Essential travel insurance tips

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Essential travel insurance tips

For information relating to policies purchased prior to 27 June 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased from 27 June 2024, please see below.

Ignoring the practicalities of travelling through a large, remote and often very hot and dry country has caught out many experienced travellers. Here are a few things to know about your travel insurance cover before you travel around Australia.

Protect your gear from theft

Australians are renowned for their welcoming attitude and it’s with good reason, however, while the majority are friendly to travellers, some are more interested in your wallet than getting to know you. Theft is a common claim in Australia. It takes just seconds for a thief to grab your camera or wallet from under your beach towel at Bondi while you’re swimming, or off the table while you’re ordering coffee. Always keep your valuables on you or locked up (using the hotel safe or hostel lockers). Also don’t leave anything in your car as break and enters are common in urban areas (especially at night). If your belongings aren’t with you, and there is no evidence or police report of a theft, you may not be covered if they’re stolen.

Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything, particularly if you leave something behind or, on some insurance plans, if your gear is damaged. Check your policy carefully for full details of cover, including the limit payable on each item, the excess (your contribution or deductible) and any exclusions or conditions of cover such as depreciation or valid proof of ownership.

Baggage delay

Australia’s remoteness is part of its charm but can also present some challenges if your baggage is delayed. Most visitors require a half day plane ride to get to Australia, so you’re unlikely to get your baggage back quickly if your airline has delivered it to Sidney, Canada instead of Sydney, Australia. Most travel insurance policies can help replace essentials, like a change of clothes or toothbrush, if you have to wait more than 24 hours for your bags to arrive. Travel insurance isn’t designed to swap your ripped jeans for a designer pair, so read this section of your policy carefully before you spend up big and then try and claim.

Before you leave home, ensure your baggage is clearly labelled and the tags are firmly attached, giving your airline the best chance of getting it on the right plane or finding it quickly and getting it back to you.

Medical insurance for accidents or injuries

The Australian medical system is first class, but it comes with a price, so before you travel, make sure your travel insurance plan covers you for emergency medical expenses when overseas. This is different to the private health or private medical insurance cover you might have at home which may not cover you overseas. Cover for emergency medical expenses in your travel insurance plan can be your safety net. 

If you’re hurt or injured, contact us for assistance and we can help you understand what your policy covers. You may decide, if your ailment is minor and under the excess, to not make a claim. If it’s a life-threatening medical condition, always seek medical help immediately. Let us know as soon as you can what has happened so we can help you access medical assistance and keep your family and friends informed.

Adventure sport coverage

There are many great opportunities to do adventure sports in Australia, which is why our travel insurance covers hundreds of them from kite surfing to skiing and parasailing (over water only). Policy exclusions do vary, so, depending on the level of cover you’ve purchased, read it carefully and make sure you’re covered before you go bungee jumping in Cairns or scuba diving in Byron Bay. If you get hurt skiing in the Victorian Alps, and it’s not in your policy, it’s going to be a very expensive trip. And, remember, if you do something really reckless, like grab a snake by the head or go swimming with crocodiles, you may not be covered at all.

This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Protection

Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation before you leave home.

  • Explorer Plan: €10,000
  • Standard Plan: €4,000
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Abroad Medical Expenses

Take the pain out of medical costs while traveling abroad.

  • Explorer Plan: €10,000,000
  • Standard Plan: €5,000,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transport

Expenses included in Emergency Medical limits.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Covers the loss, theft or damage of your bags, tech and gear (just not sports equipment when in use).

  • Explorer Plan: €3,000
  • Standard Plan: €1,500
Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Overseas Emergency Medical & Dental Expenses
  • 24 hour Emergency Medical Assistance
  • Emergency Medical Transport
  • Repatriation & Travel Expenses
  • Trip Disruption
  • Travel Delay (Explorer)
  • Missed connection (Explorer)
  • Baggage & Personal Items
  • Passport & Travel Documents
  • Personal Liability
  • Personal accident
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

Contact our Claims Team

We're here to help if you have a question about your claim. We're available.

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For policies purchased on or after 27 June 2024

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Country of residencePhone
Belgium +44 (0) 333 333 9621
Denmark +44 (0) 333 333 9619
Germany +44 (0) 333 333 9618
Netherlands +44 (0) 333 333 9617

Country of residenceEmail
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Denmark worldnomads.clmsdk@collinsoninsurance.com
Germany worldnomads.clmsde@collinsoninsurance.com
Netherlands worldnomads.clmsnl@collinsoninsurance.com

For policies purchased before 27 June 2024
Country of residencePhone
Belgium +32 (0)2 808 66 32
Denmark +45 89 87 30 23
Germany +49 (0)335 5622 3012
Netherlands +31 (0)20 8080731

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