Inbound travel insurance

Compare inbound travel insurance policies

Brand	Policy Name	Age limit	Medical cover	Cancellation cover	Apply
CoverMore	Inbound Plan	Under 70	Unlimited	Benefit limit chosen	Get quote How to apply
Easy	Inbound Plan	Under 70	Unlimited	Benefit limit chosen	Get quote How to apply

_{This information was last updated August 2023}

What is inbound travel insurance?

Inbound travel insurance for Australia is a specific type of cover designed for non-Australian residents visiting the country from overseas. It provides essential medical, cancellation, and luggage cover from the moment you leave your home country until you return.

Inbound travel insurance vs regular travel insurance

You need to be a resident (or temporary resident such as a visa holder) to get regular travel insurance. An inbound policy is designed for non-residents visiting Australia.

Many of the main benefits are similar to a regular policy, such as medical expenses, cancellations and alternative transport costs. But inbound policies have their own restrictions, such as no cover for snow sports and no option to suspend your policy. Check the inbound exclusions below before you buy.

General conditions for inbound travel insurance applicants

General eligibility requirements for inbound travel insurance include:

• You must be a non-resident of Australia travelling to Australia for a temporary period and then returning to your home country
• You generally must be under 70 years of age at the time the policy is issued (age limits vary between insurers)
• Your trip must include travel within Australia
• You must have purchased cover less than 12 months prior to arriving in Australia

What does inbound travel insurance to Australia cover?

Inbound travel insurance covers more than just your flight to Australia. You also get:

• Medical, evacuation and repatriation expenses. This section of the policy protects you from the prohibitive costs of receiving medical treatment overseas. It also covers you if you need to be flown home due to medical complications.
• Trip cancellation, delay or curtailment expenses and additional emergency expenses. If you're forced to cancel or rearrange your travel plans due to an unforeseen event, this benefit covers the additional expenses you incur.
• Loss, theft or damage of luggage and personal effects. If your luggage is lost or stolen, this provision provides you with a benefit up to the limit listed in the policy document.
• Replacement of passports and travel documents. If you lose your passport or your travel documents are stolen, this part of your policy covers you for the replacement costs you incur.
• Rental vehicle insurance excess. Rental car excess provides cover for the gap or excess charged by a car rental company in the event your car is damaged or stolen.
• Accidental death and funeral expenses. This cover provides your family with a benefit should you die while overseas and also provides cover for the costs of repatriation of your remains back to your home country.
• Personal liability insurance. If while you're in Australia you become liable for damages to a third party, this benefit covers you up to the benefit limit for the costs you are liable to pay.

Inbound travel insurance exclusions

Specific exclusions that apply to inbound travel insurance include:

• No cover for pre-existing medical conditions unless approved
• No cover for snow sports
• No provision for suspension of the policy
• No medical cover if you are entitled to Australian health benefits

There are also a range of general exclusions that apply to all travel insurance policies, including inbound travel insurance, where no cover is provided in the following circumstances:

Inbound travel insurance FAQs

• If I am an Australian citizen living overseas, can I get inbound travel insurance?

  Generally, no. Most inbound travel insurance policies are strictly for non-residents. If you are an Australian citizen living abroad, you are typically ineligible for these plans, regardless of how long you have been away. Instead, you should look for 'Already Overseas' or 'Expat' travel insurance, or a global policy from your current country of residence that covers travel to Australia. Always check the residency definitions in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before purchasing.

• Does inbound travel insurance cover COVID-19 related events?

  Most inbound policies cover COVID-19 medical expenses and cancellations if you test positive after buying the policy. However, cover rarely applies to government-ordered lockdowns, border closures, or general travel bans. Always check the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for specific benefit limits and mandatory waiting periods.

• Can I extend my inbound travel insurance policy?

  Many insurers allow you to extend your policy while you are still covered and meet their eligibility criteria. You must contact your insurer before your original policy expires to ensure continuous cover. Note that extensions are subject to approval and may not be available if you have already made a claim or have a new medical condition.

• What is the difference between inbound travel insurance and Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC)?

  Inbound travel insurance covers medical emergencies alongside travel-specific risks like trip cancellations, lost luggage and personal liability. Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) is a specific type of Australian health insurance designed to help temporary residents meet visa conditions (like Condition 8501) and cover essential medical costs. Unlike travel insurance, OVHC is generally required for working or graduate visas, covers some routine GP visits, and allows for elective 'extras' like dental or physio, but it does not cover any non-medical travel losses.

• Do I need a specific visa to get inbound travel insurance?

  No specific visa is required to purchase inbound travel insurance, as it is designed for any temporary visitor who is a non-resident. However, while a tourist, working holiday or student visa qualifies you for cover, this insurance does not satisfy mandatory visa conditions like 'Condition 8501'. If your visa requires Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC), you must purchase those specific products to remain compliant with Australian law.

• Can I purchase inbound travel insurance after I have arrived in Australia?

  Generally, no. Most inbound travel insurance policies require you to purchase cover before you depart your home country. While some insurers offer limited 'already arrived' options, these usually include a mandatory waiting period. It is best to secure your policy before leaving home to ensure you are covered for your flights to Australia.

• How long can I be covered by an inbound travel insurance policy?

  The maximum duration for inbound travel insurance varies between insurers but typically ranges from a few months up to 12 or 24 months. While many policies allow for extensions if you meet eligibility criteria, you must usually apply before your original policy expires. Approval for an extension is not guaranteed and often depends on your claim history and any new medical conditions.

• Does inbound travel insurance cover adventure activities?

  Many inbound policies automatically cover lower-risk activities like bungee jumping or whitewater rafting (grades 1–3) when booked through a licensed operator. However, higher-risk sports such as skydiving, hang gliding or off-piste skiing usually require an optional adventure add-on. Always check the Product Disclosure Statement for the full list of included activities and any specific safety requirements or engine capacity limits.

• How do I make a claim on my inbound travel insurance?

  To make a claim, you should notify your insurer and submit a claim through their online portal as soon as possible. You will need to provide supporting documents such as itemised medical reports, police reports for theft, original receipts or airline correspondence. Keep all digital and physical copies of your documentation, as insurers typically aim to provide an assessment or update within 10 business days of receiving your completed claim.