How Travel Insurance Australia works

What is Australia travel insurance?

Australia travel insurance provides financial protection for both Australian citizens traveling outside of Australia, and travelers from the rest of the world visiting Australia. This could be a holiday, regular travel for work, or an extended study abroad program. Without travel insurance, your trip could quickly turn into a nightmare if an accident, illness or cancellation results in unexpected hefty bills.

As standard, medical travel insurance policies cover any emergency medical expenses that arise due to illnesses or accidents during your trip. However, travel insurance policies cover you for more than just emergency medical treatment and medical repatriation. There are a range of other travel related emergencies that travel insurance can protect you against, including lost luggage and 24/7 assistance when abroad.

The extent of your protection will depend on which policy you buy. It’s important to do your research and compare Australian insurance options before making your final purchasing decision, to make sure you are fully covered for all aspects of your trip.

What’s the difference between travel insurance for Australian visitors and travel insurance for Australian citizens?

Travel insurance for Australian citizens is designed to cover Australians when they are traveling overseas. Coverage may include medical expenses, lost baggage, and other common travel insurance benefits. In the event of a medical emergency, travel insurance will ensure you can be transported back to Australia to receive further treatment. You can tailor your policy to your specific travel needs, such as adventure activities or extended trips.

Since travel insurance is designed for time spent abroad, it cannot be used to cover any travels around Australia or Australian Territories if you are already an Australian citizen.

In contrast, travel insurance for Australian visitors covers anyone who is visiting Australia from abroad and does not have Australian citizenship. It’s designed to cover emergency medical treatment during your stay in Australia, since non-residents will not typically have access to the same state-funded medical treatment as Australian citizens. Medical coverage could include hospitalization, emergency treatment or, if your condition is serious, the cost of you being transported to your home country.

Some types of Australian visas may require proof of adequate health insurance coverage on application. Check any requirements linked to your visa application, to make sure your insurance is compliant, and be sure to select a policy that will cover you for the whole length of your time in Australia.

Do you need travel insurance for visiting Australia?

While travel insurance is not legally required to visit Australia, it is highly recommended.

Sadly, holidays don’t always go as planned. Whilst insurance won’t prevent unpleasant things happening, it will take away the sting of any associated costs that could quickly add up as a result. Medical cover is the most common reason for taking out insurance before traveling, although most travelers also appreciate a layer of protection against lost luggage or even legal assistance.

If you are visiting Australia from another country, you probably won’t have access to the Australian state funded healthcare, and will need to cover the cost of medical treatment yourself. The Australian government advises all non-Australian citizens to purchase travel insurance before your visit, so you are covered in the event of an emergency.

Aside from medical care, Australian travel insurance can also provide peace of mind during your trip to know that if anything goes wrong - such as a mandated quarantine, or even a lost suitcase - your additional expenses will be covered. Sorting travel insurance before you set off will mean you can enjoy your time in Australia worry-free. Exactly how it should be.

Do you need travel insurance for an Australian visa?

Most foreigners traveling to Australia from abroad will need to apply for a visa before entering the country, unless they already have Australian citizenship. Exceptions to this are, for example, New Zealand citizens, who can apply for an Australian visa once they are already in Australia.

As stated on the Australian government website:

“Some Australian visas require you to provide evidence of adequate arrangements for health insurance while in Australia before we determine whether or not a visa is granted. We might ask you to provide a copy of a current private health insurance policy held with an Australian registered private health insurer for you and any additional applicants applying for the visa with you.”

Be sure to check before you travel if your visa application will require proof of travel medical insurance.

Who is exempt from needing a visa for Australia?

Unless you are a citizen of Australia or New Zealand, you have to have a visa to go to Australia. There are many different types of Australian visas, depending on the length of your stay, and your reason for being there. Whether you’re visiting family, spending a semester studying in Australia, or traveling for business, you can find guidance on the correct visa on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.

If I'm exempt from needing a visa, do I still need insurance in Australia?

Even if your entry to Australia doesn’t require proof of travel insurance, you’d be wise to take out travel insurance for Australia before your trip. Healthcare expenses can be very high in Australia, and as a non-resident, you will be treated as a private healthcare patient when accessing treatment. The last thing you want when you are abroad is to be faced with a bill for urgent medical care that was unexpected.

Do Australian citizens need travel insurance for Schengen, Europe or worldwide trips?

Becoming ill in a foreign country is a daunting experience. In some countries, if you’re unable to pay upfront or provide proof of insurance, hospitals may refuse to treat you. This could come as a shock if you are used to qualifying for Medicare treatment, especially as healthcare in many countries can be very expensive. Worse still, if you die whilst abroad, without travel insurance, your next of kin will be saddled with covering your mortal remains being returned home for end of life services.

Many countries around the world insist on mandatory travel insurance for foreigners. For example, any foreigner entering countries in the Schengen zone, are required to show proof of travel medical insurance when applying for a visa.

There are 29 countries in the Schengen area, all located in Europe: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

If you are traveling to multiple destinations throughout the year, you can purchase worldwide travel insurance that will cover you for any country in the world, provided it is not a war zone.

However, please note, Insurte’s travel insurance does not cover domestic travel. This means it cannot be used to insure Australian citizens traveling within Australia, it can only be used for foreign travel. If you are planning a trip around the world that also includes time traveling around Australia, you’ll need a different insurance for your time spent within your own country.

Do Australian residents need travel insurance for Schengen, Europe or worldwide ?

If you are currently a resident in Australia, but not a citizen, and are planning a trip to Europe or somewhere else, you’ll need to be mindful about the type of insurance policy you take out. Always check with your destination of choice as to whether or not travel insurance is mandatory based on your visa - or whether or not your destination has any requirements surrounding travel insurance.

The Schengen zone, for example, requires travel insurance for anyone applying for a visa within any of the 29 included countries.

As mentioned above, Insurte, like most travel insurance providers, only covers travel to foreign countries, meaning it cannot be used for domestic travel.

What are the government recommendations regarding travel insurance for Australia?

Australian government recommendations for visitors

The Australian government is very clear on its website that all visitors to Australia, regardless of whether or not they need a visa,should have adequate medical insurance. This is because any visitor who requires medical care whilst in Australia will be liable to cover their own medical costs. Luckily, there are many options that can ensure you are covered and abiding by Australian government’s recommendations.

With that being said, there are a few specific countries (Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom) that have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with Australia. This means that if you are a citizen of one of these countries, you’ll be able to access certain subsidized treatment, such as emergency medical care, during your stay in Australia.

Nevertheless, not all treatments will be covered by this agreement, and you’ll still be required to contribute towards the cost.

Australian government recommendations for Australian citizens abroad

The Australian government strongly advises all Australians to take out travel insurance before traveling overseas.

Thanks to the Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with certain countries, as mentioned above, Australians can receive subsidized emergency medical treatment whilst staying in any of the listedcountries. Even so, this may not cover the full extent of your medical bills, and you may be prevented from leaving that country until you have settled all your bill

How to find the best Australia Travel Insurance?

Finding the best travel insurance in Australia involves a bit of research and consideration. Start by assessing your specific needs and travel plans. For example, how many international trips are you planning on making this year? It could be that an annual travel insurance policy - one that covers you for multiple trips for example - could be the most cost effective.
Use a comparison tool, like Insurte’s, to compare policies from reputable insurance providers and consider factors such as coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions.
Customer reviews can also be a valuable asset when deciding on which insurance provider to use. Look for a policy that not only fits your budget, but also offers comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, loss of luggage, and other unexpected events. Don't hesitate to reach out to insurance experts, like those at Insurte, or customer service representatives to clarify any doubts to ensure you're making an informed decision.

Where can I find the Australia cheapest travel insurance

If you're on the hunt for the most budget-friendly travel insurance Australia, comparison websites are a great way to find the best deal. You can easily compare prices and coverage from different insurers, and check value for money by taking note of what is included in each policy. Certain options may appear cheaper at first glance, but you might find yourself having to pay a sizable deductible (also referred to as excess) if you have to make a claim during your trip.

The key is to strike a balance between affordability and adequate coverage, so that your chosen policy meets your specific travel needs while also staying within your budget.

Where can I find a comprehensive Australia travel insurance

If you prefer to be covered no matter the unlucky surprise during your trip,you’ll want a comprehensive policy. That way, you’ll avoid a plethora of unpleasant issues down the road. No insurance will cover every single scenario, so you’ll still need to take note of the terms and conditions, but comprehensive travel insurance will offer the widest range of protection, allowing you to have peace of mind during your journey.

To find comprehensive travel insurance for Australia, look for policies that include coverage for medical emergencies, Covid-19, lost or stolen belongings, and other unforeseen events. It’s also worth deciding if you’d prefer a deductible or no deductible policy. No deductible insurance will be more costly, but it also offers full compensation in the event of an emergency, with nothing left for you to pay.

Using an insurance comparison tool allows you to tailor coverage to your specific requirements. On Insurte, you can compare options and check policy details to make the most educated decision. It also never hurts to consider seeking recommendations from fellow travelers or travel forums to ensure the chosen insurance plan is comprehensive and reliable.

How much does Australia travel insurance cost?

The cost of travel insurance for Australia varies based on factors such as your destination, trip duration, and coverage preferences. Unlike some other providers, Insurte’s pricing is not dependent on factors like health or nationality.

Basic plans may be more affordable, while comprehensive coverage with higher limits and additional features will come at a higher initial cost. To get an accurate estimate, use Insurte’s online comparison tool that compares products from multiple providers. Keep in mind that while cost is an important factor, it's equally crucial to prioritize coverage that aligns with your travel needs to ensure a worry-free journey.

Whether you’re snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef or traveling across the desert to visit the great Uluru, adventure awaits. Planning a trip abroad is exciting, and it pays to be prepared. Whatever your travel plans are in Australia or around the globe, you’ll want to find a travel insurance policy to fit your needs. Check out our travel insurance options on our comparison tool to make sure you’re covered for your next adventure.

Australia Travel Insurance FAQS

Can I insure my trip to Australia if I’m 65 years old, 75 years old or more than 80 years old?

Can I insure my Australian trip if I’m traveling more than 90/120 days?

Can I buy my Australian insurance online?

Will my country of departure limit my insurance options for Australia?

Does my nationality limit my ability to buy travel insurance for Australia?

Can I get a refund on my travel insurance for Australia?

Do I need travel insurance if I’m a New Zealand citizen going to Australia?

Do I need travel insurance to go to Australia from the UK?

Is Norfolk Island included in Australia travel insurance?

Is travel insurance mandatory for an Australian tourist visa?

Is travel insurance mandatory in Australia?

Do I need travel insurance for a working holiday in Australia?

Am I covered for Australian territories with my Australian travel insurance?

Traveling to Australia is on the bucket list of travelers around the globe, and it’s no surprise. Whether you’re planning to hit the waves on Bondi Beach, enjoy delicious food in Melbourne, or taste the famous wines of the Barossa Valley, making sure you have the right travel insurance will help you rest-assured that you’re protected, no matter where the Outback takes you.