Heading on an international trip? Whether you’re stepping off the grid or living it large, travelling overseas can be truly life-changing. However, unexpected hurdles can threaten to throw your holiday off course, making it tricky to navigate your next step. When disasters strike overseas you don’t want to find yourself in a foreign place without protection. Taking international travel insurance can help you enjoy your trip abroad, no matter what lies ahead.
Why you need travel insurance
It can seem like an afterthought but in fact, travel insurance is the number one most significant item you can take away with you on holiday. From a bad case of gastro to a bike-ride gone belly up, travel insurance can help you get you back on your feet while covering your medical fees. Still not convinced you need travel insurance? Read on to find out more.
Compare International Travel Insurance
When searching for the maximum cover, it's a good idea to compare a few different companies to see which policy gives you the best bang for your buck! To get a comprehensive quote specific to your trip, use the quote box at the top of the page.
What does International Travel Insurance Cover?
24/7 Medical assistance
Falling ill or getting injured abroad can be a particularly frightening experience, especially when you’re not able to cover the cost of your medical expenses, which can be exorbitant in some cases. Travel insurance can cover your unexpected medical emergencies and provide you with 24/7, round-the-clock assistance.
Cancellation cover
An unpredictable world can upend your holiday, leaving you and your travel companions in the lurch. Mid-range to comprehensive insurance policies can guard your overseas holiday from unforeseen events. Policies can differ so travellers are urged to research their options.
Lost or damaged Luggage
Nothing dampens the holiday spirit quite like a missing suitcase. Travel insurance can provide you with peace of mind knowing that your personal belongings are protected. Depending on your level of cover, your belongings may be reimbursed up to a set-limit, or you can purchase additional cover for high value items.
Travel delays
Bummer, your flights delayed, now what!? If your transport is postponed due to an unforeseen reason, your out-of-pocket accommodation, meals, and transport costs would be covered until you get back-on-track. Note, this benefit probably won't kick in if you only have a short delay which is less than 6 hours.
Family emergency
It's always a worry going on holiday leaving loved ones behind. Never fear, should a close relative, or the person you’re travelling with become seriously ill, injured or heaven-forbid die, your travel expenses would be claimable. Restrictions can apply for relatives age, medical conditions and where they live.
Personal liability
A lawsuit would certainly put a dampener on your dream holiday. Relax as you're covered in the event that you are found to be legally liable for accidental injury or damage you may have caused to another person or their property whilst on your trip.
What doesn't it Cover?
Let's face it, travel insurance can't cover everything! Just like waiting periods with your health insurance, or drink-driving exclusions with your car insurance, similar conditions apply to your travel protection. Here's a few things to be aware of that might not be covered.
Pre-existing illnesses: Some medical conditions that exist before you travel may not be covered. If you've recently been in hospital, have planned surgery, or suffering from a serious illness where overseas treatment is likely, you may find getting cover is tricker than usual. That's not to say if you do have a pre-existing condition you can't get cover at all, you may just need to have your condition assessed before cover can be granted. If cover is declined, in most cases, you can still buy a policy that would cover you for all other benefits, and for any unrelated illness or injury (just not your known pre-existing).
Being reckless: Leaving your stuff behind in a cafe or forgetting to lock your hotel room will most likely lead to a case of theft or loss of your possessions. It’s up to you to keep your possessions secure and your insurance won’t pick up the tab if you refuse to do so. Equally failing to wear a helmet while riding a bike or riding a vehicle unlicenced is considered reckless behaviour, and not covered by travel insurance.
High-risk activities: Hey there adrenaline junkie! Many high-risk activities and extreme sports (e.g. American football, boxing, skydiving, competitive cycling, rock climbing, polo and motorsports) are not covered. Always check whether your planned activities are before you go jumping out of a plane (for example.)
High-risk destination: Travelling to a high-risk country with a known threat of war or civil unrest is not likely to be covered by most travel insurance policies. Travellers headed to such destinations are advised to look out for government warnings from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and understand that travel insurance restrictions that may apply.
Travel supplier default: Does your tour operator sound a bit dodgy ? Travel insurance does not always cover for insolvency of travel agents, tour wholesalers, tour operators or booking agents. Make sure you’re confident in the operator making your travel arrangements.
Boozy activities: Overdoing it on poolside cocktails may be part of your holiday agenda, but if inebriation causes you to have an accident, your cover may not cover the tab. The majority of travel insurers will require your blood alcohol level to be close to zero in order to pay out your claim. The same clause applies to illicit drugs.
Childbirth: While pregnancy may be covered (up to a certain gestation) very few cover childbirth overseas and any costs related to the care of a newborn. Even if you think you’re fit to fly, check with your airline before you travel: many airlines will only let you fly up to a certain stage in your pregnancy, and may require medical certificates or other documentation.
And more... We haven't detailed all travel insurance exclusions here. Just the ones that tend to pop up. It's vital that you read your chosen insurer's Product Disclosure Statement before you purchase to understand the exclusions that apply to your cover.
Why you need International Travel Insurance
Exxy Medical Costs
Research says that the number of travellers who are hospitalised overseas is on the rise. If you buy a policy for just one reason this is it! Hospital costs in the USA can reach up to $10,000 per day. As the saying goes, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel!
Disasters Can Strike
It's hard to plan for the unexpected, but when bad weather, illness or natural disasters strike, it really pays to have a back up plan. Holidays going wrong can hurt, but it's reassuring to know that you'll be covered in the event of an unforeseen travel hiccup.
Your stuff is important
In the unfortunate scenario you lose your stuff overseas, travel insurance can help pick up the pieces. Provided you are able to produce a police report of the incident, your policy can reimburse you for the loss of your loot!
For your peace of mind
After all your hard work and dollars spent, it simply doesn't pay to have to worry about holiday medical expenses or lost luggage. Travel insurance is a small price to pay for peace of mind.
Because You Have To
Travel insurance isn't always optional! In some cases, you may not be allowed past certain border or on cruise ships without travel insurance! Enough said.
international travel insurance faqs
When it comes to choosing the best international travel insurance, it’s all about matching your plan to your needs and determining which benefits are most important to you. Travelling with valuables? You may need higher luggage cover. Planning to rent a car? Choose a policy with adequate rental car excess coverage. Filter through what matters to you so you can choose the best policy for your needs. Create a quote to start comparing prices and features.
While it’s not mandatory, travel insurance should be an essential item on your trip checklist. In fact, the Australian government says travel insurance is as important as your passport’ and without it, travellers take huge financial and personal risk. Before you buy, it’s essential that read the product disclosure statement (PDS) to find out what's covered and what's excluded, especially if you're planning any unusual activities or you have any pre-existing conditions.
Travel insurance excess (also sometimes called a deductible) is the amount you may need to pay towards a claim that you make on your travel insurance policy. The amount of your excess will be deducted from the claim pay out, so the excess is the amount of the costs that you're responsible for..
Many travel insurance companies cover pregnancy. Most companies automatically cover you up to a certain gestation (typically between 19 to 32 weeks), provided that your pregnancy is free of complications. Some brands have a pregnancy add-on or medical screening for complicated pregnancies or those further along in gestation.
Most insurers cover you whether you're travelling for business or pleasure but the beWhile several companies do offer ‘already overseas’ travel insurance policies, the majority require you to purchase your cover before travelling abroad. Note that already overseas policies usually have waiting periods during which travellers cannot claim.
A Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) is a document that contains information that may help you to decide whether a particular insurance product is right for you and help you to compare it with other products you may be considering. The PDS also describes the cover available and the terms and conditions which apply. The PDS is particularly important if you decide to make a claim, as the travel insurance provider will assess your claim in accordance with the terms and conditions laid out in the PDS. After purchasing travel insurance, please make sure that the PDS, together with the Certificate of Insurance and any other relevant documents sent to you, are kept in a safe place during your trip.
Natali Mansberg
Natali is a former kids magazine writer whose credits include working for the mouse (Mickey that is). An avid traveller, Natali spent part of her childhood in Israel and enjoyed several stints across the globe. Having worked in travel insurance for three years, Natali likes to simplify the fine-print and help Aussies make sense of their insurance policies. She currently lives in Sydney with her husband and one-year old son.
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