racq travel insurance refund covid

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COVID-19 ruined my travel plans. Now what?

If COVID-19 canceled your travel plans, you are likely disappointed and wondering about refunds, credits, or vouchers for plane tickets, cruise bookings, tours, and more. Even if your scheduled travel is months away, you might be weighing your options. And many travel service providers seem to be working to address concerns about upcoming trips. 

Start by reviewing the travel provider’s refund policies and the terms of your reservation to see your options. In addition, many companies are posting information on their websites about COVID-19 travel-related questions. Many are offering refunds or rebooking options in light of the situation. Of course, check to see if you purchased travel insurance and what it covers. Some travel insurance policies may refund your cancelled trip.

Here’s what we know right now:

Airlines: According to the U.S. Department of Transportation , airlines must offer refunds, including the ticket price and any optional fee charged for cancelled or significantly delayed flights, even when flight disruptions are outside their control. If your airline isn’t doing that, you can report it to the U.S. Department of Transportation .

Cruise Lines: If you booked a cruise, your options will vary by cruise line. Your ticket contract lays out cancellation policies and your rights. For example, you may be offered a refund, or a credit or voucher for a future cruise. If you opt for a credit or voucher, make sure the expiration date is far enough out that you can use it. Read more from the Federal Maritime Commission about your rights and the recourse that might be available to you.

Trains: Amtrak is waiving change fees for reservations made before May 31, 2020; you can make changes online at Amtrak.com . For cancellations and refunds, call 1-800-USA-RAIL.

Lodging: Some hotel chains may be loosening their cancellation policies, waiving change and cancellation fees that would normally apply to non-refundable rates. Check with the hotel for your options.

As with many purchases, your best option is usually to directly contact the company you booked with to see if you can resolve a problem. So, whether you booked directly with an airline or hotel, or you used a travel site or consolidator, start with them. Then, to report a travel-related problem, contact your State Attorney General’s office or tell the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint .

To learn more about consumer issues resulting from the Coronavirus pandemic, sign up for the FTC’s consumer alerts at ftc.gov/subscribe .

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Allie May 01, 2020 Please comment on health travel insurance companies, who simply said mid-March they were no longer honoring an existing policy. Where to go for help?

Ms.Muggi May 01, 2020 thanks for this imported Infos

Rcope May 01, 2020 This article couldn’t have been more well-timed today. My trip to Cancun was cancelled three weeks ago by a major airline (unnamed), which would have left tomorrow, May 2nd. Needless to say, everything has been thrown into total chaos by Covid-19 for everyone across the globe. While my airline has offered future vouchers, I’m still having trouble with getting a refund or credit from the travel agency I used to book my resort. Hopefully they return my call or contact me somehow. I’ve placed an online request for a refund/other options, it’s just a nightmare for everyone planning anything, and every business involving travel is just so backed up. Thanks FTC, for the article. -RC

In reply to This article couldn’t have by Rcope

In reply to I am also trying to recover a by pcgreen

In reply to I'm in the same situation. by Don't use your…

In reply to I am having the same problem by Frustrated

In reply to YesI I have the same by Disappointed

In reply to I am in the same boat. Is by Frequent flyer

In reply to same here !!! I don't know by Jslott

EastIcon May 01, 2020 What about car rentals? I booked a reservation for May 9 rental from Fox Car Rental in Florida before Covid-19 outbreak. I have no future plans to visit Florida, so I would not want to rebook for a future rental, as offered through their policy. My flight was cancelled, and my lodgings were cancelled without problem. I DO foresee a problem with Fox. What is my recourse, aside from loosing over $300? Anyone else in similar situation? How did you fare?

In reply to What about car rentals? I by EastIcon

Beverley Nalven May 01, 2020 I bought round trip tickets for my grand children to fly from Charlotte NC to JFK arriving at JFK on March 16, 2020 and returning on March 22, 2020. American will not refund the charge of $422.22 to my credit card and will only give the same passengers a credit for the same flight at a date 12 months from their original Flights. They won’t refund my money or give me back the credits This is unacceptable

In reply to I bought round trip tickets by Beverley Nalven

I went ahead and canceled my April 15th flight to NYC but, only after the following events: * Feb 29, first death here in WA. * March 8, cases reached 500 in US. * March 11, WHO said this is a Pandemic. * March 13, president declares national state of emergency. * March 15, US cases surpass 3000 * NY state closes all school. * CDC recommends no groups of >50 for next 8 weeks. * March 16: * President says to avoid groups >10 and avoid going to restaurants * President says to stop discretionary travel * March 20: NY declared epicenter of crisis with >5000 cases in city * March 21: NJ (EWR) gov issues stay-at-home order * March 23: WA gov issues stay-at-home order. * March 23 flight cancelled. * March 24, >50k cases and 637 deaths in US * March 23 & 24 ASA008 (same flight as mine) was cancelled. * March 24: White House warns people who have been to NY to quarantine themselves. >25k cases. * I finally cancelled on 24th But Alaska Airlines still insist on only credit! Insurance I purchased from Alianz Travel was useless (read Consumer Reports, next time).

Funnygirlon't … May 04, 2020 Jet Blue only offers credits By the time it is safe to travel. I may not be able to, due to age and health. The tickets were none refundable at time of purchase. The consumer loses again.

Client-of-Trav… May 01, 2020 What if someone used a travel agent? Do you recommend going back to the travel agency or to the hotel / airline / cruise line directly? I know several people who used a travel agent and they were able to help them when the airline wasn't even answering the phone. Someone else booked directly with an online site and when they couldn't reach anyone there, they randomly called up a travel agent who actually helped them even though the agent is not the one who had booked their trip in the first place. So, I suggest if someone try asking a travel agent if they are at a lost as what to do or not finding the answers they need.

Don't use your… May 01, 2020 My husband and I booked a cruise on Carnival Cruise Lines for Sept. We were to depart out of Seattle, then Covid19 showed up and we cancelled our trip. We had already paid the trip in full plus money for the 2 excursions. We did purchase the travel insurance. We asked for a refund and they said we were going to be penalized almost $500.00 for canceling. We still have not received our refund or money back for the excursions. What do we do now? Just keep on waiting? It has been almost 2 months since we canceled.

In reply to My husband and I booked a by Don't use your…

masterredfox May 01, 2020 I would be concerned with getting a refund/credit than becoming upset that travel plans have been overturned. There's always tomorrow to take a trip. Keep yourself posted via the site you booked and paid through.

Bruiser May 02, 2020 Had to cancel two trips on physicians orders (age & medical history). Also complied with CDC Guidelines for those conditions and Whitehouse COVD Task Force. Southwest, Hertz and hotel refunded costs. Only one refusing to refund was Allegiant Airlines who gave me Travel Voucher because it is their "Policy" as I purchased a non-refundable ticket. Well the same applied at Southwest but they did the right thing and refunded. What if I am not able to use and what if I did travel in future and it needed to be a location Allegiant does not serve? Allegiant asking for "Bailout" money but may end up keeping my money plus bailout. What a company!!!

In reply to Had to cancel two trips on by Bruiser

Mike May 04, 2020 You sure opened a can of worms! I had a ticket as non refundable. I get that if I want to change or anything else. But when they aren't flying and don't deliver the service, how can they refuse my refund? This is happening to me. I could have showed up at the airport and the flight wasn't flying but they won't give me a refund because its non refundable. United Airlines at its very best. FTC...we need you!!!

In reply to You sure opened a can of by Mike

In reply to Same! They tell me they by Affected perso…

PBGsoccermom May 05, 2020 Hoping that the parents who paid out almost $1000 for 5th grade safety patrol trip to Washington DC will get some kind of refund even with purchasing the insurance. Still waiting to hear from the school. :(

Erika Kral May 07, 2020 Airlines - you are writing about refund. In my understanding is refund getting money back. No one US airline is giving refund. All only credits, what for foreign travelers unacceptable. How to proceed? Thank you

Bleysu May 07, 2020 EF Tours is keeping $ for trips that they cancelled due to Covid19. Depending on the time of travel, patrons are losing at least 500-1000$ for a service that was never provided. Please help us get full refunds. Thank you.

In reply to EF Tours is keeping $ for by Bleysu

You can report a problem with a business at www.FTC.gov/Complaint. The information you give will go into a secure database that the FTC and other law enforcement agencies use for investigations.

The comments you put here on the blog don't go into the law enforcement database.

In reply to EF Go Ahead Tours is doing by rnmlburns

Jason May 08, 2020 We had flights with both Frontier and Spirit airlines. Spirit flight was supposed to be 3/25/20 & Frontier flight was 4/3/20. All traveling states involved had Executive Stay at Home Orders on the dates of travel. Both Frontier and Spirit have refused the numerous requests for refunds---saying flights are nonrefundable. Both flights were purchased prior to the pandemic. Neither airline will deny that they are receiving Federal funding but yet neither will refund us, the taxpaying consumer. So we follow the laws by not flying & the airlines get to keep our money and receive Federal bailout money on top of it all. SMH

RayK May 08, 2020 Overseas Adventure Travel is a tour company located in Boston that has, within the past 30 days, attempted to unlawfully, unilaterally, and retroactively, amend the Terms and Conditions of its booking contract in order to attempt to refuse issuing cash refunds and only issue vouchers for future travel (even when they canceled the trip). They are hiding behind a "no class action" provision and think that prevents any single person from effective action against them. Hence, FTC help is needed.

In reply to Overseas Adventure Travel is by RayK

You can report a problem with a business at www.FTC.gov/Complaint . The information you give will go into a secure database that the FTC and other law enforcement agencies use for investigations.

Man May 09, 2020 How does this rule impact the agencies that sell airline tickets. I purchased four international airline tickets (Air France) from Capital One travel. Now, I have called both Air France and Capital One. Air France folks are really nice and are willing to issue full refund but they asked me to call my agency (Capital One). I have called Capital One numerous times and is put on hold for 2+ hours before disconnecting my call. This has happened more than 5 times and I have lost 10+ hours just waiting. I need FTC help urgently to crack the whip on agencies like Capital One Travel.

MFaggiano May 12, 2020 I booked a timeshare for April 2019 that I had to cancel because of Covid 19. I was offered rebooking from July to December 2019. I can't travel within that time frame as advised by my endocrinologist. Since I never got a cancellation policy from the timeshare owner. I was told to sell my week to recover my costs. I didn't sign up for this but I made an effort. 4 people responded but wanted assurance that they would receive a full refund if they needed to cancel. I text messaged the owner and haven't received a response. Im out $1300. This is bad business! I will be exploring my options and not giving up!

Justyna May 12, 2020 My flight got canceled due to COVID 19. The ticket was purchased online via a third party/travel agency. While trying to get a refund for my trip, the travel agency wants me to approve to cancel my ticket and agree to pay them a refund processing fee. Wondering if that is something they can require...?

Annie May 15, 2020 YMT Vacations is keeping $ for trips that they cancelled due to Covid19. Our group of 6 losing at least $300 each for a service that was never provided. FTC - Please help us get full refunds. Thank you

In reply to YMT Vacations is keeping $ by Annie

Neib12 May 16, 2020 I booked an AmaWaterways river cruise for July 19. AmaWaterways cancelled the cruise and will refund the payments I had made. But what about the flights? Turkish Airlines is offering a voucher that must be used by early 2021 which won’t work since I have a teaching position and can’t travel at that time. I do have travel insurance ....

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RACQ Travel Insurance

Our verdict: racq offers a variety of travel insurance policies to suit multiple needs and budgets..

In this guide

Summary of RACQ International Premium policy

How does racq travel insurance cover covid-19, what policies does racq offer, here's a breakdown of racq travel insurance features, standard features, optional add-ons, how to make an racq travel insurance claim, here's the bottom line about racq travel insurance, frequently asked questions, request travel insurance quotes and compare policies.

Destinations

• There's no additional premium if you want motorcycle or moped cover on your comprehensive international policy.
• RACQ's premium international policy offers unlimited emergency expenses (within reason).
• While RACQ does cover expenses related to COVID-19, claims have a combined cap of $3,500 (with the exception of medical and funeral).

Compare other options

Table updated September 2023

RACQ offers a broad range of protection against unexpected costs related to COVID-19, including:

• Overseas medical, hospital and emergency costs.
• Funeral expenses, up to $20,000
• Emergency expenses if you're quarantined due to close contact of a COVID-19 case or your travelling companion is diagnosed with COVID-19.
• Cancellation fees and lost deposits due to any COVID-19 related event outside of your control.
• Additional expenses if your trip is disrupted due to any COVID-19 related event outside of your control.

However, there is a combined cap of $3,500 for all expenses, with the exception of medical hospital, emergency and funeral costs.

There are also some scenarios that are not covered by RACQ, including if you ignored medical advice or knowingly put yourself in contact with someone who had COVID-19.

RACQ offers four international policies - Premium, Standard, Saver, and Annual Multi-Trip. It also offers three domestic travel insurance policies - Domestic, Domestic Cancellation and Rental Car Excess Only.

Annual Multi-Trip

Domestic Cancellation

Rental Car Excess Only

The insurer of this product is Tokio Marine & Nichido. It comes with a cooling-off period of 21 days and choice of $250 standard excess for international plans.

These are some of the main insured events that RACQ will cover. These benefits apply across all international policies.

• Overseas medical treatment
• Lost, damaged or stolen property
• Trip cancellation or amendment
• Additional accommodation and transport
• Theft of money
• Luggage and travel delay
• Kidnap and hijack
• Personal liability
• Accidental death

RACQ also offers two add-on options so you can tailor your policy if required.

• Rental vehicle excess cover. If your rental vehicle is damaged, this benefit will cover the cost of the insurance excess. Does not apply to campervans, motorbikes or scooters.
• Ski and Winter Sports Cover. Cover in case you're injured on the slopes, plus additional risks such as equipment hire, piste closure, and avalanche.
• Cruise Cover Extends your insurance policy to cover cruises, medical treatment on board, and marine evacuation.

Unfortunately, travel insurance doesn't cover everything. Generally, RACQ will not pay your claim if it relates to:

• Unlawful, wreckless or unreasonably unsafe behaviour by you.
• Behaviour while you were drunk or under the influence of drugs
• Expenses related to a pre-existing medical condition, if not listed on your policy
• An act of war, invasion or revolution
• You being unfit to travel or travelling against medical advice
• If you travel to an area despite a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has issued a 'DO NOT TRAVEL' advisory being in place
• Childbirth or pregnancy complications before the 26th week of gestation or if you have had previous pregnancy complications
• Any errors, mistakes or omissions in booking arrangements, or failure to obtain the relevant visa, passport or travel documents
• You riding a motorcycle without a current Australian motorcycle licence
• An elective medical or dental treatment , cosmetic procedure or body modification (including tattoos or piercing)
• Self-inflicted injury or illness, suicide or attempted suicide

This is not an exhaustive list. Make sure you review the RACQ PDS for a detailed breakdown of what won't be covered, found under its list of general exclusions .

The quickest way to make your claim is through RACQ's 24/7 online portal. Register with the email address you used to buy your policy, and RACQ will email you with instructions.

Alternatively, you can claim on your RACQ travel insurance policy over the phone, by calling 1300 207 371 or +61 2 8055 1696.

RACQ's Premium international policy offers a great range of benefits, including an impressive $10,000 limit for insolvency, $10 million for legal liability, and unlimited emergency expenses.

Members also enjoy additional perks such as discounted pet boarding, car hire, and even movie tickets.

One of the few drawbacks for RACQ policies is the $3,500 cap on COVID-19 related claims (with the exception of medical, emergency and funeral.) While this may be more than enough for some travellers, it may fall short for others.

If you're still not sure about RACQ, you can compare other travel insurance companies here .

What if I change my mind about RACQ travel insurance?

You have 21 days from the date of issue to change your mind, as long as you haven't started your trip and don't want to make a claim. Just let RACQ know and you'll get a full refund.

Is there an age limit for RACQ travel insurance?

Cover is available to travellers over the age of 18.

Can I get a RACQ travel insurance policy as a non-resident?

Yes, temporary residents over the age of 18 can get a RACQ travel insurance policy. You'll just have to hold a current Australian visa (not a tourist, study or working holiday visa) which will remain valid throughout your entire trip. You'll also need a return ticket, have a primary place of residence in Australia, and you must purchase your policy before you leave Australia.

Use a comma or space to separate ages. Add kids under the age of 1 by typing a “0” 0 traveller(s)

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Nicola Middlemiss

Nicola Middlemiss is a contributing writer at Finder, with a special interest in personal finance and insurance. Formerly a business and finance journalist, Nicola has written thousands of articles helping Australians better understand insurance and grow their personal wealth. She has contributed to a wide range of publications, including Domain, the Educator, Financy, Fundraising and Philanthropy, Insurance Business, MoneyMag, Mortgage Professional, Yahoo Finance, Your Investment Property, and Wealth Professional. Nicola has a Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Leeds.

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International travel insurance 

Members save 15% on travel insurance

Get your quote

Adventure overseas confidently with award-winning travel insurance

There's nothing quite like embarking on an international adventure. Absorbing the sights and sounds of new cities, immersing yourself in a different culture, forgetting your daily routine – overseas travel is exciting. With RACQ International Travel Insurance, you can explore the world while feeling the safety of home.

• 15% policy discount for RACQ members
• Coverage for overseas medical expenses (including limited COVID-19 cover on our Premium International plan)#
• Coverage for loss, theft or damage of your luggage and unexpected cancellation fees#
• All plans cover up to two adults and your dependents
• 24-hour overseas emergency assistance hotline

Get your quote   Make a claim 

What does my RACQ International Travel Insurance cover?

For full details of what’s included in RACQ Travel Insurance see our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any applicable Supplementary PDS .

Unlimited** overseas medical and hospital cover Unlimited means that generally there is no cap on the maximum dollar amount which may be paid out for this benefit, subject to the specific terms and conditions, sub-limits and exclusions that apply to this benefit.

Cancellation fees and lost deposits for travel and accommodation arrangements if your trip is cancelled or cut short due to unforeseen circumstances (limit varies per cover option; see table below).

Loss, theft or damage of your luggage (limit varies per cover option; see table below).

International travel insurance cover options

Compare your international travel insurance options and get the policy that’s right for your trip.  Before purchasing any travel products, we recommend reviewing the RACQ Travel Insurance  Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)  and the  Target Market Determinations (TMDs)  that apply to these products.

• Premium (Includes COVID benefits)
• Annual Multi-Trip

Why choose RACQ International Travel Insurance?

No matter what time it is, we’re there for you.

Change of plans? Not a worry.

Some cover is provided to your dependents.

We’ll provide options so you can choose the right cover for your trip.

Enjoy better holidays with RACQ member benefits~~

Manage your insurance

International travel insurance faqs.

Need help or would like to know more? RACQ offers many convenient ways for you to get in touch with us.

Things to note

# Limits (including sub-limits), conditions and exclusions apply. This insurance is issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd (Tokio Marine & Nichido) ABN 80 000 438 291, AFSL 246548. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a decision about this product and read the Target Market Determinations (TMDs)  before determining whether this product is suitable for your circumstances.

^^ $Unlimited means that generally there is no cap on the maximum dollar amount which may be paid out for this benefit, subject to the specific terms and conditions, sub-limits and exclusions that apply to this benefit.

** Unlimited means that generally there is no cap on the maximum dollar amount which may be paid out for this benefit, subject to the specific terms and conditions, sub-limits and exclusions that apply to this benefit. This benefit covers reasonable overseas medical and hospital costs as a result of an injury (including that arising from a Terrorist Act) or illness occurring which first shows itself during Your Period of Insurance. Benefits may be paid up to 12 months from the time You received treatment for the injury or illness, but only for Reasonable Expenses incurred during that time. Medical treatments must be provided by a legally qualified medical practitioner. You must notify us as soon as practicable of Your admittance to hospital.

* This cover is per person listed in Your Policy.

^ This cover is per policy

+This Sub Limit is a subset of this overall policy benefit section

Offer is subject to change/withdrawal without notice.

Specific terms and conditions, limits (including sub-limits) and exclusions apply to each of our policies and the different benefits. Please read the ' RACQ Travel Insurance- Combined Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement ' for full details.

RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)  and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs)  that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMD’s outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMD’s also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMD’s for each travel product can be found  here .

Banking and loan products issued by Members Banking Group Limited ABN 83 087 651 054 AFSL/Australian credit licence 241195 trading as RACQ Bank. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending policies apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the disclosure documents  for your selected product or service, including the Financial Services Guide and the Terms and Conditions, and consider if appropriate for you before deciding.

Except for RACQ Bank, any RACQ entity referred to on this page is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). That entity’s obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of RACQ Bank. RACQ Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of that entity, unless noted otherwise.

~~ Terms and conditions apply to all offers. View the individual offer for full details. Offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.

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RAC Travel Insurance Refund Scheme

Why did i receive this email.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread disruption to domestic and international travel. This included border closures and Do Not Travel directives from governments that prevented travellers from embarking on trips they had planned. These disruptions could have meant that you did not require coverage under the travel insurance policy you purchased for part or all of your travel.

Members who purchased a travel insurance product distributed by RAC, but were unable to travel due to a travel ban imposed by the Australian Government or border closures by State or Territory Governments, may be eligible for a full or partial refund of their premium. This is in line with expectations issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

RAC and Tokio Marine encourage all customers who purchased a travel policy that included coverage during a travel ban period and may not have received the benefit of the policy, to check their eligibility for a premium refund.

Who is Tokio Marine and why are they involved in this process?

RAC Travel insurance is issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co. Ltd (Tokio Marine) ABN 80 000 438 291, AFSL 246548

Tokio Marine underwrites RAC’s Travel Insurance and provides the global emergency assistance and claims handling services offered in our policies and as detailed in the accompanying PDS. Tokio Marine will be managing the refunds process in their system and processing any refunds to RAC members.

Am I eligible for a refund?

To find out if you are eligible for a refund:

• Click the link in the email you were sent to take you to the fully secured refund calculation portal where you will be prompted to complete an identification check.
• Answer a series of questions to determine if you are eligible for a refund; and
• If you are eligible for any kind of refund, you will be advised on the portal and requested to provide your bank details so that payment can be processed (you will need your BSB and Account Number) within 3-6 weeks. 

Frequently Asked Questions

This offer is only available if you purchased a RAC Travel Insurance product underwritten by Tokio Marine (RAC Travel Insurance Policy) and were unable to travel due to your travel dates falling into the international ‘do not travel ban’ period, issued by the Australian government, or for domestic border closures imposed by state or territory governments.

If you have not been prevented from travelling due to an Australian government issued travel ban, you will not be entitled to a refund as you would have had the benefit of the travel policy, subject to terms and conditions.

If you have made a claim under your RAC Travel Insurance Policy and have been successful, you will not be entitled to a refund.

If you intend to make a claim under your RAC Travel Insurance Policy, you will not be entitled to a refund unless it is determined that your policy was not effective on the basis of the travel ban. In other words, if you have a claim made on a valid policy in operation, you should not apply for a premium refund as you had the benefit of the policy.

The amount of your refund will be calculated based on the duration for which you did not have the benefit of your RAC Travel Insurance Policy via the eligibility question set. If you have any queries or concerns with your assessment, please email us at [email protected] and we will forward your questions to Tokio Marine for response.

Payments will be processed in up to 8 weeks where possible of you completing the refund request and will be deposited into your nominated bank account. Your bank statement will show the deposit from Tokio Marine.

If you still have questions, please contact our team by emailing [email protected] and we will reply as quickly as possible.

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RACQ Travel Insurance

Important information on terms, conditions and sub-limits.

Are you considering RACQ for your next travel insurance policy? We’ve gone through the fine-print to answer your burning questions about RACQ so you can find the right policy for your needs.

RACQ (Royal Automobile Club of Queensland Limited) is a mutual organisation with approximately 1.75 million members. Founded in 1905, RACQ began as a social club for car and motorcycle owners but has grown to become Queensland’s largest provider of car insurance and the second-largest provider of home insurance. RACQ has a range of products and services, including roadside assistance, travel insurance, banking, and travel agent services. RACQ travel insurance is underwritten by the Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.

RACQ travel insurance policies

RACQ offers three tiers of domestic travel insurance , as well as three tiers of international travel insurance . These tiers range from Saver, to Standard, and up to Premium. RACQ also offers an annual multi-trip travel insurance policy, if you’re looking for cover that will sustain multiple journeys over the course of a year.

• Single Duo Family

Limits shown apply

Covid medical cover

Covid cancellation cover

Overseas emergency hospital expense

Overseas emergency medical assistance

Maximum excess

Cancellation fees

Pay extra for no excess

Luggage and personal effects

Additional accomodation & travel

Emergency companion

Resumption of journey

Hospital cash allowance

Accidental death

Permanent disability

Loss of income

Credit Card fraud and replacement

Travellers cheques

Travel documents

Rental vehicle excess

Alternative travel expenses

Personal liability

Pre existing conditions

Cardiovascular disease

Mental health illness

High cholesterol

High blood pressure

Blood thinning medication

Activities covered

Bungee jumping

Conservation work

Mountain biking

Mountaineering

Rock climbing

Scuba diving

Snow sports

Ocean Cruise

$10,000,000

Assessment required, may cost extra

Annual Multi-Trip (45 days)

Annual multi-trip (30 days), annual multi-trip (60 days).

Any information provided on this page should be considered a summary and general advice only. All information should be verified before purchase via the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

Does RACQ travel insurance have COVID-19 coverage?

RACQ does provide some coverage for COVID-19, however, it depends on your policy and level of coverage. Check the PDS for the full story on terms and conditions.

What other optional extras can I add to my RACQ policy?

Cruise cover

If you’re travelling on a cruise ship, then you’ll need to purchase RACQ’s cruise travel insurance on top of your policy, even if your cruise stays within Australian waters. If you do not get this optional extra, then any claims related to any part of your journey on a cruise ship will not be covered. You can pay the premium for cruise cover on any of RACQ’s policies, which will cover you for that policy’s included benefits while on the portion of your journey that takes place on a cruise ship. 

Ski and winter sports cover 

Snow travel insurance is important if you’re hitting the slopes, and without it, you may not be covered for any claims relating to snow sports. Through RACQ, the ski and winter sports cover is only available if you pay an extra premium on top of either a Premium or Standard policy, or if you have an annual multi-trip plan. 

Are pre-existing medical conditions covered under RACQ’s travel insurance?

RACQ automatically includes cover for some pre-existing medical conditions , although you must declare your pre-existing conditions and have them listed on your certificate of insurance in order to be covered. So, make sure you disclose any conditions that you do have at the time of applying. 

While you may have to pay an extra premium for your condition, some conditions are covered under your policy’s premium already. 

If your pre-existing medical condition is not eligible for automatic cover, you must apply to have a medical assessment. Contact RACQ on 1300 338 821, or complete your medical assessment online, as part of the travel insurance quote process, at http://www.racq.com.au/travelinsurance . They will then be able to tell you if your condition can be covered. 

What do I do if there’s an emergency during my trip?

If there’s an emergency, contact RACQ’s 24-hour emergency assistance and claims line on: 

+61 2 8055 1696

How do I make a claim with RACQ travel insurance?

To make a claim, head online to RACQ’s website and either register or log in to your account using the email address you used to purchase your policy. 

Alternatively, contact RACQ on:

Phone: 1300 338 821

Email: [email protected]

You will need to have supporting documents which are relevant to your claim, like receipts, police reports, or hospital invoices. RACQ will aim to notify you of the success of your claim within 10 working days. 

Is it possible to cancel my RACQ travel insurance policy?

You can cancel your policy and receive a full refund within 21 days of purchasing it, provided you have not started your journey, have not made a claim, or intend to make a claim. If you want to cancel after the 21-day cooling-off period, then you may be able to receive a partial refund, at RACQ’s discretion. 

To talk to RACQ about cancelling your policy, call them on 1300 338 821.

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Will My Travel Insurance Cover Coronavirus?

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

If you have upcoming travel plans and are considering a travel insurance policy, check if it covers COVID. Not all providers do, and it's important to know for sure. So, does your travel insurance cover COVID? How can you tell?

As with many things in life, the short answer is: "It depends." And the long answer is: You can only start to determine if your insurance covers COVID when you understand what type of coverage you have, which provider you bought it from and what the exact reason is for your trip cancellation.

While we can give general guidance as to most travel insurance plans, it is in your best interest to give your insurance provider a call to verify whether a given policy will cover coronavirus-related interruptions.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance policies that include COVID coverage

Reasons travel insurance typically covers

While not a comprehensive list (and remember all insurance policies are different), here are some standard reasons when a comprehensive travel insurance policy will kick in:

Sickness, injury or death.

Common carrier cancellations or delays.

Labor strike.

Car accident.

Hijacking or quarantine.

Home uninhabitable.

Destination uninhabitable.

Travel document theft.

Medical evacuation.

Military duty.

Military leave revoked.

Terrorist act.

New vaccination requirements.

Civil disorder.

Some of those reasons might apply to your specific coronavirus situation, such as if you are already ill or under quarantine by a doctor's orders. If you (or your travel companion) contract COVID-19, your travel insurance provider may cover cancellation for a medical reason. You will likely be required to submit a medical diagnosis from a physician.

Nonetheless, we recommend giving your travel insurance provider a call before your trip to verify coverage. And, since many airlines and hotels have loosened change and cancellation policies due to COVID-19, first try to get a refund from the travel supplier. It may be an easier process than dealing with the insurance provider.

Is coronavirus a foreseen event?

If you purchased travel insurance after the World Health Organization declared coronavirus a pandemic on March 11, 2020, then COVID-19 might be viewed by your insurance company as a foreseen event and it may not be covered.

In other words, the company says that you should have known about the potential risks but still chose to travel, so the cost of travel and its consequences are on you. We recommend checking with your insurance provider about the "known" or "foreseeable" status dates of the coronavirus outbreak and how this may affect your specific coverage.

Claims due to known, foreseeable or expected events, epidemics or fear of travel are generally not covered, and coverage can vary by state. However, until further notice, although not covered under most plans, some underwriters are currently accommodating claims for:

Under Emergency Medical Care and Emergency Medical Transportation Benefits: Emergency medical care and emergency medical transportation for a customer who becomes ill with COVID-19 while on their trip.

Under Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption Benefits: Trip cancellation and trip interruption if a customer becomes ill with COVID-19 either before or during their trip.

Under Trip Cancellation Benefit: Nonrefundable, nontransferable trip cancellation expenses for customers who purchased their plan prior to January 22, 2020, for trip components in Mainland China, South Korea or the Lombardy or Veneto regions of Italy and departing prior to April 1, 2020.”

However, due to the evolving pandemic over the last few years, many providers have updated their policies to include coronavirus coverage. For example, in May 2021, Allianz announced the addition of epidemic-related covered reasons to its popular insurance plans. Plans are now offering accommodations for COVID-19.

» Learn more: Where U.S. citizens can travel right now

Is "I’m afraid to travel" a legit reason?

Almost all travel insurance policies have a "fear of travel" clause. According to AIG , one of the world’s largest travel insurance providers, "Trip cancellation for concern or fear of travel associated with sickness, epidemic, or pandemic, including Coronavirus, is not covered."

If you bought a ticket, then become afraid to travel because of any sickness, that is probably not a covered reason. If you want ultimate flexibility in canceling your trip for any reason, you’ll want to consider "cancel for any reason" (CFAR) travel insurance coverage.

Consider Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance

"Cancel For Any Reason" coverage allows you to cancel a trip for any reason and receive a partial refund (up to 75%) of your nonrefundable trip costs as long as the trip is canceled at least two days in advance. You cannot purchase CFAR coverage on its own; it is an optional upgrade that is sometimes available when you buy travel insurance. Not all providers offer it, so if you’re looking for the CFAR supplement, you’ll have to ask your travel insurance provider about it or filter your online search accordingly.

» Learn more: Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance explained

Use your credit card's built-in travel insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance policies offer the highest levels of trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage. Some premium travel credit cards include trip insurance as a complimentary benefit. Although the coverage limits may be below those offered by travel insurance companies on comprehensive plans, the limits may be sufficient for you. As with paid travel insurance, check with the provider to confirm if known conditions such as the coronavirus are covered.

» Learn more: Travel insurance benefits on American Express credit cards

As an example, we took a look at the policy for one of the popular travel cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . There are some notable bullet points that are common across many programs.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Similarly, this insurance will not cover a "disinclination to travel based on a pandemic." If you decide that you don’t want to travel because you might get sick or you are afraid to go, you won’t be covered.

The insurance does clearly state, however, that if you are sick or hospitalized before or during your trip, you may be covered by the plan:

Accidental bodily injury, loss of life or sickness experienced by you or your traveling companion which prevents you or your traveling companion from traveling on the trip.

Accidental bodily injury, loss of life, or sickness experienced by an immediate family member of you or your traveling companion when the accidental bodily injury or sickness is considered life-threatening, requires hospitalization or such immediate family member requires care by you or your traveling companion.

If either you or your traveling companion becomes sick and you are prevented from traveling, you may be covered. Also note that if a family member of either you or your traveling companion requires hospitalization and you are needed to care for them, that may be covered as well.

As with all things insurance-related, if you have specific questions about your policy or your credit card’s coverage, it’s always best to give the company a call beforehand. Still, the general consensus is that if you’re afraid you might contract COVID-19, your insurance won't cover you.

» Learn more: Your guide to the Chase Sapphire Reserve's trip cancellation and travel insurance

How travel medical insurance differs

If your trip doesn't include nonrefundable trip costs paid to a travel provider or the trip insurance coverage you have from your credit cards is sufficient, purchasing a standalone travel health insurance policy may be your best bet for an upcoming trip.

These policies provide reimbursement for emergency medical expenses, including evacuations, while you’re traveling. Again, it's important to check if the policy you’re considering has any clauses related to pandemics or exclusions for travel to countries that have current travel advisories to ensure you don't nullify your medical coverage.

» Learn more: Travel medical insurance: emergency coverage while you travel internationally

It depends. Fear of travel generally isn't an allowable reason, so you won't benefit from trip cancellation coverage for nonrefundable payments made to a trip supplier. The reason for cancellation has to fall into one of the unforeseen events listed in the policy. However, if you’ve purchased a CFAR add-on and want to cancel, you will be covered for up to 75% of your nonrefundable deposit as long as you cancel at least two days before the departure date.

Although staying home is the best way to safeguard yourself and others from catching coronavirus, there are some general precautions you can take to reduce the spread. According to the CDC, a few ways include: Checking if the destination you’re going to has increasing cases in the past seven days, knowing whether you’re at an increased risk for severe illness from coronavirus and staying up to date with the airline’s and destination’s requirements/restrictions for travelers (such as wearing masks, enforcing quarantine, etc.). If you choose to travel, consider purchasing a travel insurance policy or a standalone emergency medical insurance plan just in case.

Although staying home is the best way to safeguard yourself and others from catching coronavirus, there are some general precautions you can take to reduce the spread. According to the CDC, a few ways include: Checking if the destination you’re going to has increasing cases in the past seven days, knowing whether you’re at an increased risk for severe illness from coronavirus and staying up to date with the airline’s and destination’s

requirements/restrictions for travelers

(such as wearing masks, enforcing quarantine, etc.). If you choose to travel, consider purchasing a travel insurance policy or a standalone emergency medical insurance plan just in case.

How can I be sure if my travel insurance covers COVID?

Deciding whether to travel during the coronavirus pandemic is a personal decision. Get familiarized with the different insurance protections and airline change/cancellation policies that may be applicable for your trip, as they could help you get your money back in the event of a trip cancellation.

When considering the health implications of travel, keep in mind that travel medical insurance is an option, especially if you don’t need the trip cancellation coverage provided by comprehensive policies. Regardless of which policy you choose, confirm that coronavirus-related losses are covered by insurance before purchasing coverage.

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 Travel℠, 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 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

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.

How COVID-19 Travel Insurance Works

From weekend getaways to extended vacations, specialized covid-19 travel insurance can provide security if the virus affects your travel plans..

3+ years writing about auto, home, and life insurance

7+ years in personal finance and technology

Amy specializes in insurance and technology writing and has a talent for transforming complex topics into easy-to-understand stories.

Read Editorial Guidelines

Featured in

Licensed auto and home insurance agent

4+ years in content creation and marketing

As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.

Updated September 18, 2023

Reading time: 4 minutes

Table of contents

• Pandemic insurance
• What’s covered
• Is it worth it?
• Secure a policy

Travel lets you see new places, meet new people, and experience different cultures. But the lurking shadow of COVID-19 can make traveling uncertain. Almost half of canceled trips in 2020 were due to the virus, according to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association (UStiA). [1]

Travel insurance can help if something goes wrong before or during your trip, but not all policies cover COVID-19 issues. Let’s explore how COVID-19 travel insurance works and how it might — or might not — shield you on your next journey.

How pandemic travel insurance works

Most travel insurance policies include protections for trip cancellations, delays, or other trip interruption coverage. However, many policies don’t cover disruptions due to pandemics. [2] That’s where COVID travel insurance comes into play.

COVID travel insurance is a specialized policy that can refund your money if the virus throws a wrench into your plans. It typically has three coverage levels: coverage for a trip delay, canceling for any reason, and medical care if you get sick.

Travel delay coverage

Illness, injury, jury duty, and other circumstances beyond your control can delay your travel plans. Travel delay insurance covers flight issues, bad weather, sudden breakdowns, and unexpected illnesses or injuries that happen before reaching your destination. It can pay you back for non-refundable expenses and cover extra costs, too — like food, hotel rooms, or cab rides.

Cancel for any reason

Travel insurance policies typically have strict rules, but a cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) option offers more leeway, allowing you to cancel for reasons not covered in the original policy.

But with CFAR benefits, you might only get a partial refund amount. Reimbursements usually range from 50% to 75% of the total price. [2]

Medical coverage for COVID-19

If your health insurance is only valid in a specific area and doesn’t cover international travel, travel insurance with medical expenses coverage can fill the gap.

If medical insurance is included in your trip policy, it can help pay for medical attention and treatment costs if you, a family member, or another traveling companion becomes ill from COVID-19 before or during your trip.

Will travel insurance cover you if you need to quarantine?

Some travel protection plans cover quarantine or self-isolation due to COVID-19 concerns. It can reimburse you for lost prepaid expenses and cover additional lodging and meal costs. However, it depends on your policy and the conditions leading to the cancellation, delay, or disruption.

Protection often hinges on two factors:

Not all travel insurance plans include a pandemic as a covered reason. If COVID-19 was a significant public concern when you purchased the policy, insurers may not provide coverage because it’s a “foreseeable” threat. But some plans let you add COVID-19 coverage as an endorsement.

Even if you set out to buy COVID-19 travel insurance, it may not be available for your plan or location. Review your benefits and endorsement options to look for “pandemic” or “epidemic-related” language to see if COVID-19 is a covered event.

Is travel insurance worth it?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared the COVID-19 public health emergency over in May 2023, but there’s still a risk of infection, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). [3] [4]

Your credit card’s travel protections are worth considering, but you may not want to rely on that alone. Credit cards often limit travel coverage, and most companies don’t include trip cancellation coverage. [5]

Travel delay benefits can fill the gap — especially benefits with COVID-19 coverage. Compare the policy cost against the potential loss if you have to cancel or delay your trip to determine if it’s worth it. The up-front payment for travel insurance is typically a fraction of what you might spend out of pocket if plans go south.

The CDC reports that medical bills in the first six months of a COVID-19 diagnosis average nearly $8,400. [6] Factor in non-refundable trip costs, accommodation charges, and other miscellaneous expenses, and the expenses can skyrocket.

How to find the best travel insurance

If you’re concerned about the pandemic and the potential effects on your travels, here are some tips to help you secure a policy with the best travel insurance plan:

Research coverage and services

Compare multiple companies and policies and read reviews to see others’ experiences.

Check for pandemic coverage

Not all policies cover travel disruptions from COVID-19. Review your coverage to make sure it specifically addresses pandemic reasons.

Buy medical coverage

Travel policies don’t automatically include medical emergencies. Consider adding medical travel insurance, and ask about emergency assistance coverage and medical evacuation in case of a natural disaster.

Consider a cancel-for-any-reason insurance policy

CFAR policies can be beneficial, especially with unpredictable pandemic-related concerns and travel restrictions.

Understand refund policies

Read the fine print and policy information to verify how the insurer handles refunds. Some policies might offer partial refunds.

COVID travel insurance FAQs

The COVID-19 virus has made travel plans tricky. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a month-long vacation, here’s what you need to know about COVID-19 travel insurance.

Will travel insurance cover COVID cancellations?

It depends. Standard travel insurance policies don’t cover COVID-19 or other pandemic-related reasons, but some travel insurance companies offer specialty COVID-19 coverage against the virus’ potential interference. If you cancel your trip due to the virus, a COVID travel insurance policy may provide refunds or reimbursements for your expenses.

Do you get your travel insurance premium refunded if you cancel your trip?

Travel insurance offers varying refund policies depending on the travel insurance company, but it doesn’t refund your premium. Instead, coverage can reimburse you for prepaid trip costs, meals, hotel rooms, or cab rides because of the interruption.

Will travel insurance cover quarantine outside the U.S.?

It’s possible. Travel insurance policies may cover quarantine or self-isolation expenses outside the United States due to COVID-19 concerns. However, coverage depends on your specific policy and the circumstances leading to the quarantine. It’s crucial to review the specific details and look for “pandemic” or “epidemic-related” language to ensure coverage.

How does COVID travel insurance differ from regular travel insurance?

Regular travel insurance often covers typical trip cancellations, interruptions, or delays. However, many don’t address pandemic-related disruptions. COVID travel insurance provides specialized coverage for travel hiccups related to the virus, ensuring you’re shielded financially if COVID-19 affects your journey.

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Amy is a personal finance and technology writer. With a background in the legal field and a bachelor's degree from Ferris State University, she has a talent for transforming complex topics into content that’s easy to understand. Connect with Amy on LinkedIn .

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RACV Travel Insurance Claims

How to make an RACV Travel Insurance Claim

Lodge a claim online

The quickest way to lodge an RACV Travel Insurance claim is by using the online claim lodgement which is available 24/7.

Follow these easy steps to lodge your claim online:

• You will first need to register by utilising the email address you used to purchase your policy
• Once registered you will receive an email to guide you to setup your password
• If you have previously registered a claim just login using your email and password
• Once you have logged in, complete your claim details by answering all sections
• Once submitted, your claim will be assessed with 10 working days and the claims team will let you know if they require any further information/documentation from you.

Please contact the claims team on  1300 207 387 and they will happily take your details to lodge a claim and guide you through the claim process.

Register or login .

Travel alerts and policy documents

Travel alerts.

Think carefully before visiting countries with "Do Not Travel" status, as your RACV Travel Insurance won't cover you for these destinations.

• Smart traveller
• Recent travel alerts
• COVID-19 travel advice & FAQs

Review or manage your policy

For full details on how you’re covered, read the RACV Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement.

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The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations . For copies, visit racv.com.au. Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) Ltd AR 001243563 is an authorised representative of the issuer and receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. RACV Travel Insurance issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548. Terms & conditions apply, refer to the PDS.

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