Compare travel insurance from Australia's leading providers side-by-side. Find the right cover for international holidays, domestic getaways, cruises and adventure trips. 100% free.
Australia's largest dedicated travel insurer, owned by Zurich Insurance Group. Cover-More is known for comprehensive policy options and strong emergency assistance - click below to get a quote.
An overview of how travel insurance works for Australian travellers and why it matters.
Travel insurance is a financial product that protects you against unexpected events before and during a trip. For Australians heading overseas or travelling domestically, it can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost baggage, flight delays, and personal liability claims.
Australia's public health system, Medicare, does not cover medical treatment received overseas except in a limited number of countries with Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCAs). Even where an RHCA applies, it only covers medically necessary treatment in public hospitals and does not pay for repatriation, ambulance services, or private care. In countries without an RHCA, a single hospital admission can generate bills of $50,000 to $200,000 or more, particularly in the United States.
The Australian Government strongly urges all outbound travellers to purchase travel insurance. Smartraveller.gov.au, operated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), states clearly that the government cannot pay your medical bills or get you home if something goes wrong overseas. Each year, DFAT assists thousands of Australians in distress abroad, and those without insurance face the full financial burden themselves.
Beyond medical cover, travel insurance also protects your financial outlay. If you need to cancel a $10,000 family holiday due to sudden illness, a comprehensive policy can reimburse your non-refundable costs. Policies also cover scenarios like delayed baggage, missed connections, rental car excess, and liability if you accidentally injure someone or damage property while abroad.
For a full breakdown of policy types, pricing, and what each provider offers, read on. You can also consult ASIC's MoneySmart travel insurance guide and CHOICE's travel insurance reviews for additional guidance.
Key point: The Australian Government's Smartraveller website (operated by DFAT) urges every Australian to take out comprehensive travel insurance before travelling overseas. Even a basic policy costing $50 - $100 for a two-week trip can protect you against medical bills that could otherwise take years to repay.
Australian travellers can choose from three main policy structures. Here is how they compare.
Entry-level protection for cost-conscious travellers. Covers essential risks including capped overseas medical expenses, limited trip cancellation, and baggage cover.
The most popular choice among Australian travellers. Provides higher medical limits, generous cancellation cover, and broader protection across a range of scenarios.
Covers unlimited trips over a 12-month period, typically with a per-trip cap of 30 to 60 days. A cost-effective option for frequent flyers and regular business travellers.
A detailed look at the travel insurance providers available to Australian travellers in 2026.
Australia's largest dedicated travel insurer and part of the Zurich Insurance Group. Cover-More provides a range of customisable plans from basic to comprehensive, with annual multi-trip options priced between $400 and $800 per year. Their 24/7 global assistance network is one of the most established in the Australian market.
A globally recognised insurance brand with a strong Australian operation. Allianz Travel offers both Comprehensive and Basic plan structures. Dependent children travel free on family policies, and the brand holds a 100 out of 100 claims service score. Their worldwide assistance network spans over 30 languages.
The go-to provider for active and adventurous travellers. World Nomads covers over 200 adventure activities as standard and allows travellers to buy or extend their policy while already overseas. Basic plans start from around $81 for short trips, making it a favourite among backpackers and gap-year travellers.
An Australian-owned travel insurance provider offering competitive pricing and a straightforward online purchasing process. 1Cover keeps things simple with clear plan options for international, domestic, and annual multi-trip cover. Popular with Australian travellers looking for solid value.
Part of the Auto & General Group, Budget Direct brings a value-first approach to travel insurance. Known for consistently competitive premiums across international and domestic cover, with a no-frills style that keeps costs down while maintaining essential protections.
Australia's largest private health insurer also provides travel cover. Medibank Travel Insurance is particularly attractive for existing Medibank health fund members, who may access preferential rates or bundled benefits. Policies cover international and domestic travel with optional extras.
Another major health fund extending into travel cover. nib Travel Insurance offers comprehensive plan options with the convenience of managing health and travel cover under one provider. Policies include international, domestic, and annual multi-trip structures.
An Australian underwritten travel insurance provider offering flexible plan structures. Tick Travel Insurance provides a range of single-trip and annual policies with clear, easy-to-understand product disclosure statements. Popular for its flexibility and transparent terms.
The right policy depends on your destination, planned activities, and how much you have invested in your trip.
A side-by-side comparison of every major travel insurance provider available to Australian travellers.
| Provider | Policy Types | Online Quotes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cover-More | Single, Annual, Cruise, Domestic | ✓ | All-rounder |
| Allianz Travel | Comprehensive, Basic, Annual | ✓ | Families |
| World Nomads | Standard, Explorer | ✓ | Adventure |
| 1Cover | Single, Annual, Domestic | ✓ | Value |
| Budget Direct Travel | Single, Annual, Domestic | ✓ | Budget |
| Medibank Travel | Single, Annual, Domestic | ✓ | Health fund members |
| nib Travel | Single, Annual, Domestic | ✓ | Health fund members |
| Tick Travel Insurance | Single, Annual, Flexible | ✓ | Flexibility |
Disclaimer: Features and cover options may change. Always verify details directly with the provider before purchasing. We do our best to keep all data up to date and accurate. If you have noticed something incorrect, please let us know.
A detailed breakdown of what is typically included in Australian travel insurance policies at each level.
| Feature | Basic / Economy | Comprehensive | Annual Multi-Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overseas medical expenses | Up to $500K - $2M | ✓ Unlimited | ✓ Unlimited |
| Emergency evacuation / repatriation | ✓ Covered | ✓ Unlimited | ✓ Unlimited |
| Trip cancellation | Up to $5K - $10K | Up to $15K - $75K | Up to $10K - $25K per trip |
| Luggage loss / damage | Up to $3K - $5K | Up to $7.5K - $15K | Up to $5K - $10K |
| Travel delays | Up to $500 - $1K | Up to $2K - $5K | Up to $1K - $3K |
| Personal liability | ✗ | Up to $1M - $5M | Up to $1M - $5M |
| Rental vehicle excess | ✗ | Up to $4K - $7K | Up to $4K - $7K |
| Adventure activities | ✗ | Add-on or included in higher tiers | Add-on or included in higher tiers |
| Cruise cover | ✗ | Add-on or higher tier | Add-on or higher tier |
| 24/7 emergency assistance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
⚡ Unlimited Medical vs. Capped Medical: Unlimited medical cover means there is no dollar cap on what the insurer will pay for overseas treatment during your trip. This is standard on comprehensive policies from most Australian providers. Capped medical (for example, $500K or $2M) places a ceiling on total payments. Given that intensive care in the United States can exceed US$10,000 per day, unlimited medical cover is generally worth the additional cost for any international trip, particularly to North America.
Knowing what is not covered is just as important as understanding what is. These are the most common exclusions found in Australian travel insurance policies.
Standard policies typically exclude any medical condition that existed before you purchased the policy. Many Australian providers offer an online medical screening process that can approve cover for stable conditions at an additional cost. Failure to declare a condition can result in your entire policy being voided, not just the related claim.
If Smartraveller has issued a "Do not travel" advisory for your destination before you purchased your policy or booked travel, most providers will not cover any claims related to that trip. Advisories issued after booking may still provide partial cover depending on the policy wording.
Claims arising while you are under the influence of alcohol or non-prescribed drugs are almost universally excluded. If intoxication contributes to an injury, accident, or loss of property, the insurer is likely to decline the claim.
Pursuits such as skydiving, paragliding, motorsports, and scuba diving below specified depths are excluded from standard policies. Even skiing and snowboarding may require a winter sports add-on. Always verify the activity list in your PDS before departure.
If you leave luggage, electronics, or valuables unattended in a public area, claims for theft or loss will generally be denied. Items left visible in a rental vehicle may also fall outside coverage. Insurers require you to take reasonable care of your possessions at all times.
Events that are known, expected, or foreseeable when you purchase the policy are not covered. This includes announced industrial action, pre-existing natural disaster warnings, and government restrictions already in place. Cancelling because you changed your mind, found a cheaper deal, or simply decided not to travel is also excluded.
Understanding these factors helps you compare policies and find a more competitive deal.
Your destination has a major impact on cost. The United States is the most expensive region to insure because of its high medical costs. Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands are generally cheaper. Multi-country itineraries push premiums higher.
Longer trips attract higher premiums. A two-week trip costs more than a one-week trip, though the daily rate typically decreases as duration increases. Extended trips beyond 90 days may require specialist long-stay policies.
Premiums rise significantly for travellers over 65, reflecting increased medical risk. Some policies have upper age limits of 75 to 85. Younger travellers and families generally receive the most competitive rates.
If you plan to ski, scuba dive, bungee jump, or participate in other higher-risk activities, expect to pay more. Adventure add-ons can increase premiums by 15 to 30 percent. World Nomads includes many activities as standard.
Declaring medical conditions usually triggers additional screening and can increase the premium or add a condition-specific excess. The impact depends on the condition's severity and how long it has been stable.
Higher cover limits and lower excess amounts mean higher premiums. Opting for a $200 or $250 excess instead of $0 can reduce costs by 10 to 20 percent. Select cover that matches the actual value of your trip.
Indicative prices for a single adult traveller aged 30 to 50 on a 2-week international trip.
Disclaimer: All prices shown are indicative estimates based on publicly available data and typical traveller profiles as of early 2026. Actual premiums vary based on your destination, age, trip duration, activities, and chosen cover level. These figures are not quotes. Always obtain a personalised quote from the provider directly. Prices and product features may change without notice.
Practical strategies that could reduce your premium without sacrificing essential cover.
Premiums for the same trip can vary by 40 percent or more between providers. Obtain quotes from at least three to four insurers before committing. CHOICE publishes regular travel insurance comparisons.
If you take three or more international trips per year, an annual multi-trip policy ($400 - $800/yr) is almost always cheaper than purchasing separate single-trip policies.
Choosing a $200 or $250 excess instead of $0 can reduce premiums by 10 to 20 percent. Only choose a higher excess if you can comfortably afford the out-of-pocket amount per claim.
Avoid paying for cover you do not need. If your total trip expenditure is $3,000, you probably do not need $75,000 in cancellation cover. Tailor limits to reflect your actual financial exposure.
Trip cancellation cover begins from the date you purchase the policy, not your departure date. Buying early maximises protection against pre-trip events such as illness, injury, or a family emergency.
If your trip does not involve high-risk activities, avoid paying for adventure cover. Standard policies cover common activities like swimming, bushwalking, and snorkelling.
Some premium Australian credit cards include complimentary travel insurance. If your card provides adequate base cover, you may only need a top-up policy for specific gaps such as higher medical limits or adventure sports.
Travelling with a partner or family? Most providers offer couple and family policy structures that work out cheaper per person than buying individual policies. Allianz, for example, includes dependent children free on family plans.
Several Australian banks offer complimentary travel insurance on premium credit cards. Here is what to consider before relying on it as your only cover.
Premium credit cards from Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Westpac, and NAB often include travel insurance as a cardholder benefit. Cover is typically activated when you purchase flights, accommodation, or tour packages using the eligible card. The insurance itself is underwritten by a third-party insurer, not the bank.
Credit card travel insurance usually includes overseas medical expenses, trip cancellation, luggage loss, and travel delays. However, coverage limits tend to be lower than standalone policies. Medical cover may be capped at $500K to $2M (compared with unlimited on standalone comprehensive plans), and cancellation limits may be tied to the amount charged to the card.
Age limits frequently apply (often 75 or 80 years). Adventure activities are commonly excluded. Domestic travel may not be covered. Pre-existing conditions are usually excluded without an option to declare and obtain cover. Some cards require the entire trip to be purchased on the card for insurance to apply. Always read the card's insurance PDS and contact the issuer to confirm eligibility.
Consider purchasing additional cover if your credit card policy has gaps. Common reasons include: needing higher medical limits for US travel, requiring adventure activity cover, wanting to declare pre-existing conditions, needing cruise-specific cover, or travelling for longer than the card's maximum trip duration (often 90 to 180 days).
A step-by-step guide to the claims process for Australian travel insurance policies.
For medical emergencies, contact your provider's 24/7 assistance line immediately. They can coordinate hospital admission and arrange direct billing where possible, sparing you from large upfront payments.
Keep every receipt, medical report, police report (for theft or assault), flight delay confirmation, and booking document. Photograph damaged items and retain any written communication with airlines or hotels.
Report the incident to your insurer within 24 to 48 hours for medical and theft claims. For trip cancellation, notify the insurer before your scheduled departure date if possible.
Most Australian travel insurers provide an online claims portal. Upload all supporting documents along with a clear description of what occurred and the costs incurred. Claims must generally be submitted within 30 to 60 days of the event.
The insurer reviews your claim and supporting evidence, then pays the approved amount minus any applicable excess. Straightforward claims may be settled within a few days; complex cases can take several weeks. If your claim is declined and you disagree, you can escalate to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).
Key Australian-specific facts about travel insurance that every outbound traveller should understand.
Every Australian travel insurance provider must issue a Product Disclosure Statement. Here is what to look for before you purchase.
A Product Disclosure Statement is a legal document required under the Corporations Act 2001 that outlines the full terms of your travel insurance policy: what is covered, what is excluded, your obligations, excess amounts, and the claims process. ASIC requires all insurance providers to issue a PDS before you commit to a policy. Read it before you travel, not after you need to claim.
Under the Insurance Contracts Act 1984, you have a duty to disclose information that a reasonable person would consider relevant to the insurer's decision. This includes your medical history, planned activities, and any circumstances that might give rise to a claim. If you fail to disclose material information, the insurer can reduce or refuse your claim. Since October 2021, the duty is framed as a duty to take reasonable care not to make a misrepresentation, rather than the older duty of disclosure.
If your travel plans change after purchasing your policy, contact your provider promptly:
Answers to the most common questions about travel insurance for Australian travellers.
Key terms explained in plain language.
Find travel insurance information specific to where you are heading. Compare cover options, local risks, and tips for the most popular destinations for Australian travellers.
Find travel insurance tailored to your type of trip. Different journeys come with different risks - compare cover options, key considerations, and tips for every travel style.
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