Understanding Travel Insurance for Australia,
Travel insurance protects against unexpected bumps in your Australian trip. It covers trip cancellations, lost bags, medical situations, and other unanticipated problems. Australia's healthcare system might be costly for visitors; however, appropriate coverage is essential. The Australian government advises travel insurance for all non-residents.
Research and Compare Different Policies,
Don't jump right into purchasing the first policy you come across. Many Australian internet comparison sites allow you to evaluate insurance side-by-side. This offers the best value for your money and coverage that fits your requirements.
Check Coverage for Medical Expenses,
Medical emergencies can cause outrageous Australian expenses. Ensure your policy provides enough medical coverage, including repatriation and emergency medical evacuation. Though some policies offer "unlimited" coverage, carefully review the fine print for any sub-limits or exclusions.
Consider Coverage for Trip Cancellations and Interruptions,
Life takes place. Travel cancellation or interruption coverage pays non-refundable trip charges if you cancel or shorten your vacation for covered reasons—such as illness, family emergency, or natural disaster. Note: Pandemic-related cancellations could have specific exclusions; thus, read closely.
Assess Luggage and Personal Belongings Coverage,
Lost or stolen bags can ruin a vacation. Review your item limitations and coverage amount. Specific rules include more restrictions for particular things like jewellery or technology. Before your travel to speed claims, list your valuables with pictures and receipts.
Verify Coverage for Adventure Activities,
Australia offers exciting thrills, from scuba diving to bungee jumping. Standard policies might not address these kinds of activities. If you intend to engage in adventurous pursuits, look for supplementary "adventure sports" add-ons or select a policy created especially for adventure enthusiasts.
Examine the Policy's Excess/Deductible,
The extra you pay for each claim out-of-pocket is the excess. Usually, a more considerable excess indicates a reduced premium, but should something go wrong, it also raises your financial load. Select an excess you can afford to pay.
Read Reviews and Ratings,
Customer reviews provide insightful analyses of claims procedures, customer service, and a business's general dependability. Search websites for reviews to learn how other passengers have experienced various services.
Look for 24/7 Emergency Assistance,
Emergencies don't follow corporate hours. Choose a policy with 24/7 emergency assistance—ideally with bilingual support if necessary. This guarantees your access to assistance wherever and whenever you need it.
Read the Fine Print (PDS),
The product disclosure statement (PDS) is your insurer's contract. It lists every element of your insurance, including coverage, exclusions, restrictions, and claims processes. Don't overlook this critical stage; a comprehensive knowledge of the PDS will help you avoid unpleasant surprises later.
Provider | Policy Type | Medical Expenses (Overseas) | Cancellation Cover | Luggage & Personal Effects | COVID-19 Cover | Additional Benefits | Discounts/Incentives | Excess | Age Limits | Pre-existing Conditions |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1Cover | Comprehensive, Medical Only, Seniors | Unlimited | Up to $50,000 | $15,000 | Included in some plans | 24/7 assistance, covers children | Variable, view PDS for details | Variable | Up to 80 for some plans, view PDS for details | Must declare |
ahm/Medibank | Comprehensive, Medical Only, Domestic, Annual Multi-Trip | Unlimited | Up to $Unlimited | $8,000-$25,000 | Included | 24/7 assistance, free cover for children under 18 | 10-15% discount for members | Variable | Up to 85 for some plans, view PDS for details | Must declare |
Allianz | Comprehensive, Basic, Domestic, Multi-Trip | Up to $40 million | Variable | Up to $20,000 | Included in some plans | 24/7 assistance, add-ons available | Variable | Variable | Up to 74 for some plans, no limit for others | Must declare |
AIG/Qantas | Comprehensive, Basic, Domestic | Unlimited | Up to $10,000 | Up to $15,000 | Included for medical expenses & trip cancellation | 24/7 assistance, add-ons available, Qantas points | Qantas points | Variable | No upper age limit | Must declare |
Budget Direct | Comprehensive, Basic, Domestic | Unlimited | Up to $10,000 | $10,000 | Included in some plans | 24/7 assistance | 15% online discount | Variable, from $50 | Up to 70 for some plans, no limit for others | Must declare |
Bupa | Comprehensive, Basic, Domestic | Unlimited | Up to $10,000 | $12,000 | Included in some plans | 24/7 assistance | 15% off for Bupa Health members | Variable | Up to 74 for some plans, no limit for others | Must declare |
CommBank/Cover-More | Comprehensive, Essentials, Medical Only, Cancellation Only, Domestic | Unlimited | Variable | Variable | Included for medical expenses, optional for cancellation | 24/7 assistance, Add-ons | Potentially included with credit cards | Variable | Up to 80 (credit card insurance) | Must declare |
Cover-More | Comprehensive, Basic, Domestic, Annual Multi-Trip | Unlimited | Variable | Up to $25,000 | Limited | 24/7 assistance, add-ons available | Velocity Frequent Flyer Points | Variable | Up to 99, restrictions apply | Must declare |
Fast Cover | Comprehensive, Basic, Domestic | Unlimited | Up to Unlimited | $15,000 | Included in some plans | 24/7 assistance, add-ons available | None listed | Variable | Up to 89 | 43 conditions automatically covered, must declare others |
InsureandGo | Comprehensive, Basic, Domestic | Unlimited | Up to Unlimited | Up to $15,000 | Included in some plans | 24/7 assistance, add-ons available, covers children | Discounts for Couples (10%), potential prize draw | Variable, from $100 | Up to 100, restrictions apply | Must declare |
Southern Cross | Comprehensive, Basic, Domestic | Unlimited | Up to $2,500 | $25,000 | Included for Medical only | 24/7 Emergency Assistance, add-ons available | Prize draw for $15,000 | Variable | 0 - 118 | Must declare |
Tick | Comprehensive, Basic, Domestic | Unlimited | Variable | Variable | Included in some plans | 24/7 Emergency Assistance, Kids go free | 12% online discount | Variable | Up to 100 for some plans, view PDS for details | Must declare for some plans |
World2Cover | Comprehensive, Basic, Domestic, Family | Unlimited | Variable | $15,000 | Included in Top and Domestic cover | Covers dependants up to 25, free cover for unlimited dependants | 10% discount for couples, on the youngest adult's base premium | Variable | 18-75 | Must declare |
World Nomads | Comprehensive, Basic | $100,000 - Unlimited | $2,500-$10,000 | Up to $10,000 | Included | Adventure activities, buy/extend online | None specified | Variable | Under 70 | Not covered |
Worldcare | Comprehensive, Basic | Up to $40 million | Variable | $20,000 | Included for some plans | 24/7 assistance, add-ons | 10% discount (limited time) | Variable | Up to 86 | Must declare |