Essential travel insurance tips
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Ignoring the practicalities of traveling through the large, remote and often very hot and dry country that is Australia has caught out many experienced travelers. Before you go surfing in Byron Bay, go hiking in Western Australia or start your East Coast road trip, here are a few things to know about your travel insurance cover in Australia.
Australians are renowned for their welcoming attitude and it’s with good reason, however, theft is a common claim in Australia, with some people being more interested in your wallet than getting to know you. It takes just seconds for a thief to grab your camera or wallet from under your beach towel while you’re swimming at Bondi Beach, or off the table while you’re ordering coffee in a Melbourne laneway. Always keep your valuables on you or locked up (using the hotel safe or hostel lockers). Avoid leaving 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.
Our policies may cover you if your gear is stolen, up to policy limits. 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. Keep in mind that travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything, particularly if you leave something behind or, on some insurance plans, if your gear is damaged. If you have any questions about your policy, contact us.
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.
Depending on your Country of Residence and plan chosen, our policies can help replace essentials, like a change of clothes or toothbrush, if your baggage is delayed for more than 24 hours. If your baggage is delayed, be sure to report it to your carrier and get a written report, as you will need these for any claims.
Before you leave home, ensure your baggage is clearly labeled 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.
If you're hurt or injured while traveling in Australia, contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team, and we can help you understand what your policy covers, as well as find the nearest medical center or hospital and provide medical evacuation and repatriation if required.
Travel insurance can be your safety net if you become very unwell; it's not designed to pay for every scratch and headache, which is why benefit limits and excesses apply. Upon speaking with the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team, you may decide, if your ailment is minor and under the excess, not to make a claim. If it's a life-threatening medical condition, always seek medical help immediately.
If you become sick or injured on your travels around Australia, you can follow the steps on what to do next in our guide and 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.
If you're looking for adventure, Australia is the right place! Our policies offer cover for more than 150 adventure sports, activities, and experiences, from scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef to road tripping the Great Ocean Road, skydiving at Mission Beach, and many more.
We offer two types of plans – Standard and Explorer. While there are many activities covered on the Standard plan, if you're feeling more adventurous, you may need to upgrade to the Explorer Plan.
Policy exclusions vary depending on your Country of Residence and the level of cover you've purchased, so be sure to read the policy wording carefully and make sure you're covered before you go bungee jumping in Cairns or horse riding in the Snowy Mountains.
And remember, if you do something crazy, like grab a snake by the head or go swimming with crocodiles, you may not be covered at all.
If you're not sure whether the activity you want to do is covered or have any questions about your policy, just ask us.
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Before your trip, check to see if there are current travel alerts for your destination – you can also check travel advice and restrictions for your destination(s) as these may impact cover, or your ability to travel.
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