Travel Insurance: Australia
Compare travel insurance for Australia
We’ve got some great tips for your trip Down Under – plus a reminder to sort out your insurance before you leave
We’ve got some great tips for your trip Down Under – plus a reminder to sort out your insurance before you leave
There’s nothing quite like a trip Down Under. It’s a truly vast country, from its steamy jungles to its enormous deserts, all populated by weird and wonderful wildlife that exists nowhere else on Earth. And Australian culture is unique too: it’s a friendly and laid-back land of hot sunshine, cold beer, and the famous ‘fair go’ spirit.
Australia is one of the greatest places in the world to enjoy some holiday adventures – whether it’s diving in the Great Barrier Reef, surfing on the Gold Coast, or catching some white-water rapids in Tasmania. But whether you’re in for a wild ride or just out for some winter sun, it’s essential to get insured before you venture out to Oz. That way, you can relax and enjoy your holiday with peace of mind.
If you’re planning a holiday in Australia, you should always make sure you have travel insurance before you set off. That way, you’ll be protected against many common travel problems while on your trip. For instance, travel insurance can cover you against illness, accidents, lost baggage and theft while you’re on your Australian getaway.
Travel insurance also means you’ll be able to reclaim your costs if you have to cancel or cut short your trip in an emergency – so you can relax and enjoy your holiday.
Australia should be covered by any worldwide travel insurance policy. However, there are many 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:
When you’re choosing a travel insurance deal for your Australian holiday, watch out for these important features your cover should include:
You should also keep an eye on your policy’s excess – that’s the amount you’ll have to pay yourself towards any claim. A higher excess usually means your premium is cheaper – but make sure it’s an amount you’ll be able to pay.
The full details of your insurance will be in your policy document, so make sure you read it in full before you choose a travel insurance deal.
There are some features that may not be included in your insurance for your trip to Australia. These are known as exclusions. Make sure know what you can and can’t claim for before you make your holiday plans.
When you choose an insurance policy, make sure you’re covered from the day you book your trip, not the day you actually leave. That way, you’ll be covered in case you need to cancel your holiday before you set off.
The quality of healthcare in Australia is excellent, and you should be able to access the same standard of care that you’d expect in the UK. Australia has a reciprocal health care agreement with the UK. This means that UK residents can receive emergency health care in Australian hospitals for free. This is helpful – but it’s only a safety net, and not a substitute for travel insurance.
The agreement won’t cover you if you need treatment for a pre-existing condition, or non-urgent injuries. It also doesn’t cover prescriptions, or the cost of an ambulance. You’ll also need insurance to cover the cost of an emergency repatriation back to the UK.
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.
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 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.
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.
Travelling to Australia: Key Information |
|
---|---|
Language |
English |
Currency |
Australian dollar – compare travel money |
Dialling code |
+61 |
Plug sockets |
Plug socket type I – adapter needed |
Emergency services phone number |
000 |
Vaccinations: |
See the National Travel Health Network for latest information |
Embassy address and contact details |
Telephone: +61 2 6270 6666 |
FCDO travel advice |
See UK gov website for latest information |
Australia is full of beautiful sights and exciting things to do. Use our travel tips to help you make the most out of your holiday Down Under: Travel insurance for Australia is essential to keep your protected, but not all policies are the same. To find the cheapest Australian travel insurance that meets all your needs, it’s important to compare before you buy. MoneySuperMarket’s comparison tool asks you a few simple questions about you and your holiday: where you are going, how long for and what you want your policy to cover, and in just a couple of minutes you can compare prices from a range of leading travel insurers.Top travel tips for Australia
Get the best price on travel insurance for Australia