the best travel insurance for australia
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Do i need travel insurance for australia?
Whether you’re planning a backpacking adventure, family holiday or business trip, with Australia being home to some of the most dangerous creatures and thrill seeking activities, it is essential to consider travel insurance in order to protect yourself and your belongings during your travels in case of any unexpected events. There are many reasons why it is important to get travel insurance.
Medical emergencies
Trip cancellations
Lost or stolen property
Work-related injuries
Personal liability
Adventure activities
What is Medicare?
Medicare is Australia’s public healthcare scheme which provides free or subsidised health cover for all Australian citizens and most permanent residents. Australia holds a Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement with many countries, meaning if you’re travelling from overseas you may be eligible for this scheme. Citizens of the following countries fall under this agreement and therefore have access to essential medical treatment.
United Kingdom
New Zealand
Ireland
Sweden
The Netherlands
Finland
Italy
Belgium
Malta
Slovenia
Any ill health or injury that may occur whilst you’re in Australia that requires essential medical treatment before your return home would be covered.
This includes; lowering the cost of;
Services delivered in public and private hospitals
Medical services (consultations, mental health services and health checks)
Tests, imaging and scans
Medicines that fall under the pharmaceutical benefits scheme
However, this doesn't cover all healthcare services and as only some treatments are covered, regardless if you are eligible for Medicare or not, it is important to still get healthcare insurance as Medicare is not a replacement of this. It is important to keep in mind that despite being eligible for this agreement, you are still responsible for covering the costs of ambulance rides, doctor visits and if you’re required to be sent back home as a result of an injury - the RHCA will not cover this. These expenses can quickly add up, so getting the right travel insurance will ensure you can enjoy your travels worry-free!
WHat Travel insurance should i get?
When it comes to comparing different types of travel insurance, it is important to consider a number of factors to ensure you're choosing one that best suits your needs.
Coverage details: Ensure the policy covers what you need for you travels. For example, travel disruptions and cancellations and medical expenses.
Costs: Opting for a cheaper policy may seem attractive initially but cheaper isn’t always better. A lower-priced policy could be lacking in critical areas of coverage, weighing the cost against the level of protection offered is important to ensure that you have peace of mind and financial security.
Reputation: Checking a travel insurance’s reputation is crucial as it reflects how reliable and trustworthy the company is on efficiently handling claims and providing support and assistance.
Exclusions and limits: Reviewing the policies exclusions and claim limits is vital to avoid any surprises. Knowing what’s not covered and the maximum claimable amount helps plan effectively and ensures protection during your travels.
Personal needs: There may be certain activities you are wishing to do whilst you visit Australia that may require a certain policy or particular add-ons, for example skydiving or working in certain jobs.
Choosing a particular travel insurance will differ for everyone and depend on your circumstances, budget and travel plans. We recommend using True Traveller as it allows full customisation for your needs, the personal specifications of your trip such as specific activities and insuring individual gadgets. This is a popular travel insurance amongst backpackers and those on a working holiday visa. The three policies they offer are True Value, Traveller and Traveller Plus, for further detail and ensuring you choose the best policy for your journey. You can get a quote for your travel insurance here!
There are many other travel insurance companies available such as Safety Wing and Go Insurance. Safety wing is popular amongst digital nomads and longterm travellers as it’s both budget friendly and offers worldwide travel medical insurance. Go insurance is another go to insurance that travellers tend to use.
