Travel tips for a New Zealand holiday

New Zealand, or the Land of the Long White Cloud, is an amazing place to visit. With snow-peaked mountains, unforgettable coastlines, gorgeous lakes and quirky cities and towns, there’s endless travelling fun to be had here.

At InsureandGo, our priority is to make sure you travel safely on your New Zealand trip, whether you’re enjoying a coffee in Auckland, kayaking in Fiordland or exploring the Bay of Islands. We encourage you to take out travel insurance New Zealand holidaymakers buy to get peace of mind for their travels.

Pre-existing conditions

No matter what your pre-existing condition is, we’ll consider it at InsureandGo.

When you take out travel insurance, with us you must declare all pre-existing medical conditions. We consider pre-existing conditions to be any illness or condition that you have been diagnosed with or treated for in the past five years.

If you’re unsure whether your condition is coverable, all you need to do is ask us. You won’t need to provide any medical documentation or undergo any physical assessments unless you make a claim.

Read more about getting travel insurance for pre-existing conditions or call 1300 401 177 and we can answer any question you may have.

Adventure sports & accidents

New Zealand is an adventure sports playground and many travellers head here to get their adrenalin pumping. Whether you choose to ski, hike, bungee jump or kayak, it’s important to remember that accidents can always happen.

• Make sure your travel insurance policy with InsureandGo covers ALL the sports and activities you plan to undertake in New Zealand; make yourself aware of what situations/circumstances are covered and what might exclude you from cover
• If you injure yourself while in New Zealand, seek medical help immediately
• If your accident is not an emergency, you (or someone you’re with) should contact InsureandGo as soon as possible – we can help you find your nearest medical facility and arrange transport for you if necessary
• If you contact InsureandGo before your treatment, we will also be able to send a ‘guarantee of payment’, if necessary, to the medical facility to cover your treatment costs (assuming you are covered)

Car rentals

If you plan to hire a car while in New Zealand, you should make sure you’re insured. Most InsureandGo policies will cover you for car rentals while in New Zealand, however, your specific policy will explain exactly what driving circumstances you are/aren’t covered for (so read this carefully). Remember:

• You must hold a valid Australian driver’s licence and comply with all rules/regulations while driving your vehicle to be eligible for insurance claims
• If you have selected an InsureandGo Gold International policy, you will be covered for up to $8,000 in rental car excesses (compare travel insurance levels of cover here)
• You need to obey all terms and conditions set out in your contract with the vehicle rental company; failure to do so will mean your travel insurance cover won’t be valid
• You won’t be covered if you drive your vehicle off road, if it has more than nine seats or if you hire it for more than 15 days

Skiing and snow sports

New Zealand is one of the best and most beautiful places to indulge in a range of snow sports. If you plan to hit the snow, you’ll need to purchase InsureandGo’s Winter Sports upgrade.

• Our Winter Sports package covers you for 14 different activities, including skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, ice skating, cross-country skiing and more (all sports must be undertaken at a commercial resort)
• Your own skiing equipment and your lift pass will also be covered in case of loss, damage or theft
• You’re also covered for additional travel expenses that you need to pay if an avalanche delays your arrival and/or departure
• Keep in mind that if you only purchase InsureandGo Bare Essentials, you will not be covered under the personal accident section of your policy for any winter (or other) sports

Snorkelling & scuba diving

There are many wonderful places to snorkel and dive when in New Zealand. You should check that snorkelling and/or scuba diving is covered by your InsureandGo travel insurance policy. If you choose to dive, you’ll need to ensure that:

• You are a qualified diver or that you only dive with a qualified instructor
• You only dive up to depths of 30 metres (you won’t be covered if you dive deeper than this)
• You never dive by yourself

Theft & belongings

New Zealand is generally a very safe place, but that doesn’t mean that thefts won’t still occur. To keep your belongings safe, make sure they are under your watch at all times and never leave them unattended or with a stranger.

If you do experience any incidents of theft while in New Zealand, report it to police immediately and obtain a copy of the official report for your travel insurance claim.

Is New Zealand next on your travel agenda? Start your quick InsureandGo quote here or call our friendly team on 1300 401 177 to apply.

How to keep your passport safe abroad

11th of December, 2019

The latest figures show that nearly 15 million Aussies have a passport, though while we like to pride ourselves on being seasoned travellers, we continuously rank at the top of the list for countries that have the highest prevalence of having them lost and stolen. 

Last financial year alone, roughly 40,000 passports were reported lost or stolen, and over 8,000 emergency travel documents had to be issued to help get Australians abroad back home. Keeping your passport safe is vital to making sure you’ll be allowed to enter foreign countries and return home to Australia. 

Losing your passport will risk spoiling your holiday plans, and you will most likely need to pay a visit to the nearest Australian embassy or consulate. So, today, we’ve put together some helpful tips for keeping your passport safe abroad. 

Read on for information about the dangers your passport may face while travelling abroad and what to do if your passport is lost or stolen.

Protecting your passport before your trip

To be able to protect your passport, you first have to receive it from the government. 

Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months from the moment you arrive in the country. If you notice your passport will soon expire, or if you have never had a passport, it is important not to wait until the last minute to apply for one. 

It can take up to three weeks to receive a new passport, although you may be able to obtain it in a matter of days if you lodge your application at a selected Australia Post location and choose the Passport RAPID Service option. 

Note that this priority processing comes at a much higher fee. Some countries may require you to get a visa in your passport before you arrive. If you are required to submit your passport to an embassy or consulate to get a visa placed in your passport, be sure to use registered post to mail your passport for your visa application. 

This will allow you to track where your passport is, and submitting a prepaid self-addressed envelope will help make sure your passport gets to you. Once you have your passport, storing it in a safe will provide protection when not in use. 

Make sure to keep track of how many blank pages you have left for new passport stamps, and always make sure you book travel tickets using the exact name that is displayed on your passport, something that can be an issue if recently married and taking a new last name. 

Before heading off on your holiday, your first step should be purchasing travel insurance. The right policy can help you recover the costs of replacing your passport while overseas if it’s lost, stolen or damaged during your trip so that you may continue with your travels and return to Australia.

Place emergency contact information inside your passport

Your passport has a page dedicated to placing your address and emergency contact information. 

Anyone who finds a lost passport is encouraged to submit it to the nearest Australian passport office, consulate, or local police station. 

Filling out the requested personal details and emergency contact information in your passport will make it easier for authorities to get your passport back to you quickly or to notify family members if something happens to you during your travels and you are unable to contact them yourself.

Make copies of all your passport information 

Before you depart for your holiday, be sure to make copies of your passport. 

While the personal details page is the most important page to copy, it is also a good idea to copy pages with passport stamps and visas. 

Keep a physical copy of your passport in a separate location from your real passport throughout your travels, and keep a digital copy in Dropbox or email it to yourself so that you may easily access it worldwide should you lose both your original passport and physical copy. 

Having copies of your passport details will speed up the process of getting a replacement passport should yours be lost or stolen while travelling.

Don’t keep all passports in one place when travelling as a family

Having one member of a family hold onto all passports opens up the possibility for them all to be lost if they are targeted by theft or to be lost due to carelessness. 

While you may have to keep track of passports belonging to small children, it is generally advised that all adults and older children in a travelling party hold onto their passports. 

If you are a couple travelling with multiple small children, divide the passports between the two of you to minimise the risk of losing them all.

Avoid putting your passport in your luggage 

Whether you’re travelling with checked luggage or simply carry-on luggage, a suitcase is no place for your passport. 

You cannot get through immigration without your passport. Don’t assume that a passport in your carry-on is safe either, as someone can quite easily grab your bag when exiting the plane or when using an airport shuttle bus, whether they do so by accident or purposely. 

Stick to carrying your passport on your body, using your front pocket, a secure undershirt wallet, or some other secure carrying method.

Keeping your passport secure while carrying it 

There are many instances while travelling where you will need to have your passport on you, such as at airports, renting an international vehicle, or checking into a hotel. 

Additionally, a number of countries require you to always carry a valid form of ID that may be requested by police at any time. You may even be required to show your passport when using domestic trains and flights in certain countries. 

While it may not be fashionable for everyone these days to wear a bumbag, there are other ways to safely secure your passport while it’s in your possession. They make theft-resistant backpacks and discreet under-clothing money belts, many of which are equipped with RFID Blocking. 

All new Australian passports are ePassports that are equipped with microchips utilising Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. This helps speed up the transmission of passport data, but also may make them a target for hackers looking to steal your important personal details from your passport or credit cards. RFID-blocking purses and backpacks will help avoid this situation. 

Always pay attention to your surroundings when pulling out your passport, choosing only private or secure places to do so. This will help deter thieves who may be after your passport and will also help prevent giving away your nationality, which could be important in instances of terrorist attacks where specific nationalities are targeted. 

Never keep your passport in the same spot as other targeted items, such as your mobile phone or money, and always choose a hard-to-reach zippered pocket that is closest to your body when storing your passport in a backpack.

Lock up your passport when not in use

There are, of course, many times when it won’t be wise to carry your passport while travelling. 

Whether you’re planning to do some surfing or snorkelling at the beach or want to enjoy some zip lining through the rainforest treetops, there are many activities where having your passport on you will increase the chances of it being lost, stolen, or damaged. 

If available, utilise your hotel safe to lock up your passport and other valuables. If your room doesn’t have a safe, you can ask the hotel or hostel reception to store your passport in their main safe. Only do this when staying at reputable accommodation brands.

Never surrender your passport to a vendor 

While you may be asked by hotels and tour operators to show your passport, very rarely should anyone ever need to hold onto your passport. 

Encourage any hotel or tour operator who wishes to hold onto your passport to accept a copy of your passport instead. 

This is why it is a good idea to carry several physical copies of your passport, although most establishments should be able to make a copy of your passport themselves. 

Be very wary of any company that insists you surrender your passport, as it may be part of some scam.

Avoid passport scams 

It is important to be aware of potential scams that may result in your passport being stolen. 

While rare, there are cases of passport thieves disguising themselves as police officers. While you may be able to recognise what Australian police officers look like and their protocols, this can be difficult while abroad. 

If a police officer asks you to surrender your passport, ask to see some ID or insist that you be brought to the local police station for further explanation on why you need to hand over your passport. 

Other thieves may not be targeting your passport per se, but may simply be after your backpack or other personal belongings. 

Always keep tabs on your personal belongings while travelling, and don’t fall victim to distraction techniques used by thieves that are designed to make you lose concentration. Be wary of any stranger who eagerly and relentlessly wants to offer unsolicited assistance or advice, as they may be attempting to steal from you.

Protect your passport from being damaged 

While passports are stolen abroad, it’s more likely that you will be the one to put your passport at risk. 

A badly damaged passport can be just as bad as a lost or stolen passport, and our carelessness can lead to our passport being deemed invalid due to its being damaged. 

Weather can wreak havoc on your passport, with rain and excessive humidity the main culprits capable of damaging your passport. Excessive heat can also damage your ePassport’s microchip, as can excessively bending your passport. 

Nearly everything on your passport needs to be clear and legible, with no signs of tampering or alteration. Countries are becoming stricter about enforcing the need for a clean and crisp passport – your passport may be deemed invalid if pages are torn, stained, or removed. 

There have been recent instances of Australian travellers visiting places like Bali who have been denied entry because of badly damaged passports. Invest in a sturdy passport holder that will shield it from the elements and any abuse you may throw at it. 

There are many holders that are waterproof, and some sport a durable hard case.

What to do if you lose your passport 

Despite all your careful planning and precautions, there may be a time when you do lose your passport abroad. 

If your passport is lost or stolen while travelling, report it to the local police and the Australian government as soon as possible. Australian embassies and consulates are the point of contact for Australian passport services. 

Contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra at +61 2 6261 3305 if your passport is lost, stolen, damaged, faulty, or expired. Another helpful number is the Australian Passport Information Service (APIS), which can be reached at 131 232. 

Remember to get a copy of the police report after reporting a lost or stolen passport to the local police and immediately contact your travel insurer, who may be able to cover the replacement costs of your passport should you have the appropriate level of cover. 

If you happen to find your passport after reporting it lost or stolen to the Australian government, you can no longer use that passport as the government cancels it immediately to prevent criminals from misusing it. 

Frequently losing your passport may force the Australian government to place shorter validity periods on your future passports. It is always a good idea to carry extra passport photos with you while travelling in case you need them to get a replacement passport. 

In some cases, a temporary emergency passport may be issued, which will have a very short validity period, fewer pages, and no chip like the standard ePassport.

Steps to Buying the Best Travel Insurance for Your Holiday

When shopping around for a great travel insurance policy, it is vital that you choose a provider who is able to offer you full coverage for your holiday. This means taking into account the various risks and factors associated with your trip and deciding how much cover you need for each one. These questions have been designed to help make selecting a travel insurance policy easier and straightforward:

Where am I going?

Your destination(s) will be influential in determining your level of cover. Ensure that the policy you choose is able to cover you for all of the countries you are visiting, including any stopover destinations. You should also check Smartraveller regularly and for any disruptions or warnings about the areas you’ll be travelling to. Insurance providers will not cover your losses if you travel against advice issued by the Australian government.

How long am I going for?

It’s important to find a travel insurance policy that covers you for the duration of your holiday. If you are planning on taking several trips throughout the year, a multi-trip policy may be more beneficial. If you will be travelling for a long period of time (e.g. 1 year), you may want to consider a policy that includes ‘trip resumption’, in case you have to return home to deal with an emergency.

Do I have any pre-existing medical conditions?

Pre-existing medical conditions can influence your travel insurance policy and claims. If you have had any medical problems, try researching a provider who is more flexible about what conditions they will cover, rather than a provider who automatically excludes various illnesses or who charges excessive amounts to cover these illnesses.

How much baggage do I have? What about valuables?

Your baggage and valuables (including your passport) will be of utmost importance, so you’ll need to calculate how much all of your items are worth to determine how much baggage and valuables cover you need. Valuables such as laptops, tablets, cameras and mobile phones may be excluded from some lower-level policies, so make sure your chosen policy includes the items you will be taking. When it comes to items like sports equipment, you will usually be able to upgrade your policy to cover these specific possessions.

What will I be doing on my holiday?

High-risk activities, like skiing, bungee jumping or motorcycling, often mean you need a higher level of insurance cover. If you do plan to engage in certain sports and activities, you’ll need to make sure you have the right level of medical cover in your policy, particularly if there’s a possibility you may injure yourself and/or need medical treatment while on holiday.

What about cover for my kids?

Many people assume that travel insurance for the whole family can be costly, but protecting your children is just as critical as protecting yourself! The best way to save money in this instance is to look for a policy that covers your children for free and gives them protection under the same conditions as your own policy.

What if I get into an emergency while travelling?

Emergencies can be very stressful, and if you need to make a claim, you will want a provider who offers 24/7 phone support and an easy claims process while you’re away. Make sure you investigate this early on when choosing your policy, as it can save you lots of hassle in the long run.

Other things to consider:

• Trip cancellations: If you have to cancel your trip unexpectedly, some policies can offer you reimbursement for some or all of your losses
• Excess: Almost all policies will have an excess, so note these costs before you buy
• Claims: Make sure you understand how the claims process works. Most companies will require you to submit any claims within a certain timeframe once your trip is over or your policy has ended, and you’ll usually need to present documentation, such as receipts, police reports or medical certificates.
• Exclusions: Ensure you are aware of all exclusions in your travel insurance policy relating to areas such as medical, health conditions, cancellations, baggage, valuables and activities etc; all exclusions will be listed in your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and it is extremely important that you read this document carefully before purchasing.

To make sure you have chosen the right policy for your trip, make sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or contact our customer service agents before you buy to understand your options.

Beautiful beach camping destinations in Australia for the summer

January 31, 2017

These beach camping destinations around Australia are gorgeous, and they’re some of my favourites. Here’s where to go to sleep (and wake up!) this summer by the sea:

Whitehaven Beach, Queensland

You’ll find a gorgeous array of beach camping sites in the Whitsundays, but one of the standouts is Whitehaven. Pristine white sands and glistening blue waters await, with the campsite and toilets nestled in the bush just metres back from the beach. It’s only small (with seven sites), so book early to grab a spot.

Marion Bay, South Australia

On the very tip of the Yorke Peninsula you’ll find the Innes National Park and magnificent Marion Bay. The caravan park here is perfect for camping, caravanning and even cabin-staying.

Most sites are powered and facilities include toilets, hot showers, kitchen/BBQs, a children’s playground, washing machines and a kiosk. Out the front you’ll also find the beach – which is ideal for both swimming and fishing.

Rottnest Island, Western Australia

One of the most beautiful destinations in WA, Rottnest Island’s campground, is just a short walk from the infamous Basin swimming spot. There are 43 sand-covered sites that are powered, as well as kitchen, BBQ and toilet facilities. You can even get your luggage delivered to the campsite straight from the ferry!

Sites can be booked up to 18 months in advance and a maximum of six people are allowed on each site.

Cave Beach, New South Wales

When it comes to the Booderee National Park on breathtaking Jervis Bay most people will tell you to head to Cave Beach. This is an idyllic camping spot but bear in mind it’s only suitable for campers that pack light (you have to carry your equipment in, about 300m) and only small tents are allowed.

Facilities are good with toilets, cold-water showers, BBQs and running tap water.

Apollo Bay, Victoria

No trip to Victoria is complete without a journey along the Great Ocean Road. And there’s no better place to stop for camping than at Apollo Bay overlooking the beach and the Twelve Apostles.

The Big4 Pisces Park offers a range of cabins and campsites, not to mention a pool, a games room and a kids’ playground. There’s also excellent access to waterfalls and rainforest treks, as well as the centre of town.

Fortescue Bay, Tasmania

Yes, you can find exquisite white-sand beaches in Tassie! The beach at Fortescue Bay is one of them and it’s only a 1.5 hour drive from Hobart. There are two great campgrounds here; Banksia is perfect for tent camping, while Mill Creek is where you want to be if you have a caravan.

There are toilets, BBQs, fireplaces and even a basic shop on site, and bookings are needed to secure a spot. You’ll find yourself in the Tasman National Park, so there’s no shortage of things to do! Key sights include the Tasman Arch, Waterfall Bay and Remarkable Cave.

Remember that protecting your trip with travel insurance is essential, even when travelling within Australia. Check out InsureandGo’s Domestic Travel Insurance.

Common Travel Scenarios & how to deal with them

We love it when our customers experience lots of fun and excitement on their holidays. But no matter where you go, we also know that things can sometimes take a turn for the worse.

Below are some of the most common scenarios we encounter – and how you can deal with them if they happen to you while travelling:

1. You get sick or injure yourself

If an illness or injury occurs, your first priority should be to take care of yourself. Seek medical attention if necessary and call our 24/7 reverse charge support line as soon as possible. If you’re not experiencing an emergency, it is a good idea to contact InsureandGo before you see a doctor or pay for any type of treatment so that we can organise a ‘guarantee of payment’ for you if necessary.

Tip: Don’t forget to retain all your receipts, reports and medical advice after treatment. These will be crucial for approving your claim.

2. You are robbed

You should report any thefts to the local police immediately (or at least within 24 hours). Ask them to issue you with an official police report and contact us at your earliest convenience to make a claim. If something critical, like your passport, has been stolen, we can also help you get in touch with the local consulate to arrange for replacement documents.

Tip: Make sure your insurance policy covers the belongings/valuables you are taking on your trip. In general, don’t take anything with you that you aren’t willing to lose.

3. Riots breaks out near you

It is important that you do not get involved in any riots or violent activity while travelling.

If a riot or another violent event occurs, you should avoid the area in general. If you find you are staying in the midst of a riot area, do not leave your hotel. If you cannot return to your hotel room due to a riot, contact InsureandGo immediately. We will determine the next steps to help you relocate and/or stay safe.

Tip: Check Smartraveller before you leave home for any riot/violence warnings. You should also make an effort to stay on top of local news/movements while travelling, especially in countries where unrest can be common.

4. Pre-paid activities, sports or tours are cancelled

If something you pre-booked/paid for is cancelled, either due to the fault of the operating company or other extenuating circumstances (e.g. weather), you may be eligible for a refund, depending on your specific travel insurance policy.

Make sure you obtain written confirmation of the cancellation from the provider. You should then make a claim with InsureandGo or contact us to find out if your policy allows you to be reimbursed.

Tip: Make sure any activities or sports you choose to partake in are covered by your individual policy. All activities must be run by a legitimate and licensed operator to be eligible for cover.

5. You want to rent a vehicle

Sometimes, the ease of self-driving can be more beneficial than taking public transport while overseas.

If you decide to rent a car, you’ll need to:

• Check that you have the right insurance cover, including the rental excess waiver; you can call InsureandGo if you’re unsure or if you want to upgrade your policy
• Make sure you have the correct driver’s licence and/or International Driving Permit to be able to drive in the country you are in
• Obey all speed limits and road rules while driving, including wearing seatbelts
• Comply with all terms and conditions listed in your rental contract; if you don’t, you won’t be covered by your insurance

If you want to hire a scooter or motorcycle or another type of large or off-road vehicle, we recommend you

• Check your travel insurance policy to determine what you are/aren’t covered for
• Hold the correct driver’s licence and/or International Driving Permit for that country
• Always wear a helmet – this applies to both yourself and any passengers
• Adhere to road rules and speed limits and never drive while intoxicated
• Ensure you can handle any vehicle excesses if an accident occurs, as this won’t be covered by your insurance policy

6. You decide to be spontaneously adventurous

Participating in adventure sports and activities overseas can be loads of fun. However, you’ll want to make sure that your new activities are all covered under your travel insurance package. If they aren’t or if you’re unsure, simply contact InsureandGo on our 24/7 support line and we can tell you what’s covered and what’s not.

Tip: Don’t engage in any sports or activities unless they are organised by a certified, licensed and legitimate provider. If they are not, your insurance may not cover you if anything goes wrong.

Have you got a question about how to handle a travelling problem or incident? Contact InsureandGo on 1300 401 177 or Reverse Charge +61 2 9333 3999 if you are overseas and experiencing an emergency.

Travel Delays – When can you claim on your travel insurance?

Travel delays (ugh!). They are one of the great frustrations of travelling. We often don’t fully understand why they happen (and sometimes we don’t care). But the fact is – they do come around once in a while and there’s not much you can do.

The good news, though, is that while you’re sitting around in the airport, you can potentially get some money back from your Travel insurance.

Travel delays & travel insurance

First, a few ‘common sense’ things about travel delays and travel insurance.

• Travel insurance covers you for delays on your departing flight from Australia and your flight returning to Australia – it doesn’t cover delays on your other flights overseas.
• Your travel delay cover applies to flights only, not other modes of travel. So, if you’re leaving on a cruise, for instance, you should take out cruise travel insurance instead, which will cover your cruise delays.
• You can’t claim if you don’t check in or go on the trip at all. If your flight ends up being delayed and you decide not to travel altogether, you won’t be able to claim (since you didn’t actually travel).

How do travel delay claims work?

• In most cases, a travel insurer will pay you a set amount of money (e.g. $100) for every completed block of time (e.g. 12 hours) when your flight is delayed.
• So, if your flight is delayed by, say, 24 hours – your claim would be $200
• The funds can go towards essential items caused due to the delay, such as meals or toiletries you’ve had to buy because you’re stuck at the airport or even something like transit accommodation.

What kinds of delays are covered?

• You’re covered if your flight is delayed because of unexpected bad weather, a mechanical problem, a strike or industrial action.
• If you want cover for natural disasters, you’ll need to check the appropriate box on the final checkout page when you buy your policy. If you do, you’ll be able to claim for delays due to unforeseen natural disasters under ‘Additional Emergency Expenses.’
• Note that if you are aware of anything that could disrupt your flight when you buy your policy, you won’t be able to claim. For example:

  Daniel is going to Mexico for a wedding and suddenly finds out that there will be a strike on the day he is flying out. He rushes to take out travel insurance, but because the strike was already public knowledge, he won’t be able to make a claim if his flight is delayed.

How do you claim?

In most cases, all you need is a letter or written statement from the airline carrier that includes the reason for the delay and how long it lasted for.

The insurance provider will then determine how much money you’re able to get back, which will ultimately be dependent on the policy and level of cover you took out.

Have another question about travel delay cover? Just call us on 1300 552 701 or grab a quote to find out how much you could be covered for.

Summer Down Under: 9 things you should say YES to!

Welcome to the land of deserts and Vegemite, of wondrous cities, beautiful coastlines and the world’s largest coral reef.

If you’re a local staying down under this summer, here are 21 things we urge you to say yes to.

1. An outdoor movie

Nothing beats movies that start at twilight and end under the glorious stars! Plus, the surroundings are usually spectacular. Think: Mrs Macquaries Chair in Sydney, the Deckchair Cinema in Darwin or Rooftop Movies in Perth.

Outdoor cinemas have become somewhat of an Aussie summer tradition, so if you still haven’t given it a go, find something to watch and book your seats!

2. Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

Clear summer days and long nights make the Bridge Climb a must, must, must if you’re in Sydney. And contrary to popular belief, it’s not just for tourists!

Spots go fast so make sure you book early. If you want to save cash but still get the experience, go for the Bridge Sampler or a night climb.

3. Taste of Tasmania

Three words to describe this one: Nom, nom, nom! Spanning over the new year, food, wine, arts and other cool activities come together at Taste of Tasmania. And best of all, you get to sample all of the state’s freshest produce and foods.

If you’re going with the family, there’s lots of stuff for kids too, like cooking classes and jumping castles.

4. A swim with something awesome

Aussies love to bum around in the sun and surf. But why not take your swim to the next level and go for a dip with something awesome, like:

• Dolphins in Port Stephens, NSW
• Whale Sharks in Ningaloo Reef, WA
• Crocs in Darwin, NT
• Turtles near Hamilton Island, QLD

5. Falls festival

It’s one of the biggest and best in Oz! And it happens all over the east side. This year, artists like Bloc Party and the Hilltop Hoods and even Weird Al Yankovic will feature. Falls Festival destinations include Lorne (VIC), Byron Bay (NSW) and Marion Bay (TAS).

6. The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

If you’ve never seen The Sydney to Hobart Race in all its watery glory, get your butt to the coast this summer. This iconic race kicks off from various points in Sydney (like Nielsen Park and Shark Island) on Boxing Day and ends near the Castray Esplanade on the River Derwent in Tassie.

Arrive early to get a prime viewing spot, or book yourself a seat on a spectator boat to view the race from the water!

7. The 39th Swim Through Rottnest

Get your togs on, people! This swimming race is held in the beautiful waters of Rottnest Island in WA (just near Perth) on the first Saturday of December. It’s been going on since 1977, is open to all ages, and now has both 500m and 1600m events.

Both male and female winners grab $400 each!

8. Something Christmas-inspired

Don’t be a Santa stickler! Make sure your Aussie summer bucket list includes at least one Christmassy thing. After all, warm summer Christmases are what Australia is all about (remember, a lot of the rest of the world is in winter!). Some suggestions:

• Carols in the Domain in Sydney
• Myer Christmas Windows in Melbourne
• Christmas Parade and Gold Lotto City Hall Light Spectacular in Brisbane
• Christmas in the City or Christmas Vintage Ball in Canberra
• Santa in the City in Adelaide

9. New Year’s Eve fireworks

No matter where you end up for NYE, don’t skimp on the fireworks action. Scout out your spot and aim to make a day (or night) of it. If you don’t want to face the crowds, choose a place that’s less popular but still lets you see some kind of fireworks.

Did you know that InsureandGo can cover your Aussie holiday? Learn more about our Domestic Travel Insurance in Australia here or contact us.

What to do before your kids go on their first independent holiday

I remember the first time I was allowed to go travelling without my parents, and I was over the moon. I was 18, I had just finished school, and I’d organised to go to Canada with my friends.

But, little did I know that while I was off having the time of my life, my mum and dad were sitting at home fretting and sweating.

So, for all those parents out there with kids about to go travelling independently, here are some tips on how to stay calm while your baby is away:

• Ask for a copy of their itinerary that includes flights, hotels, tours and so on, so you’ll know where they’ll be and when. Keeping a copy of their passport is also a good idea; if their passport gets lost or stolen overseas, it’ll make getting help much easier.
• Prepare an emergency contact pack that includes important phone numbers they might need overseas (think hotels, embassies, travel insurance companies, reverse call numbers for Australia etc.). Include numbers of people they might need at home too. If they lose their phone, the numbers will go with it!
• I almost didn’t put this tip in, but consider packing them a mini first aid kit. If my parents had given me one I would’ve laughed (or cringed)! But, it might not be a bad idea. Include things they might not think of, but could come to really appreciate, like bite/sting cream, painkillers, diarrhoea medication, seasickness tablets, antacids, Band-Aids…
• Phones are great when travelling, but international roaming can be costly, especially if you’re paying the phone bill! The best way around this is to ask them to get a local SIM card or phone when they arrive overseas. It’ll make calls and texts much cheaper.
• Give them an emergency credit card or some cash in the destination’s currency (but stress it’s for emergencies only!). And prepare mentally – and financially – to possibly transfer them some cash if they get stuck.
• Don’t expect them to call. No one wants their parents looking over their shoulder from afar, especially when you’re with friends. Just agree to touch base at certain points in the trip so you know they’re still alive!
• Stay in touch with the parents of the other kids going along. Together you can create an effective spy network.
• Accept that silly and unexpected things may well happen; don’t judge or be angry, it’s all part of growing up!
• Make sure they have the right level of travel insurance consider cover that includes medical/hospital, delays, baggage, and sports/activities. It’ll help if something goes wrong and they need aid overseas.
• Get them to register their travel plans on Smartraveller.gov.au. If they get into trouble and need help from the Australian government, it’ll make things much easier.
• Be excited for them. Keep in mind that travelling can help kids learn how to make better decisions and take on more responsibility. You never know, they might come back more mature than ever!
• Try not to fret non-stop about what they are doing or if they’re alright. Instead, focus on the things you enjoy! Remember, their trip also means quality ‘downtime’ for you.

Insure&Go offers individual and family travel insurance for both local and overseas holidays. Get yourself (or your kid) covered and grab a quote online.

Travel Insurance for Families – Choose Cover That Best Suits Your Family

Travelling with your family can be lots of fun and having the right cover can mean you won’t have to worry about those little, unexpected things while you’re on holiday. But what does family travel insurance really mean? And what are you covered for?

Children Go Free!^

At InsureandGo, your children (or grandchildren/dependents) go free^! This means your kids can be covered under your family insurance policy for no extra cost. Simply select an adult policy (for single, couple or family travel insurance cover), and you can include any number of children/dependents in your cover for free^.

• Children and dependents will receive most of the same benefits as listed in your policy
• Children and dependents must be under 18 years of age at the time of purchase

Family Fun

You’ll most likely want to do lots of fun things with your family while you’re away. If you’re planning on more than basic sightseeing, it’s important to make sure you are covered for all your planned activities and sports. You will usually find a list of included/excluded activities and sports in your Product Disclosure Statement

Popular and fun activities can include:

• Skiing and snow sports
• Horse riding, elephant riding or camel riding
• Cycling
• Paintballing
• Go karting
• Indoor rock climbing
• Safaris and wildlife tours
• Kayaking or canoeing
• Need to check which activities or sports you are covered for? Find the full list of covered activities by checking the relevant PDS.

In some cases, you may not be automatically covered for your chosen activities, so you may need to upgrade your cover. If you are hiring equipment (like skiing equipment) you may also need additional cover for equipment damage and loss.

• Keep in mind that if you or your family members neglect to follow regulations regarding a certain activity, you will be exempt from your insurance cover
• If you are unsure about what activities or gear are included in your policy, speak to our travel insurance team about your family activities and sports prior to choosing your cover

Other Common Areas of Cover

Depending on your policy, you’ll also be covered under your family travel insurance package for common items, such as:

• Medical expenses and hospital expenses
• Baggage
• Trip delays or cancellations
• Emergency trips home
• Travel and baggage delays

Further Tips When Organising Family Travel Insurance

• Review the inclusions and limits in your policy to get a more comprehensive idea of what you are and aren’t covered for
• Note any excesses and exclusions, as well as any specific terms and conditions that could preclude you or your family from cover
• Don’t forget to check that all of your destinations are included in your cover!
• Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or contact our customer service agents before you buy for full details on the cover available for you and your family.

Choosing the right travel insurance for your family should be easy. At InsureandGo, we offer a range of competitive cover packages for families and activities. Learn more here or contact us on 1300 552 701.

^Children (including fostered or adopted children) travelling with either their parents or grandparents will be provided with travel insurance cover for no additional cost (any pre-existing medical conditions may incur an additional charge). This is provided they are under 18 years of age, named on the Policy Schedule and are financially dependent on either their parents or grandparents. No cover is available for children who are born overseas during your trip.