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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When planning a trip to Bali, many travelers wonder if they need travel insurance. While it’s not required, travel insurance is highly recommended. It provides essential financial protection against unexpected events that can ruin your trip.
Having travel insurance ensures you can relax and enjoy your Bali adventure without worrying about unexpected expenses. From unforeseen medical costs to trip cancellations, travel insurance provides the peace of mind you need to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Bali.
Bali is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and unfortunately, "Bali Belly." Travel insurance covers medical costs if you fall ill, ensuring you can get the treatment you need without financial strain. This is particularly important when traveling from Australia, where healthcare expectations are high.
Bali's tropical weather can be unpredictable, with sudden rainstorms and extreme conditions. Travel insurance covers trip delays and cancellations due to weather, protecting your plans and investment. This means you won't lose money if your flights are delayed or if severe weather affects your itinerary. Staying protected against weather disruptions allows you to adapt to changing conditions without stress.
Travel insurance is your safety net for emergencies like sudden illness, injury, or needing to return home unexpectedly. Having comprehensive coverage means you're ready for anything, providing security throughout your trip. Whether it’s a family emergency or an accident, travel insurance ensures you have the support and resources needed to handle emergencies smoothly.
If you’re traveling from Australia with valuable items like electronics and cameras, travel insurance covers lost, stolen, or damaged luggage. This ensures your essentials are safe and you can continue enjoying your vacation stress-free. Being covered for personal belongings allows you to replace necessary items and maintain your travel experience without major disruptions.
Exploring Bali by scooter is a popular and exciting way to see the island, but it comes with its own risks. Travel insurance often includes coverage for scooter incidents, protecting you from large expenses if there's an accident or damage. Knowing you’re covered allows you to enjoy scooter rides without the worry of potential accidents costing a fortune.
While travel insurance isn't mandatory for Bali, it's always better to be prepared. The small cost of travel insurance can save you from big financial losses and provide peace of mind, letting you enjoy your Bali adventure to the fullest. Investing in travel insurance is a smart choice that ensures you’re ready for whatever comes your way.
When traveling to Bali from Australia, it's wise to take insurance quotes from all companies. InsureandGo also offers travel insurance for Bali. Always read the product disclosure statement before buying a policy to understand what is covered.
Date published: 18/12/2024
A 7.2 magnitude earthquake occurred in Port Vila - Vanuatu on 17th December 2024, causing widespread infrastructure damage to roads and buildings. Some essential services have been impacted including flights.
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 17th December 2024 2.00pm AEDT, Customers are covered for claims arising from this event, provided they purchased the natural disaster cover add-on.
Policies Purchased After 2:00pm (AEDT) on 17th December 2024: Customers are not covered for claims arising from this event, even if they purchased the natural disaster cover add-on. 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 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.
Our policies provide up to $500 for emergency dental treatment as long as it is for the immediate relief of pain only.
Before you travel, visit your doctor for a check-up and discuss your travel plans, especially if you have health issues. Make sure you have enough of your prescribed medicines and carry a copy of your prescriptions. Don't forget to get travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Keep all your travel documents, like your passport, visa, and travel insurance, in a safe place. It’s a good idea to have copies of these documents too. Get a travel insurance policy that covers medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and other issues.
Your passport is super important when travelling. Keep it in a safe place, like a money belt or a secure bag, and don't leave it unattended.
Bring enough medicine for your entire trip and keep it in your carry-on bag. Also, carry your prescriptions to show at airports or if you need to see a doctor abroad.
Check the weather of your destination before you plan your trip. This will help you pack the right clothes and be prepared for any weather conditions.
Choose hotels, tours, and transportation that are senior-friendly. Make sure they have things like elevators, ramps, and ground-floor rooms if needed. If you use mobility aids, like a wheelchair, make sure they are easy to transport.
Stay safe by checking travel advisories for your destination. Avoid risky areas and keep your belongings secure. Share your travel plans with a family member or friend.
Pack comfortable clothes and items like neck pillows for long journeys. Choose hotels that have amenities you need, and inform them about any special dietary needs.
Senior citizens traveling abroad should get comprehensive travel insurance, keep important documents safe, and plan trips around weather conditions. They should also carry necessary medications with prescriptions and stay informed about safety and security at their destination.
Over the past 10 years, it has been shown that more and more Australians are travelling abroad. Over 9 million Australians travelled out of Australia in the year ending December 2016, a huge boost from 2006, when just 4.9 million Australians left the country. (Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics )
But one of the key questions many Australian travellers want to know is – WHEN should I purchase my travel insurance?
The best time to purchase your travel insurance is as soon as you have booked or finalised your holiday.
You should make sure that your insurance covers you for:
That’s okay. If you’ve yet to figure out some parts of your trip, you can still book your travel insurance based on an estimate of what cover you feel you will need.
Booking your travel insurance as soon as possible means you can benefit from cancellation cover, which is considered one of the most basic elements of any travel insurance package. (Source: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/insurance/)
If you need to cancel your trip prior to leaving Australia, you can usually make a claim for your expenses if your cancellation is due to:
In most cases, you will need to supply documentation (like a medical certificate or police report) to show that you were not able to travel and had to cancel your trip.
No. This is not allowed and will essentially mean you are not eligible for travel insurance or cancellation cover.
If you put off organising your travel insurance until later (e.g. a week or a day before you travel) and then discover you need to cancel your trip, you won’t be able to take advantage of the cancellation cover – and you’ll lose any non-refundable fares or costs that you have already paid.
Example:
Jane booked herself on a holiday to China, but decided to leave her travel insurance arrangements until a few days before she left. However, Jane’s mother suddenly became very ill and she ended up cancelling the trip.
The airlines and hotels had a non-refundable booking policy and would not refund Jane any of the money she’d already paid.
Since she did not have travel insurance, she wasn’t able to make a cancellation claim, either. Jane found herself without a holiday and out of pocket for $6,200.
If Jane had organised her travel insurance early on, she could have made a claim for the funds she lost and then used the money to re-book her trip later on.
Organise your travel insurance now and start a quote with InsureandGo
This insurance is underwritten by Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company Limited (MSI), ABN 49 000 525 637, AFSL 240816. Europ Assistance Australia Pty Ltd, ACN 140 219 594, AFSL 552106, trading as Insure&Go and other brands, holds a binding authority from the insurer, MSI to issue contracts of insurance and to deal with or settle claims on MSI’s behalf and as MSI’s agent.
For full details of the benefits, terms and conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions that may apply, please refer to the relevant Combined Product Disclosure Statement and Policy Wording and Financial Services Guide (PDS) available here and consider the PDS in light of your personal circumstances, prior to making any decision to acquire the product.
2024: Canstar award for ‘Outstanding Value – Seniors Travel Insurance’ and ‘Outstanding Value – International Travel Insurance’, 2024: Finder award for ‘Travel Insurance – Domestic’ and ‘Trusted Brand’, 2024: WeMoney Award for ‘Best for Seniors’ award. More information about our awards can be found here
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.
When two or more adults are travelling together as part of either a couple or a family group then each adult will benefit from a 10% discount to the standard individual premium for the selected level of cover for that particular trip before calculating the overall premium for the group. The 10% discount does not apply to individuals travelling with their non adult children who will however be covered at no additional cost.
