Travel broadens the mind, as we are so often told, and few things can be more life-affirming or horizon-broadening than visiting other countries and experiencing various cultures, cuisines, and ways of life. Yet not all those places will come without inherent risks and frustrations. Nothing can prevent some of those things from happening as they will, but one thing any responsible Australian traveller can do is mitigate those risks and acquire comprehensive travel insurance in Australia before leaving for exciting foreign destinations.

If you are already overseas and neglected to purchase travel insurance in Australia before leaving, there’s no need to panic. Many companies will allow you to retroactively purchase an insurance policy and allow you to continue your trip with peace of mind. It should be noted, however, that this will not be possible if you are already in a position where you need to make a claim. Companies will enforce a waiting period before the cover becomes active, which is one of the elements you must familiarise yourself with before purchasing.

Why do I need to obtain travel insurance from Australia?

If you are planning to spend time overseas, travel insurance is one of the most important things you can arrange before you leave home. It protects you against a raft of issues and unpleasant occurrences, including:

  • Cancellations
  • Luggage and belongings
  • Car rental excess
  • Additional expenses
  • Credit card fraud
  • Personal liability
  • Flight delays and cancellations
  • Loss of income

Medical coverage

While the medical facilities and expertise in many countries are second to none, they will only be provided for a price, which can be alarmingly high depending on the location and quality of the facility. Availing yourself of travel insurance in Australia before jetting off is the best way to protect yourself against those costs. It can mean the difference between spending your life savings to recover and get home or having an insurance provider pick up the tab and facilitate the process on your behalf. All other considerations are nothing compared to your health and should be considered mere bonus elements of your travel insurance in Australia.

Which policy should I choose?

The prices and terms and conditions of travel insurance in Australia can vary wildly, and it is recommended to start your research early and be prepared to investigate each policy and insurance provider thoroughly. Regulations in Australia determine that all policies must be written in such a way as to be unambiguous, and this is of immense help when comparing quotes and policy coverage.

Question your findings and contact insurers directly to clarify any points of contention or confusion. Suppose you find yourself needing assistance overseas and are informed that your chosen policy does not cover your situation. In that case, it is already too late to change and may lead to enormous expense and logistical nightmares. Be prepared, do your homework, and wait to sign your name on the dotted line until you are fully satisfied that you have the right policy for the occasion.