Whether you are visiting family overseas, heading off on a backpacking adventure or taking a business trip, the right travel insurance can protect you from costly surprises. Medical treatment overseas can be extremely expensive, and Medicare generally does not cover you outside Australia (apart from limited reciprocal arrangements with some countries). Use this travel insurance checklist before you book.
1. Overseas Medical and Hospital Cover
This is the most important part of any travel policy. Check the limit for overseas medical expenses, whether emergency evacuation and repatriation are included, and whether there are any sub-limits for things like dental treatment.
2. Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Be upfront about any pre-existing medical conditions. Some conditions may be automatically covered, others may need assessment and an additional premium, and some may not be covered at all. Not disclosing a condition could put your claim at risk.
3. Cancellation and Amendment Cover
If you need to cancel or change your trip for a covered reason, such as illness or a family emergency, this cover can help reimburse non-refundable costs. Buying your policy as soon as you book flights or accommodation means you are protected from that point.
4. Luggage and Personal Items
Check the overall luggage limit and the per-item limit. Phones, cameras and laptops often have their own sub-limits. Items left unattended in public places are commonly excluded.
5. Activities and Destinations
Planning to ski, scuba dive or ride a scooter? Many adventure activities need extra cover or are excluded. Also check government travel advice for your destination, as some policies may not cover travel to areas under certain warnings.
6. Travel Delays and Missed Connections
Delays happen. Look at what the policy pays for additional accommodation and meals, and for rearranging travel if you miss a connection due to a covered event.
7. Rental Vehicle Excess
If you plan to hire a car, rental vehicle excess cover can be cheaper than the rental company’s own excess reduction option.
8. Single Trip vs Annual Multi-Trip
Frequent travellers, including business owners who travel regularly for work, may find an annual multi-trip policy more convenient and cost-effective than buying separate policies for each journey.
9. Alcohol, Drugs and Risky Behaviour
Most policies exclude claims arising from being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Understanding these exclusions helps you avoid an unexpected refusal.
10. Emergency Assistance
Make sure the insurer offers 24/7 emergency assistance and save the number in your phone before you leave.
Travel With Peace of Mind
Gidda Insurance Brokers can help you arrange travel insurance for holidays, family visits and business trips, within Australia or overseas. Visit our services page or contact our team on 0491 999 555 before your next trip.
This article contains general information only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision, consider whether the cover is appropriate for you and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD). Gidda Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (No. 001307383) of Regis Licensing Pty Ltd ABN 71 130 820 727, AFSL 338156.
