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Please Note - If you are cruising around Australia you need to select Pacific. With Regions, variances can apply for Bali, Indonesia, Japan and Middle East. You are not required to enter stop-over countries if your stop-over is less than 48 hours.

If you don’t know where you’re traveling to within the next 12 months, choose Worldwide to ensure you’re covered no matter where you go. If you’re travelling to multiple countries choose the region that you are visiting that is furthest away (excluding stopovers less than 48 hours). In most cases you will be covered for the closer regions as well. For example, if you choose Europe, you will also be covered in the Middle East, Asia and Pacific.

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*Note: Variances apply for Bali, Indonesia, Japan and Middle East. Check that your destination is covered once directed to your chosen insurer’s site.

Finding Travel Insurance When You Have Cancer

Whether you're recovering from your latest round of chemotherapy, need a bit of R&R or are celebrating an ‘all clear’ cancer prognosis, a holiday can be just the ticket.

However, finding travel insurance when you have cancer can be tricky!

Whilst most policies will usually cover  pre-existing medical conditions  such as diabetes, asthma and osteoporosis; conditions like cancer, mental illness and heart conditions are more commonly not covered.

The general rule of thumb is that insurers do not cover conditions that already exist before your trip and many will require a medical evaluation before they give the ok. Additionally, most policies WILL NOT cover cancer due to the heightened risk that sufferers may fall ill, cancel their holiday, or cut their trip short.

The Good News

The travel insurance industry has heard you and is responding.  Up until recently, finding travel insurance that covered cancer was an exercise in frustration.  However, there are now a few insurers that have added certain cancers to their list of conditions covered following assessment.

Insurers such as Covermore (underwritten by Zurich) may cover a range of cancers including breast, prostate, kidney, bowel, brain and skin cancer. Additionally, AAMI (underwritten by Suncorp) may insure travellers with breast or prostate cancer (under certain conditions).

Are You Eligible?

It’s important to note that certain conditions will always apply to cancer cover. Although we've highlighted some important terms below, be sure to chat to your provider before you buy. •  Covermore  will cover skin cancer, providing your skin cancer isn't melanoma, you haven't had chemotherapy or radiotherapy for this condition, and your skin cancer does not require follow up treatment e.g. chemotherapy, radiotherapy or further excision.  •  Citibank  and  AAMI  will only cover prostate cancer if you have a Gleason Score P.S.A. (prostate specific antigen) of 3.0 or less. •  AAMI  may cover travellers with breast cancer and prostate cancer provided they had received their diagnosis and treatment over 12 months ago, have not had any chemotherapy or radiotherapy in the 12 months before applying for cover and the cancer has not spread beyond the breast or prostate at any time. • Trip duration can also be a factor when you’re purchasing cancer cover. 

What If I Can't Find Cover For My Pre-Existing Condition?

Other Reasons To Buy Travel Insurance

Although your health is top priority (especially now) there are other huge factors that make travel insurance a must for all travellers. Although most insurers won’t list cancer as a covered illness, they will still cover the following and more.

• Lost and stolen luggage and personal belongings : When you’re dealing with huge life transitions, the last thing you need is the extra financial stress of a lost suitcase or stolen wallet. Travel insurance will cover you for any lost, stolen or damaged items, provided you look after them.  
• Cancellations and emergencies : Should your flight be delayed for more than 24 hours, your travel insurance provider will cover any costs you’ve accrued. You’ll also be covered should you miss a flight due to any type of motor vehicle accident or natural disaster.  
• Rental car excess : Planning a bucket list road trip? Your travel insurance will usually cover rental car excess, so you can cruise on, worry-free.  
• Personal liability : Travel insurance will cover you in the event that you are responsible for another person’s injury. Most comprehensive policies will cover you for up to $2 million in personal liability fees.

Note: Even if your insurer will not cover cancer you may still take out insurance to cover other health and travel-related issues. However, if you are currently receiving medical treatment or have a shortened life expectancy, things get a little complicated. Under these circumstances you will most likely not find health cover for anything cancer-related, including cancelled or delayed flights due to illness or treatment and medical costs while overseas.

Tips For Travelling With Cancer

Travelling with a compromised immune system means taking greater care and minimising your risks whilst on-the-go. The following tips will help keep you in good nick whilst you’re away:

• Talk to your medical team : It’s a good idea to chat to your medical team and debrief them on all your travel plans before you book your trip. Get your doctor to write a comprehensive letter detailing your condition, treatment and medication and keep it with you at all times.  
• Get organised : Take any necessary medical contact phone numbers and a list of all the medications you are currently taking. Pack your medications in your carry-on luggage as they are less likely to go missing than in your stowed luggage.  
• Make provisions : Need extra legroom on your flight or handicap facilities in your hotel? Call ahead to ensure all your travel requirements are set. A bit of pre-planning will minimise all the usual travelling inconveniences.  
• Be sun savvy : Chemotherapy and radiation can increase sensitivity to the sun so be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and protective gear along for your trip.  
• Take it easy : Feeling unusually fatigued? Accept that you will have good and bad days and give yourself ample amounts of downtime in between activities.    
• Stay safe:  Good hygiene practice is essential when your immunity is low. Wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer whenever appropriate. Avoid uncooked food and drink bottled water only.

What’s Next?

Having cancer shouldn’t deter you from taking that long-awaited holiday. Once you’ve researched your options, spoken to your insurance provider and taken all the necessary precautions there’s nothing left to do but focus on enjoying your trip. Have fun!

Are You A Mature Traveller?

If you’re over 50, finding travel insurance can be a daunting task. Need help? We’ve put together a clear and comprehensive  guide to seniors travel insurance  to clear up any grey areas. General Advice Warning: The contents of this article were accurate at the time of writing. Insurers change their policies from time to time, so some information may have changed. You should always read the Product Disclosure Statement of your chosen insurer to understand what is covered and what isn't. The information provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account any personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your personal circumstances.

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Crystal Moran

With a research and journalism background, and certified in Tier 2 General Insurance General Advice, Crystal is passionate about investigating customers’ tricky travel questions and helping them find the answers they’re looking for. A writer and filmmaker whose favourite trips have been to film festivals in Cuba and South Korea, and campervanning around the USA, she loves getting to know new people and seeing a glimpse of the world through their eyes.

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• 1300 409 322 Australian Based Call Centre
• Can you get Travel Insurance if you have Cancer?

Finding travel insurance after a cancer diagnosis can be difficult, but doesn’t mean you have to stop travelling. This is your ultimate guide to finding the right travel insurance policy.

The following information applies to policies purchased from 30th October 2023 onwards. For policies purchased prior to 30th October 2023: you can find the PDS relevant to you in your policy confirmation email, by logging into MyPolicy , or you can contact us for assistance.

According to cancer research by the Australian Government , one half of all Australian men and women are estimated to develop some form of cancer by their 85 th birthday.

In many cases a cancer diagnosis won’t put a stop to your travel plans, but it can make it more difficult to find a travel insurance policy that will cover you.

This guide will outline the options for travel insurance that can provide cover to cancer patients. There are a number of options to choose from, but keep your personal requirements in mind so that you can find the policy that is best suited to your treatment plan.

Can I get travel insurance if I have cancer?

Depending on the policy that you choose, it would be likely that c ancer is considered a pre-existing medical condition , so it may not be covered in your travel insurance policy. 

Different travel insurers have different definitions including time frames of what would be considered a pre-existing medical condition, and many even have different terms to define a pre-existing medical condition . A pre-existing medical condition will often include is any condition that has been diagnosed, is being treated, or that you exhibit symptoms of at the time of purchasing your travel insurance policy.

Travel insurers may fall into one of these categories:

1) Medical cover for cancer may be included after completing a medical assessment

Some travel insurance companies may be able to provide you with cover if you complete a medical screening . If they agree to cover your cancer , you may have to pay an extra premium on your travel insurance policy, and depending on the travel insurer and how they note it, it will be likely be listed on your certificate of insurance as a covered condition . This means that  cover cover will be available for potential emergencies including medical and hospital expenses related to cancer while travelling, subject to the policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations .

Fast Cover is able to provide medical screening for your cancer diagnosis. Their Medical Conditions page can give you more information about medical screening for your medical condition, including information about the General Exclusions that may apply and what timeframe that they need you to consider before declaring your cancer diagnosis.

2) Medical cover for unrelated emergency expenses is provided, but cover for any expenses related to cancer is excluded.

If a policy does provide you with medical cover but excludes expenses under the policy related to the cancer, you may still receive certain cover under some of the policy’s benefits.

Some of the other benefits you may find in a policy can include:

• Cover for emergency medical expenses unrelated to your pre-existing medical condition, for example, food poisoning or breaking a bone from a bad fall.
• Cancellation cover where the cause of cancellation is unrelated to your pre-existing medical condition. For example, if you were involved in a car accident before your trip and become injured, or because your parents or children become severely unwell.
• Cover for the loss or damage of your belongings, including mobile phone, camera, travel bag and travel documents.
• Travel delay expenses cover.
• Rental vehicle insurance excess cover.

What conditions are there to get cover for cancer-related emergencies while travelling?

Some travel insurers will offer cover for cancer, provided you meet a few conditions.

These conditions can include:

• A medical assessment, so the insurer knows that you’re fit to travel.
• Whether or not you are in remission and how long you’ve been in remission.
• Whether you are currently receiving treatment. Cover is often excluded if you’re currently undergoing treatment for cancer.

Conditions and exclusions may differ depending on your travel insurance provider and policy type. Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or ask if you're not sure before purchasing a policy.

How do I know if a travel insurer provides cover for cancer?

Some travel insurers have a list of pre-existing medical conditions that they provide cover for in their PDS,   which is usually available to view or download online. If you have a pre-existing medical condition that isn’t included in the covered list, it's likely that it's not covered, however, you should check the Product Disclosure Statement for full details on what the policy does and doesn't cover, and a lways ask if you’re unsure.

Whilst Fast Cover does not have a list of covered existing medical conditions, they may be able to provide you with cover for your cancer if you complete a medical screening with them.  Check out their  Medical Conditions page for more information about medical screening for cancer, including information about the General Exclusions that may apply*.

Do you need to tell your travel insurer that you have, or have had, cancer?

You should never lie to your insurer about a pre-existing medical condition. Lying does not mean you’ll be provided with cover and the travel insurer will likely find out about your medical history when assessing any future travel insurance claims.

It’s important to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions when purchasing a policy so that you know whether you have cover for the condition, just in case you have any health complications overseas.

Would I be covered for a secondary cancer if it was diagnosed after purchasing a policy?

This would depend on the travel insurance company that you go with, the terms, conditions and exclusions of their policy .

Fast Cover needs you to complete another medical screening for the secondary cancer after you purchase your policy and before your trip departure date. This may be the case even if you completed a medical screening for your primary cancer when you purchased your policy and your primary cancer is listed as a covered condition on your certificate of insurance. If cover for your secondary cancer is approved, an additional premium will likely apply.  Check out their  Medical Conditions   page for more information about medical screening for cancer, including information about the General Exclusions that may apply*.

You may be able to submit a claim for your trip cancellation or rescheduling expenses if you're not able to travel as a result of your secondary cancer diagnosis, or if we cannot cover you for the change in health, if your policy included cover for trip cancellation expenses and your trip has not started.

Check our your policy for terms, conditions, exclusions and limits that apply as everyone’s situation is different. We will always assess any claim on a case by case basis.

Please note: Any advice provided is general advice only. You should read the PDS as policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limits apply. As everyone’s circumstances are different, you can submit a claim and our claims team will assess your claim on a case by case basis.

Travel insurance for cancer patients

Whether you’re recovering from treatment, taking a much-needed break, or celebrating the all-clear, a holiday overseas can be just what the doctor ordered.

Finding travel insurance can be a bit more difficult when you have or have had cancer, but it is possible. Remember to always read the Product Disclosure Statement to understand what cover you’ll have for emergencies, particularly medical emergencies, and ensure you purchase the right policy for your trip.  

Tips for travelling with cancer

The below is general advice only and is not intended to replace the advice from a medical practitioner or health care professional.

Cancer treatment can compromise your immune system.

Remember to make the necessary preparations before you travel and take extra care of your health while you’re away.

1) Stock Up On Medication

Stock up on any regular prescription medication before you leave. Make sure you have enough for your trip, plus some spare in case you're delayed getting home.

2) Organise Treatment Notes

Carry information about your condition and the treatment that you have received in case you have to go to hospital or see a doctor overseas.

3) Avoid Sunburn

Practice sun safety with sunscreen. Wear a hat and long, loose clothing to cover your skin as much as possible. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.

4) Save Emergency Contacts

Understand what your travel insurance provides cover for and carry the emergency assistance team contact details with you at all times just in case!

If you need assistance finding a travel insurance policy which covers your condition, you can contact the Insurance Council of Australia . 

*Stories are fictitious examples drawn from the experiences of Fast Cover travellers and staff. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

^ Source: https://canceraustralia.gov.au/affected-cancer/what-cancer/cancer-australia-statistics

About the author

Laura is a content writer at Fast Cover. Fuelled by a passion for adventure travel and inspired to learn more about the world, she specialises in writing about travel insurance and health topics which are published across numerous travel forums and websites.

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A Guide to Travel Insurance for Cancer Patients

When you have cancer, what can travel insurance cover?

The benefits you receive depends on the type of plan you buy. You can see all available travel insurance plans here , or get a quote to easily compare plans and pricing. That being said, here are some of the situations in which travel insurance can protect cancer patients.

• You have to cancel your trip because of your cancer diagnosis. Trip cancellation benefits can reimburse you for pre-paid, nonrefundable travel expenses if you must cancel your trip for a covered reason. One common covered reason is when you or your travel companion suffer an illness, injury, or medical condition that’s disabling enough to make a reasonable person cancel their trip. Remember that a doctor must advise you (or your traveling companion) to cancel your trip before you cancel it — or, if that’s impossible, within 72 hours of the decision to cancel.
• You have to cut your trip short because your illness gets worse. If you’re already on your trip, and you become too ill to travel, trip interruption benefits can reimburse you for your unused, pre-paid and nonrefundable travel expenses. This benefit can also pay reasonable transportation expenses to continue your trip or return home. It can even pay additional accommodation and transportation expenses (up to the stated limit) if the interruption forces you to remain at your destination for longer than you’d planned.
• You suffer an unexpected medical emergency while traveling. Emergency medical/dental benefits can reimburse you for the cost of emergency medical care you receive while traveling for a sudden, unexpected illness, injury, or medical condition that could cause serious harm if it is not treated. The key words here are sudden and unexpected . Travel insurance can’t cover your medical emergency if it’s an expected complication of your cancer diagnosis or treatment.

Also, please understand that travel insurance can’t pay for planned medical expenses if you travel overseas to obtain treatment for cancer (or any other condition). Travel insurance will not pay for any non-emergency care, elective care, long-term care or experimental treatments, among other exclusions listed in your policy.

How can travel insurance help if a family member is diagnosed with cancer?

What if someone in your family is diagnosed with cancer right before you’re about to leave on a week-long vacation? There’s no way you’re going to leave their side — but your resort’s cancellation policy says clearly that no refunds will be given.

In situations like this, travel insurance can help. If a family member who’s not traveling with you develops an illness, injury, or medical condition that’s considered life-threatening or requires hospitalization, that can be a covered reason for trip cancellation. The same is true for trip interruption — if you’re already on your trip when a family member becomes seriously ill, then trip interruption benefits can pay for your transportation home, as well as reimbursing you for unused trip costs.

Read more: How Travel Insurance Covers Family Members

What if you’re diagnosed with cancer after you purchase travel insurance?

Let’s say you book a Mediterranean cruise for yourself and your spouse to celebrate your 25th wedding anniversary. You also purchase travel insurance to protect the trip. Six months later, a routine mammogram detects a lump in your breast, and you’re diagnosed with stage-2 breast cancer. You must undergo surgery and radiation, which means you won’t be able to go on your long-awaited cruise.

Travel insurance with trip cancellation benefits can be invaluable in situations like this, when you’re facing a cancer diagnosis. If your symptoms (or the side effects of treatment) are disabling enough to make you cancel your trip, and if your doctor advises you to cancel it, then trip cancellation benefits can reimburse you for your prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses. That way, you can reschedule the cruise for after you’ve recovered — and the sea breezes will be even sweeter.

Related Articles

• Travel Emergency Medical Insurance Explained
• Travel Insurance with Emergency Medical Benefits
• Travel Insurance 101: Covered Illnesses

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Getting travel insurance

Travel insurance is very important for people who have or have had cancer. 

You have travel insurance to help you get compensation for anything that might go wrong with your travel. This usually means anything from having to cancel your trip, to losing your suitcases. But the most important part is the medical expenses cover.

Suppose you’re going to a country with high medical costs and you need to be flown back in an emergency. Without medical expense cover, the cost to you could be huge.

On this page we look at:

Why is it so hard to get travel insurance?

Travel insurance for people with cancer.

Travel insurance if you have had cancer

Destinations and costs

Finding insurance

Healthcare abroad

Tips on what you need to know

Getting travel insurance when you have or have had cancer can be difficult.  

Insurance companies only make money from people who don't claim. Because you’ve been ill, they think you’re more likely to claim. For example, you might need to cancel your trip or have medical treatment abroad. This makes you a bigger risk to the company, and they can refuse to give you travel insurance.

But finding travel insurance is getting easier. Many insurance companies now look at individual cases rather than refusing everyone who has had cancer.

Some travel insurance companies will give you medical cover if you have a doctor’s letter saying you’re fit enough to travel. But other companies might only insure you for treatment that isn't to do with your cancer. 

So although you'll have travel insurance, it won't cover any treatment you might need because of your cancer. You'll have to pay for that yourself. 

Travel insurance that covers cancer related treatment

For emergency medical problems relating to your cancer while you’re travelling, you'll need an insurance policy that covers you for this. So you must tell the insurance company about the cancer when you apply for cover.

Whether you can get insurance, and how much it costs, will depend on your cancer type.

When you apply for travel insurance, be prepared for questions about:

• your cancer type
• how big your cancer is or was at diagnosis and whether it had spread (stage)
• the grade of your cancer
• the treatment you are having or have had
• your outlook (prognosis)
• follow up care you are having

It’s best if you have these details before you apply. Ask your doctor or specialist nurse if you're unsure about anything. They can answer your questions.

Some insurance companies specialise in policies for people with pre existing medical conditions. This includes cancer. It's worth shopping around. Try insurance brokers as well as travel insurance companies. 

Travel insurance for people who have had cancer

Many travel insurance companies will give you medical cover if you have a doctor’s certificate saying you no longer have cancer and are fit enough to travel. 

Some companies won’t offer you insurance until you’ve been cancer free for some months or even years. Be prepared for the cost to be higher if you finished treatment recently. Prices generally go down the longer you’re cancer free. 

You need to be able to claim for emergency medical care abroad. This includes treatment related to your previous cancer.

To be covered for this, you need a policy that says the insurance company will pay for emergency medical problems that are related to your cancer. Again, you must tell the insurance company your full medical history when you apply for cover. They must pay according to the policy if they agreed to cover you.

The policies of travel insurance companies vary a lot. Some offer more suitable cover than others. Be sure to shop around and check your policy carefully.

Whether you have had cancer or not, travel insurance costs vary depending on where you want to go.

The UK has mutual agreements with some countries that are not in the European Economic Area (EEA). So they may provide medical care at a lower cost or in some cases free. The NHS website has a list of these countries. It also explains briefly what:

• you’ll need to pay
• documents you need
• Find out more at the NHS website

Medical costs in the USA are very high. So it’s hard to get cover if you’re planning a holiday there.

You may not be able to get insurance for the USA if you have incurable cancer, particularly cancer that has spread. So you may need to rethink your holiday plans.

Finding travel insurance

There are different ways to look for travel insurance including:

• contacting an insurance broker
• comparison websites
• contact the money advice service

Insurance brokers An insurance broker can try to arrange a policy for you. Or they can give you a list of insurance companies with special policies for people with cancer or other medical conditions. 

Brokers make a service charge. So it’s always best to make an informal approach to a few brokers before you make a decision. Make sure you feel happy that they know what's available for people with cancer.

The British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) can suggest brokers. They can look for travel insurance policies for people with cancer.

• The British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) website

Comparison websites Other ways to look for policies would be to use comparison websites such as:

• Money Super Market
• Confused.com
• Compare the Market

Money Advice Service

Another way is to contact the Money Advice Service. They can direct you to specialist travel insurance firms that cover serious medical conditions. 

• Go to Money Advice Service

Information the travel insurance companies and brokers might want to know

Being ready with answers to questions the companies might ask will help when you contact them. They will ask about your cancer and about your holiday. 

Questions about your cancer might include:

• when you were diagnosed
• what type of cancer it is
• how advanced it is and whether it is terminal
• what treatment you have had or are having, or if you are due to start treatment
• any medicines you are taking
• any appointments you have with your GP or specialist
• symptoms you have

Questions about your holiday:

• where you want to go
• how long for
• who will be travelling with you

Questions you might want to ask include:

• How much does the insurance cover you for?
• What is the excess? Does it vary depending on what you are claiming for, for example a medical claim or lost luggage
• Are you and whoever you are travelling with covered if you cancel?
• Is there anything it doesn’t cover?
• Depending on the situation some people might want to know if it would cover them if they died and their family wanted to get them home to bury them
• How much is the travel insurance policy?

Healthcare in Europe

The UK has now left the European Union (EU). This means there are changes to the healthcare agreements between the UK and EU countries.

To be able to receive state provided healthcare when visiting an EU country . You should hold either a: 

• UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
• UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)

These cards mean you can get necessary healthcare free or at a reduced cost in the EU country you are visiting. This is healthcare that cannot wait until you get home. It means you’ll have the same care as a citizen of the country you’re visiting. Remember, the cards might not cover everything you'd get in the NHS. This is because each healthcare system is different.

Ask where you are being referred to. Sometimes people are sent to a private practice or hospital. If this happens, you may not be covered for the costs of care unless you have travel medical insurance. If you have insurance, check the terms and conditions of the policy before agreeing to any treatment.

If you still hold a valid EHIC card you can use this until it expires. You will then need to apply for a UK GHIC. The EHIC will still be around but will only apply to some UK residents and is now replaced with the new UK EHIC card. To see if you should apply for a new UK EHIC card find out more on the NHS website.

• Visit the NHS website for information about the new UK EHIC card

The guide below gives you information on the different healthcare arrangements and systems in countries abroad.

• Guide to healthcare in countries abroad

The UK EHIC and UK GHIC doesn't cover the cost of any medical treatment that you planned in advance, only for unexpected needs. But if you need continued treatment for an ongoing illness while you're abroad, such as regular injections, the UK EHIC or UK GHIC covers this.

The UK EHIC or UK GHIC doesn’t always cover the full cost of treatment. For instance, it won’t cover the cost of getting you home in an emergency. So it’s important to have the right travel insurance even when travelling in the EU.

You still need a UK EHIC or UK GHIC because your insurance company might not cover the cost of treatment that the card covers. If you try to claim in full, they might say you should have had the UK EHIC or UK GHIC. 

It does not cover you if you are on a cruise. And it doesn’t cover the cost of flying you home.

Visiting Ireland

If you're a resident in the UK, you can get healthcare that cannot wait until you get home (necessary healthcare) from state healthcare services in Ireland during your visit. This includes medically necessary treatment for a pre-existing or chronic condition. Some treatments will need to be pre-arranged with the relevant healthcare provider in Ireland, for example chemotherapy. But you will still need travel insurance.

• Guidance on how to get healthcare when visiting Ireland

Europe beyond the EU:

Some countries within the European region do not accept the UK EHIC or UK GHIC, these are:

• the Channel Islands, including Guernsey, Alderney and Sark
• the Isle of Man
• the Vatican
• Guidance for Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.

The UK has an agreement with a number of non-EU countries so that people from the UK can receive urgent care. Usually, only immediate medical treatment is free of charge. This includes places such as:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Faroe Islands
• Isle of Man
• Bosnia and Herzegovina, Faroe Islands, Isle of Man and Jersey

Medical care on cruise ships is quite expensive. You should have travel insurance to cover any medical care costs. If you require additional medical care that cannot be provided on board the ship, you will be transferred to medical facilities on land. What you are covered for depends on the country the cruise ship drops you in. So, it is not a good idea to rely on the UK EHIC or UK GHIC. You need medical care cover for anywhere that the ship could stop in. This includes unscheduled stops.

• Apply for the new UK-issued EHIC or UK GHIC online

Tips on what you need to know before you look for insurance

• Many insurance companies have exclusions on their policies for people who have medical conditions such as cancer.
• If you had cancer in the past, you still need to tell the insurance company about it. You must declare all existing and pre existing conditions. Otherwise the insurance company might say you misinformed them and may not pay out.
• Regular high street travel insurance companies will not cover you if you have a terminal illness or if you aren't fit to travel.
• Get a letter from your doctor saying that you are fit to travel, even if you haven’t had any treatment for some time. It’s always best to get advice from your doctor before going abroad.
• You’ll need an updated doctor’s certificate every time you travel if you have an annual or multi trip policy.
• Start by making informal enquiries. Some companies might ask if you’ve been refused insurance before. If you’ve only made informal enquiries, this won’t affect any applications you make.
• As a condition of covering you, some insurance companies insist that you also get their travel insurance for everyone travelling with you.
• Always check a policy carefully. Make sure it covers everything you might need. Such as getting you home if you become unwell whilst abroad.
• Check the cost of insurance (premium) as well as the excess and whether there is a separate excess for everyone travelling.

Related links

Travelling abroad.

Travelling abroad when you have cancer might not affect where or how you travel. But sometimes you could have a few extra things to think about.

Coping practically

Get information on coping with practical matters such as money and travel, as well as treatment for overseas visitors.

Travel tips

Plan a safe and pleasant journey with these travel tips for people who have cancer, are having treatment, or are recovering from treatment.

Travelling with cancer main page

Travelling when you have cancer or treatment might need some extra planning. Find out how cancer can affect travelling in the UK and abroad and get plenty of tips to make it easier.

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Being diagnosed with cancer  can  cause an immediate impact on your financial situation, and create additional stress and concern during an already difficult time.

This  may be the first time you have had to organise important legal documents, such as life insurance and a will, to help plan for your future and support your loved ones. You might have to reconsider your current budget to help pay for the costs of cancer, such as medical expenses and travelling to treatment.

We have developed a series of fact sheets about common legal and financial issues for people affected by cancer. The information covers key topics including paying bills and debt, superannuation and patient transport after a cancer diagnosis, as well as the importance of preparing key documents and managing finances after death. 

We hope these resources provide support to you, and your carer, family and friends throughout your cancer journey.

Get support

If you have any questions or have difficulty understanding these resources, contact our compassionate and expert cancer nurses on 13 11 20. If you are finding it hard to manage your financial situation after a cancer diagnosis, you may benefit from speaking with one of our financial counsellors . Some eligibility criteria apply.

You may find information about managing cancer and your finances ,  cancer and work , or facing end of life , more useful at this time.

If you're a manager or human resource professional, you may like to download our free workplace resources to help support an employee with cancer or who is caring for someone with cancer.

Get cancer support

Dealing with debts

Information and support for people affected by cancer who are having trouble paying their debts.

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Information about managing working if you have been diagnosed or care for someone with cancer.

Getting your affairs in order

Information about preparing key legal documents and issues involved in getting your affairs in order.

Help with bills

Information to help you pay your utility bills, including electricity, gas and water.

Immigration and cancer

Information for people who have immigrated from another country or have family overseas.

Life insurance and cancer

Information about accessing life insurance when you have been diagnosed with cancer.

Patient transport

Information about the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS).

Superannuation and cancer

Information about finding and accessing your super, tax implications and insurance.

Travel insurance and cancer

Information about accessing travel insurance if you have cancer or have had cancer in the past.

What happens to debts after death

Information about what happens to debts after a person dies.

Your role as executor

Information about the roles and responsibilities of an executor of a will.

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Travel insurance for a pre-existing medical condition

How to secure cover for your next trip if you're dealing with existing medical conditions..

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Checked for accuracy by our qualified fact-checkers and verifiers. Find out more about fact-checking at CHOICE .

Need to know

• You must declare a pre-existing medical condition if you want it covered by insurance
• Insurance cover for pre-existing medical conditions varies widely
• You may have to pay more to get cover for your pre-existing medical condition

Travel insurance is essential in the case of illness or injury while travelling. Overseas medical costs can be extortionate, and if you have an existing medical condition, it increases the chance you may need medical attention on your trip – that's why insurers charge you extra. 

So if you can get cover for your pre-existing medical condition, it'll take a bit of worry out of your trip. But even if you're willing to pay extra, getting cover for an existing condition isn't always easy.

On this page:

What is a pre-existing medical condition?

What's covered, and what's not, comprehensive policies that may cover your pre-existing medical condition, travel insurance for seniors with pre-existing medical conditions, pregnancy and travel insurance, credit card travel insurance and pre-existing medical conditions,  what to do if you can't get cover for a pre-existing medical condition.

A pre-existing medical condition is a medical condition that you had before you bought your travel insurance.

Different travel insurers will have their own specific definitions, but it's usually a diagnosed medical condition that you've had or received any form of medical advice, treatment or medication for, in a specified time period before you bought your policy.

Most insurers would cover a condition if it hadn't led to treatment in the one to two years before you booked your trip, but others may specify five years or longer

The 'specified time period' wording is worth paying attention to. If, for example, your condition last showed symptoms 18 months ago, but the time period specified by the insurer is 12 months, then you'll be covered subject to the other conditions of the policy.

The insurance contract regulations set the time period as six months by default. Unfortunately, insurers can get around this six-month rule and exempt themselves simply by burying an exclusion or limitation in the product disclosure statement (PDS).

Insurers' definitions vary as to what the specified time period is. Most insurers would cover a condition if it hadn't led to treatment in the one to two years before you booked your trip, but others may specify five years or longer.

There are often a lot of hoops to jump through to get cover for pre-existing conditions. 

Insurers can:

• exclude pre-existing medical conditions altogether
• include a list of accepted pre-existing medical conditions (specified in the PDS)
• restrict cover for generally accepted conditions depending on other conditions you might have, or only cover some symptoms (for example, allergies may be covered, but not anaphylaxis)
• subject you to an assessment for cover of your medical condition and charge a fee to complete this assessment (whether you get cover or not)
• deny you cover for a medical condition on application.

Even if you survive that minefield, you may then have to fork out several thousand dollars for the privilege of getting cover for your condition.

Below is a list of conditions that might usually be covered, with specific restrictions. 

• Allergies 
• Blindness and low vision
• Corneal graft
• Coeliac disease
• Ear grommets
• Gastric reflux
• Hiatus hernia
• High cholesterol/hypercholesterolaemia
• High blood pressure/hypertension
• Hip replacement
• Knee replacement
• Macular degeneration
• Underactive thyroid/overactive thyroid
• Chronic lung conditions
• Cardiovascular disease
• Reduced immunity
• Cancer (some policies automatically cover skin cancer but not melanoma)
• Heart-related medical conditions
• Medical conditions you're travelling to seek medical treatment or review for
• Conditions involving drug or alcohol dependency
• Conditions for which you're awaiting surgery, treatment, investigation or procedures
• Conditions with a terminal prognosis

This also includes any travel booked or undertaken against the advice of a medical practitioner.

Check the insurer's PDS for a specific list of conditions. If a condition is not listed as automatically covered, then you may be able to apply to the insurer to cover your condition.

For the specified time period, the lower the number, the better. Read on below the table for more information.

* The time period before booking your trip that a medical condition, that isn't specifically excluded, would be covered if it has not given rise to symptoms or required medication or treatment. 

If your medical condition is on the insurer's 'Covered Conditions' list, then the time period might be longer than what's specified above. 

For example, Go Insurance's specified time period is 90 days (3 months), but if your condition is on their 'Covered Conditions' list, and you've been hospitalised for that condition within 24 months of booking the trip, then it may not be automatically covered. You'll need to fill out a form to apply for cover.

CHOICE tip: Filling out assessment forms for your medical condition can be time-consuming and frustrating, but try at least three different insurers because premiums and cover vary widely.

How you're assessed for a pre-existing medical condition

Many Australian insurers use a 'black box' risk rating system to assess your condition, such as that provided by insurance technology firm Verisk.

The systems may contain a list of health conditions, each of which is assigned a risk factor. Depending on how high this risk factor is, the insurer can choose to rule out cover, or offer cover for an extra premium.

Older and wiser travellers with pre-existing medical conditions can still get travel insurance for their international travel. The drawback is that you'll have fewer policies to choose from, and you'll pay more for it. 

Many travel insurance policies have age limits, over which they either don't offer cover, or they may offer restricted cover with lower benefit limits or a higher excess. 

Cost of travel insurance for seniors

Our analysis of premiums across age groups shows that an older single traveller going to Bali for around 11 days to two weeks will on average pay more for their cover as they age, with premiums generally increasing more noticeably from age 50. 

Travellers aged over 70 could pay up to 3.5 times more for their travel insurance than people in their 60s

In particular, travellers aged over 70 could pay up to 3.5 times more for their travel insurance than people in their 60s, prior to further underwriting and premium adjustments by insurers for coverage of pre-existing medical conditions.

Visit our travel insurance comparison and use the filter to find travel insurance policy options for people across a range of ages up to 100 or even unlimited.

Pregnancy cover will protect you in circumstances such as if you need to cancel your trip due to doctor's advice, or if you're on holiday and incur medical costs that are a result of unexpected complications (something that you weren't already being treated for or had no history of).

Note that travel insurance won't usually cover you for childbirth or for medical costs relating to your newborn if you give birth while on holiday.

Different policies will cover you up to different stages of your pregnancy, so which provider you go with will depend on when you plan to travel (and return home). Not all policies will cover IVF or similar medically assisted pregnancies.

CHOICE tip: Check with your airline before you travel – many airlines will only let you fly up to a certain stage in your pregnancy, and may require medical certificates or other documentation.

Some credit cards come with travel insurance policies that may cover pre-existing medical conditions. 

However, policies that come with credit cards vary just as much as standalone travel insurance policies, so you need to read the terms and conditions carefully to understand whether you're automatically covered, whether you need to apply for cover, or if there's no cover at all for pre-existing medical conditions.

Bear in mind that some credit card travel insurance policies require you to activate your insurance before you leave. Some people may find this a bit of a pain, but with pre-existing medical conditions it may actually be an advantage, since it will prompt you to check your cover.

If you're denied cover for your pre-existing medical condition, or if you can't afford the extra premium, you may still be able to buy a travel insurance policy. 

You'll need to declare your condition to your insurer. They may then offer you travel insurance cover, but will issue a certificate that says you won't be covered for any claim that arises because of your pre-existing medical condition.

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To share your thoughts or ask a question, visit the CHOICE Community forum.

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Cancer health insurance in Australia

Both medicare and private health insurance can play a role in meeting the cost of cancer treatment. private health plans start from around $85 a month and you'll need to serve a minimum 2-month waiting period before you can claim..

In this guide

Is cancer treatment covered by Medicare in Australia?

How does private health insurance cover cancer treatment in australia, compare private health insurance for cancer treatment, what should i keep in mind when comparing health insurance for cancer, waiting periods to be aware of for cancer treatment, how can i work out my out-of-pocket costs for cancer treatment, frequently asked questions.

Health insurance guides

Types of health insurance

Hospital cover

Extras cover

Health insurance and tax

Health funds

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming for you and your loved ones. The right health insurance help to ease some of the financial burdens while you focus your energy on your recovery. Private insurance can cover some treatments as well as the option to choose your own doctor and stay in your own private room at the hospital.

Yes, Medicare can pay for all of your in-hospital treatments if you choose to be treated as a public patient. Whether or not you use private health insurance, you'll still rely on Medicare for a large portion of the costs linked to your cancer - generally speaking, Medicare tends to cover anything from around 60% to 90% of the overall cost.

Medicare provides rebates for some outpatient services too, including:

• Specialist visits
• Blood tests

Be sure to check with your health provider about any costs you'll face ahead of time. Similarly, it's good to check in with your health fund before you receive any treatment so that you know exactly what's covered, along with any restrictions or exclusions.

Private health insurance can work alongside Medicare, giving you the benefit of having more control over your treatment and where it occurs. It covers you for:

• In-hospital cancer treatments. Private health insurance will contribute to your in-hospital treatments at a private clinic, including doctor's fees, accommodation, prescriptions and the treatment itself.
• In-hospital psychology. The only level of cover where you'll get this for sure is a Gold level policy , although some policies as low as Bronze Plus will offer it. The good news is, you can upgrade your policy to one that covers psychiatry and skip the waiting period if you find you need this cover at the last minute.
• Prescriptions. Some extras policies cover medication that is not on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule (PBS). Some rare forms of cancer require obscure medications meaning there's a chance you could be prescribed an expensive drug that Medicare doesn't cover .
• Rehab. Some extras policies will cover a host of treatments that help you recover, like physio , exercise physiology, speech therapy and even acupuncture.
• Ambulance. Many policies offer emergency ambulance cover . You can find this on both hospital and extras policies. This is unnecessary in states like QLD and TAS, which provide ambulance cover for residents.

You'll still have out-of-pocket costs with private health insurance, it's important to note.

All prices are based on a single individual with less than $93,000 income and living in Sydney.

We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.

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If you're looking for the best insurance policy, here's a few things to consider:

• Get a Bronze policy or higher. All Bronze policies and above are required to offer treatment for cancer and you're unlikely to find private cover at levels below that.
• Consider your transportation costs. If you have to travel more than a certain distance for your treatment (around 200-250km), some private policies will cover some of your transportation and accommodation costs. This can be a great way to save on some of those costs that often fly under the radar but still add up.
• Don't forget your extras. An extras policy can offer a host of important treatments that can help you cope and recover like physical therapy, speech therapy and psychological counselling. It can even cover medications that Medicare doesn't.
• Look for a large network of agreement hospitals. Most private insurers have a network of private doctors and hospitals that have agreed to lower their out of pocket costs for their customers. Look for an insurer that has a wide network with lots of providers near you.
• Think about other services you might need. You might want to consider a policy with in-hospital psychiatry since cancer can take a toll on you mental health. Or you may have a family history of cancer and want to have children before any possible diagnosis. In that case you may want to consider a policy that covers pregnancy.

Here are the typical waiting periods you can expect as a cancer patient:

Hospital treatments

• If you already have cancer. 12 months, since it's a pre-existing condition. It could still worth considering cover since you may have to wait for public treatment.
• If you don't have cancer. 2 months. If you haven't been diagnosed and haven't developed any symptoms, you can get treatment sooner.

Start by working out at all of the various treatments, procedures or consultations that you could encounter as a cancer patient.

Your ability to get public and/or private assistance is slightly different in each case. By looking at the options you have and the financial roadblocks you can encounter in each case, you can develop strategies that will help you minimise your out-of-pocket expenses as a whole.

• How is it covered by Medicare? It's free if the GP bulk bills Medicare but if they don't they'll probably charge an amount above the Medicare rebate. You will be responsible for that portion, known as your gap .
• How is it covered by private health insurance? It's not. Private health insurance doesn't apply to GP visits.
• Implication: You could end up having dozens of GP visits, but it's relatively easy to avoid large out-of-pocket costs by finding a GP that bulk bills Medicare.
• How can you reduce your costs? There are plenty of GPs all around Australia who bulk bill. Locate a couple in your area and stick with one you feel comfortable with.

Tests and scans (like biopsies, bloodwork, CT scans and MRIs)

• Can you use private health insurance? Health insurance covers MRIs and other scans only if they're part of your in-hospital treatment.
• How is it covered by Medicare? For outpatient tests, certain tests and scans are 100% covered by Medicare if done in a public facility. However, more and more facilities are being privatised meaning you'll get a Medicare rebate and likely pay an out-of-pocket fee. In addition, some scans aren't covered at all, especially those looking for rarer forms of cancer.
• How is it covered by private health insurance? Outpatient tests and scans aren't covered by private health insurance and you'll have to rely on the Medicare rebate.

If you're a private patient in a hospital, you will receive a Medicare rebate on tests as long as they are on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), which is Medicare's list of covered treatments . You will be responsible for any difference in cost and for the full costs of tests and scans that aren't on the MBS.

• Implication: These costs can be difficult to predict for a number of reasons:
• Diagnosis isn't always straightforward
• Not all scans are covered
• Private facilities can be hard to avoid
• How can you reduce your costs? Keep open communication with your GP about wanting to minimise your out-of-pocket expenses. Research all the public testing facilities in your area and request that your GP refer you to them if possible. If your doctor or someone on the facility tells you something isn't covered, ask them for the item number and search the MBS just to be sure. Make sure you have your bank account information updated in the Medicare system so you can get your refund in a timely fashion.

Specialist consultations and follow-up appointments

• How is it covered by Medicare? It's free if it meets all of the following conditions:
• A GP refers you
• The specialist bulk bills
• It's a service listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).

If the specialist doesn't bulk bill, you will receive a rebate (and probably pay some out of pocket costs) as long as the consultation is on the MBS.

• How is it covered by private health insurance? It is not. Private health insurance doesn't apply to specialist visits.
• Implication: Finding a specialist near you who bulk bills can be challenging since they aren't as common as GPs. However, it shouldn't take much legwork to do the research.
• How can you reduce your costs? Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist who bulk bills. If they don't know any, do your own research and suggest some names. If you can't find a specialist that bulk bills, email a few others and ask them for a schedule of fees so you can compare prices.
• How is it covered by Medicare? This is free if it's done as a public patient in a public hospital, but you will be on a waiting list if the treatment isn't urgent. Your accommodation and anesthesia will also be covered free of charge.
• How is it covered by private health insurance? If you have a private hospital policy that covers cancer, you can choose to be treated privately instead. Medicare and private insurance will cover the MBS fee for the surgery and the anesthesia. You will pay your insurance excess and any gap the doctor an anesthetist charge above the MBS fee. You may also have some out-of-pocket costs for your accommodation. This is called your co-pay.
• Implication: There are usually more out-of-pocket expenses related to surgery in a public hospital. However, the benefits are that you get to choose who treats you, you can avoid the long wait times associated with the public system and you're pretty much guaranteed a private room.
• How can you reduce your costs? There are ways to reduce your out-of-pocket costs if you decide to go the private route. Your private health insurer may have special arrangements in place with certain private hospitals, known as agreement hospitals, that have agreed to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

You can also ask your private doctor to treat you in a public hospital, where you can save on some of the associated fees like accommodation.

Chemotherapy / Radiotherapy / Hormone treatments

• How is it covered by Medicare? Intravenous chemo and radiotherapy is free in a public hospital. However more and more radiotherapy services are run by private clinics so depending on where you live, you may have no choice but to use their services. If that's the case, you'll get a rebate from Medicare but most likely also pay some out-of-pocket fees.

For chemo and hormone medication taken out of the hospital, Medicare will pay for most of it as long as it's part of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

If your medication is not on the PBS (eg, it's for a rare form of cancer or it's a new cutting edge drug), you could end up shouldering the entire cost.

• How is it covered by private health insurance? If it's done in-hospital, private insurance will cover your intravenous chemo and radiotherapy, but you may have to pay a gap fee. If it's done as an outpatient, private insurance won't cover you. However, you'll still be eligible for a Medicare rebate.

Private health insurance doesn't cover an oral chemo treatment or hormone therapy taken out-of-hospital, so you'll have to rely on the PBS as mentioned above. Some private extras policies will help out with the cost of non-PBS medications.

• Implication: You can expect some out-of-pocket costs for chemo, radiotherapy and hormone treatments since much of this involves pharmaceuticals you'll be taking as an outpatient.
• How can you reduce your costs? For all outpatient service, research public clinics in your area and ask your GP to refer you to one of them. If there are only private clinics, call them and ask. them for a schedule of fees so you can compare costs. In regard to outpatient medication, the only thing you can really do is take out a private extras policy that covers non-PBS medications in case you happen to be prescribed one.

Other prescriptions (e.g. anti-nausea medication)

• How is it covered by Medicare? In-hospital medication that's on the PBS will be fully covered in a public hospital. For prescription medications you take as an outpatient, you'll be covered for most of the cost as long as the medications are on the PBS.
• How is it covered by private health insurance? Whether you're an inpatient or an outpatient, you'll be covered for most of the cost as long as the prescription is on the PBS. You'll have some out-of-pocket costs.

If it's not on the PBS, you'll be responsible for the entire cost although some private extras policies will help toward some non-PBS pharmaceuticals.

• Implication: You'll most likely have some out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions no matter where you are treated. Since many of these aren't directly related to your treatment, there's a good chance you can find most of them on the PBS.
• How can you reduce your costs? If you're prescribed supplementary medication like pain medication or anti-nausea medication, ask the prescribing doctor to make sure it's on the PBS. You can also take out a private extras policy to help out with non-PBS medications if you're prescribed one. Just keep in mind there is usually a waiting period of around two months. Shop around at various chemists for the best price and choose generic versions of the medication if possible.

Allied health (physiotherapy, counselling, speech therapy, nutrition etc.)

• How is it covered by Medicare? In-hospital psychology and rehab (like physio and exercise physiology) will be fully covered in the public system. Some public hospitals with a lot of resources may offer some of these services like speech therapy and exercise physiology.

You can get a Medicare rebate for out-of-hospital rehab, psychiatry and psychology but this probably won't cover the full cost and you will be responsible for the rest.

• How is it covered by private health insurance? Your private health insurance will also cover in-hospital rehab but it may or may not cover in-hospital psychology depending on your policy.

A private extras policy may also contribute to some of these services as an outpatient, but these will not cover the full cost and you'll have to come up with the rest.

Private surgeons may offer certain free classes like classes like nutrition, group counselling or yoga.

• Implication: Most people will experience out-of-pocket costs related to allied health services unless they are lucky enough to live near a major public hospital that provide all of these services.
• How can you reduce your costs? Take out a private extras policy that covers a range of services like physiotherapy, speech therapy and psychology.

Maximise your Medicare rebates by asking your GP to enroll you in the Chronic Disease Management plan, which can help patients with chronic or terminal diseases become eligible for additional rebates for services like physiotherapy and speech therapy.

You can also ask your GP to enroll you in a Mental Health Treatment plan, which will make you eligible for rebates on psychological counselling.

Why you can trust Finder's health insurance experts

We're experts

We're independent

We're here to help

What cancer-related services are covered by private health insurance.

Private health cover will help with a portion, or all, of the costs of being a private patient who receives treatment in either a private or public hospital. The amount you're covered for varies depending on the level of cover you hold.

Your insurance can also help you pay for some out-of-hospital services. What you're covered for depends on the level of extras cover you hold. This could include some of the complementary services that are often used to treat cancer patients. For example, occupational therapy , home nursing, assisted living programmes and psychology.

By paying more for a comprehensive Gold policy, you can help to reduce some of the costs that aren't fully met by your hospital stay and post-hospital care.

How much does cancer treatment cost in Australia?

Figures from Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHFA) showed that nearly half of Australian cancer patients paid more than $5,000 in out-of-pocket expenses for their treatment over a two-year span; a quarter spent more than $10,000. The 2018 report, which was the most recent data we could find, can be read here.

Costs can vary quite a bit based on where you live, your individual illness, the treatment needed and recovery time.

Why do out-of-pocket expenses vary so much from patient to patient?

Cancer treatment is not as straightforward as something like fixing a broken nose, where the diagnosis is straightforward and you book into see a single surgeon who fixes you up and sends you on your way.

Here are some of the things that make cancer treatment different:

• Every cancer is different. A rare form of blood cancer will probably require more testing and more specialist visits than a malignant mole clearly visible on the skin.
• Diagnosis can take a while. Depending on what type of cancer is suspected, you could be running around from your GPs to the testing clinics, back to the GP, over to a specialist who sends you for some more tests, then back to the specialist and so on.
• Treatment can vary widely from case to case. If you need treatment, you might need anything from surgery to remove a tumor to chemotherapy to hormone therapy to rehab to all of the above.
• You won't always be checked into a hospital. Sometimes you'll be a patient in a hospital other times you'll be treated as an outpatient .
• You can't always choose where you have certain procedures. Sometimes you'll have no choice but to visit a private clinic for procedures like an MRI or radiation therapy. Because these are out-of-hospital treatments, you'd likely need to cover the MRI costs yourself, as insurance can only cover hospital treatments. Other times you'll be able to locate a public clinic that will do certain things cheaper.

Richard Laycock

Richard Laycock is Finder’s insights editor after spending the last five years writing and editing articles about insurance. His musings can be found across the web including on MoneyMag, Yahoo Finance and Travel Weekly. Richard studied Media at Macquarie University and The Missouri School of Journalism and has a Tier 1 Certification in General Advice for Life Insurance.

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Travel with metastatic breast cancer

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• Domestic travel
• International travel and travel insurance
• International travel tips
• Helpful resources

Things you can do now

Topics in this article.

Want to learn more?

1800 500 258.

For some people, knowing they have metastatic breast cancer sparks a desire to fulfil lifelong dreams of travel. For others travel is a longer-term goal that people look forward to working towards. If you are thinking about travelling, you will have a few extra things to consider.  

Domestic travel  

If you are planning to travel within Australia, your doctors may be able to suggest options for medical support that make it easier for you to continue with your regular treatment, or simply provide some peace of mind.

If you are booking airfares that must be pre-paid, try to book a fare that is flexible in case you have to make last minute changes or delay your trip.

You may also want to check the cancellation policy of the accommodation that you are booking to make sure you can have as much leeway as possible should your travel plans need to change around your health. 

My husband says ‘let’s do that trip around Australia we’ve always talked about’ but I’m scared in case something happens. I need to be close to hospitals and family and all that support. But the thing is I’m well now and maybe we should be taking advantage of that.

International travel and travel insurance  

International travel is more complicated because you’re not covered by Medicare once you leave the country, and it is unlikely that your private health insurance will help with any medical costs.

Reciprocal health care

Australia has reciprocal health care agreements (RHCAs) with New Zealand, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Belgium, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Slovenia, and Malta.

When you’re travelling in these countries any medical care you need will be covered by the local public health system, to varying degrees. For more information about reciprocal health care agreements, see  Services Australia .  

After all the hassle of getting the drugs organised, doctors’ letters and trying to organise the insurance that I couldn’t get anyway, I finally went overseas. I didn’t have one day of illness. Why did it take me six months to do that trip? It’s the uncertainty, isn’t it? And we are all living with that.

Most international travellers take out travel insurance to cover things like lost luggage, accidents and medical cover. There are some travel insurance policies that will cover you for these incidentals but unfortunately you are unlikely to be able to obtain cover for medical costs related to your cancer. This is because it is viewed as a ‘pre-existing condition’.

Sometimes people decide to travel without insurance to countries that don’t have a reciprocal agreement. This is a personal decision, and for many people, it is a matter of weighing up the risk of needing medical attention against the possible cost.

Some travel insurance companies may be more flexible about covering people with breast cancer. You may need to consult a travel agent or specialist travel insurance consultant to find out what is available.  

International travel tips  

If you are planning an overseas trip, talk with your medical oncologist before you make any payments. It may be better to hold off making payments on a trip until as late as you can.

When travelling overseas, make sure you take a letter from your oncologist detailing any medications you are carrying and the reasons you have them and keep your medications in their original packaging. It is also important to ensure you have enough of your prescription medication to cover you for the entire time you are away.

Ask your oncologist to also provide you with a brief summary of your breast cancer history, and treatments you have had in the past. Store this information somewhere safe when you travel and leave a copy with family or friends back home.

Check in with your oncologist or GP just before you travel and make sure you act on any symptoms that are suddenly new, before you head away.

Travelling overseas can be complicated but with some forward planning you can reduce your risks of having an experience that leads to trouble when you are away.  

My family have allowed me the dignity of risk. I have just returned from travelling overseas with the encouragement of my oncologist, but without insurance.

I had really wanted to travel to the USA but when I realised I wouldn’t be covered for hospital costs I just wasn’t prepared to take that risk.

I know that when I decided to go ahead with our trip, the fact that I was able to access medical care in the United Kingdom was one of the things that helped me decide to go. As it turned out I did need treatment while I was away. I did not have to pay a cent for this treatment or medication and I was treated with the utmost care and consideration. The small hiccup of my stay in an Edinburgh hospital pales into insignificance when compared with the memories of our time in Europe and the UK, which will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

Helpful resources  

Compare Travel Insurance (1300 659 411)  

This company provides comparative quotes and detailed information on a range of insurance providers for overseas travel, including insurance providers that may offer some degree of cover for people with cancer.

OTIS Foundation ( 03 5444 1184)  

The OTIS Foundation offers  retreats in selected locations, available free of charge for people with breast cancer, and their families. Located in Victoria, NSW, NT Qld, SA and Tasmania, they offer a place to take time out to relax, contemplate and regroup. Each retreat is located in a beautiful environment, allowing guests to draw on nature for strength and comfort.

Corporate Angel Network of Australia  

The Corporate Angel Network of Australia includes corporations and individuals in hospitals, cancer and leukaemia support groups, aviation companies and businesses who work together to assist patients affected by cancer, and their families.  

• Read BCNA’s fact sheet  Travel insurance with metastatic breast cancer  

Visit My Journey , BCNA’s online tool for information tailored to your diagnosis. 

Join our Online Network  if you think that talking to others online and sharing experiences will help.  

Contact BCNA’s Helpline on 1800 500 258 between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm AEST Monday to Friday, for information about the services and support that may be available for you and your family. 

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*This article does not provide medical advice and is intended for informational purposes only. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you're seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

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The Best Travel Insurance for Australia in 2024

Travelex Insurance Services »

Allianz Travel Insurance »

Generali Global Assistance »

World Nomads Travel Insurance »

GeoBlue »

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Travel Insurance for Australia.

Table of Contents

• Travelex Insurance Services
• Allianz Travel Insurance

Most travelers heading "Down Under" need to make quite the trek, and that's especially true for those planning a trip to Australia from the United States. Flying from Los Angeles to Sydney takes around 15 hours, and even more travel time is required to get to Melbourne and other destinations that require a layover on the way.

Plenty can go wrong en route to Australia as well as once you get there, and the potential for financial losses can be great if you're not careful. Not only can traveling long distances increase the risk of travel delays, but you also face the risk of flight cancellations, baggage delays, lost baggage and missed connections.

These are just some of the reasons why it makes sense to have a robust travel insurance plan in place before you fly overseas for a vacation in Australia. While any reputable travel insurance provider can provide you with protection for emergency medical expenses, your bags, travel delays and other various travel mishaps, we curated this list of top travel insurance plans for a trip to Australia specifically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel to Australia requires a huge commitment in terms of travel time and cost, which is why you'll want to make sure you have coverage that can reimburse you if something goes wrong. If your flight is delayed or canceled , your bags are lost in transit, or a missed connection leaves you stuck in another country for several days, having travel insurance means you can get reimbursement for unexpected hotel stays, meals you have to pay for and various incidental expenses.

Having travel insurance for Australia that includes medical coverage is also crucial since coverage provided in U.S. health plans will not apply.

Some travel credit cards offer coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions, travel delays, and lost or delayed baggage. However, credit cards are a poor source for coverage that protects against emergency medical expenses. Most credit cards do not offer coverage for emergency medical expenses or emergency medical evacuation at all, and those that do (such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve ) have insufficient coverage limits.

• Travelex Insurance Services: Best for Families
• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for Flexible Cancellations
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical Emergencies
• World Nomads Travel Insurance: Best for Adventure Travel
• GeoBlue: Best for Travel Health Insurance

Kids ages 17 and younger are covered automatically with Travel Select plan

Primary coverage with no deductibles

Lower limits for medical expenses than some providers

• 100% trip cancellation coverage worth up to $50,000
• 150% trip interruption coverage worth up to $75,000
• Trip delay coverage worth up to $2,000 for delays of five hours or longer ($200 daily limit applies)
• Missed connection coverage worth up to $750 for delays of three hours or longer
• Up to $50,000 in protection for emergency medical expenses (dental sublimit of $500)
• Up to $500,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains
• Up to $1,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects
• Up to $200 in coverage for baggage delays of 12 hours or longer
• Up to $200 in coverage for sporting equipment delays of 24 hours or longer
• $25,000 in coverage for accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)

Optional CFAR coverage reimburses at 80%

Numerous plans to choose from

Lower coverage limits for medical expenses than some providers

• Up to $100,000 per traveler in coverage for trip cancellations
• Up to $150,000 per traveler in coverage for trip interruptions
• Up to $500 per traveler in Trip Change Protector coverage
• Up to $50,000 in emergency medical coverage per traveler
• Up to $500,000 for emergency medical transportation per traveler
• Up to $1,000 toward baggage loss or damage per traveler
• Up to $300 per traveler in coverage for baggage delays of 12 hours or more
• Up to $800 in protection for travel delays per traveler (daily limit of $200 applies)
• $100 per insured person per day in SmartBenefits coverage for eligible delays
• 24-hour hotline assistance
• Concierge services

Tailor medical coverage to your needs

Generous limits for emergency medical and medical evacuation coverage

Coverage for preexisting conditions only available with Premium plan

Optional CFAR coverage with Premium plan only reimburses at 60%

• Trip cancellation coverage up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage up to 175% of the trip cost
• Travel delay coverage up to $1,000 per traveler ($300 daily limit)
• Up to $2,000 per person in baggage protection; $500 for delays
• Up to $2,000 per person in coverage for sporting equipment; $500 for delays
• Up to $1,000 per person in missed connection coverage
• Up to $250,000 per person in coverage for emergency medical and dental procedures
• Up to $1 million in coverage for emergency assistance and transportation ($10,000 limit for companion hospitality expenses)
• Up to $25,000 per person in rental car coverage
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage

Coverage for more than 200 sports and activities

24-hour travel assistance services included

Low coverage limits within standard plans

No coverage for most preexisting conditions

• Up to $10,000 in coverage for trip cancellations
• Up to $100,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses
• Up to $500,000 in protection for emergency medical evacuation
• Up to $3,000 in protection for damage or theft to your bags or gear

Offers travel health insurance for lengthy trips abroad

Deductibles can apply

Some plans require a primary U.S. health insurance plan

• Up to $1,000,000 medical maximum per insured person
• Up to $500,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation per trip
• Up to $50,000 in coverage for accidental death and dismemberment
• Up to $2,500 in coverage for emergency family travel arrangements
• Up to $25,000 in medical coverage for hazardous activities like skiing and diving
• Up to $500 per trip in lost baggage and personal effects coverage ($100 limit per bag)
• Up to $1,000 per trip period in post-departure trip interruption transportation
• Up to $50 per day in post-departure trip interruption quarantine coverage (in the case of COVID-19)
• Up to $25,000 in protection for repatriation of remains

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning writer who has been covering topics like family travel, cruises, all-inclusive resorts and travel insurance for well over a decade. Johnson has researched and purchased travel insurance plans for her own trips, and she has successfully filed claims and received reimbursement more than once over the years. Currently, Johnson uses an annual travel insurance policy from Allianz to cover her family's many trips overseas each year. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg – who sells travel insurance for trips all over the world – in their family media business. Johnson also co-owns the travel agency Travel Blue Book .

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Visiting Australia? Consider Travel Insurance

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Table of Contents

Different types of travel insurance

Do you need travel insurance for australia, which credit cards offer australia travel insurance, other ways to get travel insurance, if you want to get travel insurance for australia.

Now open to tourists after two years of pandemic-related closures, Australia is back on many travelers’ wish lists, and for good reason. Whether you’re interested in surfing on the Gold Coast, taking a road trip through the Outback or diving along the Great Barrier Reef, there are a lot of options to consider. But with so many adventurous — and potentially dangerous — activities, you may also want to think about purchasing travel insurance.

Let’s take a look at the different types of travel insurance for Australia, which credit cards provide complimentary coverage and other ways you can acquire insurance for added peace of mind.

A must-have for many, travel insurance can help cover unexpected costs related to travel mishaps, medical incidents or evacuations. However, not all travel insurance is created equal. There are a variety of types available for every kind of situation, and you’ll need to do some research to understand what’s worth purchasing and what might not be necessary.

Here are some common types of travel insurance:

Trip cancellation insurance . Used to recoup costs when you cancel a trip due to something unanticipated, like a medical issue.

Trip interruption insurance . Reimburses you for travel costs when you need to cut a trip short and return home unexpectedly.

Baggage loss insurance . Provides reimbursement when your baggage is lost, damaged or stolen.

Emergency evacuation insurance . Covers costs related to evacuating you to a different location, either for medical or safety reasons.

Travel medical insurance . Used to cover medical costs while traveling, either as a primary or secondary insurer, depending on the type of coverage you purchase.

Cancel for Any Reason insurance . A supplemental insurance that provides partial reimbursement of nonrefundable travel costs when you cancel a trip for any reason.

Rental car insurance . Covers costs related to damage or repair of a rental vehicle. This can be especially useful when renting a car in another country.

Accidental death insurance. Similar to life insurance, this coverage provides payment to a person of your choosing in case of death while you’re traveling.

You may also want to consider finding insurance that covers COVID quarantine costs. Not all policies include this coverage, so you’ll want to be sure it’s included if it’s important to you.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies, according to Nerds

While it’s not required for entry, it may be a good idea. Travel insurance can come in useful just about anywhere, especially because it’s difficult to anticipate things like travel delays and accidents.

If you’re fairly confident about your travel plans, you may be comfortable with the insurance provided by your credit cards, though be aware that they may have lower limits than you’d like.

Otherwise, purchasing a travel insurance policy is always an option. Keep in mind that rates will vary according to your travel destination, dates of travel, ages and total trip cost.

» Learn more: What you need to know before shopping for travel insurance

Even if you’ve decided not to buy travel insurance, you may already have some coverage. Plenty of travel cards include some form of complimentary travel insurance, though the types — and limits — you receive will vary depending on which card you hold.

Many Chase credit cards offer primary rental car insurance, which will cover you in the event of an accident without needing to involve your personal auto insurance company. You’ll need to decline the rental car company’s coverage and pay with your eligible Chase card .

You can find trip delay insurance, emergency medical evacuation, lost baggage coverage and more among the different protections offered by these cards. Here are some of the more common travel cards that provide complimentary travel insurance.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card .

Chase Sapphire Reserve® .

The Platinum Card® from American Express . Terms apply.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card . (Benefits may change over time.)

United℠ Explorer Card .

You’ll want to read each card’s benefits guide very carefully before deciding which card to use. For example, both the The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offer lost luggage insurance. Terms apply.

However, insurance from the The Platinum Card® from American Express only applies in the event that you’ve either paid for the full fare with your AmEx card or have redeemed your AmEx points for the flight. Using your card to pay the taxes and fees on an award flight you’ve booked elsewhere — such as redeeming Delta SkyMiles for your flight — does not mean that you’ll receive insurance coverage benefits. Terms apply.

This is in contrast to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , whose lost luggage benefit is much more generous. In the event that your luggage is lost, you need only have paid the remainder of the charges for the flight after redeeming reward miles, points, coupons or other certificates. This means that charging just the taxes and fees on your card renders you eligible for benefits.

Aside from American Express and Chase cards, you may also want to consider the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .

Capital One’s offering includes a plethora of travel insurance benefits, including primary rental car insurance, travel accident insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip delay reimbursement, travel and emergency assistive services and more. Of course, in order to qualify for these benefits, you’ll need to have charged the trip to your card. Benefits may change over time.

» Learn more: The best credit cards with travel insurance

Even if your card provides complimentary travel insurance, you may also want to consider acquiring an additional policy — especially if you’re planning on some of the more adventurous activities you’ll find within Australia, such as camping in the Outback.

Health insurance benefits provided by credit cards such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® max out at relatively low levels, which may mean you end up paying out of pocket in the event of an emergency.

If you’re looking for a supplemental policy, you’ll want to check quotes from a variety of providers. You can do this manually, but websites such as Squaremouth will compare multiple policies at once, making it much easier to peruse offerings. You can also filter your search according to the type of coverage you’d like.

» Learn more: Is travel insurance worth it?

Travel insurance can provide peace of mind to the wary traveler. Whether or not you’re interested in purchasing travel insurance, a variety of credit cards offer complimentary coverage for incidents such as trip delays, emergency medical care, rental car collisions and lost luggage.

Otherwise, you may want to consider buying an additional policy to ensure that you’re covered. If this is what you’re looking to do, make sure to acquire quotes from a variety of providers in order to find the best deal possible.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

04 Feb Travel Insurance for Cancer Patients: What Does it Cover, and How Does it Work?

Planning an upcoming trip you might want to double-check your travel insurance coverage before you hit the road..

Recently in a story by the LA Times , Kathy Mutchler described her experience with the travel insurance company the Good Sam Club. Kathy pays $89.99 annually for the TravelAssist program, which says it covers medical evacuations if suitable care isn’t available locally. Kathy assumed that when she needed to be airlifted out of a Mammoth Lakes RV park after being diagnosed with a severe kidney infection, she was covered. Imagine her surprise when she received a $71,000 air ambulance bill, and a notice from Good Sam that her medical evacuation was not covered by their insurance. While many travel insurance policies allow policy- holders to bypass prior approval in emergencies, Kathy’s plan didn’t include this language. Since she didn’t get prior approval for her air ambulance (while she was barely able to stand due to her kidney infection), Kathy’s evacuation wasn’t covered by Good Sam.

Luckily for Kathy, her primary insurer Blue Cross did cover her medical evacuation. Kathy avoided that bill, but do you know what your travel insurance covers? If you or your loved one is dealing with a cancer diagnosis, leveraging this coverage can make traveling more affordable and secure, but should be used carefully. Whether you’re a policy-holder or in the market for travel insurance, read on to learn more about how these policies work.

What is travel insurance?

Travel-related insurance covers financial, medical, or other unforeseen expenses you run into while traveling. You can usually buy insurance when you book a trip to last for the duration of the tip. Some policies, like Kathy’s, are tailored for people looking for more long-term plans. You can purchase travel insurance from travel agents, travel insurance companies, or travel suppliers like cruise lines.

What does travel insurance cover?

Benefits vary widely by plan and insurance company, but travel insurance policies often cover:

• Travel Delay
• Trip Cancellation
• Loss, theft, or damage to personal possessions
• Medical & Dental expenses
• Emergency evacuation
• Oversees funeral expenses
• Accidental death, injury, or disablement
• Legal assistance
• Death of an immediate family member
• Personal liability and rental car damage

Your cancer diagnosis may be considered a pre-existing condition. Most travel insurance policies treat a cancer diagnosis as a pre-existing condition, which is often defined as an injury, illness, or medical condition, that within 120 days before you purchase your policy:

• Caused you to seek medical examination, diagnosis, care, or treatment from a doctor
• Presented symptoms; or
• Required you to take medication prescribed by a doctor (unless that condition or symptom is controlled by the medication prescribed)

You can likely apply for a waiver which allows you to be covered for losses caused by your cancer diagnosis or treatment, usually called a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver , if your diagnosis fits this definition. Insurance policies and waivers vary by insurer, but benefits often include:

• Reimbursing pre-paid, nonrefundable expenses if you have to cancel your trip because your illness worsens or requires additional treatment.
• Reimbursing pre-paid, nonrefundable expenses if you have to end your trip early due to an illness worsening.
• Reimburse you for emergency medical care if you suffer a cancer-related medical emergency while traveling.

There are often limits to this coverage. Travel insurance is designed to cover unforeseen costs, so, for example, if you wait until you suffer an injury while oversees, you likely won’t find medical coverage. These policies tend to cover specific situations, events, or losses, so it’s important to read your policy carefully. Some travel insurance policies don’t cover individuals with pre-existing conditions (which could include a cancer diagnosis), or people over 70 years old.

How does travel insurance work?

Most of the time, travel insurance reimburses you for covered costs after you file a claim and that claim is approved. Claim processes vary by company, but you’ll have to provide proof of your covered loss or expense. While waiting for reimbursement, you will likely have to pay to accommodate your unexpected travel delay or medical expense. In some situations, (unfortunately not Kathy’s), travel insurance companies pay emergency medical expenses up front.

Tips for Buying and Using Travel Insurance

• Buy early: The earlier to buy travel insurance, the longer you’re covered if your trip is delayed, cancelled, or disrupted before you leave. Usually, the best time to buy travel insurance is right after you’ve made your travel arrangements. Some policies require you to purchase insurance within a certain window (often 14 days) after making travel plans to qualify for special benefits, like coverage for pre-existing conditions.
• Read your plan carefully: As Kathy’s story shows, it pays to know exactly what situations your plan covers. Do you need pre-approval for medical services or hotel accommodations? Receipts of purchases for claims to be filed once you get home? Read your plan carefully before you start your trip to avoid unexpected bills.
• Call your insurance company when you need help: Many insurance companies have 24-hour hotlines for policy holders, so give your insurance company a call if you’re faced with an unexpected expense and are unsure about coverage. Representatives can explain your benefits and help you deal with your unexpected costs.

Make sure to research your plan carefully before purchasing— without her Blue Cross coverage, Kathy’s RV trip would have cost her $71,000.

For more information about health insurance coverage, visit https://TriageCancer.org/HealthInsurance .

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• Key takeaways

Australia travel information & requirements

Do i need travel insurance to visit australia, what does travel insurance for australia cover, what isn’t covered by travel insurance for australia, how much does travel insurance for australia cost, tips for getting the best australia travel insurance, australia travel insurance faqs, related topics.

Australia Travel Insurance: Trip Info & Quotes for U.S. Visitors

• To travel to Australia, you must have a valid U.S. passport , but you don’t need a visa.
• The Australian government doesn’t require American tourists to purchase travel insurance, but it’s wise to have at least medical and medical evacuation coverage since your U.S. health insurance won’t work in Australia .
• In addition to medical emergencies, travel insurance can also cover things like trip cancellations, trip interruptions and rental car damage .
• According to our research, our top picks for travel insurance for Australia come from Travel Insured, Travelex and Faye ( skip ahead to view these plans ).
• We recommend using an online comparison tool to find the best travel insurance policy to suit your needs.

Whether you want to explore the Outback or attend an opera in Sydney, there’s always a chance that something will go wrong during a trip to Australia. To protect yourself, we recommend purchasing travel insurance tailored to your unique needs. 

We created this guide to help you understand:

• Why you might need travel insurance during your Australian vacation
• What travel insurance covers
• How much travel insurance costs for a trip to Australia
• How to select a comprehensive travel insurance policy

Our top picks for the best australia travel insurance

• Travel Insured International: Best for Robust Coverage
• Travelex Insurance Services: Best for Basic Medical Coverage
• Faye Travel Insurance: Best for Digital Claims Process & App

Our top picks for travel insurance for Australia

Travel insured international, travelex insurance services, faye travel insurance.

Are there COVID-19 restrictions for U.S. tourists?

No. Australia has no COVID-19-related restrictions for American travelers. However, the Australian government does recommend getting the COVID-19 vaccine, wearing masks and practicing good hygiene.

Do I need a visa or passport to travel to Australia?

Yes. You need a valid U.S. passport with at least one blank page for your entry stamp.

Is it safe to visit Australia?

The United States and Australia have a strong diplomatic relationship. Although there’s always some level of risk involved in traveling to a foreign country, Australia is generally safe for Americans. The U.S. Department of State has issued a  Level 1 travel advisory , indicating that you don’t need to take any special safety precautions when visiting the “Land Down Under.”

Australia doesn’t require U.S. tourists to buy travel insurance, but we highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive policy before your trip commences.

Below are some risks you may encounter that would make purchasing travel insurance worthwhile .

Risks with adventure activities

Australia is one of the best places to visit if you love parasailing, paragliding, hot air ballooning, diving and other adventure activities. Unfortunately, these activities are risky, so there’s a chance that you’ll break a bone or sustain some other type of injury.

Travel insurance covers medical expenses and other costs associated with these injuries, ensuring you don’t end up with a huge hospital bill. This type of insurance is especially helpful if you plan to explore the Great Barrier Reef, take an excursion into the Outback or swim near the shoreline of one of Australia’s beautiful beaches.

Risks due to wildlife

Australia is full of dangerous critters, from venomous spiders and snakes to aggressive kangaroos. Depending on where you visit, you may end up encountering an unfriendly Tasmanian devil. U.S. medical insurance typically doesn’t work in Australia, so it’s important to have travel insurance for these unexpected situations. If you’re bitten by a Tasmanian devil or sustain some other wildlife-related injury, travel insurance takes the place of your regular medical insurance.

Risks due to bushfires

Bushfires  have a high heat output and can cause a significant amount of damage in a short amount of time. If you find yourself in Australia during one of these fires, you may have to contend with damage to your rental car or your personal belongings. Comprehensive travel insurance may reimburse you for damaged or destroyed items, or it may reimburse your rental car agency for the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged vehicle.

Risks related to long-distance driving

Australia has many isolated regions that are hundreds of miles from the nearest populated area. You may have to drive several hundred miles to reach your destination, so it’s important to have travel insurance before you set off on an adventure.

Travel insurance covers a wide range of circumstances, including the ones below.

Trip cancellation insurance

It’s never fun to cancel a vacation you’ve been looking forward to for months, but it’s even worse when a cancellation results in significant financial losses. Trip cancellation insurance protects you if you have to cancel your trip to Australia for a covered reason. For example, if one of your travel companions is diagnosed with advanced cancer before your departure date, you can use your insurance to recoup pre-paid, nonrefundable expenses.

If you want to have coverage for any type of circustance, you can purchase cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance . Typically sold as an add-on, this type of coverage will reimburse you for around 50% to 70% of your total prepaid costs .

Trip delay insurance

To get to Australia, you may have to rely on the services of multiple common carriers. For example, you may have to fly to Australia and then take a ferry to your final destination. Trip delay insurance reimburses you for any expenses you incur as the result of a common carrier delay. If your flight is canceled, for example, your insurer may reimburse you for meals, additional transportation costs and other related expenses.

Trip interruption insurance

Imagine that you arrive in Australia, enjoy a few days of fun and then come down with a severe illness. You’re so sick that you have to return to the United States sooner than expected. Trip interruption insurance reimburses your pre-paid, nonrefundable expenses in this type of scenario. It should also cover the cost of adjusting your travel plans or accessing emergency assistance services.

Travel medical insurance

As noted previously, you probably won’t be able to use your U.S. health insurance in Australia . Therefore, it’s important to have travel medical insurance to cover things like nursing care, hospitalization, blood tests, CT scans and other healthcare services. If you’re injured while snorkeling or suddenly develop appendicitis during your trip, you can rest easy knowing that your medical expenses are covered.

Medical evacuation insurance

If you’re injured in the Outback, you can’t exactly hop in a cab and get to a hospital within a few minutes. Medical evacuation insurance covers the cost of transporting you to a healthcare facility that’s capable of meeting your needs. For example, if you need emergency assistance, your policy may cover the cost of air medical services (like helicopter transportation).

Insurance for personal items

We recommend that you leave your valuables at home, but if you just have to take jewelry, designer clothing or expensive sports equipment on your trip, make sure your travel insurance includes coverage for lost, stolen and damaged items. This type of coverage reimburses you if a common carrier loses or damages your luggage or its contents.

Rental car coverage

Rental car coverage can protect you under the following circumstances:

• You’re involved in an auto accident caused by someone else.
• Someone vandalizes your rental vehicle.
• Someone steals your rental vehicle.

If your policy includes this type of coverage, your insurer will reimburse the rental agency any time you experience a covered loss. For example, if you get into a fender-bender in one of Sydney’s famous traffic jams, your insurance company should reimburse the rental agency for the cost of repairs.

Travel insurance for Australia doesn’t cover the following:

• Pre-existing conditions: If you’re diagnosed with a medical condition like asthma or diabetes before you buy your travel insurance, your insurer won’t pay for medical expenses associated with that diagnosis. In some cases, however, you can opt for a plan with a waiver. This can ensure coverage for pre-existing conditions during your trip.
• Illegal activities: Travel insurance doesn’t cover expenses arising from any illegal activities, such as injuries that occur while under the influence of illicit substances.
• Fear of travel: If you book a trip and then suddenly develop a fear of flying, your insurance company won’t reimburse you for your pre-paid expenses. The same applies to a fear of seeing a spider or encountering a Tasmanian devil during your trip.
• Expected events: Travel insurance doesn’t cover expenses associated with events that you knew about (or should have known about) before a trip. For example, if you book a trip and buy insurance after a named storm has started developing, your insurer won’t reimburse you if the storm forces you to cancel or interrupt your trip.

For a trip to Australia, we found that the cost of travel insurance ranges from less than $1 per day to around $11 per day depending on the type of coverage.

To give you a better idea, we requested multiple quotes from leading travel insurance providers.

These quotes are based on the following criteria:

• Age: 35 years old
• Destination: Australia
• Trip Length: 7 days
• Trip cost: $2,000

You can see our quotes for basic travel insurance in the following table. The cheapest travel insurance plan costs just under $1 per day .

Example Where Plan Doesn’t Reimburse the Full Trip Cost

The plans in this next table are more comprehensive. In addition to medical and medical evacuation coverage, they also include trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage. According to our quotes, these plans cost between $7 and $11 per day .

Example Where Plan Does Reimburse the Full Trip Cost

Your costs won’t be exactly the same, as insurance companies base their premiums on these factors:

• Trip cost: Insurance companies reimburse you for up to 100% of your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses. The more your trip costs, the more your insurance provider has to pay you if you experience a covered loss. Therefore, the cost of your insurance plan depends on the cost of your trip.
• Age: Older people are more likely to develop serious medical problems while traveling, so it costs more to insure a 60-year-old or 70-year-old traveler than it does to insure someone in their 20s.
• Insurance benefits: Some travel insurance plans come with more benefits than others. For example, a plan that offers $1 million in medical evacuation coverage will cost more than a plan that comes with only $100,000 in medical evacuation coverage.
• Destination: Some destinations are riskier than others, so insurance companies charge different rates based on your itinerary.
• Add-on coverage: You may need to purchase add-on coverage, such as insurance for adventure activities. If so, you’ll pay an additional premium for the extra benefits.

To find the best travel insurance for your needs, follow these tips:

Consider how you’re getting to and around Australia.

You’ll have to take an airplane from the United States to Australia, but depending on your plans, you may also need to ride a train or take a ferry at some point. The more carriers you use, the more likely you are to experience delays and other problems, increasing the amount of coverage needed.

Think carefully about what you plan to do.

If you want to visit the Sydney Opera House and check out the Australian Museum, you won’t need as much coverage as someone who plans to camp in the Outback or go parasailing over the Gold Coast. You may also want to limit your cancellation costs by purchasing cancel-for-any-reason coverage.

Time your purchase carefully.

Although you can buy Overseas Visitors Cover when you arrive, it’s typically cheaper to purchase travel insurance well in advance of your trip.

What travel insurance do I need to travel to Australia?

You’re not required to purchase travel insurance for Australia, but we highly recommend that you do. You never know when you’re going to have an emergency or encounter some kind of problem during a trip. To find the right policy to suit your needs, try using an online comparison tool .

Does American health insurance work in Australia?

In most cases, no. Medicare and Medicaid only work in the United States, and most private health insurance companies will only cover expenses if you use U.S. medical facilities.

Can foreigners buy travel insurance in Australia?

When you travel to Australia, you have the option of buying Overseas Visitors Cover. However, not many companies provide this type of coverage. There may also be waiting periods for medical coverage. Therefore, we recommend that you buy travel insurance before you leave the United States.

Leigh Morgan is a seasoned personal finance contributor with over 15 years of experience writing on a diverse range of professional legal and financial topics. She specializes in subjects like navigating the complexities of insurance, savings, zero-based budgeting and emergency fund development.

In the last 5 years, she’s authored over 300 articles for credit unions, digital banks, and financial professionals. Morgan is also the author of “77 Tips for Preventing Elder Financial Abuse,” a book focused on helping caregivers protect the elderly from financial scams.

In addition to her writing skills, she brings real-world financial acumen thanks to her previous experience managing rental properties as part of a $34 million real estate portfolio.

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Our Pick Of The Best Comprehensive Travel Insurance Providers In Australia

Published: Dec 1, 2023, 9:30am

Australians are well-known for their love of travel, with many of us eager to make up for years spent in lockdown with epic European vacations, winter breaks in Bali, or luxury cruises.

In fact, data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) shows that travel activity in December 2022 was at the same level as February 2019, before lockdowns and Covid restrictions, and has continued at this pace for much of 2023. Most recently, the ABS recorded some 1.4 million departures in October, compared with 1.014 million the previous October—an annual increase of 548,950.

Further data by the ABS, revealed that travel across the ditch is fuelling the resurgence in travel: New Zealand was the leading destination for Australians returning from a short-term trip overseas (14%) between financial year of 2022-23.

Key to peace of mind when travelling is adequate insurance, and it’s also paramount to find an insurance provider who will cover not only Covid-19 related claims, such as being diagnosed with Covid-19 while travelling or cancellations and delays due to Covid-19, but all of the other potential mishaps that could go wrong while overseas—whether it be missing a connecting flight, falling ill, event cancellation, theft or luggage going missing.

To help Australians find the best option suitable for their needs, Forbes Advisor combed through the leading players to determine our pick of the best comprehensive travel insurance providers for those looking to travel overseas in 2024 and beyond.

Note: the below list represents a selection of our top category picks, as chosen by Forbes Advisor Australia’s editors and journalists. The information provided is purely factual and is not intended to imply any recommendation, opinion, or advice about a financial product. Not every product or provider in the marketplace has been reviewed, and the list below is not intended to be exhaustive nor replace your own research or independent financial advice. For more information on how Forbes Advisor ranks and reviews products, including how we identified our top category picks, read the methodology selection below.

Related: How to Find the Best Travel Insurance for you

Our Pick of the Best Comprehensive Travel Insurance Providers 2024

• Travel Insurance Direct (Comprehensive)
• Allianz (Comprehensive)
• Bupa Travel Insurance (Comprehensive)
• InsureandGo (Comprehensive)
• insure4less (Comprehensive)
• Cover-More Travel Insurance (Comprehensive)
• 1Cover (Comprehensive)
• Fast Cover (Comprehensive)
• Qantas Travel Insurance (Comprehensive)
• Australia Post (Comprehensive)

What Methodology Did We Use?

Covid-19 travel rules and restrictions, what if i have a pre-existing medical condition, types of travel insurance policies, what about seniors, frequently asked questions (faqs).

• Best Seniors Travel Insurance
• Best Domestic Travel Insurance
• Best Cruise Travel Insurance
• Travel Insurance Cost
• Pregnancy Travel Insurance Guide
• Travel Insurance And Covid: Are You Covered?
• Travel Insurance For Bali
• Travel Insurance For Fiji
• Travel Insurance For The USA
• Travel Insurance For Thailand
• Travel Insurance For New Zealand
• Travel Insurance To India

Featured Partners

Fast Cover Travel Insurance

On Fast Cover’s Secure Website

Medical cover

Unlimited, 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Cancellations

Unlimited, (Trip Disruption $50,000)

Key Features

25-Day Cooling Off Period, Australian Based Call Centre, 4.6 Star Product Review Rating

Cover-More Travel Insurance

On Cover-more’s secure website

Unlimited, with a $2000 limit to dental

Yes, amount chosen by customer

Southern Cross Travel Insurance

Medical Cover

Including medical treatment, doctors’ visits, prescribed medication, specialist treatment & medical transport costs

$2,500 with option to increase to unlimited

Unlimited, with a $1000 limit to dental

Despite the WHO declaring the pandemic over, Covid continues to interrupt our travel plans, and compared with other policies, Travel Insurance Direct offers very thorough Covid-19 cover, including both medical expenses and trip cancellations. Furthermore, some 43 medical conditions are automatically covered, however, additional conditions are not considered.

Where the policy really stands out is in its coverage of a broad range of 93 activities, with travellers able to add on extra coverage for certain higher-risk activities, such as snow sports. Plus, there are more than 2,500 reviews of the policy on Product Review, with an average of 4.2 stars.

• 93 sports and activities are automatically covered
• Lost luggage coverage up to $12,000, with the ability to increase item limits
• Online discounts are only available for multiple policies or group policies
• Certain pre-existing medical conditions cannot be covered

Yes, overseas medical expenses related to Covid-19 are included in the unlimited medical cover, as well as additional travel expenses up to $2,500.

Cancellations due to Covid-19 are covered for you and travelling party.

Unlimited, including dental

$2,000 is included, with the option to increase at a higher premium

Allianz has a generous medical policy, and unlike many competitors, includes unlimited coverage for both hospital and dental. The top-tier policy also covers pre-existing medical conditions, however, assessments are required and conditions need to be met. Some 38 activities are included and listed in the PDS, and there is no age limit to coverage.

There’s also the option to increase certain limits (luggage, cancellations, etc) for higher levels of coverage depending on the individual traveller’s needs.

• All ages are covered
• Dental is included in unlimited medical expenses
• Personal liability cover does not include additional activity packs, such as snow.
• No cover for missed connecting flights

Yes, Covid-19 is covered under medical expenses.

Cancellations due to Covid-19 are covered if the cancellation is due to a government-enforced border closure or due to the policy holder having to complete a quarantine due to Covid-19. As this is less of an issue these days, this policy feature is likely to be less important to travellers.

Bupa travel insurance is underwritten by Allianz, and its comprehensive travel insurance policy is almost identical to Allianz’s branded offering.

Along with unlimited medical, hospital and dental cover, Bupa offers 24/7 emergency assistance with Australian-based doctors and nurses available. As with Allianz, credit card fraud is covered up to $5,000 and lost luggage tops out at $10,000 (sub-limits apply). It’s worth noting, however, that Bupa scores slightly lower on Product Review—an average of 3.9 stars compared to Allianz’s 4.

• 15% discount for Bupa health insurance policy holders
• All pre-existing conditions need to be assessed to determine if they will be covered
• Reviews state lengthy waits for claim payments

Cancellations due to Covid-19 are covered if the cancellation is due to a government-enforced border closure or due to the policy holder having to complete a quarantine. As this is less of an issue these days, this policy feature may not be as important to travellers.

Unlimited, with a $500 limit to dental

InsureandGo is an ideal choice for families, with 90 activities included and the option to add additional extras, such as snow cover. Children are covered up to the age of 18 if they are travelling with parents or grandparents, and the maximum age for a policy-holder is 100 years old—although if you’re heading on a cruise the maximum age is 79.

Lost luggage is covered up to $15,000—sub limits apply—and there is unlimited cancellation cover.

The company’s comprehensive offering, known as Gold, was rated an average of 4 stars from more than 6,000 reviews.

• Regular discounts with promo codes on Facebook page
• Coverage up to 100 years
• No credit card fraud coverage
• Dental tops out at $500

Yes, overseas medical expenses related to Covid-19 are covered, as are cancellations for the policy holder and their travelling companions

Yes, up to $7500 per person

Insure4less offers policyholders coverage for a wide range of activities—more than 120 are listed in PDS—while additional, high-risk sports can also be added. The comprehensive policy, known as Excel Plus, covers medical expenses of Covid-19, along with any additional expenses required for you to return early to Australia if necessary.

It also covers lost luggage up to $5,000 (sub limits apply), cancellations up to $7,500 per person, connecting flights up to $1,000 and personal liability up to $7.5 million—the latter of which is at the higher end of what is generally offered. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions are subject to the completion of an online medical questionnaire.

Read more:  insure4less Review: Pros and Cons

• More than 100 activities are included in the policy, with the option to add on additional cover for other high-risk activities such as snow cover for snowboarding and skiing
• Unlimited medical
• Luggage only covered up to $5,000

Mostly. Overseas medical expenses related to covid-19 are covered, as well as additional expenses for you to return early due to Covid if necessary. However, cancellations due to Covid are not covered.

Cover-More’s travel insurance not only covers Covid-19 medical expenses overseas, but also provides $2,500 for additional related expenses. Lost luggage is also covered up to $15,000, as are dependent children up to 21 provided they are financially dependent and not in full-time employment.

Travellers up to 99 years of age can travel on the Cover-More policy, however senior travellers must meet certain criteria.

Despite these stand-out features, what prevented us from giving Cover-More a higher score was its negative reviews: it scored an average of 3.3 stars out of almost 3,000 reviews on Product Review. (Forbes Advisor pays little attention to reviews when there are fewer than 100, and always takes into account that reviews tend to skew negative).

• Pregnancy is automatically covered for single-child pregnancy
• $3,000 for connecting flights
• Senior travellers need to meet acceptance criteria
• No online discounts

Mostly. Covid-19 related medical expenses are covered, with additional expenses up to $2,500.

There is up to $5,000 for cancellations related to Covid-19, but only on the Comprehensive Plus policy.

Unlimited, but dependent on conditions

From more than 4500 reviews on Product Review, 1Cover has received an average rating of 4.3 stars by consumers.

The comprehensive policy covers more than 100 sports and activities, and includes the option to add additional packs for high-risk activities. The rest of the policy can also be personalised, allowing policyholders to add or increase cover to suit the traveller’s habits

Credit card fraud is covered up to $5,000, as is disruption of journey when the delay is for more than six hours.

• Flexibility to add and increase cover to suit individual travellers
• Pregnancy cover up to week 24 of the pregnancy
• Travellers over the age of 80 incur a $3,000 excess
• Dental limited to $1,000.

Partially. Medical expenses for Covid-19 are covered, but cancellations are not.

Unlimited, with a $1,000 limit to dental

Unlimited, but cancellation fees capped at $1,500 via travel agent

FastCover offers unlimited cover for both medical expenses and cancellations, however, it does require certain conditions to be met and has limits on specific claims. Some 43 conditions are covered provided the traveller meets the criteria.

While the policy offers good Covid-19 coverage, including listing Covid-19 as a medical expense and including it as a reason for cancellation, dental is capped at $1,000. Furthermore, lower coverage applies to travellers over the age of 80 and if you booked through a travel agent, cancellation cover tops out at $1,500.

Read more:   Fast Cover Review: Features, Pros and Cons

• Discounts available for more than one person
• 43 pre-existing conditions are automatically covered
• Some limitations on flight cancellation cover
• Lower coverage amounts for senior travellers

Yes, overseas medical expenses due to Covid-19 are covered, as are cancellations for those named on the insurance certificate.

Qantas Comprehensive Travel Insurance offers unlimited medical expenses, including coverage for Covid-19 diagnoses. It also automatically covers 43 pre-existing medical conditions (pending certain criteria), but requires a medical assessment, in the form of an online form, for any conditions not listed.

There is unlimited cover for cancellations and missed connections, as well as coverage for emergency dental for acute pain of up to $2,500.  Note: the standard comprehensive policy is for those aged up to 69; there is a seperate policy for 70+ years.

Related: Our pick of the best travel insurance for seniors .

• Lost luggage covered up to $15,000
• Good Covid-19 cover
• Some poor reviews albeit from a small number (257)
• Fraudulent credit card activity is not covered

Yes, overseas medical expenses includes if you are diagnosed with Covid-19. Cancellations due to a positive Covid-19 diagnosis are also covered, as well as ‘reasonable’ additional expenses (such as if you are required to quarantine).

Australia Post’s Comprehensive Travel Insurance offers coverage for credit card fraud of up to $5,000, lost luggage insurance up to $12,000 (sub-limits apply on certain items) and no age limit on policies. There is unlimited emergency medical, which we would expect for a comprehensive policy, with a $2,000 limit for dental, which is also pretty good. There is no cover specifically for missed connections but there is cover for travel delay up to $2,000

However, cruises of more than two nights will not be covered and need to be added as an additional pack to the policy.

• No age limit
• Cover for travel delays pending certain conditions
• Need to purchase an additional cruise pack if going on a cruise of longer than two nights
• Only 15 activities included, with additional packs required to be purchased for snow sports and motorcycling

Partially. Covid-19 related medical expenses and additional expenses are are covered, but an additional excess applies. Cancellations due to Covid-19 are not covered, and there is no cover for claims arising from Covid-19 while travelling on a cruise.

To find our list of the top travel insurance providers, we performed an in-depth analysis of more than 30 of the most popular local travel insurance providers. This included an evaluation of their current product ratings online and reviews from previous customers; a comparison of necessary offerings; and in-depth research into their individual product disclosure statements (PDS).

Through the analysis, the following coverage offerings and conditions were compared:

• Underwriter: an underwriter is the company which evaluates an applicant’s claim for approval and payment, and therefore should always be a reputable company;
• The average product review rating: found via Australia’s independent consumer review site, Product Review, where policyholders rate their experience with the specific travel provider;
• Conditions of age: including whether there is a maximum age cut-off to take out the policy, or whether children up to a certain age can be included with the main policy holder;
• Coverage of personal liability, credit card fraud, car hire excess and lost luggage: including any additional fees, conditions, and value limits;
• Medical cover, including dental, pregnancy and Covid-19: specifying what is included in the medical cover, any excess limits for dental, what weeks of pregnancy are covered (if any), and whether Covid-19 is included as a medical claim;
• Whether cancellations, delays or connecting flights were covered: including whether cancellations due to COVID-19 are claimable and any conditions with travel delay coverage or connecting flights;
• The inclusion of pre-existing medical conditions: from how many pre-existing medical conditions are included to whether there are conditions that need to be met, and any medication conditions that are automatically excluded;
• The inclusion of sports and activities: how many sports and activities were included in the policy; any sports and activities that are not covered; the availability of additional packages to cover certain sports and activities (such as winter sports or cruises);
• Emergency assistance and customer service: the availability of assistance and the level of customer service provided to a policyholder; and
• Discounts: whether there were any online discounts available from the provider.

In all, there were 19 different variables we compared and considered to find the overall ranking of each comprehensive travel insurance provider. Rankings were then made between 1-5, with the leading providers–all ranked 3 and above–included in the best-of list.

You will note that we did not evaluate policies on the metric of price: this is because the cost of travel insurance is highly dependent on the circumstances, health, age and destination of the person travelling.

A Note on Star Rankings

You will note that we have included a star rating next to each product or provider. This rating was determined by the editorial team once all of the data points above were considered, and the pros and cons of each product attribute was reviewed. The star rating is solely the view of Forbes Advisor editorial staff. Commercial partners or advertisers have no bearing on the star rating or their inclusion on this list. Star ratings are only one factor to be considered, and Forbes Advisor encourages you to seek independent advice from an authorised financial adviser in relation to your own financial circumstances and investments before you decide to choose a particular financial product or service.

The rules surrounding travel are ever-changing as the Covid-19 pandemic continues. At the time of writing, you do not need to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test to meet Australia’s travel requirements, nor do you need proof of a Covid-19 vaccination to travel to and from Australia.

Masks are also no longer necessary on international flights. However, as per the Australian government’s health and aged care department, Australians are still encouraged to consider wearing a mask to reduce potential risk.

The rules and regulations surrounding Covid-19 travel overseas vary by country and region. Before you travel, be sure to check your destination country’s local public health orders for Covid-19 vaccination requirements, and to see if there are any isolation or quarantine orders to abide by upon your arrival.

You can check the government’s Smartraveller Destination guide to find the latest updates for your destination, along with the Australian government’s advice for travelling to that destination.

The advice levels are: exercise normal safety precautions; exercise a high degree of caution; reconsider your need to travel; and do not travel. Smartraveller explains the level of advice in attribution to each destination and the reason for such, which could include terrorist threats, high levels of violent crime, security risks and/or health measures.

If you have, or have had, a medical condition, you may need to ensure your travel insurance has specialist coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. The same applies if you are recovering from serious injury.

Most Australian travel insurance providers do include a wide range of pre-existing medical conditions in their policies, such as cancer, heart problems, respiratory ailments, Crohn’s disease and diabetes. They can also include more common complaints such as asthma and hay-fever, as well as Covid-19.

For pre-existing medical conditions that aren’t automatically included, you may need to purchase extra coverage. To find out whether your condition is listed on the policy, you will need to read the travel insurance provider’s product disclosure statement. If your condition is not automatically included, it may still be covered upon meeting certain conditions or by undertaking a medical assessment.

Some conditions may never be covered by some providers and are excluded, even pending a medical assessment. Most often, these are pre-existing medical conditions that are the result of alcohol or drug dependency.

When comparing travel insurance providers, you’ll see many different policy types and therefore need to consider which best suits your needs. These policy types include:

• Single cover: cover for an individual traveller
• Family cover
• Single trip: providing cover for one trip, for a specific destination over a fixed time
• Annual multi-trip: designed for those planning to take more than two holidays or business trips a year to multiple destinations.
• Worldwide: allowing you to travel to destinations across the globe, however certain high-risk areas or those that are expensive for medical cover may not be included

There are often ‘packs’ or ‘additional extras’ that can be added on to these standard policy types, to include specific activities or travel types. This includes cruise coverage, designed to provide cover for the activities and risks associated with cruise holidays; winter sports packs, designed to provide cover if you plan to take part in high-risk activities, such as skiing and snowboarding; or backpacker coverage, which covers individuals on longer trips overseas that may span numerous countries.

Those over 55 years old need to ensure the travel provider and insurance policy they choose includes their age. Some policies have a maximum age cut off, while others do not. Meanwhile, some policies may include all ages, but incur a higher premium for those aged over specific cut offs.

Seniors should also consider the level of cover provided for medical and hospital expenses. While accidents and illnesses can happen at any age, it is a fact of life that seniors are more susceptible.

When taking out an insurance policy–at any age–it is essential that you read the insurance provider’s PDS and ask to clarify any questions that you have, so that you can ensure you are covered in the way you expect to be if a claim does arise. You can read more in our pick of the best travel insurance for seniors.

Data Research:  Mia Dunn

What does most travel insurance cover?

When searching for travel insurance, it’s important to find a policy that suits your individual needs. Ideally a travel insurance policy will include medical cover, lost luggage cover, and other emergencies or accidents that may occur while you are overseas.

Insurance providers may have different limits or higher excess required for certain coverage, so it’s essential that you read the product disclosure statement before taking out a policy.

Which is the best travel insurance for over 70s?

Travel insurances often have a maximum age that they are willing to cover, largely due to the high-risk of elderly individuals. These cut-off ages vary by policy provider, and through our analysis, we found the providers that offered travel insurance for over 70s that was also highly regarded in other factors were Australia Post, Allianz, and InsureandGo. You can read more in our pick of the best travel insurance providers for seniors .

Which is the best travel insurance for Covid-19?

According to our analysis, the best Australian travel insurance with COVID-19 cover is Cover-More’s Comprehensive Travel Insurance Plan. The policy covers Covid-19- related medical expenses as included in its unlimited medical expenses cover, additional expenses up to $2500, and up to $5000 for cancellations related to Covid-19. Of course, this is a guide only, and we did not analyse all of the providers on the market, so you may find another Covid policy that is better suited to your needs.

Who is the best company for travel insurance?

It’s important to remember that rather than one travel insurance company being better than the other, you need to find the perfect match for you: if you’re over 65, then you will want a company that caters to seniors, if you are an adrenaline junky then you will want a company that offers generous activity coverage. In our analysis the following companies scored above-average ratings:

Is it worth buying travel insurance at the moment?

It’s always worth buying travel insurance, even if you don’t intend on undertaking any extreme sports or risky activities. Travel insurance will protect you if your flight is delayed or cancelled, you experience a medical emergency overseas or you lose your belongings. With so many providers on the market these days, competition is fierce so you can find reasonably priced travel insurance for as little as $2 a day in some cases.

What doesn't travel insurance cover?

Each policy is different so make sure that you read the product disclosure statement to determine whether you’re covered for Covid-related incidents or delays. As a general rule, however, you won’t be covered for mental health emergencies overseas or for incidents that occur when you are under the influence of drugs or heavy intoxication.

Is Allianz good travel insurance?

In our assessment, we found Allianz to have many positive features as a travel insurance provider, not least of which is the generous unlimited medical and dental in its comprehensive. While the company covers travellers for lost luggage, there is no cover for missed connecting flights.

Is Bupa good for travel insurance?

In our Forbes Advisor Australia assessment, Bupa’s comprehensive travel insurance is a solid choice. It is underwritten by Allianz, so its comprehensive travel insurance policy is almost identical to Allianz’s branded offering.

Along with unlimited medical, hospital and dental cover, Bupa offers 24/7 emergency assistance with Australian-based doctors and nurses.

Sophie Venz is an experienced editor and features reporter, and has previously worked in the small business and start-up reporting space. Previously the Associate Editor of SmartCompany site, Sophie has worked closely with finance experts and columnists around Australia and internationally. Sophie grew up on the Gold Coast and now lives in Melbourne.

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What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is designed to cover you for a range of unexpected events that could happen when you’re travelling overseas or in Australia. Allianz Travel Insurance can cover costs like travel delays or emergency medical treatment, or the cost of replacing items that were lost or stolen during your trip. 1

We have Basic, Comprehensive, Domestic, and Multi-Trip Plans to choose from, with varying levels of cover to help you when you need it most. Our plans are available for singles, duos or families. Read through our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for detailed information about our plans to see which level of cover is right for you.

Find the right cover for your trip

Basic Travel Insurance

• Overseas emergency assistance 1
• Overseas medical and hospital expenses 1
• Personal Liability 1

Comprehensive Travel Insurance

• Overseas medical assistance and expenses 1
• Unexpected trip cancellation 3
• Loss of or damage to luggage and personal effects 1
• COVID-19 benefits 2

Domestic Travel Insurance

• Travel delay expenses 1
• Rental vehicle excess 1

Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

Additional cover options.

For an additional premium, you can choose to add an Adventure Pack, Cruise Pack, or Snow Pack to eligible plans. Increased Item Limits Cover can also be added to insure your luggage, personal effects or valuables should something happen to them while travelling.

You have the option to vary the base excess when you buy your policy (premium adjustment will apply depending on the excess selected). The choice is yours.

Website review and travel remediation

Choose what suits your needs, single cover, family plan, ready to get started, frequently asked questions.

Without travel insurance, you run the risk of incurring some significant expenses that may take years to pay off.

If you’re travelling overseas, travel insurance is an important consideration for unexpected medical bills and hospitalisation. Other unforeseen expenses could include the replacement of lost or stolen luggage, delays or cancellations to your trip, and many other unfortunate scenarios.

We don’t cover medical expenses under our Domestic Travel Insurance policy. However, you may wish to take out insurance for domestic flight changes or cancellations, lost or stolen baggage, or rental vehicle excess. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for more information.

Travel insurance may cover you for a range of unexpected events that may affect your trip, such as emergency medical assistance if you become ill or injured while travelling overseas, including arranging your evacuation if needed.

Other incidents that travel insurance may cover include costs due to unexpected delays and cancellations, rental vehicle excess, and personal liability. You also have the option to purchase additional cover for activities such as adventure sports or skiing, although this isn’t available on all plans.

Cover limits vary from insurance provider to insurance provider, as do policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions, so it’s important to read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure you fully understand what’s covered, the limits applying to the policy, and to make sure the policy is appropriate for your needs.

The length of your Travel Insurance policy is largely dependent on the travel dates you supply. When obtaining a quote, or buying a policy, you’ll be prompted to enter in your departure and return dates – this will be the period of cover for all benefits except the cancellation benefit, which begins from the date your policy is issued.

The period of cover is also shown on your Certificate of Insurance, which is sent to you at the time of purchase. You may want to extend the length of your holiday abroad (and therefore need an extension of your period of cover) and you may be able to do this within specified timeframes.

If you think you may travel more than once a year, you may wish to consider a Multi-Trip policy . Different start and end dates apply, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for full details.

It’s up to you when you buy Allianz Travel Insurance, however, keep in mind these three things:

• You can buy our Travel Insurance up to 12 months in advance.
• You must buy Allianz Travel Insurance before you start your journey. Your journey starts when any traveller named on the Certificate of Insurance leaves home or work in Australia to begin travel.
• Depending on the plan you choose you may have trip cancellation cover, which covers unexpected trip cancellation, rescheduling or shortening from the date your Certificate of Insurance is issued. So, consider buying our Travel Insurance as soon as you’ve booked and paid for some or all your trip as you may be covered for such events before you depart.

Yes, if you change your mind after you buy your Travel Insurance policy, you may cancel it within 14 days of your Certificate of Insurance being issued.

You’ll be given a full refund of the premium you’ve paid, provided you’ve not started your journey and don’t intend to make a claim or exercise any other right under your policy.

When considering which policy is right for you, make sure you consider your needs, as well as your financial situation. Reading the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination (TMD) is a good place to start as they will give you more detail, so you can decide if the plan is right for you.

Allianz Travel Insurance offers a number of travel insurance plans – Basic , Comprehensive , Domestic , Non-Medical or Multi-Trip Travel Insurance . You can see more detailed information on our Compare Cover Options page .

This product has a general exclusion, with limited exceptions, against epidemics and pandemics. That means we don’t cover claims that arise from, or are related to, an epidemic or pandemic.

However, you’re covered under selected benefits in this product if, during your period of cover, you’re positively diagnosed as suffering a sickness recognised as an epidemic or pandemic, such as COVID-19.

Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement to see which benefits offer cover in the event that you contract a sickness recognised as an epidemic or pandemic, and the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions that apply.

Note: There is no cover under any benefit of this policy if your claim arises because you did not follow advice or a warning that has been issued by the Australian Government or a reliable mass media source. This applies even if an Australian government has given you permission to travel, or you fall under a specific exemption where there is otherwise a travel ban in place.

If you have any questions call us on 13 1000 .

If you need to shorten your journey while travelling, or are prevented from travelling due to a COVID-19 border closure or mandatory quarantine period, you may be entitled to receive a partial or full refund on your premium. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for more information.

Eligibility criteria applies. Contact us on 1800 440 806 or email us .

There is no cover under any benefit of this policy if your claim arises because you didn’t follow an advice or warning that a reasonable person would have been aware of, that has been issued by the Australian government (when a ‘reconsider your need to travel’ or ‘do not travel’ alert is in place), which can be found on Smartraveller ; or which was published in a reliable mass media source.

Before buying travel insurance, and while you’re travelling, check Smartraveller and Allianz Partners for travel alerts or advisories for your intended destination(s).

Note: This applies even if an Australian government has given you permission to travel, or you fall under a specific exemption where there is otherwise a travel ban in place.

Tip: Subscribe to Smartraveller to get travel alerts and advisory updates by email.

Refer to General Exclusions in the Product Disclosure Statement for a full list of exclusions.

If you have any questions, call us on 13 1000 .

A general exclusion, sometimes referred to as a policy exclusion or exclusion, is an exclusion that applies to all policy benefits.

Should a general exclusion apply, your travel insurance policy won’t provide cover for the specified event, activities or circumstances.

Refer to General Exclusions in the Product Disclosure Statement provided at the time of purchase for a full list of exclusions.

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Give us a call, or send us a message, follow us on, *conditions apply.

• Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits apply. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for full details.
• Policy terms, conditions, limits, exclusions, and sub-limits apply to particular types of losses, premium refunds (full or partial) or claims. This product has a general exclusion, with limited exceptions, against epidemics and pandemics. That means we don’t cover claims that arise from, or are related to, an epidemic or pandemic. However, you’re covered under selected benefits in this product if, during your period of cover, you’re positively diagnosed as suffering a sickness recognised as an epidemic or pandemic, such as COVID-19. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement to see which benefits offer cover in the event you contract a sickness recognised as an epidemic or pandemic, and the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions that apply.
• Terms, conditions, limits, exclusions and sub-limits apply. Cancellation cover is only available on Comprehensive, Domestic and Multi-Trip Plans. Refer to Cancellation and General Exclusions sections of the Product Disclosure Statement for full details.
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Any advice here does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits apply. Before making a decision about this insurance, please consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)/Policy Wording and Supplementary PDS (if applicable). Where applicable, the PDS/Policy Wording, Supplementary PDS and Target Market Determination (TMD) for this insurance are available on this website.

Travel Insurance is issued and managed by AWP Australia Pty Ltd ABN 52 097 227 177 AFS Licence No. 245631, trading as Allianz Global Assistance (AGA) as agent of the insurer Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFS Licence No. 234708 (Allianz). Travel Insurance is underwritten by the insurer Allianz. Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits apply.

^The 15% off Travel Insurance ‘EASTER15’ discount is available from 12:01am AEST 18/03/2024 until 11:59pm AEST 29/03/2024 by entering the valid promo code. The discount applies to new policy purchases and is based on standard premium rates (including optional extras). It applies automatically upon successful input of the promo code and applies to any changes, upgrades or amendments made to the policy prior to commencement of the journey. The discount may apply to changes made after commencement of the journey, contact Allianz Global Assistance to find out more. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

We don’t provide advice based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision, please consider the Product Disclosure Statement available on this website. If you purchase this insurance, AGA will receive a commission that is a percentage of the premium. Ask us for more details before we provide you with any services on this product.

41% of Australian travellers opt out of purchasing travel insurance

27% of Australians think travel insurance is unnecessary.

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) is encouraging Australians planning overseas trips to secure travel insurance as the Easter holidays approach.

This advice comes after ICA's discovery of a concerning number of holidaymakers considering travel without insurance.

The ICA and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller commissioned a survey that revealed that 41% of Australians who consider travelling overseas do not purchase travel insurance.

The survey also found that one in six individuals (16%) did not have travel insurance on their most recent overseas trip.

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When asked why they do not opt for travel insurance, 24% believed their destination was safe enough while 27% deemed it unnecessary, and 4% felt their trip was too short to warrant insurance.

Meanwhile, 44% of travellers consulted Smartraveller for pre-trip information, yet 10% would still visit destinations despite government advice. 

“Travel insurance is as vital as your passport. We encourage everyone planning a trip to purchase travel insurance well in advance and to carefully read the terms and conditions,” Andrew Hal, ICA CEO said.