Travel Insurance for Australians

If you’re thinking about taking a holiday either overseas or within Australia, then it’s a good idea to take a look at covering yourself and your family if any mishaps occur.

Travel insurance has never been easier to organise, with a large range of Australian online travel insurance providers to choose from.

The destination is the key

Many people only take out travel insurance if they are travelling to a place they know has inadequate medical facilities. The truth is, while you may receive top-notch medical care in countries such as Canada, the US or anywhere in Europe, if you don’t have insurance, you may just end up with a bill that runs into the tens of thousands.

Choosing your region is easy with an insurer like Travel insurance Direct. All you need to do is select the region, choose whether you are part of a family or single, how long you will be away for and then click for a quote. For instance, if you’re going to Europe for two weeks, a single policy will cost only $99. This will cover you for unlimited medical expenses, cancellation costs and any additional expenses occurred because of these, among other things.

What about within Australia?

Many people taking off on a two-week road trip within Australia wouldn’t even consider travel insurance as an option, but in fact taking out a policy before you leave for the coast (or the red heartland) is a great idea. For just under $100, Sure Save will cover medical expenses and evacuation costs of up to $10,000, car hire excess of up to $4000 and even cancellation costs of up to $10,000. 1cover has even designed a package especially for skiers, and includes unlimited emergency evacuation, ski hire equipment and much more. This package can also be used for ski fields overseas.

What about underwriters?

With any travel insurance policy, one thing that should be taken careful note of is what company is underwriting the policy. Basically, the more reputable the company, the less likely it is you will run into any problems if you do have to claim.

Columbus Direct, for instance, is underwritten by the insurance giant Llyods. Columbus has an annual travel insurance policy that starts from just $250, making frequent travelling much more cost effective and hassle-free. World Care has one of the most competitive policies around, providing two weeks of unlimited medical expenses and cancellations costs for just $71 anywhere overseas, underwritten by Allianz.

Whether you’re over 70 and looking forward to the trip of a lifetime, or 18 and embarking on your first big adventure, there’s a policy for you. Just make sure you read the policy disclosure book carefully, and shop around.