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Bupa travel insurance review

There are 5 policies to choose from with bupa travel insurance, along with a heap of add-ons including adventure activities, snow sports and wide-ranging cruise cover..

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What does bupa travel insurance include, bupa travel insurance features – an overview, comprehensive policy features, optional add-ons, more reasons to consider bupa, frequently asked questions.

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Our Verdict

  • Enjoy the flexibility to pick between a wide range of policies and set your own trip cancellation limit
  • If you're involved in an emergency while you're overseas, you can enjoy peace of mind you can contact Allianz Global Assistance for help at any time – 7 days a week.
  • Bupa health insurance members can score a 15% discount on their travel insurance.
  • Bupa's COVID-19 coverage is limited in comparison with brands such as Fast Cover and Southern Cross Travel Insurance.
  • Its cover limit of $10,000 for theft or damage to luggage and personal belongings is decent, but some competitors offer $15,000.

Review by our insurance editor James Martin

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Bupa travel insurance is underwritten by Allianz. Bupa offers quality travel insurance that can bring peace of mind that you can make the most of your trip, while knowing you'll receive financial support if things do go wrong.

All policies come with a basic excess . In most cases, you'll pay this when making a claim. You have the option to vary this excess – by committing to a higher sum, you could reduce the cost of your insurance. Keep in mind that an additional $500 excess applies to Bupa's Adventure Pack and Snow Pack.

With Bupa, you can choose between a single, couple and family policy. This provider offers a cooling-off period of 14 days – you can cancel your policy within 2 weeks for a full refund.

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  • Overseas emergency assistance – unlimited
  • Overseas medical expenses – unlimited
  • Accidental death – up to $25,000 (or $50,000 with a family plan)
  • Permanent disability – up to $25,000 (or $50,000 with a family plan)
  • Trip cancellation costs – chosen by you
  • Additional expenses – up to $50,000 (or $100,000 with a family plan)
  • Travel delay expenses – up to $2,000 (or $4,000 with a family plan)
  • Personal liability – up to $5 million
  • Luggage, personal effects and valuables – up to $10,000 (or $20,000 with a family plan)
  • Alternative transport costs – up to $5,000 (or $10,000 with a family plan)
  • Travel documents, bank cards and traveller's cheques – up to $5,000 (or $10,000 with a family plan)
  • Rental Vehicle Excess – up to $6,000
  • Luggage & personal effects delay expenses – up to $500 (or $1,000 with a family plan)
  • Theft of cash – up to $250 (or $500 with a family plan)

Additionally, Bupa offers multi-trip cover, a domestic policy and an entry-level Essentials plan. Finally, you can opt for a non-medical plan – a basic policy that's good if you want some insurance but without cover for a pre-existing condition .

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  • Adventure Pack . Available to those under the age of 75, this optional cover includes insurance for activities including abseiling, deep sea fishing, caving, quad bike riding, outdoor rock climbing and motorcycles/mopeds.
  • Cruise Pack . Get cover while you cruise overseas and in Australian waters. In addition to features such as unlimited medical cover and unlimited evacuation cover, you can claim up to $1,000 if you need to cancel (for an unforeseen reason) any pre-booked tours.
  • Snow pack . Available to those under 75, the Snow Pack comes with a range of snow sports activities including skiing and snowboarding. Overseas emergency assistance is capped at $100,000.

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  • Travelling when you know you are unfit or against medical advice
  • Going to a country where a 'Do not travel' alert has been issued by the Australian government
  • Breaking the law
  • Being under the influence of alcohol or ilicit drugs
  • Death, illness or injury from an existing condition (unless it's specifically covered by your policy)
  • Any consequential loss or loss of enjoyment
  • A loss caused by or in connection with a criminal or dishonest act
  • Failure to take precautions after a public warning of strike, riot, civil commotion or natural disaster
  • Driving a rental vehicle in an illegal or dangerous manner.

Be sure to read Bupa's PDS for a full list of exclusions. Learn more about travel exclusions here .

  • Range of options. Bupa offers high-quality cover with a wide range of options to meet your travel needs. But you may also opt for lower-priced cover that will come with fewer and/or lower benefit limits.
  • 24/7 assistance. If the unexpected happens while you’re travelling overseas, emergency help is available 24 hours a day. If you have any difficulties while you are travelling, you can contact the Emergency Assistance Hotline and you will be able to speak with one of Bupa's trained staff. You can call Bupa on +61 7 3305 7497 (overseas) or 1800 119 412 (within Australia).
  • Discounts for existing members. Bupa health insurance members can receive up to a 15% discount on their travel insurance premiums.

Am I covered for pre-existing conditions?

You can get cover for some pre-existing illnesses. However, according to Bupa's policy wording, you'd need to have "disclosed the condition to Allianz Global Assistance and they have agreed in writing to include cover under your policy for the condition".

Be aware, you won't be able to get cover for pre-existing conditions under Bupa's Essentials or Non-Medical Plans.

Is there a cooling-off period?

Yes. If you change your mind about a policy, Bupa offers a 14-day cooling off period, in which time you can cancel your insurance and get a full refund, so long as you haven’t begun your travels or made a claim. If you wish to cancel or change your policy outside of this period, you can apply to Bupa online or over the phone.

How long do I have to make a claim?

If you wish to make a claim, you typically must phone Bupa within 30 days of completing or cancelling your journey.

travel insurance australia bupa

James Martin

James Martin was the insurance editor at Finder. He has written on a range of insurance and finance topics for over 7 years. James often shares his insurance expertise as a media spokesperson and has appeared on Prime 7 News, WIN News, Insurance News, 7NEWS and The Guardian. He holds a Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification and a Tier 1 Generic Knowledge certification, both of which meet the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146).

More guides on Finder

Bupa is an international healthcare services provider that also offers insurance to cover car, home, life and travel.

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I have benign irregular heart beat. cardiologist letter says fit for travel. Which cover can I buy that covers this? John

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Thanks for your inquiry.

There are brands that offer travel insurance to people with heart conditions . You can compare the costs and get more details about the cover by clicking on the “Get Quote” button. It is also best to contact your chosen insurer if you want to discuss more the level of cover.

Before applying, please ensure that you read through the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. You can also contact the provider if you have specific questions.

Hope this helps.

Cheers, May

Do you cover missed flights due to illness? and providing you a medical certificate for proof?

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Hi Michelle,

Thanks for your question. finder.com.au is a comparison service and not an insurer. Bupa Travel Insurance do provide cover for cancellation and yes you will need to be able to provide them with substantiating evidence that a claimable event did happen.

I hope this was helpful, Richard

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Please Note - If you are cruising around Australia you need to select Pacific. With Regions, variances can apply for Bali, Indonesia, Japan and Middle East. You are not required to enter stop-over countries if your stop-over is less than 48 hours.

If you don’t know where you’re traveling to within the next 12 months, choose Worldwide to ensure you’re covered no matter where you go. If you’re travelling to multiple countries choose the region that you are visiting that is furthest away (excluding stopovers less than 48 hours). In most cases you will be covered for the closer regions as well. For example, if you choose Europe, you will also be covered in the Middle East, Asia and Pacific.

Worldwide means anywhere in the world

Americas means USA, Canada, South America, Latin America, Hawaii and the Caribbean

Europe means all European countries, including UK

Middle East refers to the area from Syria to Yemen; Egypt to Iran

Asia generally means Asia and the Indian subcontinent. For some insurers this excludes Japan*

Pacific means the South West Pacific, Australia and Indonesia/Bali*. Select Pacific for domestic cruises in New Zealand waters

New Zealand means domestic travel within New Zealand only

*Note: Variances apply for Bali, Indonesia, Japan and Middle East. Check that your destination is covered once directed to your chosen insurer’s site.

Bupa Australia Travel Insurance Reviews

Bupa Australia Travel Insurance reviews

Whether you are travelling overseas, within Australia, or even a frequent traveller, Bupa Travel Insurance offers comprehensive cover solutions to help suit your needs. Policies are available to those of any age. Dependants travel for free with parent or grandparent. They offer 24/7 emergency assitance no matter where you are in the world. Underwritten by CGU Insurance Ltd.

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Never using BUPA Intl again

Bupa's travel insurance is worthless when it comes to claims. Their policy clearly mentions that ...  Read more

Bupa's travel insurance is worthless when it comes to claims. Their policy clearly mentions that electronic items are covered by their non-medical insurance: "14.1: If the policyholder has chosen the Non-Medical Option, the Company shall compensate the insured for the following items belonging to the insured on his/her travel outside his/her country of permanent residence: baggage, electronic equipment, cash, tickets, credit cards, drivers license, securities and passports." Yet when I tried to claim for my damaged camera, they have refused to compensate me.

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Bupa travel

Used it once when traveling to Europe, did not have to use (which is a good thing), insurance include...  Read more

Used it once when traveling to Europe, did not have to use (which is a good thing), insurance included cancellation, accident, lost baggage and few other things, price was ok.

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Comparetravelinsurance.com.au is Australia’s leading comparison site solely focused on travel insurance.

Our comparison is a free service that allows users to compare quotes in a few simple steps based on limited personal criteria. Comparisons supplied are not a recommendation or opinion about the suitability of a policy for a user. Comparisons are default ranked according to price and users have the ability to sort by popular cover levels. Whilst we compare a vast range of policies, we do not compare all providers in the market. This site compares the following brands: 1Cover, AllClear, Budget Direct, Downunder, Fast Cover Travel Insurance, Insure4Less, InsureandGo, iTrek, Simply Travel Insurance, Ski-Insurance, Travel Insurance Saver, Travel Insuranz, Wise Traveller, Zoom Travel Insurance . The directors and shareholders are common with companies i-Trek Pty Ltd, Zoom Travel Insurance and 1Cover Pty Ltd including it’s subsidiary brand Ski-insurance. CoverDirect takes all reasonable care when preparing this information but does not warrant its accuracy. Pricing information is supplied by the providers who participate on this site and should be verified with the insurer before you purchase. This site links users to the website of the provider to verify quotes and access the relevant PDS to understand what is, and is not, covered by a policy prior to purchase.

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Bupa Travel Insurance

Important information on terms, conditions and sub-limits.

Thumbnail icon for Bupa

Things don’t always go to plan on holiday, it can be great to have a travel insurance policy in your back pocket. If Bupa is an option you’re considering, keep reading for some of the most important facts, features and fine print we could find about this travel insurance provider.

Bupa is a healthcare organisation in Australia and New Zealand. Having served roughly 4.7 million customers in Australia alone, they offer home, car, life and travel insurance, as well as medical guidance and health insurance in a range of areas. Part of the international Bupa group, Bupa travel insurance policies are underwritten by CGU Insurance.

Bupa travel insurance policies

Bupa offers a variety of travel insurance policies, including three tiers of international travel cover , domestic travel insurance , and basic cancellation-only cover. Bupa’s international policies include tiered Essentials and Comprehensive packages. Bupa also provides ski and winter sports insurance, as well as cruise coverage, which are optional add-ons to an existing policy. 

For an overview of what each level covers, check out the handy comparison table below.

  • Single Duo Family

Limits shown apply

Covid medical cover

Covid cancellation cover

Overseas emergency hospital expense

Overseas emergency medical assistance

Maximum excess

Cancellation fees

Pay extra for no excess

Luggage and personal effects

Additional accomodation & travel

Emergency companion

Resumption of journey

Hospital cash allowance

Accidental death

Permanent disability

Loss of income

Credit Card fraud and replacement

Travellers cheques

Travel documents

Rental vehicle excess

Alternative travel expenses

Personal liability

Pre existing conditions

Cardiovascular disease

Mental health illness

High cholesterol

High blood pressure

Blood thinning medication

Activities covered

Bungee jumping

Conservation work

Mountain biking

Mountaineering

Rock climbing

Scuba diving

Snow sports

Ocean Cruise

Comprehensive

$20,000,000

Choose $2,000 to unlimited

Assessment required, may cost extra

Any information provided on this page should be considered a summary and general advice only. All information should be verified before purchase via the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

Does Bupa Travel Insurance have COVID-19 coverage? 

Bupa has extended its coverage to include certain claims related to COVID-19. You can read up on the benefits, sub-limits, and exclusions related to contracting coronavirus in your policy's PDS.

What optional add-ons does Bupa offer on their travel insurance policies?

You have the option to add cover for your ski and winter sports adventure or insurance for a cruise holiday, which is essential if you’re trying to make a claim that relates specifically to these activities. While it will increase your premium, if something goes wrong with on the snow, or your cruise ship leaves without you, you may not be covered unless you’ve taken out the extra cover. 

Be sure to check out Bupa’s PDS before you buy, to see the nitty-gritty of what each of these add-ons covers. 

What pre-existing medical conditions are covered? 

Bupa covers many pre-existing medical conditions automatically. However, in order to be covered, you must inform them about medical conditions you’re aware of prior to purchasing your policy. If you have any conditions that fall outside what’s automatically covered, you can get a medical assessment to seek coverage for those too.  

What do I do if there’s an emergency during my trip?

If there’s an emergency and you are currently overseas, contact Bupa’s 24/7 assistance team on:

(+) 61 2 8895 0694 

Or, email [email protected]  

If you’re calling from within Australia, contact them on: 

02 8895 0694

If your emergency is due to unexpected medical problems, Bupa’s team will find you the nearest hospital, and even bring you back to Australia, if need be.

How do I make a claim with Bupa Travel Insurance?

You can lodge a claim 24/7 with Bupa by contacting them or your insurance advisor. Bupa will ask you a range of questions related to your claim, in order to get a broader overview of the situation. They may ask you to provide documents supporting your claim, like receipts if your luggage has been damaged (to prove its value). For medical, dental, or hospital claims, Bupa may request a copy of your medical history. 

It’s always a good idea to have a read of the PDS, where possible, before making your claim. That way you know what kind of supporting documents you might need to provide, hence speeding up the process.

Bupa customer reviews

Read how the Mozo community has rated Bupa travel insurance policies and services on a number of factors ranging from value for money to customer satisfaction.

Bupa travel insurance

Overall 8.1

Value for money

Policy coverage

Customer service

Claims handling

Recent Bupa travel insurance customer reviews Recent Bupa travel insurance customer reviews

Bupa logo

Bupa Travel Insurance review

Overall rating   10 / 10

Always had great customer service and product is based on my needs and requirements.

Full review

Value for money   10 / 10

Policy coverage   10 / 10

Customer service   10 / 10

Claims handling   10 / 10

Trust   10 / 10

Marieta, Victoria, reviewed over 2 years ago

Overall rating   9 / 10

Helpful & Fast

Their company is well organised. They're super helpful and fast with the claims handling

Their company is well organised. They're super helpful and fast with the claims handling

Value for money   9 / 10

Policy coverage   9 / 10

Claims handling   9 / 10

Trust   8 / 10

Daniel, New South Wales, reviewed over 5 years ago

Daniel, Tasmania, reviewed over 5 years ago

Very helpful

Very caring and assuring services. Very handy in my travel concerns and needs.

Anjali, Victoria, reviewed over 6 years ago

Overall rating   8 / 10

Reliable service

During my trip to Cambodia, I relied on Bupa for health and travel insurance. I was happy with the service I received, and felt safe during the trip.

Value for money   6 / 10

Natalie, Western Australia, reviewed over 8 years ago

Compare Bupa travel insurance policies with other Travel insurance companies

It’s well worth your time to compare the travel insurance policies out there, but with so many options on the market, it can be a daunting prospect. But never fear! Mozo have developed their travel insurance comparison tool to solve that problem. You give us your travel details - where you’re going, who you’re taking with you and how long you’ll be gone - and we’ll give you a free and easy to understand comparison of the most competitive travel insurance deals to cover your trip.

Don’t forget to check out our travel hub for some great tips to a budget beating holiday, and while you’re there, check out our travel insurance 101 guide for more tips on getting the most out of your travel insurance policy.

Compare Travel Insurance from major brands including:

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Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.

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Who we are and how we get paid

Our goal at Mozo is to help you make smart financial decisions and our award-winning comparison tools and services are provided free of charge. As a marketplace business, we do earn money from advertising.

We do not compare all brands in the market, or all products offered by all brands. At times certain brands or products may not be available or offered to you. If you proceed with a travel insurance policy through Mozo, Mozo may receive a referral fee.

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Choice travel insurance buying guide.

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Do you need travel insurance? How do you choose the right cover? What are you covered for?

CHOICE answers all the questions you need to know before leaving the country.

Download the CHOICE travel insurance buying guide [PDF 3.52MB] Download the CHOICE travel insurance cheat sheet [PDF 587KB] Who is CHOICE? Set up by consumers for consumers, CHOICE is the independent consumer advocate that provides Australians with information and advice, free from commercial bias. Visit choice.com.au .

Why travel insurance?

  • Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?

How to get travel insurance

Before you buy, how to save money on travel insurance.

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What are you covered for?

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How to make a complaint

If you’re leaving Australia, travel insurance is just as essential as a passport.

Holidays don’t always go as planned.

If you’re leaving Australia, travel insurance is just as essential as a passport. Medical expenses are the number one reason to get insurance, but sometimes other things can go wrong, such as trip cancellations, delays, lost luggage or even the big stuff like natural disasters and pandemics. If you end up out of pocket because of these things, insurance can make up for that.

The Australian Government won’t pay your medical bills.

In an emergency, the Australian Government can only help so much. The Consular Services Charter describes what the government can and can’t do to help Australians overseas.

If you end up injured or sick while overseas, you’ll be footing the hospital bill and the cost of flying home. If you’re really unlucky, that could cost you or your family hundreds of thousands of dollars.

68% of travellers mistakenly believe the Australian Government would ensure they get medical treatment if they need it overseas, and 43% believe the government would pay their medical bills.

Some countries won’t let you in if you don’t have insurance. 

Singapore and the UAE require you to have travel insurance. Not to mention all 26 European countries in the Schengen Area if you’re applying for a visa to visit. Read the Smartraveller travel advice for information about your destination.

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Reciprocal healthcare Australia has reciprocal healthcare agreements with several countries: Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom. If you have Medicare, you can get subsidised treatment for essential services only in these countries, which often leads people to ask whether they still need travel insurance. The answer is yes, for the following reasons. You’re usually only covered for urgent care that can’t wait until you get home. If you’re very ill, travel insurance can pay for a medical escort to bring you home to Australia. You still may have to pay fees for treatment and medication. For example, in New Zealand reciprocal health care doesn’t cover you for free or subsidised care by a general practitioner or ambulance. Travel insurance can cover you for cancellations, delays, stolen items and more.

Remember to take your Medicare card with you. You’ll need it, along with your passport, to prove you’re eligible for reciprocal health care. For more information, visit servicesaustralia.gov.au .

Marco* had breathing difficulties on his way home from Europe, causing his flight to be diverted to the UAE. Hospitals in the UAE won’t admit you unless you have insurance or can pay an upfront fee. Marco’s family had to pay thousands of dollars for his treatment. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

Do you need domestic travel insurance?

Most of us already have medical cover at home, be it Medicare or private health insurance or both. But there are still a few key reasons to consider domestic travel insurance.

  • Cancellation: If you’ve spent a lot on your holiday, then it’s not too much extra to buy travel insurance in case of the unforeseen.
  • Baggage cover: If you’re travelling with valuables, think about whether you want them covered for theft, loss or damage.
  • Car hire excess: You can save money using travel insurance to cover your collision damage excess, rather than paying the car hire company’s extra charge.

Does international travel insurance cover COVID-19?

Many travel insurers now offer limited cover for COVID-19, but the available cover varies quite a lot.  Some policies only cover medical and repatriation costs if you get COVID-19 overseas, while other policies provide limited cover for cancellation costs in addition to medical and repatriation costs.

You should always check the details of your insurance coverage, particularly how it applies to COVID-19 and travel disruptions.

Over 90% of travellers will look for insurance that covers them for cancellation and medical expenses caused by COVID-19.

If you’re planning to go on a cruise, be extra careful. Some travel insurers may not offer COVID-19 cover for multi-night cruises or they may restrict the cover provided on cruises.

Also, don’t rely on the travel insurance on your credit card unless you check it closely – it may not cover claims related to COVID-19.

There are cooling-off periods for COVID-19 cancellation cover, so it’s best to buy your travel insurance at the same time as you book your trip. Some insurers may only cover cancellation if you test positive to COVID-19 and the policy was purchased more than 21 days before your scheduled departure date.

Make your travel plans COVID-safe

You need to be prepared for your travel plans to be interrupted at short notice. As travel insurance may not protect you from government border closures, general lockdowns or quarantine requirements in your destination country, the key is to book only with providers that allow you flexibility should things change.

  • Check the rules for travelling to your destination. For example, are there any entry requirements? What are the vaccination requirements? And what type of travel insurance do you need?
  • Read the terms and conditions of your airline, accommodation and travel tours before you book. Will they refund you if you can’t travel due to COVID-19? If they only offer a reschedule or a credit, will you be in a position to redeem the credit in future?
  • You can book flexible tickets for flights but be aware you usually have to pay the difference between the prices for the tickets you bought and the new tickets. So changing your flight dates at short notice can be very expensive.
  • If you book through a travel agent or booking site, what are their terms and conditions? Will they refund you or provide a credit? Are there cancellation fees?
  • If you pay by credit or debit card (and you selected ‘credit’ when you paid), you may have access to credit card chargebacks if something goes wrong.
  • Keep on top of the latest travel advice and requirements at smartraveller.gov.au . Travel restrictions can change at short notice.
  • If you do have to cancel, your travel insurer will ask you to claim what you can back from travel providers first. Read the CHOICE advice on how to get your money back on travel cancellations and ask your travel insurer if you can get a refund or partial refund of your travel insurance premium.

You can buy travel insurance from a travel insurer, travel agent, insurance broker, credit card provider, or even from your health, home or car insurer.

You can buy travel insurance online (direct from the insurer’s website, from a comparison site or through an airline booking site), over the counter or over the phone.

Buy travel insurance as soon as you know your travel dates. That way you’re covered if your trip is cancelled before you even leave or if you’re unable to travel at all.

You can certainly buy travel insurance quicker than it will take you to read this guide, but do you know what you’ll be covered for? Will you be covered if you trip over after having a drink? If you crash your scooter in Thailand? If you lose your wallet during a stopover? If you need to isolate because you contract COVID-19?

There are a lot of ‘what ifs’ to consider, depending on where you’re going and what you’ll be doing, so it’s worth reading the product disclosure statement (PDS) first to make sure you’ll be covered.

Will you use it? Hopefully not, but research by Smartraveller found that one in 4 Australian travellers experienced an insurable event on their last overseas trip. Most common insurable events Flight or tour cancelled Flight delayed more than 12 hours Received medical treatment Lost, damaged or stolen luggage Missed a connecting flight Lost, damaged or stolen cash or personal items Forced to cancel trip before departure What if the insurers don’t pay out? Australian travellers lodged almost 300,000 insurance claims in 2018–19, the last financial year before COVID-19 travel bans. Almost 90% of those were paid out. Top four reasons for declined claims Due to policy exclusions, or not included in the policy conditions Claim amount was below the excess Claim was due to a pre-existing medical condition Claim was for an item that was stolen while it was unattended

1. Where are you going?

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The level of cover and the cost of travel insurance can vary depending on the region you’re travelling to, and some risks may be of greater concern than others. Not all travel insurance policies cover COVID-19 and other pandemics or epidemics such as SARS. And not all policies cover you for changing your plans due to a riot or civil commotion, for example. Travel insurance also may not be available for countries with travel alerts.

  • Look up your destination on smartraveller.gov.au and make sure you’re aware of any risks or safety advice.
  • Buy a policy that covers you for every country you’re travelling to or transiting through. If you’re going to Europe via a one-night stopover in the US, then get cover for the US and Europe. Usually a worldwide policy will cover this.
86% of travellers say they’re more cautious after the COVID-19 pandemic about travelling to places where it could prove harder to return home in a crisis.

You need different cover for different regions

Insurers sometimes apply policies to regions rather than having a policy for each destination.

Asia Pacific: Destinations such as New Zealand, Bali, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

Asia: Destinations such as India, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.

Europe: Destinations such as the United Kingdom, Ireland and Western Europe.

Worldwide: All of the above as well as regions such as North America, South America, Japan and Africa.

These definitions differ for each insurer. For example, several insurers cover travel to Bali under their Pacific policy, while some will only cover travel to Bali under their Asian region policy.

2. How long are you going for?

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Just a quick trip? Simply buy a standalone travel insurance policy for a set number of days.

Travel often? Consider an annual multi-trip policy or a credit card with complimentary travel insurance, but make sure it gives you the cover you need.

Tip: Annual multi-trip policies and credit card policies can restrict the length of each trip you take – anywhere from 15 to 365 days depending on your policy. Some allow you to pay for extra days.

3. What are you going to do there?

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Cruising the open road on a moped? Carving up the ski slopes? Partying at a wedding? These things aren’t necessarily included in a travel insurance policy.

Scan the insurer’s list of included activities and those that you’ll have to pay extra for. And take it easy on the grog – if your alcohol or drug intake is the cause of an adverse event, it won’t be covered by your policy.

4. Are you taking any valuable items?

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Do you need cover for a digital SLR camera or an expensive tablet or laptop? Cover for such valuables can vary from a few hundred dollars to thousands, and higher cover will often mean a higher premium.

Consider adding cover for portable valuables to your home insurance policy instead, but check on the excess and if the policy will cover you worldwide and not just in Australia.

Policies also vary when it comes to how they cover valuable items. Valuables in your check-in luggage often aren’t covered, while cover for baggage stored in your hire car is inconsistent. And baggage left unattended is never covered, which can include a bag that is stolen from the seat beside you in a restaurant while you’re looking the other way.

Make sure you have receipts for your valuables as travel insurance will not pay if you can’t prove you own them.

5.   Do you have any medical conditions?

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If you have a medical condition that existed before you bought your policy, it may not be covered. This can range from something as common as allergies or asthma through to diabetes, heart conditions and knee replacements.

If you’re not sure, the best thing to do is contact the insurer to ask whether they’ll cover your condition automatically or whether you need to do an assessment.

The Massoud family* was holidaying in Singapore when 13-year-old Nazreen had a recurrence of severe bronchitis, which had affected her in Australia before their trip. The family’s travel insurer refused to pay any hospital bills as Nazreen’s bronchitis was a pre-existing medical condition. As a result, the Massouds had to ask their friends to transfer the $17,000 they needed to cover Nazreen’s hospital expenses, additional accommodation and the cost of changing flights. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

It’s important to compare policies for cost and cover. Some travel insurance premiums increased by as much as 30% between March and June 2022.

Three-quarters (77%) of travellers are willing to pay more for insurance that covers pandemic-related claims.

The further out from your departure date that you buy travel insurance, the more you’re likely to pay for it, but you’ll be covered from the moment you buy your policy. For example, if you buy insurance 2 months before you fly, you effectively have cheap cover for any events that affect your travel plans in those 2 months.

If you pay for your trip in full 6 months in advance, but you only buy an insurance policy 2 weeks before you depart, you may not be covered for any cancellation costs if you contract COVID-19.

Left it until the last minute, or even later? Only a few insurers let you buy insurance once you’re already overseas (look for the ‘Have you already left Australia?’ checkbox when viewing policy options).

While not all policies offer online discounts, plenty do. Make sure you understand the policy and what it covers. Sometimes (but not always) a reduced price may mean reduced cover.

Tip: Check asic.gov.au/afslicensing to find out whether the agent has an Australian financial services (AFS) licence or is an authorised representative of a licence holder. Take the usual precautions when giving your credit card and other details over the internet.

Member discounts

Does your health, car or home insurance provider also sell travel insurance? Some companies give 10–15% discounts to existing members.

Shop around

Trying to negotiate with a website will probably get you nowhere, but if you’re buying over the phone or through a travel agent, give it a go. Travel agents pocket a commission when they sell you insurance, so if you find a better deal elsewhere, ask them if they can beat it.

Almost two-thirds (62%) of overseas travellers who buy insurance do so on or before the day of booking travel.

Use your credit card

Some credit cards come with ‘free’ travel insurance when you use them to buy a ticket, pay for other travel expenses or otherwise activate it (we say ‘free’ because you’ll pay a premium in fees for the card itself).

This type of insurance can sometimes be a money-saver, and the level of cover can be just as good or even better than standard insurance, but make sure it gives you the cover you need.

Compromise on cover

While good medical cover is always essential, you could save money on your premium by choosing a policy with lower or variable cover for cancellation, delays and lost baggage, especially if you aren’t spending big on your holiday or taking expensive items with you.

Have you read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)? According to research conducted in 2022, of those who bought travel insurance: 45% have skim-read the PDS 43% have read the PDS in detail 8% have left the PDS to another person on the policy to read 2% have not and will not read the PDS 2% don’t know

About that fine print

You’re about to click ‘buy’, so you may as well just tick this ‘I acknowledge I’ve read the product disclosure statement’ checkbox and bon voyage…

But wait – have you checked the fine print? In the insurance world, that ‘fine print’ is contained in the product disclosure statement, or PDS (that thing you said you’d read).

How to read the PDS

There are hundreds of policies out there and if you tried to read all the paperwork that comes with each policy, you’d have to extend your holiday just to recover.

If you don’t have time to read the whole PDS cover to cover, at least look for the following.

  • The table of benefits is an overall summary of your cover.
  • The policy cover section is essential reading and is generally split into ‘what we will pay for’ and ‘what we won’t pay for’.
  • General exclusions are also essential reading – these are events that aren’t covered by any section of the policy.
  • Pre-existing conditions can remind you of forgotten ailments and are essential reading for anyone with any kind of medical condition, no matter how mild.
  • The word definition table might contain a few surprises – it’s a good place to check on the definition of a ‘relative’ or a ‘moped’, for example.
  • The claims section lists some further pointers to be aware of (e.g. it’s a good idea not to admit fault or liability in the case of an accident) and the paperwork you may need to collect while you’re away if you need to make a claim, such as police reports.
  • COVID-19 cover section – many policies have a special section listing medical, cancellation and other cover available for COVID-19.
  • The 24-hour emergency assistance contact number (write it down and keep it handy).
The Weaver* family was relieved to have travel insurance when they needed to cancel their holiday. The family wanted to go skiing in New Zealand, but a few days before they were due to depart, 12-year-old Ruby had cold symptoms. A COVID-19 test showed she was positive. Ruby and her whole family had to isolate and their travel insurance paid their cancellation costs. *This is a fictitious but realistic example

The list of travel insurance disputes taken to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) reveals a battlefield of unread or misinterpreted terms and conditions. Between 1 July 2020 and 30 June 2021, AFCA received more than 2,000 travel insurance complaints related to COVID-19.

Not all travel insurance policies are the same, and the wrong policy can be almost as bad as none at all.

Peter* and his business partner had booked a business trip to South Korea and Japan from 21 February 2020 to 2 March 2020. On 20 February, Peter cancelled the trip on advice of his GP who said that due to the uncertainty of the extent of the COVID-19 outbreak, he should postpone the trip until it is safe to travel. Peter’s travel insurer denied his claim, saying the policy does not provide cover for cancellation due to medical advice. Peter made a complaint and AFCA ruled in his favour as COVID-19 had been publicly announced as an epidemic prior to Peter cancelling the trip and the doctor’s advice not to travel was prudent and reasonable. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details
Checklist – Are you covered for COVID-19? Are your medical costs covered if you contract COVID-19? Are your extra expenses such as accommodation covered if you can’t travel or your stay gets extended because you or your travelling companion tests positive to COVID-19? What happens if you were going to stay with someone but they’ve contracted COVID-19? Or your accommodation or tour company gets closed down because of COVID-19? Are your additional expenses covered? If the Smartraveller alert level is raised to ‘Reconsider your need to travel’ or ‘Do not travel’ due to a COVID-19 outbreak at your destination after you took out travel insurance, are you covered if you cancel your trip? Are your cancellation costs covered if you can’t travel or can’t return on your booked flights because you or your travelling companion contracted COVID-19? Are you covered for cancellation costs if your business partner or a relative back home gets sick with COVID-19 and you need to return earlier than planned? If you’re planning to go on a cruise, be extra careful. Some travel insurers may not offer COVID-19 cover for multi-night cruises. Are you covered for claims caused by government travel bans, border closures, or mandatory quarantine or self-isolation requirements at your destination?

And what are the catches?

Cancellations, baggage and personal items, sports and activities.

This is the number one reason to buy international travel insurance. Look for the insurer’s benefits table, usually on the quotes screen online or near the front of their PDS, for a quick overview of what they’re offering. Most policies have an ‘unlimited’ sum insured.

Pre-existing conditions

Some insurers don’t cover pre-existing conditions at all. Some will only cover pre-existing conditions with an extra fee and sometimes a medical assessment. Some automatically cover pre-existing conditions listed in their PDS, although few will cover mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety.

Insurers exclude cover for certain pre-existing medical conditions and generally don’t provide cover for any illnesses or incidents that arise from these. This includes terminal illness or any illness that shortens your life expectancy as well as organ transplants.

Minor pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, hypertension, diabetes, epilepsy, osteopenia and more are usually covered if:

the condition has been stable for more than 12 months

there is no planned surgery

you have not received treatment in the past 12 months.

Pre-existing condition spoiling your holiday plans? findaninsurer.com.au lists insurers that may provide cover for pre-existing conditions. Still having trouble finding cover? Enlist the help of an insurance broker.

Examples of conditions that usually need to be assessed before getting cover are coronary problems, lung disease, epilepsy, stroke or any surgeries in the last 2 years.

If in doubt, declare your condition to your insurer.

A disability shouldn’t prevent you from buying travel insurance, but it might make finding a good policy trickier and more expensive.

Is a disability a pre-existing condition?

It depends on the disability and the insurer. Many insurers will automatically cover travellers with limited mobility, cognitive impairments or vision/hearing impairments. But in some cases, this cover may come at an extra cost.

Check with the insurer, as some conditions will need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Having trouble getting cover?

Under the Disability Discrimination Act, insurers must assess the actual risks, rather than make assumptions about disabilities. If you’re having trouble getting insurance, a letter from a medical professional might help, particularly if they can state that you’re not likely to need medical or hospital treatment while on your trip.

Cover for your equipment

If you’re travelling with a wheelchair, mobility aid or hearing aid, you’ll need to insure that as well. Check single item limits, which are usually between $750 and $1,000 per item. If you have a piece of medical equipment that exceeds this, you’ll need to specify it and insure it separately.

Many insurance policies exclude hearing aids, so check the fine print and take out extra insurance if necessary.

Cover for your carer

If you’re travelling with a carer, it’s a good idea to be on the same policy in case travel plans change for either of you – that way you’re both covered. If you have a paid carer, ask your insurer whether they’ll cover the cost of a replacement carer should yours be unable to travel.

Babymooning

If you’re travelling while pregnant, be sure to check the following.

  • Are you covered for pregnancy complications? Some insurers don’t cover pregnancy at all.
  • Up until which stage of pregnancy? Pregnancy complications are usually only covered up until a certain stage (often between 23 and 32 weeks, depending on the insurer).
  • Childbirth: Not all insurers will cover childbirth. A premature birth in the US with intensive care and treatment could end up costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
  • IVF: Not all insurers will cover IVF pregnancies.
  • Do you have to pay extra to be covered?
  • Do you need medical approval to be covered?

Mental health

Many travel insurers won’t provide cover of any kind for hospitalisation, medication or missed travel caused by a mental health condition, whether that’s depression, anxiety or a psychotic episode.

Others will provide cover if you declare mental illness as a pre-existing condition and pay a higher premium. Check the PDS carefully; insurers may use different terms to describe the same mental health conditions, giving them wriggle room to deny a claim.

Insurers are highly unlikely to pay a mental health-related claim if they discover it was a pre-existing condition that you didn’t declare. The trouble is, an insurer might view a single visit to a therapist many years ago because of work stress, for example, as a pre-existing mental health condition.

Mental health and travel insurance have been a contentious issue for consumer rights groups including CHOICE – and it’s one that’s still evolving from a legal standpoint.

To find out if a travel insurance product includes mental health cover, check choice.com.au/travelinsurance , filtering for ‘mental illness related claims’. Then put the PDS under the microscope.

A woman in Victoria won a court case against her insurer after they declined her claim for the cancellation of an overseas trip due to depression. ‘We took out the travel insurance well in advance of the travel, and well before my depression. I was certainly under the impression that I was covered,’ she told CHOICE. ‘They just sent back a letter that said no.’ But her win (the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal awarded her $4,292 for economic loss and a further $15,000 for non-economic loss) was an isolated ruling. It’s still being debated whether or not a general exclusion for mental health claims is legal.

Most policies have an age limit, ranging right up to the 100-year-old seasoned adventurer. There are quite a few catches for older travellers, though.

  • Higher premiums: Insurers often charge older travellers more, and in some cases ‘older’ can be as young as 50. 
  • Higher excess: Travellers as young as 60 but more commonly over 80 may be subject to a higher excess because of their age. The normal excess of around $100 to $200 is often increased to an excess of $2,000 to $3,000 for travellers 80 years and over for claims that relate to injury or illness.
  • Restricted conditions: Subject to medical assessment’, ‘reduced medical cover limits’, ‘reduced travel time’, ‘policy to be purchased 6 months in advance’ – all of these conditions can apply to travellers over a certain age.

You’ll probably want to be covered if your travel plans are cancelled for any reason, but be aware that insurers will come up with plenty of excuses to avoid paying up.

  • Terrorism: Most insurers cover medical expenses but very few cover cancellation expenses in the event of terrorism.
  • Pandemic or epidemic: Commonly excluded.
  • Military action: Commonly excluded.
  • Natural disaster: Covered more often than not.
  • Travel provider/agent insolvency: Commonly excluded.
  • Cancellation due to travel provider’s fault: Insurers commonly exclude cover for delays or rescheduling caused by the transport provider.
John* and his partner’s scheduled train service was delayed, seriously diverted, then terminated, which meant they missed their flight home by several hours. Re-booking fees, emergency accommodation and related fees cost them between $1,000 and $1,500, but the insurer wouldn’t pay the claim as it wasn’t in the policy. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

‘Unforeseen’

When an insurer refers to cover for ‘unforeseen circumstances’, it means something that wasn’t publicised in the media or official government websites when you bought the policy. Check the Smartraveller travel advice when you buy your travel insurance. If it became known before you bought the policy, you’re not covered. So the earlier you buy travel insurance, the more likely you are to be covered for the unexpected.

Exclusions and inclusions

When the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) looks at a complaint about an insurer, they expect you to prove the claim is covered by the policy, while the insurer must prove the claim is excluded by the policy. Specifically, AFCA expects you to ‘establish on the balance of probabilities that you suffered a loss caused by an event to which the policy responds’. That is, do you have a valid claim?

This means that you need to understand if your claim is covered under the listed events of the policy, or that it is not specifically excluded by the policy.

If, for example, you have cover for COVID-19, you aren’t covered for every event caused by the pandemic, but just by what is specifically stated in the PDS.

Margaret and Peter* booked a cruise departing from Darwin in March 2021. Shortly before departure, the Northern Territory Government issued a directive no longer allowing cruises to depart from the NT. Margaret and Peter’s cruise company arranged for the cruise to depart from Broome and flew the passengers to Broome for a cost of $300 per person. As Margaret had bought a policy that included some cover for COVID-19, she made a claim for $600. But this was denied by her travel insurer and her subsequent complaint to AFCA was unsuccessful. AFCA said, ‘The cause of the loss was a government directive to not permit the cruise to operate through the NT port. The insurer’s policy provides no cover for these circumstances. It also excludes losses arising from government intervention, prohibition or regulation.’ *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details
Travel insurance and Smartraveller advice Smartraveller, managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), assigns an overall advice level to more than 175 destinations. This advice level can affect your travel insurance cover. The advice levels are: Level 1  – Exercise normal safety precautions. COVERED. Level 2  – Exercise a high degree of caution. COVERED. Level 3  – Reconsider your need to travel. CHECK. Level 4  – Do not travel. USUALLY NOT COVERED. Travel warnings can work in your favour. If an insurer excludes cover for an event, they may still cover you to change your plans in response to updated advice from Smartraveller. But beware when travelling to a destination that has a ‘Do not travel’ warning. Most standard policies won’t cover you for ‘Do not travel’ destinations, including for COVID-19. A week after a volcanic eruption made world news, Sameer* booked a trip to Bali. He assumed the emergency would be over by the time he was due to fly a month later. Unfortunately, the volcano continued to erupt and Sameer’s flight was cancelled. His insurer declined his claim because he’d bought the flight and insurance after Smartraveller issued a travel alert about the volcanic eruption, and after it had been in the news. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

Delays can be expensive, particularly if you have to pay for alternative transport or accommodation. And those extra expenses won’t always be covered.

  • Transport delay is only covered after a certain number of hours, usually 6, but you may have to wait as long as 12 hours before your cover kicks in.
  • Cover limits for transport delays are typically lower than other cover limits and are often limited per 24-hour period.
  • Insurers often exclude cover for rescheduling caused by the transport provider but some may cover additional accommodation and travel expenses in this scenario for travellers who are en route.

Baggage cover varies widely, with travel insurance policies ranging from $0 to $30,000. So, if you’re not carrying expensive items, you may be able to save on your premium by selecting a policy that provides lower coverage.

  • Individual items are subject to sub-limits that range from around $250 to as much as $5,000.
  • Higher item limits usually apply for electronic items like laptops, cameras, smartphones and tablets.
  • You can pay extra to specify items you want extra cover for (insurers are always happy for you to pay extra).
  • Valuables locked in a car or checked in on an airline, train or bus may not be covered.
  • Generally, any items left unattended may be excluded from cover, so keep your belongings close.
Jing* sat down to try on a pair of shoes in a busy London shoe shop, placing her handbag next to her on the seat. When she stood up to leave, she discovered her bag was gone. Her insurer refused to pay up because she had left her bag unattended in a public place. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

Lost luggage

If an airline loses your luggage temporarily and doesn’t compensate you for that loss, you may be able to claim expenses for clothing, toiletries and other necessities, depending on your policy.

  • Cover usually only applies to luggage lost for more than 12 hours, though the minimum time limit varies per insurer, as does the level of cover.
  • If your policy has an excess (a fee that’s deductible from your payout), remember that this applies once per claimed event, and items below the excess level can’t be claimed.
Angelo and Diane* tried to claim $112 for meals and drinks when their connecting flight to Hawaii was delayed by 8 hours. Although their policy technically covered them for the cost, they were liable for an excess of $250, so their claim was denied. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

If you don’t feel like paying the ‘extra insurance’ the car hire company charges, then use the collision damage excess cover in your travel insurance.

Tip: Stick with recognised car rental companies in this case since this cover only applies if the car hire company already has its own comprehensive insurance.

Do you have the right licence?

Some countries require you to have an international driving permit. If you have an accident while driving on the wrong licence (or breaking that country’s law in any other way), you may not be covered.

Cruise-specific insurance

Cruises aren’t automatically included in all travel insurance policies. If you’re going on a cruise, make sure you have the right cover.

The Department of Health says: ‘Cruise ships carry a higher risk for spreading disease compared to other non-essential activities and transport modes. COVID-19, influenza and other infectious diseases such as gastroenteritis spread easily between people living and socialising in close quarters.’

Check travel insurance policies to make sure medical cover for COVID-19 is included, as some policies exclude this cover. Erica* stumbled and broke her femur during stormy seas while on a cruise. Her insurer covered the cost of evacuation and a partial hip replacement at a hospital in Noumea. They also organised and paid for her son to fly to Noumea to help her recover and return home to Australia. Five months later, the well-travelled 82-year-old was boarding a plane to Croatia for her next (fully insured) adventure. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

Not leaving Australian waters?

You still need insurance. Doctors working on cruise ships don’t need Medicare provider numbers, so if they treat you, you can’t claim on Medicare or your private health insurance, even if you’re still in Australian waters.

Domestic travel insurance doesn’t cover medical costs, so you need either international travel insurance (check that it covers domestic cruises) or a domestic cruise policy.

Kerry* thought she’d done the right thing buying an annual multi-trip international travel insurance policy for a number of upcoming holidays, one of which was a round-trip cruise departing from and returning to Fremantle, Western Australia, with no port stops. When she had to cancel due to ill health, she discovered her policy wouldn’t cover her because the trip wasn’t considered an international one. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

When CHOICE compares travel insurers, we look at who covers which sports and adventure activities, such as skiing, ballooning, bungee jumping and scuba diving, to name a few.

But as always with insurance, the PDS may include some surprises. For example, several insurers we’ve reviewed will cover canyoning but they won’t cover abseiling, often a necessity in canyoning. Other policies in our comparison will cover abseiling, but not into a canyon.

If you’re planning on doing anything adventurous, check to make sure you’re covered. It’s not enough to simply look for the tick next to your chosen activity – you also need to check the definitions in the PDS.

Motorcycles and mopeds

Hiring a motorcycle or moped? Depending on which country you’re in, you might need a local or international motorcycle licence. You probably won’t be covered if you aren’t obeying the local law. And even if you are doing the right thing under local law, some policies still won’t cover you unless you have a motorcycle licence.

Are you wearing a helmet? Most countries say you need one by law, but that doesn’t mean it will be included in your hire. No helmet means no cover (in more ways than one).

Nhung* was injured after she rented a moped in Thailand only to find out the engine size was not covered by her insurance policy. Most insurers adopt the national standard for the definition of a moped – an engine capacity under 50cc. If the engine is bigger than that, it’s a motorcycle and you’ll need an Australian motorcycle licence. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

Skiing and snowboarding

Some insurers cover skiing, often for an extra premium, but not so many cover skiing off-piste (away from the groomed runs). So, if you’re tempted to slide off the beaten path next time you hit the slopes, make sure you have a policy that covers off-piste ski runs (or pay for the optional extra cover).

Otherwise, if you run into a tree and have to be evacuated from the mountains, you may need to  think about selling your home to pay for it.

It’s worth remembering that travel insurance only covers overseas costs. So if you break a leg while you’re abroad, your insurer will likely pay your hospital fees, but they won’t cover your ongoing physiotherapy once you’re back home.

Marianna* fractured her leg in 3 places while skiing with her partner and children in Japan. Because the family had bought additional cover for winter sports, they were reimbursed $35,466 for medical expenses, additional transport and accommodation, the cost of a nanny to look after the children, and business class flights back to Australia. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

Alcohol and drugs

Overdoing it on vodka and float-tubing down a river isn’t likely to be covered by any policy. Insurers simply won’t pay for costs arising from you being under the influence of alcohol or drugs (except where taken under the advice of a doctor).

Even one or 2 drinks could be enough of an excuse for insurers to get out of paying.

Relatives can be relative Many policies cover the costs to travel home if one of your relatives dies or becomes sick. Bear in mind: an insurer’s definition of a ‘relative’ may differ from yours cover is usually dependent on the age of that relative, so the death of your 84-year-old grandma may not be covered your relatives are subject to the same pre-existing condition exclusions as you, so if your 84-year-old grandma died from a known heart condition, you may not be covered. you may be able to apply for your relative’s pre-existing condition to be assessed before you buy the policy. cover is limited to relatives that live in Australia, or in some cases New Zealand. So if your 84-year-old grandma is in China, you won’t be covered to fly there for her funeral. Amanda* and her husband had booked an overseas diving trip, but shortly before the trip Amanda’s mum passed away from pneumonia. They cancelled their trip and incurred cancellation costs and lost deposits of nearly $13,000. As the death of a parent was covered in their policy, Amanda made a claim. Their insurer denied the claim as Amanda’s mum lived in the United States and was undergoing treatment for lung cancer, so the insurer concluded that her death was caused by a pre-existing condition. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

So you’ve booked and paid for your holiday through a travel agent, but then the travel agent goes broke. You’ll get your money back, right? Not necessarily.

Only a few insurers will cover you for the insolvency of a travel provider, and that includes hotels, airlines and other transport companies that might go broke overnight (remember Ansett?). But there are a few ways to safeguard your hard-earned holiday.

  • Check whether your insurer covers you for insolvency.
  • Check whether your travel agent has insolvency insurance (this isn’t compulsory, so only some will have it).
  • Pay with your credit card. Some banks allow a chargeback if you pay for something on your credit card and don’t end up actually getting it.

Tip: Don’t accept any dodgy contract terms that require you to give up your chargeback rights.

2 out of 3 travellers assume their travel insurance will cover insolvency, but in 2017 less than a third of insurers actually provided this cover.

Credit card travel insurance

Some credit cards come with complimentary travel insurance. They’ll cover you for all the usual things like medical emergencies, cancellation and protection for baggage and items. But they do differ from standalone policies, so it’s essential you check the fine print.

  • Fees: You’ll pay a premium for these credit cards, usually between $100 and $450 per year.
  • Excess: The excess on credit card policies tends to be fixed at a higher rate (usually around $250), whereas it’s more variable on standalone policies.
  • Age limits: Some credit card policies have no age limit, which can be handy for older travellers.
  • Regions: Credit card travel insurance is not based on location, which means you can travel from Europe to the US without having to worry if your policy covers both areas. Bear in mind though that some regions (such as countries under United Nations embargo) may be excluded, and sometimes with US underwriters, travel to Cuba is excluded.
  • Baggage cover: Credit card insurance often offers higher coverage for baggage loss and damage.
  • Trip duration: Credit card insurance policies vary in how many days of coverage they’ll give you per trip – anywhere from a few weeks to 365 days – so check your limit if you’re going on a long holiday.
  • Pre-existing conditions: Chances are your credit card insurance won’t automatically cover your pre-existing condition. You’ll need to call your insurer and see if you need to pay an extra fee or premium.
  • Domestic travel: Credit card insurance doesn’t apply to domestic travel, although some cards will reimburse expenses associated with domestic flight delays and missed connections to international flights.
  • Making a claim: You may not be able to claim reimbursement unless you pay for purchases (such as emergency items after a baggage delay) with the same credit card.
27% of travellers who plan to buy travel insurance will get it through their credit card.

Is it activated?

Credit card insurance usually activates when you buy your air tickets (or sometimes other transport or accommodation expenses) using your card.

  • Policies require a minimum spend to activate – usually around $500. So if you scored your tickets on sale for $499, you won’t be covered.
  • If you want cover for your spouse or dependants, you must also buy their tickets on your card.
  • Some policies only activate if you book a return ticket. A one-way flight, or even 2 one-way flights, will leave you uninsured.
  • Some banks require you to notify them in order to get full coverage for each trip. While base coverage will still give you emergency medical treatment, you might not get coverage for property damage or luggage delays. Check whether you need to do anything to activate any extra features.
  • Some cards will cover you if you use rewards points to buy your tickets. Others won’t.

Is it worth it?

If you already have a credit card and use it regularly, the free comprehensive travel insurance on your card can save you money. And if you’re a regular traveller without a credit card, it’s worth considering if you travel at least once a year or every second year internationally.

David* booked a trip to North America for himself and his family, including his 11-year-old daughter Petra. The trip was cancelled because Petra got pneumonia. Unfortunately, David only activated his credit card travel insurance about an hour before the family was scheduled to fly out of Australia. The travel insurer denied his claim for cancellation costs because he knew about his daughter’s illness when he activated the policy. *To protect privacy we have changed names and some details

Have you been knocked back on an insurance claim and want to dispute it?

Internal dispute resolution

Complain to the insurer first. They’ll usually keep you up to date about the progress of your complaint every 10 business days.

Once you’ve lodged your case and all the supporting information and documents, the insurer has 45 days to complete its internal dispute resolution process.

External dispute resolution

If you aren’t happy with the insurer’s decision, you can take your complaint to the Australian Financial Complaint Authority (AFCA). They’ll handle your case for free.

  • The AFCA will mediate between you and the insurer to find a resolution.
  • If mediation is unsuccessful, they may make a preliminary assessment or give a determination straight away on your dispute.
  • A determination is legally binding on the insurer but not on you.
  • There’s no appeal process with AFCA.
  • For more information, visit afca.org.au .

Legal action

If you’re unhappy with the AFCA determination, you might want to consider taking legal action against the insurance company.

Keep your travel insurance details with you at all times while on your trip and share them with family or friends before you leave.

Related content

This page provides mature travellers with information to prepare for a hassle-free journey. Properly preparing before you travel will help you have a safe trip.

No matter who you are, where you're going and what you're doing, get travel insurance. Learn how to choose a policy that's right for you.

Browse our general advice pages on a range of travel topics, to learn what you need to know before you go.

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If you're going overseas, travel insurance is just as essential as your passport. Use our free comparison tool to narrow down international single trip and annual multi-trip policies from 27 insurers, offering cover for COVID-19, existing medical conditions, car rental and more.

Travel insurance is a portable version of health, home, contents, life, public liability, and car rental excess insurance all packaged in one to take on holidays with you. But with all those insurances piled into one product, navigating your way through the terms and conditions to find the loopholes can be very challenging.

Use our travel insurance comparison to narrow down your options and make sure you're getting the best cover for your needs when on holiday.

Matthew Steen

List of brands we tested in this review.

  • Battleface 2
  • Cover-More 5
  • FastCover 4
  • Flight Centre 4
  • Go Insurance 4
  • InsureandGo 3
  • Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) 3
  • Tick Travel Insurance 4
  • Travel Insurance Direct 3
  • Virgin Australia 5
  • WAS Insurance 2
  • World Nomads 2
  • World2Cover 4

The average cost of the policy compared to other policies of the same type (single trip or annual multi-trip). One $ sign is the cheapest through to five $$$$$ the most expensive. NA means the policy wasn't included in the price rating.

enter value/s in increments of 1 between 0 and 0

Policy type

  • One trip 65
  • Policy age limit

In years (up to and including the number stated). For policies listed as '100+', there is no age limit.

Does the policy cover international cruises?

  • Optional 71

Medical expenses for COVID-19

Whether the policy covers you for medical and emergency evacuation and repatriation expenses for claims arising directly or indirectly from COVID-19. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Cancellation expenses for mental health

Whether the policy covers you for cancellation expenses for claims arising directly from recognised mental health disorders experienced for the first time such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or PTSD. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

  • Cancellation for insolvency of a travel services provider

Whether the policy covers you for losses arising out of insolvency of a travel services provider (e.g. airline, accomodation provider, bus line, shipping line, railway company, motor vehicle rental agency). Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Cancellation expenses for a natural disaster

Whether the policy covers you for cancellation expenses for claims arising directly or indirectly from a natural disaster. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Cancellation expenses for civil unrest

Whether the policy covers you for cancellation expenses for claims arising directly or indirectly from civil unrest such as political protests, riots and strikes. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

  • Baggage cover

Are stolen or damaged personal belongings covered

  • Limit for baggage expenses

The overall limit for stolen or damaged personal belongings.

  • Limit for a smartphone

Limit for a smartphone. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

  • Limit for a laptop or tablet

Limit for a laptop or tablet. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

  • Limit for rental car excess

Limit for collision damage excess for a hire car. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

  • Scuba diving

Does the policy cover scuba diving if you are appropriately certified or diving with a qualified instructor?

Skiing and snowboarding on-piste

Does the policy cover skiing and snowboarding on-piste?

  • Optional 82

Skiing and snowboarding off-piste

Does the policy cover skiing and snowboarding off-piste withing the resort boundaries?

  • Optional 72

Tobogganing

Does the policy cover tobogganing on snow?

  • Optional 50

Does the policy cover riding a moped with an engine capacity 50cc or below, with a helmet and driving license valid in the country the policy holder is in, but without an Australian motorcycle license

  • Optional 32

Moped 125cc

Does the policy cover riding a moped with an engine capacity 125cc or below, with a helmet and driving license valid in the country the policy holder is in, but without an Australian motorcycle license

  • Optional 28

Does the policy cover riding a motorcycle with an engine capacity above 125cc with an Australian motorcycle license and a helmet?

  • Optional 34

Included in this comparison

  • Price rating
  • Dependant age limit
  • Cancellation
  • Pregnancy stage covered
  • Childbirth costs
  • Pre-existing conditions covered without application
  • Pre-existing conditions covered on application
  • Time period for existing conditions
  • Medical expenses
  • Expenses for a person to accompany a sick policyholder
  • Daily hospital cash allowance
  • Hours of hospitalisation before receiving allowance
  • Dental expenses for accident or injury
  • Dental expenses for acute pain
  • Overseas funeral costs
  • Additional travel expenses for injury or sickness
  • Additional expenses for interrupted travel
  • Travel insurance extension for a delayed trip
  • Additional expenses for a lost passport
  • Additional expenses for a sick relative
  • Additional expenses for resumption of journey interrupted for a relative
  • Cancellation covered
  • Cancellation expenses
  • Cancellation for frequent flyer points
  • Cancellation expenses for travel agent fees
  • Cancellation for insolvency of a travel agent
  • Cancellation expenses for redundancy
  • Cancellation expenses for defence and emergency workers
  • Cancellation expenses for cancellation of work leave
  • Cover for transport incidents
  • Cover for strikes
  • Cover for mental health
  • Cover for COVID-19
  • Cover for pandemics
  • Cover for natural disasters
  • Cover for civil unrest
  • Cover for terrorism
  • Cover for war
  • Additional expenses for a special event
  • Additional expenses for pre-paid travel arrangements
  • Limit for travel delay expenses
  • Hours before travel delay covered
  • Limit per 24 hours for travel delay
  • Limit for a single unspecified item
  • Limit for a video or photo camera
  • Limit for prescribed medications
  • Overall limit for specified items
  • Cover for baggage in a car during the day
  • Cover for baggage in a car overnight
  • Cover for valuables in a car
  • Cover for lost or stolen cash
  • Limit for baggage lost temporarily
  • Hours before cover applies for baggage lost temporarily
  • Rental car excess
  • Snow sports
  • Mopeds and motorcycles
  • Bungee jumping
  • Horse riding
  • High altitude hiking
  • White water rafting
  • Paragliding
  • Hot air ballooning
  • Hang gliding

Displaying all 91 products

  • Brand (A-Z)

Limit for additional meal and accommodation expenses if scheduled transport is delayed.

Your filters

This overall score is based on our expert assessment of what the policy covers, price and how easy it is to understand and buy. A higher score is better.

1Cover Comprehensive

1Cover Comprehensive

1Cover Frequent Traveller

1Cover Frequent Traveller

1Cover Medical Only

1Cover Medical Only

AANT Annual Multi-Trip

AANT Annual Multi-Trip

AANT Basics

AANT Basics

AANT Essentials

AANT Essentials

AANT Premium

AANT Premium

AHM Comprehensive

AHM Comprehensive

AHM Comprehensive Multi-Trip

AHM Comprehensive Multi-Trip

AHM Medical Only

AHM Medical Only

Battleface Covid Essentials

Battleface Covid Essentials

Battleface Discovery

Battleface Discovery

Cover-More Basic

Cover-More Basic

Cover-More Comprehensive

Cover-More Comprehensive

Cover-More Comprehensive Multi-Trip

Cover-More Comprehensive Multi-Trip

Cover-More Comprehensive Plus

Cover-More Comprehensive Plus

Cover-More Comprehensive Plus Multi-Trip

Cover-More Comprehensive Plus Multi-Trip

FastCover Basics

FastCover Basics

FastCover Comprehensive

FastCover Comprehensive

FastCover Frequent Traveller Saver

FastCover Frequent Traveller Saver

FastCover Standard Saver

FastCover Standard Saver

Flight Centre Multi-Trip YourCover Essentials

Flight Centre Multi-Trip YourCover Essentials

Flight Centre Multi-Trip YourCover Plus

Flight Centre Multi-Trip YourCover Plus

Flight Centre YourCover Essentials

Flight Centre YourCover Essentials

Flight Centre YourCover Plus

Flight Centre YourCover Plus

Go Insurance Go Basic

Go Insurance Go Basic

Go Insurance Go Basic Annual Multi-Trip

Go Insurance Go Basic Annual Multi-Trip

Go Insurance Go Plus

Go Insurance Go Plus

Go Insurance Go Plus Annual Multi-Trip

Go Insurance Go Plus Annual Multi-Trip

InsureandGo Bare Essentials

InsureandGo Bare Essentials

InsureandGo Gold

InsureandGo Gold

InsureandGo Silver

InsureandGo Silver

Jetstar Comprehensive

Jetstar Comprehensive

Medibank Comprehensive

Medibank Comprehensive

Medibank Medical Only

Medibank Medical Only

Medibank Multi-Trip Comprehensive

Medibank Multi-Trip Comprehensive

NIB Annual Multi-Trip

NIB Annual Multi-Trip

NIB Comprehensive

NIB Comprehensive

NIB Essentials

NIB Essentials

NRMA Comprehensive

NRMA Comprehensive

NRMA Comprehensive Multi-Trip

NRMA Comprehensive Multi-Trip

NRMA Essentials

NRMA Essentials

Qantas Annual Multi-Trip

Qantas Annual Multi-Trip

Qantas International Comprehensive

Qantas International Comprehensive

RAA Essentials

RAA Essentials

RAA Multi-Trip

RAA Multi-Trip

RAA Premium

RAA Premium

RAC Annual Multi-Trip

RAC Annual Multi-Trip

RAC Comprehensive

RAC Comprehensive

RAC Essentials

RAC Essentials

RAC Medical Only

RAC Medical Only

RACQ Annual Multi-Trip

RACQ Annual Multi-Trip

RACQ Premium

RACQ Premium

RACQ Standard

RACQ Standard

RACT Annual Multi-Trip

RACT Annual Multi-Trip

RACT Comprehensive

RACT Comprehensive

RACT Essentials

RACT Essentials

RACV Annual Multi-Trip

RACV Annual Multi-Trip

RACV Basics

RACV Basics

RACV Comprehensive

RACV Comprehensive

RACV Essentials

RACV Essentials

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) Annual Multi-Trip

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) Annual Multi-Trip

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) Comprehensive

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) Comprehensive

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) Medical Only

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) Medical Only

Tick Travel Insurance Basic

Tick Travel Insurance Basic

Tick Travel Insurance Budget

Tick Travel Insurance Budget

Tick Travel Insurance Standard

Tick Travel Insurance Standard

Tick Travel Insurance Top

Tick Travel Insurance Top

Travel Insurance Direct Annual Multi-Trip

Travel Insurance Direct Annual Multi-Trip

Travel Insurance Direct Basics

Travel Insurance Direct Basics

Travel Insurance Direct The Works

Travel Insurance Direct The Works

Virgin Australia International Plan (bought with flight purchase)

Virgin Australia International Plan (bought with flight purchase)

Virgin Australia Travel Safe International

Virgin Australia Travel Safe International

Virgin Australia Travel Safe International Multi-Trip

Virgin Australia Travel Safe International Multi-Trip

Virgin Australia Travel Safe Plus International

Virgin Australia Travel Safe Plus International

Virgin Australia Travel Safe Plus International Multi-Trip

Virgin Australia Travel Safe Plus International Multi-Trip

WAS Insurance Covid Essentials

WAS Insurance Covid Essentials

WAS Insurance Discovery

WAS Insurance Discovery

Webjet Travel Safe International

Webjet Travel Safe International

Webjet Travel Safe International Multi-Trip

Webjet Travel Safe International Multi-Trip

Webjet Travel Safe Plus International

Webjet Travel Safe Plus International

Webjet Travel Safe Plus International Multi-Trip

Webjet Travel Safe Plus International Multi-Trip

World Nomads Explorer

World Nomads Explorer

World Nomads Standard

World Nomads Standard

World2Cover Annual Multi-Trip

World2Cover Annual Multi-Trip

World2Cover Basics

World2Cover Basics

World2Cover Essentials

World2Cover Essentials

World2Cover Top

World2Cover Top

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  • Cyclone support
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travel insurance australia bupa

  • Travel Insurance
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What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is designed to cover you for a range of unexpected events that could happen when you’re travelling overseas or in Australia. Allianz Travel Insurance can cover costs like travel delays or emergency medical treatment, or the cost of replacing items that were lost or stolen during your trip. 1

We have Basic, Comprehensive, Domestic, and Multi-Trip Plans to choose from, with varying levels of cover to help you when you need it most. Our plans are available for singles, duos or families. Read through our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for detailed information about our plans to see which level of cover is right for you.

Find the right cover for your trip

travel insurance australia bupa

Basic Travel Insurance

  • Overseas emergency assistance 1
  • Overseas medical and hospital expenses 1
  • Personal Liability 1

travel insurance australia bupa

Comprehensive Travel Insurance

  • Overseas medical assistance and expenses 1
  • Unexpected trip cancellation 3
  • Loss of or damage to luggage and personal effects 1
  • COVID-19 benefits 2

travel insurance australia bupa

Domestic Travel Insurance

  • Travel delay expenses 1
  • Rental vehicle excess 1

travel insurance australia bupa

Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

Additional cover options.

For an additional premium, you can choose to add an Adventure Pack, Cruise Pack, or Snow Pack to eligible plans. Increased Item Limits Cover can also be added to insure your luggage, personal effects or valuables should something happen to them while travelling.

You have the option to vary the base excess when you buy your policy (premium adjustment will apply depending on the excess selected). The choice is yours.

Website review and travel remediation

Choose what suits your needs, single cover, family plan, ready to get started, frequently asked questions.

Without travel insurance, you run the risk of incurring some significant expenses that may take years to pay off.

If you’re travelling overseas, travel insurance is an important consideration for unexpected medical bills and hospitalisation. Other unforeseen expenses could include the replacement of lost or stolen luggage, delays or cancellations to your trip, and many other unfortunate scenarios.

We don’t cover medical expenses under our Domestic Travel Insurance policy. However, you may wish to take out insurance for domestic flight changes or cancellations, lost or stolen baggage, or rental vehicle excess. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for more information.

Travel insurance may cover you for a range of unexpected events that may affect your trip, such as emergency medical assistance if you become ill or injured while travelling overseas, including arranging your evacuation if needed.

Other incidents that travel insurance may cover include costs due to unexpected delays and cancellations, rental vehicle excess, and personal liability. You also have the option to purchase additional cover for activities such as adventure sports or skiing, although this isn’t available on all plans.

Cover limits vary from insurance provider to insurance provider, as do policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions, so it’s important to read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure you fully understand what’s covered, the limits applying to the policy, and to make sure the policy is appropriate for your needs.

The length of your Travel Insurance policy is largely dependent on the travel dates you supply. When obtaining a quote, or buying a policy, you’ll be prompted to enter in your departure and return dates – this will be the period of cover for all benefits except the cancellation benefit, which begins from the date your policy is issued.

The period of cover is also shown on your Certificate of Insurance, which is sent to you at the time of purchase. You may want to extend the length of your holiday abroad (and therefore need an extension of your period of cover) and you may be able to do this within specified timeframes.

If you think you may travel more than once a year, you may wish to consider a Multi-Trip policy . Different start and end dates apply, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for full details.

It’s up to you when you buy Allianz Travel Insurance, however, keep in mind these three things:

  • You can buy our Travel Insurance up to 12 months in advance.
  • You must buy Allianz Travel Insurance before you start your journey. Your journey starts when any traveller named on the Certificate of Insurance leaves home or work in Australia to begin travel.
  • Depending on the plan you choose you may have trip cancellation cover, which covers unexpected trip cancellation, rescheduling or shortening from the date your Certificate of Insurance is issued. So, consider buying our Travel Insurance as soon as you’ve booked and paid for some or all your trip as you may be covered for such events before you depart.

Yes, if you change your mind after you buy your Travel Insurance policy, you may cancel it within 14 days of your Certificate of Insurance being issued.

You’ll be given a full refund of the premium you’ve paid, provided you’ve not started your journey and don’t intend to make a claim or exercise any other right under your policy.

When considering which policy is right for you, make sure you consider your needs, as well as your financial situation. Reading the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination (TMD) is a good place to start as they will give you more detail, so you can decide if the plan is right for you.

Allianz Travel Insurance offers a number of travel insurance plans – Basic , Comprehensive , Domestic , Non-Medical or Multi-Trip Travel Insurance . You can see more detailed information on our Compare Cover Options page .

This product has a general exclusion, with limited exceptions, against epidemics and pandemics. That means we don’t cover claims that arise from, or are related to, an epidemic or pandemic.

However, you’re covered under selected benefits in this product if, during your period of cover, you’re positively diagnosed as suffering a sickness recognised as an epidemic or pandemic, such as COVID-19.

Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement to see which benefits offer cover in the event that you contract a sickness recognised as an epidemic or pandemic, and the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions that apply.

Note: There is no cover under any benefit of this policy if your claim arises because you did not follow advice or a warning that has been issued by the Australian Government or a reliable mass media source. This applies even if an Australian government has given you permission to travel, or you fall under a specific exemption where there is otherwise a travel ban in place.

If you have any questions call us on 13 1000 .

If you need to shorten your journey while travelling, or are prevented from travelling due to a COVID-19 border closure or mandatory quarantine period, you may be entitled to receive a partial or full refund on your premium. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for more information.

Eligibility criteria applies. Contact us on 1800 440 806 or email us .

There is no cover under any benefit of this policy if your claim arises because you didn’t follow an advice or warning that a reasonable person would have been aware of, that has been issued by the Australian government (when a ‘reconsider your need to travel’ or ‘do not travel’ alert is in place), which can be found on Smartraveller ; or which was published in a reliable mass media source.

Before buying travel insurance, and while you’re travelling, check Smartraveller and Allianz Partners for travel alerts or advisories for your intended destination(s).

Note: This applies even if an Australian government has given you permission to travel, or you fall under a specific exemption where there is otherwise a travel ban in place.

Tip: Subscribe to Smartraveller to get travel alerts and advisory updates by email.

Refer to General Exclusions in the Product Disclosure Statement for a full list of exclusions.

If you have any questions, call us on 13 1000 .

A general exclusion, sometimes referred to as a policy exclusion or exclusion, is an exclusion that applies to all policy benefits.

Should a general exclusion apply, your travel insurance policy won’t provide cover for the specified event, activities or circumstances.

Refer to General Exclusions in the Product Disclosure Statement provided at the time of purchase for a full list of exclusions.

We're here to help

Give us a call, or send us a message, follow us on, *conditions apply.

  • Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits apply. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for full details.
  • Policy terms, conditions, limits, exclusions, and sub-limits apply to particular types of losses, premium refunds (full or partial) or claims. This product has a general exclusion, with limited exceptions, against epidemics and pandemics. That means we don’t cover claims that arise from, or are related to, an epidemic or pandemic. However, you’re covered under selected benefits in this product if, during your period of cover, you’re positively diagnosed as suffering a sickness recognised as an epidemic or pandemic, such as COVID-19. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement to see which benefits offer cover in the event you contract a sickness recognised as an epidemic or pandemic, and the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions that apply.
  • Terms, conditions, limits, exclusions and sub-limits apply. Cancellation cover is only available on Comprehensive, Domestic and Multi-Trip Plans. Refer to Cancellation and General Exclusions sections of the Product Disclosure Statement for full details.
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Any advice here does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits apply. Before making a decision about this insurance, please consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)/Policy Wording and Supplementary PDS (if applicable). Where applicable, the PDS/Policy Wording, Supplementary PDS and Target Market Determination (TMD) for this insurance are available on this website.

Travel Insurance is issued and managed by AWP Australia Pty Ltd ABN 52 097 227 177 AFS Licence No. 245631, trading as Allianz Global Assistance (AGA) as agent of the insurer Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFS Licence No. 234708 (Allianz). Travel Insurance is underwritten by the insurer Allianz. Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits apply.

^The 5% off Travel Insurance ‘TRAVEL5’ discount is available from 12:01am AEST 06/05/2024 until 11:59pm AEST 30/06/2024 by entering the valid promo code. The discount applies to new policy purchases and is based on standard premium rates (including optional extras). It applies automatically upon successful input of the promo code and applies to any changes, upgrades or amendments made to the policy prior to commencement of the journey. The discount may apply to changes made after commencement of the journey, contact Allianz Global Assistance to find out more. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

We don’t provide advice based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision, please consider the Product Disclosure Statement available on this website. If you purchase this insurance, AGA will receive a commission that is a percentage of the premium. Ask us for more details before we provide you with any services on this product.

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Senior security specialist, melbourne, australia.

Bupa is an international healthcare group which has been committed to a purpose of longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world for more than 70 years. In Australia and New Zealand, Bupa supports more than 5 million customers through a broad range of health and care services including health insurance, aged care, rehabilitation, dental, optical, medical, hearing and medical visa services.

Help transform the health of millions of people!

If you’re into solving complex problems, creating seamless and personalised customer journeys, and are passionate about health, we’d love to hear from you! You could be part of the team working to transform the health of Bupa customers through our Connected Care program.

The bigger the challenge, the greater the reward – with a supportive team, the backing of a global organisation and endless opportunity to realise your potential and positively impact the lives of millions of people, you really will be at the heart of it!

We have a permanent opportunity for a Senior Security Specialist who will work closely with our Connect Care program to ensure secure outcomes are achieved. This involves minimising exposure to cyber risk by integrating secure-by-design principles into product delivery, coordinating security testing, and assisting with onboarding to security tooling. A primary focus of this role is to protect business value by implementing security measures that effectively counter emerging cyber threats. 

This role will also be crucial in advancing our Secure by Design strategy by empowering project design and delivery teams with self-service access to architecture patterns, templates, and risk assessment frameworks. This approach fosters a culture of shared security responsibility across Bupa.

To be successful in this role you’ll need:

  • 8+ years of expertise in Security Consultancy, Architecture, or Cyber Risk Management within the Digital and Azure cloud space highly regarded. 
  • Established track record of successful collaboration with teams to achieve secure outcomes. 
  • Tertiary qualifications in Information Technology or equivalent professional experience. 
  • Proficient in security and risk frameworks such as ISO-27000 series, SABSA, CISSP, and NIST 
  • Preferably experienced in APRA and/or PCI regulated industries. 
  • Extensive experience in project planning, including estimation, scheduling, and resource management. 
  • Possesses strong business acumen with a focus on customer satisfaction and business outcomes. 
  • Exceptional oral and written communication skills, adept at producing high-quality, concise technical documentation, reports, and presentations. 
  • Outstanding team player accustomed to working within matrix structures, with a demonstrated ability to effectively broker outcomes with colleagues and peers. 
  • Capable of preparing both scheduled and ad-hoc reports illustrating the status of Security Risk Assessments (SRAs), issues, trends, and improvement initiatives 
  • Experienced in vendor and partner management, including engagement with professional services and technology vendors 
  • Significant experience managing business change demand and Project Initiation together with key stakeholder management 
  • Experience in working in Health Industry, Health Insurance Industry or related industry 

What’s in it for you?

As well as a competitive salary, a range of Bupa benefits and flexible working/ work from home, you’ll be challenged and encouraged to innovate. You will collaborate strongly with colleagues who are committed to delivering exceptional experiences. We trust, respect, and consider everyone, knowing your difference will make the difference.

  • Discount on our health insurance, travel, car, home, contents, and pet insurance products as well as Bupa services such as Dental and Optical
  • A ‘People First’ wellness program – SMILE. Provides a range of services such as health coaches, annual skin checks and flu vaccinations, assistance with nutrition, mental and general well-being guides, and product discounts. You will feel happier & healthier for working at Bupa!

At Bupa, we are striving to create and sustain a safe and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all cultural backgrounds, genders, and abilities. If you require any adjustments to participate in our recruitment process, please let us know at the time of your application. 

Customer care during COVID

When COVID-19 hit we knew we had a responsibility to care for our customers by putting them at the heart of our decisions.

For this reason, in April 2020 our Health Insurance team invested over $50M and created the hardship team to support our customers when they most needed it.

Celebrate Wear it Purple Day and be the change

Wear it Purple was started to raise awareness of the discrimination faced by LGBTIQ+ youth, and the higher levels of suicide, depression and anxiety they experience as a result.

Forbes ranks Bupa one of the world’s best employers

Bupa has been ranked one of the world's best employers in Forbes' annual 'World's Best Employers' survey.

Thank you aged care workers

Today is ‘Aged Care Employee Day’, and there’s never been a more important time to thank aged care workers.

Ban the asterisk

Our customers have told us that our products can be confusing and complex when we add an asterisk (*) with fine print in our policies. To respond to our customers’ needs, in 2020 the Product Deisgn Squad was created to make our products simpler, more relecant and personalised. Here’s how putting our customers at the heart of everything helped the team ban the *.

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Curious to know more about life at Bupa? Visit our page today for more behind-the-scenes stories.

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A career at Bupa is more than just a job. It’s an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of our customers and communities. Explore our culture.

travel insurance australia bupa

Here at Bupa, we all share an extra healthy sense of purpose. You won’t just be working for a typical corporate. With roles across Health Insurance, Health Services and Aged Care, you’ll be at the heart of finding better ways to help people live longer, healthier, happier lives, and making a better world.

Don’t see a role that’s right for you? You can sign up for our job alerts and we’ll make sure to let you know when the right one comes up.

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When covering investment and personal finance stories, we aim to inform our readers rather than recommend specific financial product or asset classes. While we may highlight certain positives of a financial product or asset class, there is no guarantee that readers will benefit from the product or investment approach and may, in fact, make a loss if they acquire the product or adopt the approach.

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Travel Insurance For South Africa: Everything You Need To Know

Updated: Apr 30, 2024, 1:13pm

Table of Contents

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Do I Need Travel Insurance for South Africa?

What does travel insurance for south africa cover, frequently asked questions (faqs).

Tourism is on the rise in South Africa according to the local government , with more than four million tourists visiting the nation in the first half of 2023 alone. Australians form a sizable chunk of those numbers, with an estimated 125,000 Australians touring the country each year pre-pandemic.

With travel still high on the agenda for many Australians, that figure is expected to rise in the coming years.

If you’re considering a trip to South Africa, you’ll want to purchase travel insurance. Our guide explains everything you need to know.

Fast Cover Travel Insurance

On Fast Cover’s Secure Website

Medical cover

Unlimited, 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Cancellations

Unlimited, (Trip Disruption $50,000)

Key Features

25-Day Cooling Off Period, Australian Based Call Centre, 4.6 Star Product Review Rating

Cover-More Travel Insurance

travel insurance australia bupa

On Cover-more’s secure website

Unlimited, with a $2000 limit to dental

Yes, amount chosen by customer

Southern Cross Travel Insurance

travel insurance australia bupa

Medical Cover

Including medical treatment, doctors’ visits, prescribed medication, specialist treatment & medical transport costs

$2,500 with option to increase to unlimited

Yes, Australians should purchase travel insurance for South Africa. While not a legal requirement to enter the country, it is highly recommended from the Australian government—especially for medical care.

The standard of medical facilities in South Africa can vary by region, but medical facilities are generally of a much lower standard than Australia. In fact, many regional hospitals only provide basic facilities, meaning you may have to be relocated in order to receive the right medical attention.

There is no shared healthcare agreement between Australia and South Africa, which makes travel insurance even more essential. If you need to be transferred by air evacuation to a major city in order to receive treatment, and you don’t have travel insurance, you’ll likely face a hefty bill out of your own pocket.

As Smartraveller advises all Australians, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Vaccinations to Consider for Your Trip to South Africa

There is a high risk of certain diseases in South Africa, so it is worth making sure your vaccinations are up to date before you travel and taking any preventative measures with you, such as medications.

This can help reduce your chances of needing to seek medical attention.

There is a risk of Hepatitis A and B throughout South Africa, so vaccinations for Australian travellers are recommended. There is also a moderate risk for most travellers of typhoid, so a vaccination is also recommended if you are travelling to smaller cities, villages and rural areas.

Malaria is present throughout the country, so it could be a good idea to equip yourself with malaria tablets before you travel.

It is essential that you consult a medical practitioner regarding your need for vaccinations before you travel to South Africa, especially as some medical conditions can predispose travellers to certain infections.

When purchasing a travel insurance policy for South Africa, you will have the option to choose a basic policy or a comprehensive policy. A basic policy is cheaper , but may turn out to be more expensive in the long run if you aren’t covered for the things you need.

While a basic policy will usually cover medical needs, it may not provide cover for things such as lost luggage and cancellations (or, if it does, will provide it at a much lower claim level).

That’s why a comprehensive policy is highly recommended for travel to South Africa, as you will receive cover for stolen items, lost luggage, delays and more, in addition to medical and emergency dental care.

Smartraveller asks Australians to exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of violent crime in South Africa, which includes robbery and carjacking.

The government website warns that opportunistic criminals will target travellers at the approaches to tourist-hotspot Kruger National Park, at well-known resorts, and on public transport.

Additionally, as ATM and credit card fraud are common crimes in South Africa, a comprehensive policy can be the more financially sound choice to give you peace of mind.

Going on a Safari?

South Africa is a popular tourist region for many reasons, including wildlife safaris. If you wish to partake in a safari or a game walk—walking with wild animals and a professional guide—you will need to ensure that these activities are covered in your policy’s list of included sports and activities.

If they are not, you will not receive cover for anything that occurs during the safari.

However, your policy may offer the option for you to choose an ‘adventure pack’ at an additional cost, which can include many activities that aren’t covered in the standard offering.

This can also include hiking or trekking to certain altitudes.

It’s important to consider which activities you may be participating in during your trip to South Africa in order to ensure you have the appropriate coverage, and purchase an additional add-on if necessary.

What Travel Insurance Won’t Cover

Your travel insurance policy won’t cover anything that is set out in its exclusions, as per the product disclosure statement (PDS). This could include certain sports and activities (such as a safari), or travel to certain regions in South Africa due to safety.

While each travel insurance policy differs on the fine-print, it is standard for most policies not to cover:

  • Cancellations due to ‘disinclination to travel’, being if you change your mind about your holiday;
  • Accidents or injuries that occur when not following the appropriate safety guidance or official guidelines;
  • Intoxicated behaviour, including recreational drugs;
  • Any illegal activity.

Be sure to carefully read the PDS of your policy so you know exactly what you can and cannot claim on your trip to South Africa.

Is it safe to travel to South Africa?

Smartraveller recommends that Australians exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to South Africa, due to the threat of violent crime. This includes armed robbery, mugging, carjacking, credit card theft, and more.

There is a higher risk of violent crime in major cities after dark, or during “rolling blackout” periods.

For these reasons (and more), Smartraveller urges Australians to take out a travel insurance policy before travelling to South Africa.

Do Australians need a visa for South Africa?

No, Australians do not need a visa for South Africa if they are visiting for tourism for stays of up to 90 days.

Where can I buy travel insurance for South Africa?

Most Australian travel insurance providers will cover Aussies wanting to head abroad to South Africa. When shopping around for a policy, you will be able to choose your destination when you request a quote. If there is no option to choose South Africa, this would be a clear indicator that the insurance provider does not provide policies to this region.

At the time of writing, a few of our top picks for comprehensive travel insurance cover South Africa, including Allianz and Cover-More .

Travel insurance providers can revoke the issuing of new policies to certain destinations at any time, especially if Smartraveller changes the alert warning for a country to ‘Do Not Travel’.

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Sophie Venz is an experienced editor and features reporter, and has previously worked in the small business and start-up reporting space. Previously the Associate Editor of SmartCompany, Sophie has worked closely with finance experts and columnists around Australia and internationally.

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  6. The Best Travel Insurance For Australia And Why You Need It

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COMMENTS

  1. Travel Insurance

    Our Emergency travel assistance team details are: Australia DIRECT and TOLL FREE from: ... Bupa Travel Insurance is distributed by Bupa HI Pty Ltd (Bupa) (ABN 81 000 057 590, AR 354269), an authorised representative of Open Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 23 166 949 444, AFSL 451712 (Open). Open arranges this insurance as agent for Travel Insurance ...

  2. Bupa Travel Insurance Review

    In relation to its Bupa travel insurance policy, which is analysed in detail below, customers have rated the policy 3.9 stars out of 5 from 138 reviews via Australia's independent consumer ...

  3. Best Comprehensive Travel Insurance Policies In 2024

    Australia Post's Comprehensive Travel Insurance offers coverage for credit card fraud of up to $5,000, lost luggage insurance up to $12,000 (sub-limits apply on certain items) and no age limit ...

  4. Bupa Travel Insurance Review

    Bupa's COVID-19 coverage is limited in comparison with brands such as Fast Cover and Southern Cross Travel Insurance. Its cover limit of $10,000 for theft or damage to luggage and personal ...

  5. Best Domestic Travel Insurance Providers

    The Bupa Domestic policy is underwritten by Allianz Australia Insurance, making it similar to Allianz's domestic travel insurance policy. As with Allianz, there is no maximum age limit and ...

  6. Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC)

    Bupa covers emergency ambulance transport and on-the-spot treatment unless you have a state subscription, compensation benefits, eligible concession cards or the state pays for you. Get great value on Overseas Visitors' Health Cover (OVHC) from Bupa including GP, specialist consultations, pharmacy and more. Get an Online Quote today.

  7. Bupa Travel Insurance Review

    Domestic: Bupa offers a domestic travel insurance policy which provides you with cover for your luggage and personal items, trip delays or unexpected delays and personal liability. You may also be covered for the excess on a rental car. This domestic travel insurance is also open to seniors. Annual Multi-Trip Insurance: this multi-trip policy ...

  8. Bupa Australia Travel Insurance

    Bupa Australia Travel Insurance Reviews. Whether you are travelling overseas, within Australia, or even a frequent traveller, Bupa Travel Insurance offers comprehensive cover solutions to help suit your needs. Policies are available to those of any age. Dependants travel for free with parent or grandparent. They offer 24/7 emergency assitance ...

  9. Bupa travel insurance comparisons for April 2024

    Bupa is a healthcare organisation in Australia and New Zealand. Having served roughly 4.7 million customers in Australia alone, they offer home, car, life and travel insurance, as well as medical guidance and health insurance in a range of areas. Part of the international Bupa group, Bupa travel insurance policies are underwritten by CGU Insurance.

  10. Bupa Travel Insurance reviews

    Bupa Travel Insurance (Travel Insurance): 3.9 out of 5 stars from 140 genuine reviews on Australia's largest opinion site ProductReview.com.au. Best 2024 Travel Insurance. ... Insurance Australia Limited: Insurance Australia Limited: Insurance Australia Limited: Maximum Age Covered: 85: years old85: years old85: years old85: years old

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    The 20 best Travel Insurance in 2024 ranked based on 40,178 reviews - Find consumer reviews on ProductReview.com.au, Australia's No.1 Opinion Site. ... Bupa Travel Insurance. 3.9 ... Already Overseas: coverage if you've already left Australia and need travel insurance. A waiting period usually applies, between 24 hours and 72 hours. Domestic: ...

  12. Health Insurance Abroad

    17. This offer is provided to you by Bupa Insurance Limited, trading as Bupa Global, the insurer of your BG Policy. Bupa Global is a trading name of Bupa Insurance Limited and Bupa Insurance Services Limited which are registered in England and Wales at Companies House under numbers 3956433 and 3829851 respectively.

  13. Compare Travel Insurance Australia

    Instantly compare 127+ Canstar expert rated policies based on the inputs below. Looking for travel insurance? Compare over 400 travel insurance policies from 70+ providers before getting a quote. Compare now.

  14. Bupa Travel Insurance

    Bupa Travel Insurance Policy Options. Economy: Bupa's most basic level of cover.It is the minimum cover required for travels to New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands. Standard: The minimum cover required for travel to Asia, including Bali. Super: This policy offers unlimited medical expenses cover, and is the minimum cover required for travels to the UK, Europe, South America, Russia ...

  15. Travel Insurance: USA To Australia Trip

    Generous travel plans provide $2,500 and higher, per person, for baggage loss. With so many connecting flights to get to Australia, there's also a chance your luggage will arrive, but after you ...

  16. CHOICE travel insurance buying guide

    Baggage cover varies widely, with travel insurance policies ranging from $0 to $30,000. So, if you're not carrying expensive items, you may be able to save on your premium by selecting a policy that provides lower coverage. Individual items are subject to sub-limits that range from around $250 to as much as $5,000.

  17. Compare International Travel Insurance 2024

    Find the best product for you. If you're going overseas, travel insurance is just as essential as your passport. Use our free comparison tool to narrow down international single trip and annual multi-trip policies from 27 insurers, offering cover for COVID-19, existing medical conditions, car rental and more.

  18. Overseas Working & Holiday Health Insurance

    When you're covered by Bupa's overseas visitors cover, you can enjoy your time in Australia with greater peace of mind. We're Australia's Number 1 health insurer for overseas visitors cover ^^ and have a range of quality overseas visitors covers that help meet visa requirements. Price based on Single in NSW aged 34 on a Working Holiday.

  19. Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is designed to cover you for a range of unexpected events that could happen when you're travelling overseas or in Australia. Allianz Travel Insurance can cover costs like travel delays or emergency medical treatment, or the cost of replacing items that were lost or stolen during your trip. 1.

  20. Senior Security Specialist vacancy at Bupa

    Bupa is an international healthcare group which has been committed to a purpose of longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world for more than 70 years. In Australia and New Zealand, Bupa supports more than 5 million customers through a broad range of health and care services including health insurance, aged care, rehabilitation ...

  21. Bupa General Insurance

    Eligible Customers: New or existing Bupa Insurance customers who reside in Australia, ... Bupa Travel Insurance is distributed by Bupa HI Pty Ltd (Bupa) (ABN 81 000 057 590, AR 354269), an authorised representative of Open Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 23 166 949 444, AFSL 451712 (Open). Open arranges this insurance as agent for Travel Insurance ...

  22. Travel Insurance For South Africa

    Tourism is on the rise in South Africa according to the local government, with more than four million tourists visiting the nation in the first half of 2023 alone.Australians form a sizable chunk ...