Guide to Contiki travel insurance

Do I need travel insurance for Contiki tours?

Yes, you will need travel insurance if you're taking a Contiki tour. Here's the exact wording that Contiki uses on its website:

"It's a requirement of travelling with Contiki that you take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, evacuation expenses, personal liability & loss of personal property and Covid related expenses before you travel with us. It's also super important to check that your insurance covers all of the activities you'll be trying out, particularly any adventure activities (for all you adrenaline junkies)."

That about wraps it up - you need travel insurance on every Contiki tour you take. We agree with the policy, frankly - travel insurance might seem like something you can do without, but the impact of having to pay out-of-pocket for medical or cancellation outside your control is way to high. Plus, travel insurance isn't that expensive.

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Do I need travel insurance for other tour companies?

Contiki isn't the only tour operator, and most of the alternatives require you to have travel insurance, including other popular companies like G Adventures.

For example, to travel with G Adventures, you must have travel medical insurance with minimum coverage for medical emergency evacuation and repatriation of US$200,000 (or equivalent). It also highly recommends cancellation cover, although it is not compulsory.

Trvael insurance requirements for different tour operators

Why is travel insurance compulsory for Contiki tours?

The reason Contiki tours and most other tour operators insist on travel insurance is because of the risks inherent in travel. Some of the costs that can arise from these risks include:

• Large cancellation fees. Cancellation fees, for instance, can be more than 50% of your tour cost. If you cancel more than 45 days before your trip, Contiki will keep your deposit of US$200 As stated by Contiki . If you cancel a day out from your trip, you will lose 100% of your tour cost.
• Airline disruptions. If an airline delays a flight they will move you onto the next flight, but don't expect them to pay for the accommodation and activities you have paid for and missed out on.
• Expensive overseas medical costs. Many of these tours also travel to far-flung corners of the world, where health cover can be practically non-existent or very expensive. If you don’t have travel insurance, you’re directly liable for the costs if you need treatment or hospitalisation.
• Adventurous activities. Additionally, most tour operators cater for young adventurers who partake in high risk sports and activities. In these instances, requiring you to have insurance to cover yourself is not only in your own best interests, it is also good business sense on the part of the tour operator.

Contiki travel insurance

"I took a couple of Contiki tours when I was younger, one in New Zealand and one in South East Asia. I was really glad that they forced me to get travel insurance - I was young and invincible, so I probably wouldn't have taken it out otherwise. In both cases I didn't need to claim, but I was also doing extreme sports on both trips, so I was opening myself up to some really expensive bills if things had gone wrong. I don't remember the exact amount, but the travel insurance policy I ended up taking out was really affordable."

Tim Bennett

Insurance expert

Cancellation policy by tour provider

Each tour provider has its own cancellation policy. Typically, the closer you are to the commencement of your trip, the more you have to pay in cancellation fees. If you need to cancel your trip unexpectedly (e.g. a relative passes away), this is where travel insurance comes in handy.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What minimum level of travel insurance does Contiki require?

  Contiki requires you to take out comprehensive insurance cover. This must include cover for cancellation, personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, evacuation expenses, personal liability and loss of personal property. Importantly your policy must also cover any Covid related expenses before you travel with Contiki.

• Does Contiki sell or recommend a specific travel insurance policy?

  Contiki does not directly sell travel insurance policies. Travellers are responsible for sourcing their own comprehensive travel insurance. Contiki also does not officially recommend any particular insurer or policy. It is up to you to compare policies and ensure your chosen insurance meets all of Contiki's compulsory requirements.

• When should I buy my travel insurance for a Contiki tour?

  It is strongly recommended you purchase your travel insurance as soon as you have booked and paid for your Contiki tour. This is because many policies include cover for cancellation which starts from the date of purchase. Buying early means you are protected for unforeseen events that might prevent you from travelling even before your departure date.

• How do I prove I have travel insurance to Contiki?

  You will need to have your travel insurance policy details readily available to provide to Contiki. This typically means having a copy of your policy certificate or a document showing your insurer's name, policy number, emergency contact details and the level of cover you have. It is wise to carry both a digital and a physical copy of these documents.

• Can I use my credit card travel insurance for a Contiki tour?

  While some credit cards offer complimentary travel insurance, you must thoroughly check if the cover meets all of Contiki's compulsory requirements. Credit card policies often have limitations regarding age, duration of travel, specific activities or pre-existing medical conditions. Always read the Product Disclosure Statement PDS carefully and contact your credit card provider to confirm your cover is adequate before relying on it.

• Does my travel insurance need to cover specific adventure activities on a Contiki tour?

  Yes it does. Contiki tours often include a range of adventurous activities from bungee jumping to whitewater rafting. It is critical that you check the Product Disclosure Statement PDS of any travel insurance policy to confirm all planned activities are covered. Many standard policies exclude high risk sports and you may need to add an optional extra or choose a specialised policy.

• What if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

  If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you must declare it to your travel insurance provider when you apply for a policy. Failing to do so could void your cover. Most insurers will assess your condition and may offer cover with an additional premium or specific exclusions. It is essential that your policy explicitly covers your pre-existing conditions especially for medical emergencies while overseas.

Written by

Jessica Prasida

Travel Insurance Expert

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Jessica Prasida brings a decade of experience in the travel industry, including over four years as a travel agent and branch manager at STA Travel. She holds a Bachelor of Business and a Master of Marketing from the University of Technology, Sydney, as well as a Tier 1 General Insurance qualification that complies with ASIC guidelines. An avid traveller herself, Jessica combines her professional expertise with a passion for ensuring safe and enjoyable journeys for all travellers. Jessica was a Travel Insurance Publisher at Finder from 2019 to 2024. See full bio