International travel involves visiting foreign and unknown cities and airports, and with the unknown it is important for travellers to consider whether they will be able to access emergency assistance and whether they will be covered for the things that can eventuate while travelling the world. Depending on the provider and policy, international travel insurance will provide cover for a broad range of events, and can be an effective way for travellers to safeguard against unexpected situations that can be particularly expensive when overseas. The following is information only and not advice. Travellers should read the product disclosure statement in full and if necessary seek advice before buying international travel insurance.
Emergency assistance
Emergency assistance is a major benefit included with many international travel insurance policies and can be invaluable in the event of an emergency in an unknown country. Though it may differ between providers, most policies will provide a phone number that can be called from anywhere in the world, and again depending on the policy assistance is typically provided for the following:
- Paying international hospital and medical bills
- Arranging an interpreter in non-English speaking overseas hospitals
- Repatriation to Australia after an accident or illness
- Replacement of personal documents including lost passports
- Replacement of travel documents including lost tickets
- Arranging for an emergency transfer of funds
- Rescheduling of disrupted travel plans
Other benefits
Medicare often doesn't cover medical and hospital expenses outside of Australia, and similarly private health insurance policies often do not provide cover when travelling overseas. Insurance for international travel will provide a set amount of cover - unlimited for some policies - for medical and hospital expenses. This will typically cover the traveller for medical expenses including the cost of transportation or evacuation for medical purposes, hospital stays, visits to the doctor and surgery. Limits may apply depending on the policy, and will be detailed in the policy wording.
Whether it be unreliable airport baggage or theft, the loss of luggage is statistically more common when travelling. It is also common that travellers take valuable items like cameras and laptops when travelling. Overseas travel insurance for international trips will typically include cover for lost or stolen luggage. Most plans have a maximum total amount that can be claimed for lost or stolen luggage, and maximum amount that can be claimed per item of luggage - it is important to ensure that cover is adequate.
Cruises, flights and accommodation must normally be booked in advance with a deposit (or even the full amount) paid upfront, and in the event of cancellation this may not be refundable. Depending on the policy and subject to the policy wording, international travel insurance may cover the traveller for cancellation fees and lost deposits if unable to go on the trip. For more information on these and other benefits, please refer to the applicable product disclosure statement. |
