Australia is high on the bucket list for many travellers – and luckily for New Zealanders, this great southern land is just a short trip across the ditch! The world’s only island continent, Australia, could fit our humble New Zealand into its borders around 29 times; and the adventures that await are as vast as its landmass. From sparkling Sydney Harbour and Melbourne’s cosmopolitan café culture to the vibrant turquoise of the Great Barrier Reef and the red centre’s ochre landscapes and rich indigenous culture, whether you’re exploring bustling cities, charming beach towns, or wide – open spaces, Australia is sure to leave a mark on your heart.
No matter what’s on your itinerary, it’s important to protect your trip with travel insurance for Australia. While you never plan for things to go wrong while you’re away, sometimes they do – and travel insurance can help protect you against unexpected incidents and expenses. From lost passports and hotel cancellations to emergency medical treatment and repatriation, travel insurance may be able to help equip you with expert assistance when you need it most.
Do I Need Travel Insurance for Holidays to Australia if I’m from New Zealand?
While Australia might be just a short trans – Tasman flight away, it’s just as important to have travel insurance for Australia as it is for any other international destination. The reality is that things can go wrong anywhere, and even though your holiday destination may only be a few hours from home, travel insurance for Australia can protect you from the expenses of unexpected situations. This includes requiring emergency medical care, a hospital visit, lost luggage, travel delays, severe weather, and more. You should consider buying travel insurance for Australia as soon as you plan to go or book your flights.
New Zealand and Australia share a reciprocal healthcare agreement that covers both medically necessary care as a public patient, including public hospital inpatient and outpatient services and some prescription medicines. However, this isn’t a replacement for travel insurance. While you might be able to access free treatment should you need to go to a & e, it won’t cover a wide range of other medical expenses – such as private specialists, some prescription costs, or emergency transport, like an air lift back in NZ. Nor will it cover any additional accommodation, rescheduling of flights, lost luggage, personal liability or other issues that can arise when travelling abroad. So while travel insurance is not required, and you can access some health care benefits in Australia without it, it’s always recommended you take out a travel insurance policy when travelling overseas.
What Level of Travel Insurance Do I Need for Australia?
Every traveller – and every holiday – can be different. That’s why there are usually two different international plans suitable for Australian holidays provided, so you can choose the right level of travel insurance to suit your needs.
Options Plan
The options plan is usually the most comprehensive online travel insurance plan, suitable for trips to Australia, and can provide extra peace of mind while you’re exploring Australia.
Benefits include:
- Unlimited medical expenses
- Unlimited additional expenses
- Emergency dental expenses
- Trip cancellation protection up to the level of cover chosen
- Luggage and travel documents cover
- Rental vehicle insurance excess
- Delayed luggage allowance
- Hospital incidentals
- Legal expenses
- Personal liability
- And more.
If you travel frequently to Australia and other parts of the world, you may wish to consider our annual – multi trip (amt) plan which can save you time and money. Protected for an unlimited number of journeys in a 12 – month period, you won’t have to worry about taking out a new travel insurance policy every time you jet off on a trans – Tasman trip.
Essentials Plan
Looking for high – quality travel insurance for an affordable price? The essentials plan may be right for you. Popular among travellers on a budget, such as students and backpackers, this plan focuses on the most important benefits to offer low – cost, great – value travel insurance.
Benefits include:
- Medical and dental expenses
- Luggage and travel documents cover
- Delayed luggage allowance
- Trip cancellation protection up to the level of cover chosen
- Personal liability
- and more.
Does Travel Insurance Cover Adventure Activities in Australia?
From snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef and horse riding along gold – sand beaches, to hot air ballooning over wine country, jet boating through Sydney Harbour, or trekking through ancient rainforest, one thing’s for sure: Australia is built for adventure.
If you’re a thrill – seeker wanting to engage in adventure activities while on holiday, travel insurance for Australia can help protect you. Adventure activities often involve higher risk or travelling to more remote locations, so without the right level of insurance, you could be looking at a complicated and expensive medical situation.
Most travel insurance policies will have a list of covered adventure activities. Some of the more common ones include:
- Snorkelling
- Scuba diving (usually up to a certain depth)
- Surfing
- Horse riding
- Hiking
- Biking
- Kayaking
- White – water rafting
However, some more extreme activities may require an additional premium or may not be covered at all. These could include:
- Skydiving
- Bungee jumping
- Hang gliding
- Canyoneering
- Mountain climbing (above a certain altitude)
It’s important to check your policy details carefully to see what activities are covered and what the limits and conditions are. If you’re planning to do something that’s not on the list of covered activities, you may be able to purchase an add – on or extension to your policy to get the coverage you need.
Does Travel Insurance Provide Cover for COVID – 19?
The situation regarding COVID – 19 and travel insurance has been evolving. Initially, many travel insurance policies did not cover COVID – 19 – related incidents. However, as the pandemic has continued, some insurers have started to offer coverage either as part of their standard policies or as an optional add – on.
When looking for travel insurance that covers COVID – 19 for your trip to Australia from NZ, here are some things to consider:
Medical expenses: The policy should cover the cost of medical treatment if you contract COVID – 19 while in Australia. This includes hospital stays, doctor consultations, and any necessary medications.
Trip cancellation or interruption: If you have to cancel or cut short your trip due to a positive COVID – 19 test (either yours or a travel companion’s), the insurance should reimburse you for non – refundable expenses such as flight tickets, accommodation, and tour bookings.
Quarantine costs: In case you are required to quarantine in Australia due to COVID – 19, the insurance may cover the cost of accommodation and food during the quarantine period.
It’s crucial to read the policy wording thoroughly. Some policies may have specific conditions, such as requiring you to follow all government – recommended health and safety measures. Also, the coverage may vary depending on whether you are vaccinated or not. Some insurers may offer more comprehensive coverage to vaccinated travellers.
Does Travel Insurance Cover Cruising in Australia?
If you’re planning a cruise around the Australian coast, it’s important to know that standard travel insurance policies may not automatically cover all aspects of your cruise. While they may cover some general travel – related risks like trip cancellation or medical emergencies on land before or after the cruise, specific cruise – related risks often require additional coverage.
Common cruise – related risks that may need to be covered include:
Medical emergencies on board: Cruise ships are at sea for long periods, and if you require urgent medical attention, the cost of treatment on the ship or being airlifted to a nearby port for further treatment can be extremely high.
Cruise cancellation or itinerary changes: The cruise line may cancel the cruise due to various reasons such as mechanical problems, bad weather, or safety concerns. Or, they may change the itinerary, which could result in you missing out on planned ports of call. A good travel insurance policy should reimburse you for any non – refundable expenses in such cases.
Luggage loss or damage on board: Just like in other forms of travel, your luggage can be lost, stolen, or damaged during the cruise. The insurance should cover the cost of replacing your belongings.
To get coverage for cruising, you may need to purchase a specific cruise add – on to your travel insurance policy. This add – on will typically extend the coverage to include these cruise – specific risks. Make sure to check the details of the add – on, such as the limits of liability, what is covered and what is excluded.
How Can Travel Insurance Assist Me in an Emergency?
Travel insurance providers usually have a 24/7 emergency assistance service. In case of an emergency during your trip to Australia, here’s how they can help:
Medical emergencies: If you get sick or injured, the emergency assistance team can help you find a suitable medical facility in Australia. They can also arrange for medical treatment, including emergency evacuation if necessary. In some cases, they may be able to directly pay the medical bills to the hospital on your behalf, eliminating the need for you to worry about upfront payments.
Lost documents: If you lose your passport or other important travel documents, the assistance team can guide you through the process of getting replacements. They can provide information on where to go (such as the nearest New Zealand embassy or consulate in Australia) and what steps to take.
Trip disruptions: In case of flight cancellations, severe weather that affects your travel plans, or other unexpected disruptions, the emergency assistance can help you re – arrange your travel. This may involve booking new flights, finding alternative accommodation, and providing advice on the best course of action.
Legal assistance: If you get involved in a legal issue while in Australia, the travel insurance may offer legal advice or assistance in finding a local lawyer.
Do I Need Travel Insurance for Driving a Car or Van in Australia?
If you plan to drive a car or van in Australia, having travel insurance can provide you with important protection.
Accident coverage: In the event of a car accident, travel insurance can cover the costs associated with vehicle damage, personal injury, and liability. If you cause an accident and are liable for damages to another vehicle or property, the insurance can help pay for the repairs or compensation. Similarly, if you or your passengers are injured, the medical expenses may be covered.
Rental vehicle excess: When you rent a car in Australia, the rental company usually requires you to pay a deposit or have a certain amount of excess liability in case of an accident. Travel insurance can cover this excess amount, so you don’t have to pay a large sum out of pocket if something goes wrong with the rental vehicle. However, it’s important to note that there are often conditions attached. For example, you must comply with the rental vehicle agreement, drive within the speed limits, and not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Breakdown assistance: Some travel insurance policies also offer breakdown assistance for rental vehicles. If your rental car breaks down in the middle of your trip, they can arrange for a mechanic to come and fix it, or provide alternative transportation if the vehicle cannot be repaired immediately.
Am I Covered if I’m Riding a Motorcycle or Moped?
Coverage for riding a motorcycle or moped in Australia under your travel insurance depends on several factors.
License requirements: Most travel insurance policies will only provide coverage if you have a valid motorcycle or moped license in New Zealand that is recognized in Australia. If you are not legally licensed to ride the type of two – wheeler you plan to use in Australia, you are likely not covered.
Engine size limitations: There may be restrictions on the engine size of the motorcycle or moped for which you are covered. For example, some policies may only cover mopeds with an engine size of 50cc or less if you are using a regular New Zealand driver’s license to operate them. Larger engine – sized motorcycles may require a specific motorcycle endorsement on your license for coverage.
Safety equipment: Wearing appropriate safety equipment, such as a helmet, is usually a requirement for coverage. If you are involved in an accident while not wearing a helmet when it is legally required, the insurance company may deny your claim.
It’s essential to review your travel insurance policy carefully to understand the exact terms and conditions regarding motorcycle and moped coverage. If you are unsure, contact your insurance provider before you travel to clarify.
Special Considerations for Specific Traveller Groups
Seniors
Seniors often have different needs when it comes to travel insurance. As people age, the risk of certain medical conditions increases. When looking for travel insurance for an Australian trip, seniors should pay special attention to the medical coverage. They need to ensure that the policy covers pre – existing medical conditions. Some insurers may charge an additional premium to cover pre – existing conditions, while others may have strict requirements for disclosure and underwriting.
The maximum age limit for some travel insurance policies can also be a concern for seniors. Some policies may not cover travellers above a certain age, typically around 80 – 85 years old. It’s important to shop around and find a policy that is suitable for their age group. Additionally, the level of medical evacuation coverage is crucial. In case of a serious medical emergency, the cost of being flown back to New Zealand for treatment can be astronomical, and the insurance should be able to cover this expense.
Families with Children
For families travelling with children to Australia, travel insurance can provide valuable protection. In addition to the standard coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage, families may want to look for policies that offer specific benefits for children.
Some policies cover the cost of medical treatment for children, including vaccinations if they are required during the trip. If a child gets sick or injured, the insurance can help with the cost of doctor visits, medications, and hospital stays. In case of trip cancellation due to a child’s illness, the policy should reimburse non – refundable expenses.
Moreover, if a family has to cut short their trip because a child needs to return home for medical reasons, the travel insurance can cover the cost of changing flights and other associated expenses. Some policies also offer coverage for the cost of an adult companion to accompany a sick child back home if needed.
Backpackers and Long – Term Travellers
Backpackers and long – term travellers in Australia often engage in a variety of activities and may have different risk profiles. They may be more likely to participate in adventure sports, stay in budget accommodation, and use public transportation more frequently.
Travel insurance for this group should cover a wide range of adventure activities, as backpackers are more likely to try activities like surfing, hiking in remote areas, or bungee jumping. Since they may be on the road for an extended period, long – term travellers need to consider policies that offer continuous coverage for the duration of their trip. Some insurers offer annual multi – trip policies that are suitable for those who plan to make multiple trips during the year, which can be more cost – effective for backpackers who may be travelling in and out of Australia frequently.
In terms of accommodation, if a backpacker’s luggage is stolen from a hostel, the insurance should cover the loss of personal items. Also, given that they may be relying on public transportation, coverage for travel delays due to issues with buses, trains, or flights is important.
How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance Policy
Assess Your Needs
Before purchasing travel insurance for your trip to Australia from NZ, assess your specific needs. Consider the following questions:
How long will you be travelling? If it’s a short trip, a single – trip policy may be sufficient. For frequent travellers or those going on an extended journey, an annual multi – trip policy could be more cost – effective.
What activities will you be doing? If you plan to engage in adventure sports, make sure the policy covers those activities. If you’re going on a cruise, ensure it has cruise – specific coverage.
Do you have any pre – existing medical conditions? If so, you need to find a policy that will cover them, either with a standard inclusion or for an additional premium.
How much luggage do you have, and what is its value? This will help you determine the appropriate level of luggage coverage.
Compare Policies
Once you know your needs, compare different travel insurance policies. Look at the following aspects:
Coverage limits: Check the maximum amount the policy will pay out for different types of claims, such as medical expenses, trip cancellation, and lost luggage. Make sure these limits are sufficient for your needs.
Exclusions: Read the list of exclusions carefully. This is what the policy will not cover. For example, some policies may exclude claims related to certain high – risk activities or pre – existing conditions that were not disclosed.
Premiums: Compare the cost of the policies. However, don’t just choose the cheapest one. Consider the coverage and benefits it offers in relation to the price.
Customer reviews: Look for reviews of the insurance company and the specific policy online. This can give you an idea of the company’s reputation for handling claims and providing customer service.
Read the Policy Wording
Before finalizing your purchase, read the entire policy wording. This is the legal document that outlines the terms and conditions of the insurance. Make sure you understand everything, including how to make a claim, what documentation you need to provide, and any time limits for claims. If there are any terms or conditions that you don’t understand, contact the insurance provider and ask for clarification.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while New Zealanders have some reciprocal healthcare benefits in Australia, travel insurance is still highly recommended, if not essential, for a trip across the Tasman. The potential risks of unexpected medical emergencies, trip disruptions, lost luggage, and other unforeseen events make having travel insurance a prudent decision. By carefully assessing your needs, comparing different policies, and understanding the terms and conditions, you can choose the right travel insurance to protect your Australian adventure and give you peace of mind throughout your journey. So, before you jet off to explore the wonders of Australia, make sure you have the right travel insurance in place.
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