacuation and provide payment guarantees to hospitals or emergency clinics. This offers you increased peace of mind while overseas, along with the reassuring knowledge that help is available while you're travelling.
Am I able to make changes to my policy?
I want to extend my policy, can I?
You can contact SCTI to request an extension of your policy but some conditions apply
- No extension will be provided for Single Journey cover once the initial policy has expired
- No extension will be provided for a multi-trip policy once the 90th day of a journey has passed
- Events that have occurred before the new policy is issued will not be considered as unexpected
- You will need to let SCTI know reasons for the extension and where you plan to travel to
I want to amend my policy, is that possible?
You can amend your policy by contacting SCTI with your amendment details. An additional charge may apply and you cannot make amendments after your trip has started.
Back to topCan I get cover with a pre-existing condition?
Pre-existing conditions are excluded under a SCTI policy. However, you can seek cover for your pre-existing conditions during the policy application process by completing a simple online medical assessment. The results will be displayed to you before you decide whether or not to proceed with the policy, letting you make an informed choice about what you’re signing up for. An additional premium will apply if SCTI does offer cover for your pre-existing condition. If you do not want to apply for cover for a pre-existing condition, you can opt to leave these excluded during the application process.
There are some conditions, such as acne, asthma, migraines and hay-fever, that are automatically covered under Southern Cross Travel Insurance policies, unless otherwise specified.
| Condition Category | Definition | What you need to do |
|---|---|---|
| Controlled Condition (Covered Automatically | Condition is recognised as controlled and is automatically covered by Southern Cross Travel Insurance | You must tell SCTI if the injury or illness occurs after the start date of your policy but before the commencement of your journey |
| Covered Condition (Covered and Confirmed by Email) | The condition is covered one you have completed the medical assessment process and SCTI has received the additional premium payment and has confirmed payment has been received | You must notify SCTI if there is a change to your condition after the start date of your insurance but before the commencement of your journey |
| Pre-Existing Condition (Not Covered) | Condition is not covered after you have completed the medical assessment process | Condition will remain uncovered for the period of insurance |
| Pre-Existing Condition (Not Covered) | You do not want cover for the condition or you do not tell SCTI about your pre-existing condition | You are not able to inform SCTI about a pre-existing condition after your policy has started |
Can I get cover for my camera, jewellery or other expensive items?
SCTI provide the following cover for "unspecified items":
- $2,500 maximum payment for Jewellery/watches
- $3,000 maximum payment for unspecified Laptops/Tablets/Personal Computers
- $1,500 maximum payment other unspecified items per journey
The original purchase price less depreciation which is determined by the age of the item applied at reasonable rate by SCTI.
Southern Cross Travel Insurance cover for "specified items":
- $10,000 maximum payment per item
- $15,000 maximum total paid for all specified items per journey
The current value of the item will be paid. Additional cover for specified items can be taken out when purchasing cover.
What evidence will be required for specified items in a claim?
- Original receipt dated within 12 months from when item was specified for cover or
- Original receipt as proof of ownership and valuation dated within 12 months from when item was covered
- Documentation showing items specified on contents insurance policy dated within 12 months that item was specified.
How do I make a claim with Southern Cross?
Step 1
You will need to submit your claim using the SCTI online claiming system. The main Southern Cross Travel Insurance policyholder must enter their personal details including:
- Policy number
- Date of birth
- Last name
- Email address.
Once these details have been submitted, you will be forwarded onto your policy. To submit a claim, you must have access to an Australian bank account number.
Step 2
What section do I enter my claim under? You will need to determine the type of claim you are lodging. Options include:
- Medical & Evacuation. If you are claiming for an overseas medical expenses.
- Changes to Your Journey. If you are claiming for missed flights or cancelled accommodation and tour/s.
- Medical & Evacuation. If you are claiming for additional accommodation, travel, communication or meal costs incurred overseas as the result of an illness or injury.
Step 3
Where do I send my receipts and documents for my claim? Once you have submitted your claim online, SCTI will send you a confirmation email with your claim number. The email will also contain an attachment with a header sheet. You will need to print out, sign and send the header sheet to SCTI, along with original copies of any supporting documentation. Post all original supporting documents (along with your claim number) to:
Southern Cross Travel Insurance
PO Box 5176
SOUTH MELBOURNE
VIC 3205
Southern Cross Travel Insurance F.A.Qs
Q. Can I extend my Southern Cross Travel Insurance policy when I'm overseas?
- A. If you are overseas and you choose to extend your journey, you can request an extension of your policy by emailing SCTI at info@scti.com.au.
Q. Can I change my policy after I have applied for it?
- A. It is possible to make adjustments to your policy provided you have not yet departed Australia. An additional charge may apply for some amendments.
Q. I have a pre-existing medical condition, is it covered under the Southern Cross Travel Insurance policy?
- A. You can apply for cover by completing an online medical assessment during the policy application process. Once you have entered your travel details and selected that you have a pre-existing condition, you will be able to enter the name of the condition and if applicable, you will be prompted to provide more details about it. You will be able to view the results of your medical assessment with no obligation to purchase the policy. Depending on the travel related risk of your pre-existing condition, an additional premium will apply if SCTI are able to offer cover. If you choose to pay the additional premium, the condition would be considered a covered condition under the policy. If there is a change to your covered condition after your start date of Insurance, but prior to your start date of journey, you must notify SCTI. If SCTI does not offer cover for your pre-existing condition, or you choose to 'opt out' of having the condition covered under the policy, any claims arising directly or indirectly from the Pre-Existing Condition will be excluded under all sections of the policy.
Q. How do you cancel a Southern Cross Travel Insurance policy?
- A. If you are not completely satisfied with the terms and conditions of your policy, you may cancel within 14 days of purchase, but before your start date of journey, and receive a full refund provided no claims have been made. If you cancel later than 14 days after purchase, but before your start date of journey, you are still entitled to a refund, less a $35 cancellation fee. If you cancel your policy no claims may be made by you. No premium is refundable once a claim is made, or after your start date of journey. To cancel your policy, please use the online cancellation function on the SSouthern Cross Travel Insurance website.
Q. Am I covered for Cruise Trips?
- A. Yes. Worldwide cruises are covered by TravelCare travel insurance.
Q. Am I covered for Ski Trips?
- A. Yes, SCTI’s travel insurance provides comprehensive cover for ski or snow trips as part of their regular travel insurance policy.
Q. How long can I take for each trip with an annual multi-trip policy?
- A. You can be covered for 90 days per trip.
Q. Why is SCTI competitively priced?
- A. The cover is provided direct to you with SCTI acting as underwriter, insurer and retailer – there is no middleman.
Q. Does Southern Cross Cover Overseas Work?
- A. Yes, SCTIS's working overseas policy provides cover for New Zealand citizens or residents travelling overseas for 1 month or longer and automatically covers white collar and some types of manual work. Southern Cross Travel Insurance can be purchased while you are already travelling overseas. It is worth noting that this policy does not cover professional sport, heavy manual or hazardous work.
Q. Does Southern Cross Travel Insurance cover Terrorism?
- A. Southern Cross Travel Insurance will provide up to $100,000 per policy for Medical and Evacuation due to Terrorism. No benefit will be paid for other losses that are a result of terrorism.
Q. Is cover available for international students?
- A. Yes SCTI International Student travel insurance has been especially designed to provide cover for international students visiting New Zealand. This cover is available to visiting students with a current New Zealand visa.
Q. Does Southern Cross cover riding motorcycles or mopeds overseas?
- A. Southern Cross does not cover riding a moped or motorcycle in the following circumstances:
(a) If the capacity of the engine is more than 200cc
(b) If the driver and/or passenger is not wearing a helmet
(c) If the driver does not have a drivers licence that is valid in the country they are travelling in
Q. Who is covered under a “family” policy?
- A. An SCTI family policy will cover two adults, or two adults and any of their dependent children.
Q. Who is covered under an “individual policy?"
- A. Individual applies to one person, or one adult and any of their dependent children.
Q. How do I contact Southern Cross if I need emergency assistance?
- A. You can contact SCTI on 61 2 8216 0200, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Is Southern Cross Travel Insurance good?
- An APRA and ASIC regulated general insurer, SCTI insures hundreds of thousands of travellers.
- SCTI is a member of the Financial Ombudsman Service, the Insurance Council of Australia and a signatory to the Australian General Insurance Code of Practice.
- SCTI won the CANSTAR International Travel Insurance star rating award for Outstanding Value for the 2014 travel insurance survey. The CANSTAR ratings are awarded to companies that have ‘the right balance between price and product features’, and 2014 is the sixth year in a row SCTI has achieved this award.
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Trying to find out looking for travel insurance for two weeks I am waiting for knee replacement surgery am I covered for this if I have a problem with them not expecting anything as it is controls by meds till have it done only take meds when required am aged 62
Hi Diane,
Thanks for your question. finder.com.au is comparison service and not an insurer. Cover for pre-existing conditions vary from insurer to insurer and from case to case. You should contact the travel insurance brand you’re interested in to discuss your options.
All the best,
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We were advised at the airport not to continue with our travel plans so spent approx $5000 and bought new flight tickets home. Can we make a claim with our travel insurance policy?
Hi Louise,
Thanks for your question. It will depend on when you bought your policy. You’ll need to contact SCTI directly for claims, which you can do by calling 1800 196 484 or by heading to their claims page.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard
What travel policies cover riding motorcycles over 250cc when correctly licenced , and define a motor vehicle includes a motorcycle
Hi Bruce,
Thanks for your question. The highest listed engine capacity listed by the travel insurance brands in our panel is 250cc. For more information you may find our travel insurance for motorcycles page useful.
I hope this was helpful,
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Do any insurers / policies cover cancellation costs resulting from the financial failure of a service provider?
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Hi Mike,
Thanks for you question. There are some travel insurance brands that will cover financial default. Please consult our travel insurance for insolvency page for more information.
I hope this was helpful,
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Hi Noel,
Thanks for your question. finder.com.au is a comparison service and we are not permitted to may product recommendations. However, many providers will access your pre-existing condition at the time of application. As these providers offer cover on a case-by-case basis there is no guarantee you’ll be granted cover. Insurers that do offer cover for pre-existing conditions include InsureandGo (who claim to consider all conditions) and CoverMore (who assess medical conditions prior to travel issuing travel insurance).
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I hope this was helpful,
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Hi Leah84,
Thanks for your question. finder.com.au is a comparison service and not an insurer. What you are or are not covered for will depend on the policy and the insurer.
I hope this was helpful,
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I need to know , if by taking travel insurance, i need to cancel my trip and my flights,because of someone very close in my family might get very ill(dying), before a few days need to go on the holiday!
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I hope this was helpful,
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I hope this was helpful,
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Hello, what is the process is required to make a claim with your company?
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