Though domestic travel insurance will generally not include cover for medical and hospital expenses, there are a range of other policy benefits - including cover for lost or stolen luggage, cancellation fees and lost deposits, and rental vehicle excess cover in the event of an accident - that can prove invaluable when travelling domestically. Domestic travel insurance cover tends to be significantly cheaper than international cover. Nonetheless, it is not uncommon for Australian travellers to disregard or overlook travel insurance for domestic holidays or trips they have planned.
Typical inclusions
Readers should note that cover and limits included with a domestic travel insurance policy will differ depending on the plan and the provider, and will be subject to the terms of the product disclosure statement. Accordingly, it is important to read the product disclosure statement to be aware of any particular conditions and exclusions that may apply. The following may be included with domestic insurance travel plans:
- Lost or stolen luggage
- Rental vehicle excess
- Lost deposits & cancellation fees
- Emergency expenses
- Liability for damage to property, injury or death
- Accidental death & disability
When renting a vehicle, car rental companies will often offer to remove any excess or deductible amount in the event of an accident for an additional daily loading. The cost of domestic travel insurance is generally less than this daily loading amount, often actually making it a more cost-effective way to get cover for the accident excess of a rental vehicle. The additional advantage of travel insurance to the traveller would be the other benefits and cover also included with the policy.
Other benefits will often include cover for lost, stolen or damaged luggage, cancellation fees, and legal liability. And even when travelling within Australia, there is still much to be gained from the protection that domestic travel insurance adds. Few people travel without a camera and/or video camera, and more and more people now travel with a notebook computer, not to mention other valuable possessions. Non-refundable deposits are still at risk in the event of a cancellation.
Specific plans that cover domestic travel within Australian are available and can be compared to find the most appropriate policy. Annual travel insurance is another option, and will generally cover both international and domestic trips for a period of twelve months up to a specified maximum per trip duration. As mentioned above, benefits will be subject to conditions and exclusions which will be fully detailed in the domestic travel insurance product disclosure statement. |
