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What is the Excess on My Travel Insurance Policy?

 

Family Insurance

You spend a great deal of time researching and planning out your holidays for them to run smoothly and without unwanted surprises. When it comes time to buy travel insurance to protect your hard-earned holiday, you should also take a bit of time to understand the basics of your policy.

Although you aren’t expected to be a genius in regards to knowing everything about travel insurance, you should know certain components that could affect how much your premiums are, as well as how any travel insurance claims you may make will be affected. One component you should familiarise yourself with is your policy’s “excess”.

Understanding Excess

Excess is the amount of money you agree to pay should the unfortunate happen and you need to make a claim to your insurer, per person, per event and per applicable section. For instance, let’s say you had a medical situation while travelling abroad that was covered under your travel insurance policy. If your policy’s excess was set at $100, it means that when you go to file an eligible claim that is accepted, $100 will be deducted from any claim payment. Our standard excess amount is $100, but you can choose to remove or double this amount through the purchase process.

In cases where your eligible claim may be thousands of dollars, the excess you pay is very small compared to the majority of the bill covered by your insurance company. This is why travellers purchase travel insurance to rule out the possibility of being hit with sometimes very large expenses in the event of accidents or unforeseen circumstances.

Standard Excess vs. Voluntary Excess

An insurer may offer different types of excess that can apply in various situations or apply concurrently. Most top insurers allow you to increase or decrease your excess to adjust the cost of your premium to a level that suits you. The excess amount set by your insurer that must be paid towards any claim is known as “standard excess”. In contrast, the option to increase or decrease the amount you’re responsible for in a claim is called a “voluntary excess”.

One of the easiest ways to decrease the amount you pay for travel insurance is to increase the excess amount, for example, by doubling it. This instantly saves you money on your policy. However, keep in mind that should you need to make a claim, you will need to cover a bit more of the cost related to the incident you are claiming. Essentially, you are taking more of a risk to save guaranteed money upfront. Always select an excess amount that you are willing and able to afford, should you need to make a claim.

If you wish to be fully covered in the event you need to make a claim, you can set your policy’s excess to $0. This means that in the event you need to file an eligible claim, you will pay nothing, and your insurer will cover the entirety of your expenses for an accepted claim. You will pay a bit more for your policy by choosing this option, but it may prove beneficial should you need to file a claim.

Paying Your Excess in the Event of a Claim

You may wonder when you will have to pay your excess amount in the event you make a claim. This will ultimately depend on your travel insurance company’s policies. You may be asked to pay the excess amount before they pay the remainder of the claim, or they may simply deduct the amount from the claim they are paying you for.

Knowing What Excess Amount You Should Choose

When looking at excess options, think in terms of value for money. You may not want to pay a high excess amount that covers you for an event that has a small claim value, such as lost travel documents or a rental car. On the flip side, with things like trip cancellation or medical cover, your claim value may be exponentially greater than your excess. Understanding your policy's limitations and exclusions is essential to making an informed decision.

Conclusion

Understanding the excess in your travel insurance cover can help you make more informed decisions and potentially save you money. Be sure to read the PDS (Product Disclosure Statement, PDS) to fully understand your policy. Whether you opt for a set amount, decide to reduce the excess, or are willing to pay an additional premium, having a clear understanding of your travel insurance policy will ensure smoother claims processes in the future.

Fallen sick or hurt yourself overseas? Here’s how to make a claim at InsureandGo

February 7, 2025

Falling sick or becoming injured overseas can put a lot of strain on your holiday, particularly if medical expenses are building up. If you’ve taken out the correct travel insurance policy with InsureandGo, seeking help to cover the costs of your overseas treatment is quick and easy!

Below, we have put together some simple scenarios and claims processes to help you understand what you need to do if you fall sick or hurt yourself while travelling.

Scenario 1: General illnesses

If you’re unwell but still able to travel, you may be experiencing something like allergies, colds, headaches, gastro problems or even food poisoning. At this stage, you’ll need to decide whether you are able to continue travelling or whether you should seek medical advice from a doctor.

  1. Contact InsureandGo as soon as you feel you need medical treatment
  2. We will locate your nearest medical facility and arrange transport for you if needed
  3. If required, we will then send a ‘guarantee of payment’ to the medical facility to cover your costs
  4. We’ll also send any information about any pre-existing medical conditions you have, so make sure you inform the attending doctor if you have a pre-existing medical condition

Scenario 2: Medical emergencies

In an emergency, your health and wellbeing is the top priority. You may be involved in an accident, you may have suffered an illness like a heart attack or stroke or you might have broken a bone.

Here’s what to do if you experience a medical emergency overseas:

  1. Seek help immediately and head to the nearest medical facility available
  2. Take your passport with you if you can, as most hospitals will require this to treat you and ensure payment
  3. If possible, ask your travelling companion to contact InsureandGo to explain the situation (or call us yourself if possible)
  4. Undergo medical treatment as necessary and do everything the doctors tell you
  5. If you’ve contacted us prior to your release, we’ll send a ‘guarantee of payment’ to the hospital to cover your expenses, which may include costs for scans, x-rays, consultations, drugs and even equipment like rubber gloves

Note: If you haven’t contacted us and you don’t have your passport with you, you will need to pay for your medical expenses when you are discharged from the hospital. You can then Contact InsureandGo and submit a claim to arrange for a reimbursement of costs.

Scenario 3: Non-urgent claims

If you receive medical treatment overseas, you are not obligated to submit a claim while you are still travelling. If your claim is not urgent, you still have 30 days to submit your case after you arrive back in Australia.

  1. Submit your claim by filling in the relevant claims form and emailing it to InsureandGo at assistance@insureandgo.com.au
  2. Post the original form and your original receipts/documents to us at InsureandGo Australia, PO Box 4860, Sydney NSW Australia 2001 (make sure you keep copies of all your documents for your own records)
  3. Send your documents by registered or traceable post to ensure delivery
  4. Our friendly Customer Service team will then contact you to request further information or let you know the outcome of your claim

Tips for a successful claim

  • Keep all travel insurance documents with you at all times while travelling; keeping them in your bag or wallet is a good idea
  • Keep InsureandGo’s contact details on hand as well, so you can access them easily if something happens
  • In most cases, you should contact InsureandGo before you pay for any medical costs yourself or if your costs exceed AU$500
  • Keep all receipts, reports and doctor’s notes with you until you return home to Australia; these will be essential for completing your claim
  • Remember, we can only cover your expenses for the amounts and circumstances listed in your individual travel insurance policy

Learn more about claims by downloading the relevant claims form or contacting InsureandGo on 1300 401 177 (or Reverse Charge +612 9333 3999 if you’re still travelling).

5.2 magnitude Earthquake detected near Santorini, Greece

Date published: 07/02/2025

A 5.2 magnitude tremor Earthquake was first detected in the Greek Island of Santorini on 5th of February, causing widespread damage with people forced to evacuate. 

If you’re travelling, or are about to travel

If you have been directly affected by this event and need medical assistance, please call our 24-hour emergency assistance team immediately on +61 2 9333 3999. We further urge you to pay close attention to the local media and emergency services, including the DFAT Smart Traveller website.

Policies purchased before the event started: Customers may be covered for claims arising from this event per the terms conditions and options selected. 

Policies purchased after the event started: Customers may not be covered for claims arising from this event. However, we will assess each situation on a case-by-case basis. 

Please read carefully the full terms and conditions of any travel insurance policy before purchasing. 

If you have purchased a policy with us, you can make a claim at any time and we will assess it as per the PDS’s terms and conditions.  

If your travel plans are affected

If you need to change your travel arrangements, contact your airline, cruise company or travel agent for assistance in the first instance. Please retain all supporting documentation evidencing expenses incurred. Please remember, under the terms of your policy, you are required to take reasonable steps to avoid or minimise any loss.   

If you need to submit a claim, please complete a claim on our claims portal and if you need help doing this, contact us. 

If you have any other queries, please get in touch. 

12 Tips for Planning Your First Overseas Holiday (as a Retiree)

 

It’s finally happened! You’ve retired. You’ve saved. And now, you’re thinking about taking that overseas holiday. But what if you’ve never travelled outside of Australia before?

When my Dad took his first trip at age 50, he was pretty nervous and unsure. He kept asking if he’d be safe. What did he need to know before booking anything? And what if he fell ill or chose a bad hotel?

Luckily, some of our friends and family (myself included) weighed in and gave him their best advice for a safe and enjoyable journey. Later, I asked Dad what he found most helpful.

Senior travellers

1. Talk to your doctor. Discuss your plans with your doctor before you book anything and get the all clear to travel. Don’t forget about your medications, too. Will you have enough to last your whole trip? When should you take them, given the change in time zones?

Tip: Ask for a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor to take with you as well, just in case authorities ask for it.

2. Take out Seniors Travel Insurance. Shop around for quotes and ensure you’re covered for things like medical, hospital, luggage, activities, delays, cancellations and anything else you need. Don’t forget to ask if your pre-existing medical conditions can be covered as well.

3. Register with Smartraveller. Smartraveller.gov.au allows you to register your travel plans with the government so that if something goes wrong, they’ll be able to contact you. You can also subscribe to official advice and updates for any destinations you’re planning to visit.

4. Copy your documents. Leave a copy of your passport, itinerary, visas and any other travel documents at home with someone you trust, like a family member. If you lose these while travelling, the copy will be a useful backup.

5. Make a list of important numbers. This can include things like emergency numbers, your travel insurer, local police stations and hospitals, and the Australian embassies near your destination/s.

Tip: Writing down the phone numbers of family and friends at home can be a good idea, too.

6. Take a tour. Or three! Tours are a great option if you’ve never been overseas before. They can be easier and safer than travelling around on your own. According to Dad, they’re a wonderful way to see the main sights and meet other travellers, too.

Tip: If you’re unsure about finding a trustworthy tour operator, research reviews online or get a travel agent to do the bookings for you.

7. Ask about hotel safety. If you’re like my Dad, you can’t necessarily afford to stay in 5-star resorts. But things like 24-hour reception/concierge services, fob access for floors, in-room safes and added security can make your stay much safer. Give your desired hotel a call before booking to see what safety measures they offer.

8. Pack light & smart. Packing light used to be a challenge for me, but I’ve realised that you will never need all that stuff and packing light has real advantages. It means you can easily wheel your suitcase around even pick it up without much trouble.

Tip: When it comes to carry-ons, I always make sure I’ve got a spare change of clothes, my medications and anything else I’ll need for the flight.

9. Leave the valuables behind. Valuables can easily get lost, stolen or damaged while on holiday, so leave them at home. If you’re taking something like an iPad or camera, check that it’s covered by your travel insurance.

Tip: When you’re out and about, be careful of flashing your valuables and money around, just as you would at home. Be discreet, and keep your belongings in a fully closable bag that can’t easily be snatched (for example, I always have a cross-body bag; my Dad took a backpack).

10. Research do’s and don’ts at the destination. This can cover anything, like areas to avoid, whether drinking water is safe, foods that shouldn’t be eaten, methods of public transport, potential tourist scams, and what’s considered polite (or rude) in relation to local culture and customs, etc. The more you know, the more prepared you can be! And hopefully this will lead to a safer trip.

11. Stay well on the plane. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, walk around the plane regularly, and talk to your doctor about whether you’re at risk of DVT. Other little things like wearing comfy clothes and stretching while sitting can help, too.

12. Give yourself jet lag recovery time. If you’re going on a long-haul flight, don’t expect to start exploring straight away. No matter what age you are, you’ll need at least a day or two to recover from jet lag and get used to the new time zone, so don’t plan a lot for those first couple of days.

Tip: One trick that worked for my Dad was to book a hotel for that first night near the airport. That way, he could rest shortly after the flight, without having to worry about making it into the city. He then simply moved onto his “real” hotel the following day, after a good night’s sleep!

Travelling without cover? 9 Reasons Why You Must Buy Travel Insurance

 

At InsureandGo, we understand just how important travel insurance can be. More and more travellers each year are spending thousands of dollars out of their own pockets, simply because something has gone wrong on their trip.

Travel insurance is crucial in making sure that you stay relaxed and worry-free during those fun holiday times. Here’s why:

1. Medical Treatments:

If you become sick or injured on your holiday, the last thing you’ll want to worry about is money. If you are treated for a medical problem overseas, the costs can range from hundreds into the thousands. For example, if you are hospitalised in South East Asia for a week, you can generally expect to pay around $5,600* or more, according to Smart Traveller. In two weeks, that becomes $10,000+.

The right travel insurance can ensure you are covered for these medical treatments and means that you won’t have to pay thousands from your own wallet.

2. Cancellation or Delays:

If you cancel your trip unexpectedly or experience a delay, travel insurance may also help recover some of the costs you may lose. Airlines, hotels, cruise lines, car hire companies and travel agencies will often be unwilling to give you a refund, so it’s important that you cover your costs with an insurance policy.

3. Lost Items:

Lost or delayed baggage, valuables or equipment can also put a damper on your holiday. While losing a pair of shoes might not seem like a big deal, losing your wallet or your passport can be disastrous.

If you have the appropriate cover, you may be able to claim your losses, so that you can replace your items or at least get some compensation. Ensure you read your policy, however, so that you understand exactly what items are/aren’t included.

4. Emergency Trips:

Some policies will also cover you if you need to return home due to an emergency. This can be ideal if you have loved ones who aren’t well, if you are travelling for a long stretch of time or if you simply want to be able to return home quickly if something happens. Depending on your level of cover, you will usually receive reimbursement for the cost of returning home and/or the cost of resuming your trip again overseas.

5. Emergency Support:

Having travel insurance can also mean you receive the right support if you get into hot water overseas. When purchasing a policy, it can be useful to look for a provider who offers 24/7 phone support and also reverse charges, so that you don’t have to worry about paying for the call.

6. Death or Serious Injury:

Unfortunately, anything can happen on a holiday. Luckily, death and serious injury can also often be covered by travel insurance. Both injury and death can be extremely costly due to ongoing medical expenses and medical evacuation costs. The right policy can mean you will be covered appropriately and it also means that you can save thousands of dollars.

So putting a little bit into travel insurance now could save you lots of money in the long run. To get full details on what you are or aren’t covered for read through the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or contact our customer service agents before you buy to understand your options.

7. Cover for Adventure Activities:

If you're planning on engaging in adventure activities like skiing, scuba diving, or bungee jumping, travel insurance can provide coverage for injuries sustained during these activities. Many policies include coverage for a wide range of sports and activities, ensuring you can enjoy your adventures without worry.

8. Personal Liability:

Travel insurance often includes personal liability coverage, which protects you if you're held legally responsible for causing injury to someone else or damaging their property while you're travelling. This coverage can save you from significant financial burden in case of an unfortunate incident.

9. Natural Disasters :

Natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods can disrupt travel plans. Travel insurance can cover the costs of trip cancellations, delays, or interruptions due to natural disasters, ensuring you’re not left out of pocket when nature takes an unexpected turn.

So putting a little bit into travel insurance now could save you lots of money in the long run. To get full details on what you are or aren’t covered for, read through the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or contact our customer service agents before you buy to understand your options.

How to Compare Travel Insurance Companies

 

Are you searching for travel insurance, but completely confused about what’s what? Are different providers offering you different things? And if so, how do you decide what policy to choose?

Like any type of insurance, different travel insurance providers will offer different types of insurance options. Here are some tips on how you can compare various companies and find a policy that’s right for you:

1. Start with you

If you’re unsure which travel insurance providers you should be comparing, start with you and your trip.

  • Make a list of all the circumstances and items you feel you require cover on your holiday; a good way to think about this is to take into account your tangible items (e.g. luggage, valuables) and also consider what other risks you will be taking (e.g. will you be going diving? Hiking? Cycling? Driving?)
  • Where possible, attribute a dollar value to each item to help you understand how much cover you need
  • Make a list of “nice to have” insurance inclusions to help guide your decision further; this might include things like cover for loss of income or pet insurance, if you’ll be putting your pet into a boarding home while you’re away
  • Once you understand what you need, you can conduct a simple check of each provider you are considering to see whether they offer what you want
  • You can then narrow down your choices into a shortlist of potential providers; three to five companies would be a good amount to compare

2. Do your research

  • Grab your travel insurance shortlist and do some research on each company; find out as much as you can in regards to their cover, service and quality
  • You can look at their websites, read about them on other news sites, check out their social media pages – and most importantly, you should also read their customer reviews
  • While there will almost always be good/bad points about each, be wary of choosing a company who has received a high volume of negative reviews and feedback

3. Look carefully at what’s offered

Now that you’ve got a definitive shortlist of providers, you’ll need to start looking carefully at what types of cover and limits are offered for each of your required items (the ones you wrote in your list in Step 1). Does one company provide more cover than another?

  • Tip: Drawing up a rough table to help you compare each limit and cost can be helpful at this stage

4. Put your glasses on and read the fine print!

The fine print – otherwise known as terms and conditions – is where you get to learn exactly what is and isn’t covered in the insurance policy, so it’s essential to read this carefully for all the policies you are considering.

If you notice certain circumstances, limits or exclusions are causing issues for you, you can eliminate that policy from your consideration or move it lower down on your priority list.

  • Tip: If you’re still unsure at this stage which policy is better or if there are two or more companies that are offering similar packages, go back to your research and see which company has garnered better reviews and feedback from customers

5. What other perks are there?

Finally, if you’re at the finishing line but still can’t make that final decision on who to choose, consider what each company is offering in terms of perks or additional benefits. Common perks can include:

  • 24-hour insurance support /assistance while you’re away
  • Free phone support if you need help or experience an emergency
  • Promotions or offerings that can save you money
  • Benefits for kids, such as free cover or additional cover for certain items
  • Quality upgrades that you can use to tailor your package (e.g. upgrading to include business cover, winter sports, etc.)

Travel Insurance for Seniors – Tips for Seniors Buying Travel Insurance

 

InsureandGo works with many senior travellers each year to organise comprehensive and affordable travel insurance. We cater to a range of ages, ensuring coverage for those in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond..

Whether you're embarking on a tour, a cruise, or a self-guided holiday, travelling as a senior can be a wonderful way to enjoy life. It's important to ensure that the travel insurance you purchase is suited to your trip and individual needs.InsureandGo understands that seniors may have specific health concerns and travel needs. Our policies include coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, 24/7 emergency assistance, and flexible options for single and multi-trip plans, ensuring that you travel with confidence and peace of mind.

Age Limits

Many travel insurance providers will have a limit as to what age they will cover you for (e.g. up to 100 years), so make sure you check the age limit of your policy.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions

It is vital that you disclose all pre-existing medical conditions when purchasing your policy and also let us know if you are waiting on any test results or treatments/surgery. Learn more about getting cover for your pre exisiting medical conditions here.

If you are looking for a quicker sign up process, InsureandGo does not require medical certificates or paperwork from you until you need to make a claim. This can make purchasing your senior travel insurance much more easy and hassle-free.

Travel Duration

If you are over a certain age (e.g. 65 years), some travel policies may only cover you for a certain length of travel time, such as 3 months. Make sure you check this in your policy to ensure you are covered for the entire duration of your trip.

Destinations

Everyone, including seniors, should make sure that their travel insurance covers them for all countries/destinations they will be travelling to. If you are going on a cruise or tour, remember that your destinations include any place that you stop or dock at, even temporarily.

Cancellations

You may need to cancel your travel plans unexpectedly. For this reason, it can be a good idea to check that your travel insurance policy covers you for emergency cancellations. Some policies can also include cover if an emergency happens while you are travelling and you need to return home.

Baggage & Valuable

The right travel insurance can mean that your holiday won’t be dampened by lost, stolen or delayed baggage/belongings. You’ll be able to seek compensation if something unfortunate occurs.

If your possessions are lost or stolen, make sure you report this as soon as possible to the local police (or to your carrier, if your items were lost in transit) and obtain a report from them. You’ll then need to provide this report when making your claim.

Activities & Equipment

If you plan to engage in certain activities during your travels, it is in your best interests to check that these activities are covered by your policy. If you will be participating in a sport, like golf or skiing, you may also want to consider upgrading your policy so that you are covered for any gear you hire, as well as any related injuries or illnesses.

Further Tips When Buying Seniors’ Travel Insurance

  • Consider discussing your travel plans with your doctor before making any bookings
  • Make sure you understand all conditions and exclusions in your policy; don’t let anyone push you into buying before you’ve read and understood your Product Disclosure Statement
  • Consider limiting what valuables you will take with you in order to keep your insurance premiums down

Need help understanding how travel insurance works? Make sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or contact our customer service agents before you buy to understand your options. InsureandGo can help explain the ins-and-outs of your policy to you.

Why is budgeting for travel insurance important?

 

Here are eight reasons why travel insurance should be a part of your holiday budget

1. You might need medical treatment

Whether you plan on trekking, driving, cycling, diving or simply wandering around the streets, accidents can happen. And if you need medical treatment overseas the costs can range from the hundreds into the thousands, even for something as simple as a couple of stitches, a broken finger or food poisoning.

2. What if your baggage is lost, stolen or delayed?

Lost, stolen or delayed possessions can hamper your holiday fun – and often means you’ll need to fork out to replace your absent belongings and valuables.

Travel insurance can compensate you for your inconvenience and your losses, so that you’re not left down on cash thanks to an airline or carrier’s mistake, or a thief’s schemes.

3. You may need to cancel

Falling ill or dealing with an emergency can force you to cancel your trip. In some cases, airlines, accommodation suppliers and tour operators will offer you a refund. But this isn’t always the case

Travel insurance can reimburse your flight, accommodation and other costs in this instance – meaning you get your money back, even if you unexpectedly cancel at the last minute.

4. Unexpected trip changes can be costly

Trip delays, disruptions and even curtailments can all be out of your control. You can miss port calls, accommodation check-ins and even tour take-offs.

If you have the right level of insurance cover, you can receive compensation or reimbursement for the money that you’ve lost due to a disruption.

5. You plan on hiring a car

Under most car rental policies, you’re liable to pay an excess if you get into an accident – the same way you would if you have a car accident back home. This potentially means your accident can cost thousands. If your travel insurance package includes a rental car excess waiver, however, it can cover the excess for you, potentially saving you lots.

6. You love skiing! (and other winter sports)

Participating in adventurous winter sports and activities may be great fun, but it also puts you at a much greater safety risk. Travel insurance can cover your medical treatment (as described above) if you get into an accident, and it can also cover things like damaged or lost sports equipment and ski passes, losses due to resort closures and medical evacuations.

7. What if you’re on a business trip?

It’s highly recommended for business travellers to take out travel insurance for any trip they take – after all, who wants to be personally liable for business mishaps?

In terms of equipment (like laptops, phones etc.), you can check out what’s covered in the “belongings” component of your travel insurance policy. However, it can also be better to upgrade to a business package (if offered), which can often cover you more comprehensively for risks to your business equipment and/or cash. Elements like emergency courier costs or replacement support staff can also be coverable.

8. You’re a frequent traveller

Travelling more frequently throughout the year is even more of a reason why you need travel insurance!

Multi-trip packages can save you money and can cover you for a whole year’s worth of travel. When searching for a multi-trip insurance deal, ensure you are covered for all potential destinations with the best level of cover for your needs. Don’t forget to read the terms and conditions too!

California Wildfires

Date published: 13/01/2025

As of 7th January 2025, several wildfires have been widely reported in the Los Angeles area of California in the USA driven by the Santa Ana winds.

The media are reporting 16 deaths and note it has forced thousands of residents to evacuate their homes. Extensive damage to housing and infrastructure has also been reported in the affected areas with residents being instructed to boil water for safe drinking.

At the time of issuing this travel warning, there are no reports of travel being significantly impacted and LAX airport reports they are operating normally.

If you’re travelling, or are about to travel

If you have been directly affected by this event and need medical assistance, please call our 24-hour emergency assistance team immediately on +61 2 9333 3999. We further urge you to pay close attention to the local media and emergency services, including the DFAT Smart Traveller website.

Policies Purchased prior to 13th January 2025 10.00am AEDT, Customers may be covered for claims arising from this event.

Policies Purchased After 10:00am (AEDT) on 13th January 2025: Customers are not covered for claims arising from this event. However, we will assess each situation on a case-by-case basis.

You can make a claim at any time once your policy has commenced and we will assess it as per the PDS’s terms and conditions. Please read carefully the full terms and conditions of any travel insurance policy before purchasing.

If your travel plans are affected

If you need to change your travel arrangements, contact your airline, cruise company or travel agent for assistance in the first instance. Please retain all supporting documentation evidencing expenses incurred. Please remember as a term of your policy you must do everything you can to minimise losses.

If you need to submit a claim, please complete a claim on our claims portal and if you need help doing this, contact us.

If you have any other queries, please get in touch.

Common Exclusions – When Travel Insurance Will Not Cover You!

 

Travel insurance is essential when you’re on holiday, providing protection against unforeseen events. However, there are circumstances when you won’t be covered by your policy. While the specific cover you choose determines what you are covered for, some well-known exclusions usually prevent claims. It's important to take the time to read the policy wording carefully to understand these exclusions. Additionally, always check the limits and conditions related to each exclusion to avoid unexpected surprises.

Leaving Your Belongings Unattended

Most policies will cover you for loss or theft of your belongings and valuables, but not if you leave them unattended or in an unsecure location or with someone you don’t know.

What you can do: Keep your belongings with you at all times or ensure they are locked away in a secure safe. In order to make a claim, you will need an official police report outlining the incident and the items stolen.

Claiming Against an Unapproved Medical Condition

If you have a pre-existing medical condition or if you are waiting for test results/treatment for a medical problem and you don’t tell your provider, your travel insurance may be automatically void for any claims you make relating to those medical needs. In most cases, you may also not be covered if you travel against medical advice or if you travel in order to seek medical treatment.

What you can do: Be honest and upfront when you purchase your policy about your pre-existing (or potential) medical conditions.

Engaging in Reckless Activities/Behaviour

Indulging in reckless activities, such as excessive drinking or taking recreational drugs, can lead to a rejection of any insurance claim, whether related to medical, baggage, liability or anything else.

What you can do: Be aware of the situations in which any reckless behaviour could exclude your eligibility for a claim and consider how this will impact the decisions you make while on holiday.

Participating in High Risk Sports & Activities

Travel insurance will not cover you if try to make a claim resulting from a sport or activity that isn’t covered by your policy. This can apply to cover for injuries and illness (medical), as well as equipment loss/damage and any personal financial losses.

What you can do: Make sure that each sport or activity you will be engaging in is covered by your insurance policy; if it’s not, enquire about upgrading to ensure you are appropriately covered.

Travelling Against Government Advice

If you decide to travel to a specific region despite advice or warnings from the Australian government, your travel insurance provider will not cover you for that destination.

What you can do: Pay attention to government warnings via www.smartraveller.gov.au and be wary of travelling to destinations that involve high risk or serious personal dangers.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions

It is important to disclose all pre-existing medical conditions when purchasing your policy. Failure to do so may void your coverage for related claims.

What you can do: Provide accurate information about your health conditions when buying your policy.

 

Trip Cancellations

If you need to cancel your trip unexpectedly, ensure your policy covers trip cancellations.

What you can do: Check your policy to confirm cancellation coverage and any conditions that apply.

 

Ignoring Road & Driving Rules

Hiring a car can be common on any trip, but things like driving on non-tarmac/cement roads, driving under the influence or letting an unauthorised person drive the car can all render your travel insurance null and void. In most cases, you’ll also have to take out Collision Damage and Third Party insurance through the rental company to ensure your travel insurance cover stays active.

What you can do: Pay close attention to the rules or limits set out by both your travel insurance policy and your rental company; if any of these rules are broken at the time of an incident, you won’t be covered. Make sure you read your Product Disclosure Statement carefully for a list of full terms and conditions.

Changing Your Mind

Unfortunately, very few travel insurance polices will approve your claims if you simply change your mind about travelling or if other circumstances, like failing to get a passport or visa in time, affect your travel plans.

If you are still unsure about certain circumstances under which you will not be covered by your travel insurance, you should read your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or contact our customer service agents before you buy to understand your options.

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