Travel Insurance: how to get the right cover

Deal only with members of the Insurance Council of Australia. The council's members all follow the General Insurance Code of Practice, rules that guide policy handling and claims.

Remember the following...

Compare policies. Travel insurance is very competitive. Pay only for a policy that suits your needs.

The cost of buying travel insurance is based on type of cover, your age, destination, length of stay away and any pre-existing medical conditions. The cost of cover varies depending on these factors.

Check for an excess clause. This is the amount you pay when making a claim (you can sometimes pay a higher premium to remove any excess).

Medical expenses can be extremely expensive overseas. When visiting the USA, Europe, Africa and Asia, make sure you have the maximum amount of cover.

Always read your Product Disclosure Statement to know the extent of cover and the limits of the policy (some exclusions include acts of terrorism, unattended luggage, loss of cash, pre-existing medical conditions, extreme activities).

While policies differ, cover for your luggage and personal belongings is likely to be limited. Check if the total amount of cover matches the per-item limit.

It is also important to review any special travel advisories issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs before booking your trip. Most policies do not cover cancellation as a result of the Australian Government prohibiting travel.

Learn more about planning your holidays and how to get cheap flights.