As the VIC/NSW border reopens, take a second to think about travel insurance
We know it's boring but domestic travel insurance could save you thousands of dollars and some serious heartache.
Celebrations are in order! The border between NSW and Victoria is finally opening up and we can start planning our next interstate getaway.
A road trip with friends? A long-awaited visit to family? Whatever's on the cards, it's going to be a good one. But there's one thing many Aussies forget when they head on a domestic holiday.
Travel insurance. Despite what you might believe, it isn't just for overseas trips. Domestic travel insurance can help with heaps of mishaps that happen while you're on holiday. Think lost phones, stolen wallets, and even the excess if you accidentally ding your hire car.
Domestic travel insurance will also reimburse you for the cost of your trip if you have to cancel because you're too sick or injured to go. In fact, according to NRMA, that's the most common reason people claim on domestic policies.
- Trip cancelled because someone's very sick (37% of claims)
- Lost, stolen or damaged luggage (14% of claims)
- Excess for a stolen or damaged rental car (9% of claims)
- Additional expenses because someone's sick or hurt (6% of claims)
Domestic travel insurance is also dirt cheap. As there's no need for medical insurance (thank you Medicare!) a 30 year-old traveller can easily get a week's worth of cover for less than $50.
For that price, you could be covered for the excess if you crashed a rental car, could replace your belongings if your bag was lost, and could claim the cost of your hotel back if you were suddenly too sick to go.
So why doesn't everyone get it? Well, as with everything, there are some setbacks. It's highly unlikely that domestic travel insurance will cover anything COVID-related. So if the borders suddenly slam shut again, you won't be able to claim for cancellations.
There are also other exclusions, such as claims that are related to drugs, alcohol or general reckless behaviour. However, there are ways to mitigate this risk, including arranging flexible flights or booking hotels with free cancellations.
Get a quote for domestic travel insurance
Planning a holiday close to home? Domestic travel insurance is probably cheaper than you think. Find out using the tool below.
Finally, some good news! Domestic travel is picking up, so some insurers have started offering cover again 🦘 Just remember, you won't be covered for any pandemic related claims if you do take out domestic travel insurance.
International travel insurance is limited and sometimes unavailable at this point.
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Still unsure?
Check out our explainer video on domestic travel insurance.
