Planning a trip is always an exciting experience, but it does come with a few uncertainties. That's where travel insurance plays an important role, offering financial protection and peace of mind when you need it most while you hope the unexpected does not happen, it is best to be prepared. Whether you're a frequent traveller or you're planning your first getaway, understanding the ins and outs of travel insurance is so important.
Come along with us for this deep dive into the wonderful world of travel insurance. After starting with the basics like "What is travel insurance?", we'll dive into the primary question, "What does travel insurance cover?" and explore plenty of related topics to get you prepared for your next adventure.
What is travel insurance? Understanding the basics
Simply put, it's a type of insurance that covers the costs and losses associated with travel. This may include things like delays and cancellations to lost luggage or medical expenses.
If you’re asking, “Do I need travel insurance?” , you should know it’s one of the most reliable ways to protect yourself when traveling far from home.
Whether you're going on a short domestic trip or a long international holiday, travel insurance is one way of protecting you of unexpected bills if things do go a little sideways.
Now, let's take a closer look at one of the key questions, "What does travel insurance cover?"
What does travel insurance cover? Key protections explained
Travel insurance is about making sure that when the unexpected happens, you’re not left to handle it alone. Here are some of the inclusions you can expect from a policy:
- Reimbursement for non-refundable costs iif your trip is cancelled or cut short due to covered reasons like illness
- Medical treatment and hospital stays if you get sick or injured while travelling
- Reimbursement for your belongings if your luggage is lost, stolen, or delayed to ensure you have all of the essentials
- Reimbursement for meals, accommodation, or transport incurred due to travel delays
- 24/7 emergency access to a doctor, translator, or legal advice while overseas for medical related issues
Optional Extras
- Going to the snow: covered for snow sport activities
- Going sea or ocean cruising: covered while sea or ocean cruising
- Doing adventure activities: covered for adventure activities
- Taking higher-value items: increase the item limit for higher-value items
Special considerations: Travel insurance that covers pregnancy
If you’re planning a trip while expecting a bundle of joy, it’s important to find the right travel insurance. While many standard policies cover pregnancy to some extent, there are key factors to consider for full protection.
This covers emergency medical care if needed during your travels. However, be mindful of exclusions for complications or later pregnancy stages, so be sure to review the policy details.
When selecting a policy, opt for one with explicit pregnancy coverage. Some insurers offer extra options for comprehensive protection, always remember to disclose your pregnancy if you have previously had pregnancy complications with current or a previous pregnancy; or you are expecting more than one child.
Do I need travel insurance? Assessing your travel risks
Deciding if you need travel insurance depends on a few key factors, including:
Where you're going and what you're doing
If you're headed to a remote destination, you’re travelling for a long time, or you’ve planned high-intensity activities like skiing or scuba diving, travel insurance is probably a really good idea. These types of trips tend to come with higher risks of medical emergencies or trip interruptions, so having insurance can be a lifesaver.
Cost vs benefit
Travel insurance usually costs a small percentage of your overall trip, but it has the power to save you money in the event that something goes wrong. For example, it could cover non-refundable trip cancellation, a medical emergency while you’re overseas, or replacing lost luggage.
Can you afford to opt out?
If you’re staying relatively close to home, going on a short domestic trip, or visiting a place where you’re covered by your existing health insurance or a reciprocal agreement, you may decide to skip it. However, it's important to remember that even in those cases, travel insurance is invaluable when the unexpected happens.
Ultimately, it all comes down to how comfortable you are with the idea of risk. If you’d rather not worry about unexpected expenses, travel insurance is a pretty good safety net to have.
How much does travel insurance cost? The factors that influence pricing
To get the best value, be sure to:
- Compare policies
- Look for eligible discounts
- Ensure you only sign up for the coverage you need
- Check if your credit card offers any travel insurance benefits
Factors that influence pricing
The cost of a travel insurance policy depends on several factors, including:
Age - Older travellers will typically pay more due to higher health risks.
Trip length - Longer trips are more expensive to insure because there are more opportunities for something to go off-course.
Destination - Travelling to countries with high healthcare costs or risky destinations can increase the cost of your policy.
Now, it's time for a look at answers to frequently asked questions like "What does travel insurance cover?"
"What does travel insurance cover?" and other FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from people just like you, wondering about the ins and outs of travel insurance.
What does travel insurance cover?
Travel Insurance covers you for the small stuff like delayed luggage to bigger issues like overseas medical emergencies and trip cancellations. You'll also receive access to 24/7 emergency assistance and optional extras if you have activities like cruising or skiing planned. It's important to find a policy that aligns with your lifestyle.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is a smart move for any trip. It covers you for unexpected events that can turn your dream holiday into a nightmare.
How much does travel insurance cost?
The cost of travel insurance varies depending on where you're going, how long for, and what level of cover you're after. Generally, it's a small percentage of your total travel costs. With HIF, you can customise the perfect plan to suit your budget and requirements, so you'll only be paying for what's important to you.
Does travel insurance cover flight cancellation?
Travel insurance policies, such as those offered by HIF can cover flight cancellations when something unexpected arises - such as getting sick or dealing with a family emergency. If you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason, your insurance may reimburse you for otherwise non-refundable travel costs. Just be sure to understand the terms and conditions of your policy.
Can I find travel insurance that covers pregnancy?
Yes! Some policies, like those offered by HIF, cover pregnancy-related issues, particularly if your pregnancy is straightforward and you're within a certain number of weeks. However, there may be exclusions if you have any complications or you're choosing to travel later in your pregnancy.
Does an Australian need travel insurance for New Zealand?
Australia and New Zealand have a reciprocal healthcare agreement, however, it's still a good idea for Aussies to take our travel insurance for trips across the ditch. HIF's travel insurance can cover things like cancellations, lost luggage, or unexpected medical emergencies.
What is the best travel insurance company?
The best travel insurance for you will depend on your particular needs. If you're looking for comprehensive cover with the chance to add extras for the activities you love (like cruising or adventure sports), consider us. You'll also receive 24/7 emergency support thanks to our partnership with Allianz Global Assistance.
What types of travel insurance do I need?
The type of travel insurance you take out will really depend on your particular trip. At a minimum, you'll need coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and of course, the headache of lost luggage. If snow or cruise packages also appeal to you, customising your HIF travel insurance cover is a breeze.
How many days before should you buy travel insurance?
It's best practice to organise your travel insurance as soon as your trip is booked. That way, if anything unexpected arises before you leave, you'll be covered if you need to change your plans., with insurance tailored to you.
Final thoughts on travel insurance
Understanding what travel insurance covers is the key to being protected when the unexpected happens when you're far from home. Now that we've answered all of your burning questions like "What does travel insurance cover?", your next adventure should be worry-free. Take a moment to review your travel plans and find coverage that aligns with you.
Whether it's a flight delay or a healthcare emergency, the right insurance can save you significant stress and money. Explore HIF’s comprehensive travel insurance options today and get a quote to stay protected. If you still have any questions we haven't covered, reach out to the friendly team today!
* Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits apply. Read the Product Disclosure Statement for full details.
Please note: Kirsty's blog is general advice only. For further information on this topic please consult your healthcare professional.