Travel insurance for Australia from £6.26
Key takeaways
Taking out travel insurance for your trip to Australia gives you the peace of mind of a financial safety net in the event that something goes wrong
Make sure you have enough cover on your policy for things like medical treatment, lost baggage, cancellation and delays
Take out cover as soon as you book your trip so you know you’ll be covered in case an emergency means you need to cancel your trip
If you’re travelling to Australia, The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has up-to-date advice on staying safe whilst you’re there. FCDO travel advice can change: check regularly for the latest information and sign up to email alerts.
Do I need travel insurance for Australia?
It might not be mandatory, but you should always make sure you take out a solid travel insurance policy before you go on holiday to Australia.
You’ll be protected against a range of common travel problems, from illness and accidents to lost baggage and theft.
You’ll also be able to reclaim your costs if you have to cancel or cut short your trip in an emergency. Ultimately, it means you can relax and enjoy your holiday.
Popular sporting events, such as the Australian Open, can make flights, hotels and transport much busier, increasing the risk of delays, cancellations or changes to your plans.
Travel insurance may help if your trip is disrupted, as long as the issue is covered and wasn’t known when you booked. It can also help cover stolen goods, if anything happens to your personal belongings while attending these types of events.
When should I take out travel insurance for Australia?
You should ideally take out your travel insurance policy as soon as your trip to Australia has been confirmed and booked. Make sure your cover starts from the day you book, so if you need to cancel in an emergency you can recoup the costs of your cancellations.
How much does travel insurance for Australia cost?
The cost of your travel insurance policy will vary depending on a number of factors, including how long you’re travelling for and what you’ll be getting up to.
People comparing quotes through MoneySuperMarket paid on average £34.17
What type of travel insurance do I need for Australia?
Australia should be covered by any worldwide travel insurance policy, but there are a few different types of insurance that might suit your holiday.
When you find the best travel insurance deals through MoneySuperMarket, you’ll be able to tailor your insurance to your needs. Some categories to look out for:
Single-trip insurance
If you only want to cover your trip to Australia, you may want to consider a single-trip policy as the basic option.
Annual multi-trip insurance
If you take two or more holidays a year, it might save money to buy an insurance policy for the entire year. Remember that if you’re planning to visit the USA, Canada, or the Caribbean, you’ll need a specific policy for these countries.
Backpackers’ insurance
If you’re visiting Australia as part of a backpacking holiday, you can find great deals on long term backpacker insurance. This can cover you for longer trips or if you’ll be visiting several different countries.
Can I get travel insurance for Australia with pre-existing medical conditions?
Yes, you should still be able to get travel insurance to cover you for your holiday to Australia even if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Just be aware that you’ll likely need to pay more for cover due to your higher risk profile in the eyes of your insurer.
What should my Australia travel insurance cover?
When you take out cover for your trip to Australia, you should make sure your travel insurance policy offers at least:
Medical cover for up to a minimum of £5 million
Cancellation cover in case you need to cancel or cut your trip short
Repatriation to cover the cost of bringing you back to the UK in an emergency
Baggage cover, in case your belongings are lost, damaged or stolen. Expensive items like gadgets will need additional or specialist cover to be fully protected
Passport cover to protect against any costs you face if your passport is lost or stolen
What activities can I get Australia travel insurance for?
Australia is a popular destination for outdoor adventures, and you’ll be able to take part in a range of activities down under, but you’ll need to take out the right insurance to make sure you’re protected, including:
What won’t be covered by my Australia travel insurance?
Travel insurance offers a lot of useful protection when you’re away, but like all insurance policies it will come with some exclusions you need to keep in mind:
You won’t be covered for risky activities or things that require specialist or expensive equipment unless you take out extra cover
You’ll also be rejected for any claims related to pre-existing medical conditions you didn’t tell your insurer about
Any incidents or losses that result from being intoxicated on alcohol or drugs will also not be covered
Finally, you are unlikely to be covered for claims relating to civil unrest or war
How do I get cover for extreme activities or sports in Australia?
Australia is a great country for outdoor sports and activities. If you’re looking to do some scuba diving off the coast or go for a rock-climbing adventure, you may need to add extra cover to your travel insurance.
Fortunately, such cover can usually be added to your travel insurance. When creating a new quote with MoneySuperMarket’s comparison tool, you will be able to select add-ons for extra cover on your holiday.
If you already have a travel insurance policy, you may be able to call and request that this cover is added on. However, this will likely increase its cost.
Do I need a visa to visit Australia?
Yes. UK passport holders need a visa to travel to Australia, even for short stays. Most tourists apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which allows visits of up to three months at a time.
You’ll need to arrange this before you travel, as you won’t be allowed to enter Australia without a valid visa.
Can I access healthcare in Australia?
Yes, you can access Australia's high standard of healthcare as a UK resident. The UK has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia, which allows UK residents to access some medically necessary treatment through the public healthcare system while visiting.
However, this cover is limited and should only be seen as a safety net. It won’t cover treatment for pre-existing conditions, non-urgent care, private healthcare, most prescriptions, ambulance costs or emergency repatriation to the UK.
This is why taking out travel insurance is strongly recommended when travelling to Australia.
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Australia?
You won’t need any special shots for Australia, but it’s important to make sure you’re up to date with all your ordinary vaccines before you set off. In particular, a tetanus shot is recommended.
Can I use my prescription medicine in Australia?
The legal status of some medicines might be different in Australia. If you’re travelling with prescription medicines, it’s best to check in advance to make sure they’re not controlled. You should also bring a copy of your prescription with you.
Are there any risks to consider when visiting Australia?
Australia is famous for its deadly wildlife, so exercise extreme caution if you encounter any snakes, spiders, or jellyfish.
There’s some risk of dengue fever in the state of Queensland, so it’s a good idea to avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent. Tick-borne diseases such as the West Nile virus are also present in some areas.
In practice, the biggest health risk you’re likely to face in Australia comes from the sun. Always wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days.
Get our best quote on travel insurance to Australia
Getting affordable cover for your holiday to Australia is easy when you compare travel insurance quotes with MoneySuperMarket.
Just tell us about yourself and your travel plans as well as the cover you need, and we’ll search the market for deals that meet your exact needs.
Author
Mehdi Punjwani
Insurance specialist
Mehdi is a financial writer and editor with over six years of experience in personal finance. He has written for organisations and publications including Equifax, The AA, and USAToday, covering a...
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