Frequently asked questions

Do I have to take out Travel Insurance for my holiday?

No, you are not legally obligated to take out online Travel Insurance. Last year up to 20% of Australians went on holiday without any Travel Insurance. This number is declining each year as we become more aware of the importance of being covered.

Bear in mind that if you incur medical or other expenses while overseas and you don't have travel insurance, you are personally liable for covering these costs. The Australian Government cannot pay these expenses. The Australian government sums this up by stating "If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel!"

How do I find out about Government warnings on travel destinations?

Visit www.smartraveller.gov.au for the latest travel advice and warnings from the Australian Government. You can even register to receive updates for your chosen destinations.

Which travel insurance company do you recommend?

We do not single out or recommend any particular travel insurer on this site. We bring the information to you so that you can make your own travel insurance comparison. If you need advice on a particular travel insurance product, you need to contact the travel insurance company directly. If you need personal advice this can be given by an insurance broker that regularly advises you on travel insurance products.

What if I am pregnant?

Many insurers will offer travel insurance for pregnant women up to 26 weeks of pregnancy, with some offering cover up to 30 weeks. The stage of pregnancy and level of cover varies between insurers. View our guide Travel Insurance for pregnant women to learn more.

No Australian policies cover full-term birth. Most airlines also have restrictions. For example;

When flying Qantas while pregnant international travel is not permitted;
after the 36th week of pregnancy (for single pregnancies)
after the 32nd week of pregnancy (for multiple pregnancies)

When flying Virgin while pregnant travel is permitted but medical clearance is required;
after the 36th week of pregnancy (for single pregnancies)
after the 32nd week eek of pregnancy (for multiple pregnancies)

Will my children be covered under my policy?

In most cases, Yes!

Insurers will generally cover dependants for free when they're travelling with an adult under a Single or Family policy. A dependent is usually classed as a child travelling with their parent or grandparent that is not in full time employment. The number of dependents and the age limit varies between insurers, so be sure to check the cut-offs.

Children are not usually covered in a Duo (two adults) or Group policy.

Read our travel insurance guide for family travel insurance to learn more.

What if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

If you have a pre-existing medical condition then you must tell the insurer. A pre-existing medical condition is defined by most insurers as being an illness or injury that you have had symptoms of or received medical treatment for in the past. Depending upon the condition and insurer, the timeframe that applies can vary from treatment in the last 6 months up to the last 10 years.

Many travel insurance policies automatically cover some existing medical conditions for free, and some require an additional premium to be paid. Generally the insurer won't pay for continuing or routine treatment or if you travel against medical advice.

Once you have done your comparison, you will be directed to the insurer's website where you can investigate their terms and conditions on pre-existing medical conditions, prior to purchase. If your medical condition is serious, the insurer may request an assessment of your condition before deciding if they will provide cover for it.

Read our tips for taking out travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions.