Travel Insurance

Get your essential travel insurance coverage.

Buying travel insurance is an essential purchase if you are travelling abroad, especially if you are travelling to the United States where medical costs can be extreme. Travel insurance helps you with medical costs in countries where there are no reciprocal health arrangements, provides you with cover for items like lost or stolen luggage, travel delays, and can cover other unexpected costs.

Our seven step guide

Determine the level of cover that you need - Shop around and pay special attention to the fine print, like exclusions, policy excess, flexibility and value. We recommend only using major established players in the market that have a track record of paying legitimate claims
Declare any medical conditions that you have - You can be refused medical treatment for failing to declare existing conditions
List the sporting activities or adventures that you plan on doing - Insurance companies have specific rules about adventure sports like skiing
List the items that you will be taking on your trip - Take a photo of high value items, in case you need to claim. Store the photos on an online file storage service, which is free and will cover you if your camera is stolen
Keep up to date with travel advisories - More information can be found from the Australian government at http://smartraveller.gov.au/
Report all incidences to local police - Travel insurance companies may require a police report prior to your claim
Keep all your documentation - Keep receipts and a copy of your travel insurance with you. It is also a good idea to leave another copy of your travel insurance policy with someone at home or scan it and store it online

Here’s some things to consider before purchasing travel insurance.

Hot tips:

Reciprocal health arrangements - Australian has reciprocal health arrangements with Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom. In these countries you will receive urgent medical treatment required while you are in that country
Discounts for online travel insurance policies – Purchasing travel insurance online can save you up to 50% of the cost, compared to travel agents or tour groups

Watch out for:

Travel to countries without reciprocal health arrangements - If you are travelling to any country that does not have a reciprocal health arrangement with Australia (see list above), and especially if you are visiting the United States, you will need comprehensive medical coverage. The insurance council of Australia recommends unlimited medical cover for people travelling to the US, Japan and Europe
Adventure sports – If you plan on doing adventure sports like skiing or scuba diving while you are away, you should get a policy specifically designed for adventure sports
Cheap policies – Another word of advice, check what is included before purchasing the cheapest deal, you may end up paying a lower premium but be stuck with a high excess if you need to claim. You can see our recommended policies below

Anything else to know?

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides help to Australians who find themselves in trouble overseas. For more information visit http://smartraveller.gov.au/getting_help_overseas.html

Money Owl’s top picks

Our recommended policies are:

Seniors – Covermore or 1Cover
Adventure Sports and Skiing - http://www.ski-insurance.com.au
Backpacking and GAP Years – STA Travel or OUCH
Short Trip – Southern Cross Travelcare or OUCH
Annual Insurance – 1Cover or OUCH

Other travel insurance contacts

1cover Travel Insurance, ph 1300 192 021
Allianz, ph 1800 008 614 , www.allianz.com.au
Aussietravelcover Worldwide, ph 1800 888 448, www.aussietravelcover.com.au
Australian Unity, ph 13 29 39, www.australianunity.com.au
CGU Insurance, ph 13 15 32, www.cgu.com.au
Columbus Direct, ph 1300 669 999, www.columbusdirect.com.au
Cover-More, ph 1300 728 822, www.covermore.com.au
HBF, ph 13 34 23, www.hbf.com.au
MBF, ph 132 623, www.mbf.com.au
NRMA, ph 1300 305 790, www.nrma.com.au
QBE, ph 13 33 30, www.qbetravelinsurance.com.au
St George Bank, ph 13 35 55, www.stgeorge.com.au
STA, ph 1300 733 035, www.statravel.com.au
Suresave, ph 1300 787 376, www.suresave.net.au
Toursafe, ph (02) 9744 7833, www.toursafe.com.au
Travel Insurance Direct, ph 1300 843 843, www.travelinsurancedirect.com.au
Worldcare Assist, ph 1800 008 614, www.worldcare.com.au
World Nomads, ph 1300 787 375, www.worldnomads.com.au