Does travel insurance cover Airbnb?

Airbnb is becoming more and more popular, especially for budget travellers (like me) who don’t want to spend all their money on accommodation.

I stayed in an Airbnb apartment in London recently and it was fabulous. I had a huge pad to myself, I was in a great location and it didn’t cost me a fortune.

But lately, a few customers have stepped up and asked us whether travel insurance covers stays via Airbnb, and if so… how does it all work?

In a nutshell…

• InsureandGo’s travel insurance covers any Airbnb booking, just the same as it would if you were staying at a resort, hotel or anything else!
• In other words, all the conditions in your travel insurance policy still apply when you choose Airbnb accommodation.

What if my bags and things get stolen?

• Your travel insurance will cover you if your belongings are stolen (or damaged) while staying in an Airbnb house or apartment.
• Just ensure (for your own safety too) that the dwelling stays locked and secure at all times. If you leave the door unlocked or say, the windows open, while you go out and sight-see, it could void your cover
• When it comes to things like passports, cheques and tickets, make sure they’re kept on you or in a safe. Otherwise, if they go astray, you won’t be able to make a claim.
• If something happens: Immediately report any incidents of theft (or damage) to police and get an official police report for your claim.

Sharing an Airbnb property with other guests

• If you browse Airbnb, you’ll quickly realise that you can book just a room (or even a shared room) in a larger apartment/house where you probably won’t know the other dwellers/guests.
• If you choose this option, you should keep your belongings locked in your room (or with you, if they’re particularly valuable). This ensures your cover stays valid. Keep valuables (like passports, cash) in a safe or with you at all times.
• As a general tip, try to find out (before you book) if your room can be secured and locked. If not, it might be best to find one that does so that your personal items can be covered by your travel insurance policy.
• If something happens: As above, file a police report if anything is stolen (or damaged) and grab a copy to submit with your InsureandGo claim.

I had to cancel my Airbnb booking, can I make a claim?

Yes. You are still covered by your travel insurance if you have an emergency and you need to cancel your Airbnb booking before you leave for your trip.

At InsureandGo, emergencies include things such as:

• Serious injuries or illnesses (not including pre-existing conditions, of course)
• A death in your family (including relatives)
• Being asked to attend jury duty
• Natural disasters
• Being made redundant in your job
• Being more than 32 weeks pregnant at the time of your trip
• If something happens: You’ll need to get proof of the emergency that forced you to cancel (like a medical report, jury duty notice etc.). If you’re unsure what you need, ask us.

If you break something…

• At Airbnb, hosts (the people who own/run the accommodation) are covered by their own insurance if their property is damaged by you.
• But for you, breaking or damaging stuff may mean losing your security deposit. This will be specified by the host when you book (e.g. $250).
• If you’ve got travel insurance, anything you break/damage is covered under Personal Liability (yay!). This means you can potentially claim and get back any dollars you lose.
• If something happens: Notify InsureandGo as soon as an accident occurs. You’ll also need to provide them with the paperwork from Airbnb when the host makes their own claim on your security deposit.

Oh no, I’ve injured myself! Am I Covered?

• Yep! Let’s say you slip over in the bathroom or you burn your hand using the stove, and you need to see a doctor or even go to the emergency room.
• Your medical and hospital costs will be covered by your travel insurance at InsureandGo.
• Under some comprehensive cover packages (like silver or gold) you could also be covered for any extra costs if you seriously hurt yourself and can’t go on with your trip (and need to go home).
• If something happens: Contact InsureandGo as soon as you need to see a doctor (or go to the hospital). That way, we’ll be able to liaise directly with the doctor/hospital and get your costs sorted!

The best ways to stay in touch with home while travelling

26th of September, 2019

While many of us welcome a break from our normal daily lives to enjoy a bit of travelling, the thought of completely cutting ties with home can be daunting for some.

Escaping the demands of work and daily chores can be great, but many of us would like to stay in touch with family and friends while we’re on holiday. Life doesn’t get put on pause while we’re away. Birthdays take place, babies are born, and footy games are won.

But staying in the loop while travelling has never been easier or cheaper thanks to today’s technology. Smartphones and computers allow us to stay up to date on the happenings back home and let us share our exciting travel adventures with our loved ones in real time.

Whether you’re taking off for a simple two week holiday or a long gap year, check out these great tips for staying in touch with home while travelling.

Being able to stay connected to family and friends means you’ll never really have to travel alone, and purchasing travel insurance can keep you financially protected should you face any travel disruptions along the way.

Phone home

Nothing beats hearing the comforting voices of the ones we love most.

The simple voice of a family member or friend can help lift our spirits when we’re feeling lonely while travelling and gives us someone to talk to about all our crazy adventures.

Using your personal mobile with an Australian plan is great for calling home during domestic trips but can prove costly when roaming kicks in during international holidays.

Be sure to turn off your phone’s mobile data and look into purchasing a local SIM card in the country you are visiting to enjoy cheaper calls back home. You will need to make sure your phone is unlocked and will be able to accommodate a SIM with another carrier.

Another option is to use Skype which offers free Skype-to-Skype audio and video calls between its users. Want to call your grandparents who may not have a computer or mobile? Skype also lets you call international landlines for very affordable rates.

Simply put some credit on your Skype account and you’re ready to hear a friendly voice back home.

You’ve Got Mail!

Long gone are the days of writing letters or sending postcards.

While it’s always fun to receive actual handwritten words, for most holidays this isn’t practical anymore. International letters and postcards can take several weeks to arrive, meaning you often arrive home before your mail does.

And there’s no need any more to waste that precious vacation time on searching for the local post office!

Emailing family and friends while you’re away is one of the best ways to stay in touch, though you don’t need to be emailing people daily.

Make things easier by setting up a writing schedule that will let your friends and family know you’re safe without giving them a play-by-play of everything you’re doing each day.

Write one general email with travel updates to send as a mass email that goes to a mailing list of your friends and family. This will allow you to keep in touch with everyone without having to write individual letters.

It’s also a good idea to avoid the automatic reply on your email, as this can alert criminals to the fact you may be away.

If it is necessary to set up an automatic reply for work purposes, be sure to be vague about where you’re travelling and specifics regarding travel dates.

Make use of Apps

Apps are another great way to keep in touch with family and friends while travelling.

Using your smartphone means you can message or video chat with nearly anyone, anytime you want. As nearly all communication apps will require being connected to the internet, be sure to make use of free Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes, or city Wi-Fi hotspots.

Remember to turn off your phone’s mobile data and connect to available free Wi-Fi instead. Of course there are security risks when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. If given the choice between a secured or unsecured network, always choose the secured option.

This will usually require a password or login and will be much less risky than using an unsecured network. Further protect yourself when using a public Wi-Fi network by not accessing your personal bank accounts or websites that require you to input sensitive personal data.

As for the best apps to use to connect with people back home, the top names are Whatsapp, Facetime, Facebook Messenger, Viber Messenger, Skype, and iMessage.

Many apps such as these will allow you to message, speak to, and video chat with friends and family who also downloaded the same apps.

Some of these apps even allow you to enjoy large group chats so you can talk with several family members or friends at the same time even if they are spread all across Australia.

Share your travel photos

While it may be tempting to share your travel photos on social media via Facebook or Instagram, it’s better to not do so while you are travelling.

Much like setting up an auto reply for your email, posting on social media potentially lets criminals know you are away and your home could become a target for theft or vandalism.

A better option for sending travel photos to family and friends is to use Dropbox. Using Dropbox allows you to share images just with the people you want to and it provides you with a generous online storage space for free.

If you do opt for posting photos on social media, be sure to set your profile settings to “private” to limit the amount of eyes that see them. Also be wary about posting questionable content online that could land you in hot water with local authorities.

It can be hard to know all the rules, regulations, and etiquette for different countries. Deciding not to post photos on social media shouldn’t stop you from logging on to view photos posted by family and friends back home.

Seeing familiar faces can be quite comforting while travelling and allows you to see important events you may have missed.

Create a blog

Take things to the next level by creating a travel blog to share your incredible travel adventures.

There are a number of great blog platforms that are free to set up and use, or you may want to create your own domain and possibly turn your travels into a small side business.

Having a blog not only allows your family to stay up to date on your travel experiences through your writings and images, it is also a great way for you to look back on all the destinations you have visited.

A blog is a much less pushy way of sharing your travels with friends and family since they can choose when they wish to see what you’re getting up to.

Creating travel blog articles can also help other travellers that follow your travel blog by providing them with helpful information, advice, and travel inspiration.

Arrange a house sitter

In addition to keeping in touch with family and friends, you may wish to make sure your actual physical home is doing all right as well.

One of the best ways to get updates on your house is to arrange for a house sitter to care for your property while you’re away.

This reduces the chances of your home being burgled or vandalised and a house sitter can help stay on top of things like watering plants, feeding pets, taking out the garbage, and collecting your mail.

Another option for keeping an eye on your house is to install video surveillance cameras that can be monitored via apps. You’ll be able to see what’s going on at your front door or in the kitchen straight from your phone while sipping that latte in Paris.

You can alert authorities if an alarm is triggered or when you notice something suspicious.

Additional tips

The best advice to remember when staying in touch with loved ones back home is to not centre your conversations on your exciting travels.

While it’s forgivable for wanting to share your travel experiences, you don’t want to rub in the fact that you’re enjoying a holiday while your friends and family are back home working. Keep the conversation two-sided and ask how your friend or family member is doing and what they are up to.

Remember to factor in differences in time zones so you don’t end up Facetiming or calling someone at 3AM.

For those you plan to keep in constant contact with, it may be wise to set up a schedule that works for both you and them. This will allow you to both be prepared for a conversation.

It’s always a good idea to let family know that you arrived safely in your chosen destination and to give them an overview of your itinerary in case something should happen.

Because travel can often be unpredictable, don’t set specific times for when you plan to call.

Giving approximate times or days when you plan to call will prevent family and friends from becoming worried should you be slightly delayed in contacting them.

Thailand Holidays: Tips & Advice from Insure&Go

Thailand is one of the most exotic Southeast Asian countries to explore, with thriving cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, stunning beaches like Phuket and Ko Samui and amazing natural regions filled with parks and rivers.

It is important that you avoid any unpleasant incidents and remain safe and sound during your Thai travels. To help you make the most of your trip, here are some essential tips:

Gastro & Food Poisoning

Gastro issues can be common in Thailand, especially since hygiene levels aren’t up to standard in many areas. To avoid falling ill:

• Avoid tap water (this includes ice) and stick to bottled water, even when cleaning your teeth
• Steer clear of street vendor food and any food that hasn’t been freshly cooked in front of you
• Common sense is important when choosing a restaurant – opt for places that serve fresh seafood, look clean and are well-maintained.

Scooter Accidents

The sputter of a scooter is a common sound in Thailand and it’s a great way to travel around and see the sights! If you do plan to hire a scooter, you should:

• Wear a helmet while riding your scooter, even if most others or locals aren’t
• Obey road rules and the scooter hire rules at all times
• Don’t leave valuables or belongings with your scooter unless they can be safely locked away (if a theft occurs, you may not be able to make a claim)
• Ensure you have cover for medical, hospital and personal accidents; these may become vital if a collision occurs
• Be aware of what you will need to do if you damage your scooter (excesses for scooters and motorcycles will not be covered by your insurance policy)

Scuba Diving, Snorkelling & Water Activities

At InsureandGo, we provide cover for most water activities. It is essential that you check the terms and conditions for the specific activities you will be participating in while in Thailand to make sure you are covered. Special terms often apply to scuba divers. To keep your insurance valid, you must ensure that:

• You are a qualified scuba diver or you only dive with a certified instructor
• You only dive to depths of up to 30 metres, no more
• You always scuba dive with at least one other person

Theft & Pick-Pocketing

Theft and pick-pocketing can be common in Thailand, so you should be careful with your belongings at all times:

• Keep a close eye on your belongings; even turning your back for a second can leave you open to theft
• At your hotel, lock your valuables away in a safe and don’t just leave them around the room
• When getting around, make sure you carry a bag that is fully closable and that can’t easily be pick-pocketed or snatched off your body; keeping documents and other valuables as close to your body as possible (travel wallet, bum bag) is recommended
• Keep your wits about you; be wary of “diversions” that could distract you from your bags, don’t flash your cash or valuables around and don’t keep your wallet or purse in your pocket where it can easily be swiped out

Respecting Thai Customs

Thailand is tourist-friendly, but there are some customs you should be aware of while travelling:

• Most temples will require both males and females to be covered, so long clothing on both top and bottom will be necessary; women should also avoid touching or giving/taking anything from monks
• Avoid engaging in any offensive or sacrilegious acts in relation to God, Buddha or Thai Royalty, as these can result in imprisonment
• Don’t touch Thai women unless they permit you to do so and avoid touching babies and children in general
• Do not touch any Thais (including children) on the head or hair, as the head is considered noble; if you do this by accident, apologise immediately
• Do not engage in excessive public displays of affection in Thailand
• If a local ‘Wais’ you (bows and presses both hands together at the chest), you should wai them back, unless they are a child
• Try to use your right hand for most actions; this might be tricky for left-handers, but Thais consider the left hand “dirty”, so use your right hand when paying or handing things to someone; you should also avoid pointing, as this is thought of as rude

Ensuring Safety Before You Go

If you plan to travel to Thailand, it is imperative that you pay attention to the news and check Smartraveller on a regular basis to determine whether it is safe to travel. If you travel against government advice, it may mean your travel insurance with InsureandGo will be void.

Pre-Existing Conditions

Medical facilities can be few and far between in Thailand, particularly in remote areas. To ensure you receive the best medical coverage from InsureandGo, you should declare all of your pre-existing medical conditions when you apply for travel insurance with us. This includes any conditions/illnesses you’ve had in the past five years and also any conditions/illnesses you are suffering from currently.

The great news is that InsureandGo will consider all medical conditions. To learn more about pre-existing conditions, simply call us or use our online medical screening questionnaire to determine whether your condition is coverable.

I’m Pregnant – Can I Travel Overseas?

The Better Health Channel advises that travelling and flying is often safest during your second trimester. Generally, travelling while pregnant is fine as long as there are no complications and you have your doctor's approval.

Things to Consider:

• Airlines regulations: Airlines (both domestic and international) will have different policies for pregnant travellers, so you’ll need to check their individual policies before booking your flights. For example, Qantas allows travel up to the end of the 36th week for single pregnancies on flights over 4 hours.
• Vaccinations: It may not be safe for you to travel to certain areas or regions if you cannot be vaccinated. While the influenza vaccine is recommended, many other vaccines may not be safe for pregnant women or their babies.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Long flights can also increase the risk of DVT, a serious condition causing blood clots in the legs. This can be prevented by wearing support stockings and moving around during the flight.
• Age Considerations: If you are over 35 and pregnant for the first time, it may not be advisable to travel or fly, according to the Better Health Channel

Pregnancy & Travel Insurance

Most travel insurance companies provide pregnancy cover for women who wish to travel or fly.

In most cases, you won’t be covered for normal pregnancy or childbirth costs while overseas, but you will be covered for specific complications that arise from your pregnancy or birth.

Complications Covered Can Include: 

• Premature delivery
• Gestational diabetes or hypertension
• Pre-eclampsia
• Excessive vomiting diagnosed as hyperemesis
• Birth complications such as placental abruption or emergency caesareans
• Miscarriages or stillbirths

Make sure you check the terms and conditions of your specific policy so that you understand what you are and aren’t covered for in relation to pregnancy and childbirth.

Will you be covered for the full term?

Most travel insurance companies will cover your pregnancy up to 26-28 weeks, while others can provide cover for up to 30 weeks.

There can also be other restrictions on how long you will be covered for depending on:

• Whether your pregnancy is single or multiple (twins, triplets etc.)
• Whether you conceived naturally or engaged the use of reproductive services to conceive
• Whether you have a routine pregnancy or are experiencing complications
• Any pre-existing complications or conditions before purchasing the travel insurance (which need to be declared this upon application as a pre-existing condition)

Did you know?

Insure&Go is one of the few travel insurance companies in Australia that provides pregnancy travel cover for up to 30 weeks.