This is general advice and comments only. For specific advice about how cover relates to you, please refer to the PDS or contact the relevant insurance agency.
Travel insurance has received negative press in the media in the last few years and particularly during Covid and it doesn’t deserve the negativity when it does sooo much good for soooo many travellers! It seems only the bad stuff gets lots of mainstream media coverage. The positive outcomes are all too often omitted because outrage gets more clicks and views unfortunately. Due to privacy we cannot share most of the good news stories. Suffice to say, there can be good outcomes from unfortunate situations.
There used to be a frequently quoted saying: “If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel”.
This sentence seems to have fallen out of popular use since Covid especially since insurance companies routinely do NOT include cover for pandemics and epidemics. That has not changed, but a lot of insurance providers have amended their policies to offer specific Covid-related coverage.
Did you know, travel insurance covers more than just unfortunate incidents while you’re away?
For example, health diagnoses. You’re usually healthy and strong and kicking, and the next day, you’re being told you have a serious health condition, and you’re supposed to depart on a wicked trip to Canada/Scandinavia/Antarctica next week.
On top of the diagnosis, the last thing you want to do is fret over the thousands of dollars and the hundreds of hours you’ve invested into the trip. If you have travel insurance, there is provision to claim your cancellation fees and at least get most, if not all, of your money back, or the insurance company might pay instead to rearrange your trip to a later date. Every claim is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
There is also provision to claim:
if you fall ill (or your kids get sick) when you’re due to depart.
if you’re travelling for a specific reason or event (e.g. wedding), and it gets cancelled.
As mentioned above, all claims are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Some (not all) pre-existing health conditions may be included at no additional charge. Some pre-existing conditions require an assessment and may be covered at an additional fee. Some conditions may not be covered at all.
If you travel more than once a year, consider looking at an annual multi-trip policy.
In a nutshell, you have to read the fine print.
Yes – there is lots to digest and think about, just like with any insurance policy. Have you read the PDS for your car insurance, or home & contents insurance?
Alcohol and travel insurance – Insurance providers emphasize the importance of travellers looking after their health and well-being responsibly, including alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol can significantly impair one’s abilities, increasing the risk of accidents, injuries, or exposure to criminal activities. Insurers consider various factors when evaluating claims where alcohol has played a role, whether major or minor.
For many travellers, alcohol and travel often complement each other, whether it’s sipping a cocktail on a beach or exploring renowned wine regions worldwide. Having a drink while visiting a new country can add to the enjoyment of unwinding on vacation. However, it’s important to understand how alcohol consumption can impact travel insurance coverage. Will you still be protected if alcohol is involved?
Each insurance provider sets its own criteria, so it is your responsibility as the traveller (and yours alone) to carefully review and fully understand the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for detailed information. This includes familiarizing yourself with the terms and conditions, as well as any limitations and exclusions that apply to your travel insurance policy.
The Australian Government will NOT pay for you to come home if things go pear-shaped because then everyone would try to get the Government to pay for them to fly in business class. Click here for info/advice from the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website.
You don’t get what you don’t pay for. As with so many things, cheap is not always cheerful. We encourage you to check your proposed insurance policy and insurer carefully (see Smartraveller). We can assist, though our advice is general advice only. For specific advice, you must contact the insurer.
At Back Track Adventures, we are authorised representatives for Covermore Travel Insurance, NIB Travel Insurance and Go Insurance. We can provide you with insurance quotes to match your travel plans. Please ask us.
