Whether your dream trip to Australia is a once-in-a-lifetime experience or you’re just planning a short getaway, it’s essential that you purchase travel insurance.
Insurers offer a wide variety of policies with different features and inclusions. The key areas we look at include: cover for pre-existing conditions, excess amounts, and general exclusions.
1. iSelect
iSelect is an online price-comparison service that helps millions of Australians take care of life’s essentials. From health insurance and car insurance to home loans, energy, credit cards, and phone plans, iSelect is here to make sense of the hundreds of options. Users enter their details on the website and an advisor will contact them to provide assistance. The company is based in Melbourne, Australia. Bruce Mountain works for iSelect. He does not receive funding from any entity that would benefit from this article.
2. World Nomads
World Nomads is a company that offers multi-trip travel insurance for travellers from Australia, Canada, UK, and USA. You can buy their travel insurance online and start your coverage right away (except for American travellers).
They have a comprehensive list of benefits including emergency medical, trip cancellation, and activity cover. Their policies also include cover for lost or stolen baggage and personal belongings.
Another great thing about their plans is that they provide the option to extend your policy while you’re already on a trip. You can do this easily online and their customer service is always ready to help.
They are the recommended travel insurance partner of Lonely Planet. They are also the only travel insurer that covers COVID-19 on their Explorer plan. However, the terms and conditions are very detailed so read them carefully. You’ll need a confirmed diagnosis from your doctor to make a claim. They also note that you won’t be covered if you cancel your trip because of fear of the pandemic or because there is an advisor or travel ban in place.
3. Finder
While medical costs remain the main reason to purchase travel insurance, policies also cover unforeseen events such as cancellations, disruption of journey and lost luggage. When looking at different options, consider the level of coverage you need and whether a policy provides protection against your specific activities, such as snowboarding or sailing.
CHOICE also looked at how well each provider covers family emergencies when travelling abroad. This is important if an immediate family member becomes ill and you can’t get home to attend their care.
Finder scored highly on both of these criteria, as well as a range of other factors including COVID-19 coverage and inclusions. Its Fast Cover policy includes rental car expenses, travel delays and a $10,000 cancellation and rearrangement benefit. Unlike some providers, Finder also covers valuables in check-in luggage and offers increased item limits for cruises and moped rides. However, be sure to read the product disclosure statement (PDS) for full details of what is and isn’t covered by each policy.
4. Travel Insurance Australia
Australia’s dramatic landscapes, relaxed outdoor lifestyle and welcoming locals have made it a popular travel destination for decades. It’s also a favourite spot for British travellers, with over a million UK citizens living in Australia. So whether you’re heading to the land down under for a holiday or visiting family, it pays to get the best travel insurance policy to keep you safe and protected.
A comprehensive policy typically covers delayed flights, cancellations and lost luggage, along with emergency medical expenses. Some policies even cover your legal costs if you damage or injure someone while travelling.
The best way to find the right policy for you is to compare quotes and features at a comparison site like CHOICE. Use a buyer’s guide to help you choose the benefits that are most important to you and read the PDS carefully before you buy. Ultimately, the cost of your premium will depend on how much cover you need and your age, as well as any pre-existing conditions or adventure activities.