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Why compare travel insurance?
If the unexpected happens on your trip, like you become sick or injured and require hospitalisation or your luggage is stolen, you may be left with significant out-of-pocket costs. Travel insurance can provide you with the peace of mind that you’ll be covered financially in situations like these.
Overseas medical expenses are usually the highest unexpected cost for Aussie travellers. Most countries won’t give you free or subsidised healthcare and will expect you to pay full price, usually upfront. The Australian Government won’t foot the bill either. This is why taking out a travel insurance policy with cover for medical expenses at a minimum is strongly recommended.
How to choose a travel insurance policy
The secret to selecting a 'good' travel insurance policy isn't just chasing the lowest price; it should also suit your needs and what you plan to do on your trip.
Here’s how to vet your options with confidence:
Get clear on what you need
Before comparing policies:
- Work out what activities you’re planning to do on your trip (like skiing or going on a cruise) and whether the policy will cover them.
- Think about how much cover you need for certain things like medical expenses, luggage, and trip cancellation.
- Calculate the excess (the amount you contribute when making a claim) you’re comfortable paying.
- If you’re taking out a policy for multiple people, like as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, think about the coverage needs of each individual.
Compare more than just the price
When weighing up travel insurance policies, you’ll also want to consider:
- What the policy covers, as some cover medical expenses only, whereas others are more comprehensive, covering lost or stolen luggage, trip cancellations and delays, and rental car excesses.
- The cover limits and sub-limits for certain types of claims.
- The excess options on offer.
- Any waiting periods that may apply before coverage begins.
- What online reviews say about the insurer, particularly any feedback about the claims experience and support provided to travellers overseas.
- Whether the policy offers add-on forms of cover, like for snow sports or cruises.
- Any discounts or special offers that apply.
Know what is and isn't covered
It’s important to read any relevant documents, like the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD), before taking out a policy. These documents should outline what is and isn’t covered by your insurer.
What is the best travel insurance in Australia?
There’s no one ‘best’ travel insurance provider, as the best one for you will be the one with the policy that meets your needs and budget. That said, if you’re comparing travel insurance, Canstar’s Travel Insurance Awards recognise the providers that offer outstanding value to customers around Australia. Meanwhile, our annual Most Satisfied Customers Award: Travel Insurance recognises the insurer with the most satisfied customers.
Our most recent award winners were:
- 2025 Travel Insurance Award – International: 1Cover, PassportCard, Southern Cross Travel Insurance, Travel Protect, WAS Insurance, World2Cover, and Zoom Travel Insurance
- 2025 Travel Insurance Award – Domestic: PassportCard, Qantas Insurance, Travel Protect, and WAS Insurance
- 2025 Travel Insurance Award – Seniors: 1Cover, Fast Cover, PassportCard, and Zoom Travel Insurance
- 2025 Travel Insurance Award – Cruise: PassportCard, Southern Cross Travel Insurance, Tick Travel Insurance, Travel Protect, WAS Insurance, and World2Cover
- 2026 Most Satisfied Customers Award: Virgin Australia
Compare travel insurance with Canstar
Comparing travel insurance with Canstar is easy, simply provide some basic information about your trip to help us narrow down your options and provide live pricing.
Click the 'Get started' button at the top of the page or the ‘Compare’ button and tell us where you’re travelling, your departure and return dates, the number of adults and dependants (children) you want covered and their ages, and if you need certain forms of add-on cover or a provider that allows for medical assessments for pre-existing medical conditions.
While we don’t require any personal contact information like your email address, you do have the option to create an account to personalise your experience and continue your comparison journey at any time or provide an email address to get your quotes sent through to you.
Quickly compare a wide range of policies with live pricing displayed on your personalised comparison table and narrow down your options using the filters.
You can then take out the policy with your chosen provider online by clicking the 'Go to site' button (Canstar may earn a referral fee in this instance).
What is travel insurance?
Travel insurance is a form of insurance that covers you financially for the loss or theft of your possessions while overseas, plus any unforeseen essential medical expenses you might incur.
Travel insurance providers offer a range of products, from basic policies that cover emergency medical expenses only, through to comprehensive travel insurance policies that can include cover for losses incurred due to last-minute itinerary changes and personal liability protection, which covers costs incurred by third parties due to your actions.
How does travel insurance work?
Travel insurance works the same as any other general insurance product.
You can purchase travel insurance by paying a premium (a set upfront payment) to your chosen insurer, who will then cover your trip for the events and risks outlined in your policy.
If something goes wrong while you’re travelling (such as an accident or illness, lost luggage, or unforeseen cancellations), you can file a claim with that insurer to request reimbursement for any financial loss or added expenses.
You will usually be required to pay an excess (one-off payment) when you make your claim. In some cases this may be deducted from the payout you receive from your insurer.
In emergency situations, your insurer may also pay a hospital or service provider directly, rather than reimbursing you later.
What are the different types of travel insurance?
Depending on your needs and situation, you might opt for either a basic or comprehensive travel insurance policy.
Basic travel insurance
Usually the cheapest form of cover, these policies tend to only cover you for medical emergencies and evacuation while overseas. They may be more suitable if you’re travelling light and don’t necessarily need cover for your possessions or cancellations.
Comprehensive travel insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance offers coverage for a broader range of situations, including cover for cancellation and trip delays and lost or stolen luggage, alongside cover for medical emergencies. Due to this wider coverage, these policies generally cost more than basic ones.
Domestic travel insurance
If you’re travelling within Australia, you may consider domestic travel insurance which can cover things like trip cancellation and delays, lost or stolen luggage, and rental car excess.
These policies don’t offer coverage for medical emergencies and evacuation though, as medical expenses you incur while in Australia may be covered by Medicare or your own private health insurance.
International travel insurance
International travel insurance covers you for travel to a specific overseas destination. It usually covers a single trip for a set time period. International policies are especially important in destinations that don’t have a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia.
While basic medical-only international policies are available, comprehensive international travel insurance generally also covers possessions and personal liability.
Annual multi trip travel insurance
If you’re a frequent traveller, especially one that plans to take multiple trips in a 12-month period, you may be able to take out an annual travel insurance policy, rather than multiple single trip policies.
These allow you to consolidate all your travel insurance needs in one, offering a more streamlined approach compared to having multiple policies to keep track of.
Single trip travel insurance
Most travel insurance policies cover you for a single, specified period between your departure and return dates. These policies cover one trip only, but can apply to multiple countries across the duration of your travel.
Single trip policies generally provide coverage for trip lengths from one day up to 12 months, but this will vary between insurers.
How much does travel insurance cost?
According to the latest figures from Canstar Research, the average cost of travel insurance in Australia is:
International | Domestic | |
|---|---|---|
Single | $198 | $91 |
Couple | $379 | $174 |
Family | $423 | $215 |
Mature single | $266 | $122 |
Overall | $317 | $151 |
Source: Canstar. Based on a selection of international and domestic policies rated in the Canstar 2025 Travel Insurance Star Ratings & Awards (November 2025). Premiums include quotes for a range of destinations and travel periods, with a target excess of $200.
How are travel insurance premiums calculated?
Travel insurers calculate premiums based on the risk of you making a claim. That’s why they take into account certain factors like:
- Where you’re travelling
- The length of your trip
- The ages of the people covered by the policy
- Any pre-existing medical conditions people on the policy may have
- The type of policy you choose
- Any extra forms of cover you choose to add on, like snow sports or cruise cover
Travel insurance for seniors is usually more expensive as well, as insurers may feel there are more potential health risks associated with older travellers. You may also find, however, that a policy more suited for seniors can also include some benefits tailored for older travellers.
It’s often a good idea to get a few quotes from different providers and compare them on both price and cover before making your decision. The comparison tool at the top of this page allows you to input a few basic details to generate a shortlist of providers and quotes.
How much have prices increased over the last 12 months?
According to the same figures from Canstar Research, average international travel insurance costs dropped by $10 (3%) in 2025 compared to national averages the previous year. Domestic travel insurance also dropped by $7 (4%).
How much could you save by comparing?
Canstar Research found you could save up to $74 (24%) when taking out an international travel insurance policy with one of our Award winners compared to the market average.
| Award | Market | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
Single | $159 | $190 | $31 |
Couple | $278 | $364 | $86 |
Family | $278 | $406 | $128 |
Mature single | $203 | $256 | $53 |
Overall | $230 | $304 | $74 |
Source: www.canstar.com.au. Based on a selection of international policies rated in the Canstar 2025 Travel Insurance Star Ratings & Awards (November 2025). Premiums include quotes for a range of destinations and travel periods, with a target excess of $200.
What does travel insurance cover?
This depends on the kind of policy you have and your insurer, but generally you may be covered for:
If you injure yourself or become sick and require hospitalisation, most policies can help with the costs. They may also cover medical evacuation like the use of ambulances, or transport home in some cases.
Personal items can be lost, stolen, or damaged during a trip. If your luggage goes missing, your phone is stolen, or your laptop is damaged, travel insurance may help with the costs of repair or replacement.
If the unexpected happens and you’re unable to go on your trip, travel insurance may be able to help recover some of the costs of flights, accommodation, and activities you’ve already booked. Travel delays may also be covered, if for example, your flight is delayed due to an insured event like a natural disaster.
If you plan on hiring a car while on your trip, you may be able claim back the money you paid for its excess if you damage the vehicle.
If you’re at fault in an accident overseas, you may find yourself in legal trouble. Some travel insurance policies can provide cover for liability in these situations, up to a certain amount.
It’s stressful when a close family member becomes sick, and even more so if you’re overseas and cannot rush to their side. Some policies may provide cover to help you get home in these situations.
Does travel insurance cover medical expenses?
Both comprehensive and basic travel insurance policies cover unexpected and urgent medical expenses incurred when travelling. This includes hospital appointments and admissions, visits to doctor's clinics, urgent procedures like surgery, and even emergency dental treatment.
Travel insurance can also cover related medical costs, like emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.
Does travel insurance cover natural disasters?
Natural disasters can happen, and if a booking falls through or your entire trip is cancelled because of one, travel insurance may be able to help with the cost. Depending on the policy, it may also help with the costs if you need to be evacuated from your holiday destination.
Does travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Some policies may cover claims related to certain pre-existing medical conditions. Others may increase your premium in order for your conditions to be covered or not offer you coverage at all.
A pre-existing medical condition is usually one you had or showed symptoms of having prior to the commencement of your policy. As for how they’re actually classified, it can vary by the condition and insurer. To find out exactly whether your pre-existing conditions will be covered, read the policy’s PDS or contact the provider directly.
Does travel insurance cover pandemics?
Travel insurance may cover you for medical costs that arise if you contract a pandemic-related illness, like COVID-19, during your trip. That said, many insurers won’t cover travel disruptions due to border closures, blanket quarantines, or government lockdowns.
Does travel insurance cover terrorism?
Coverage for claims arising from terrorism can vary widely depending on your policy and provider. Some providers may only cover emergency medical costs, whereas others might outright exclude claims related to terrorism. Most policies won’t cover you for trip cancellations or delays due to terrorism either.
Insurers will also draw a line between terrorism and acts of war, like civil wars and government interventions. Acts of war are typically excluded from coverage altogether.
What are travel insurance add-ons?
Travel insurance add-ons or extras are additional forms of cover regular policies won’t include as standard. They can include cover for:
- Snow sports, like skiing and snowboarding
- Adventure sports, like rock climbing and bungee jumping
- Watersports, like white water rafting and scuba diving
- Going on a cruise
Adding these extras to your policy will usually add to its overall cost.
How much travel insurance cover do you need?
It’s important to make sure your policy’s coverage limits and sub-limits are sufficient to cover everything you need.
These limits are typically put into certain categories, like emergency medical, medical evacuation, trip cancellation, luggage, and rental car excess. Within each category there will be maximum limits and sub-limits (for example, $15,000 for luggage, but only $1,000 for cameras and laptops).
If you plan on taking high-value items on your trip, it’s recommended to individually list them on your policy so that you’re not left underinsured. You may also opt for a higher medical claim limit if you’re travelling to a country with historically high emergency medical costs, like the USA and Canada.
Insider tip: You may not need to insure refundable purchases
If your accommodation offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before check-in, it’ll likely be cheaper to just refund it directly through the accommodation rather than claiming for it under trip cancellation, which would incur an excess.
What’s not covered by travel insurance?
Travel insurance policies will not cover you for everything that happens on your trip, and in some cases, you’ll need to take out specific kinds of cover above and beyond a standard policy in order to be covered.
Some common travel insurance exclusions are:
- Trip cancellation and disruption costs arising from a pandemic or epidemic
- Activities not specifically covered by your policy, like skiing and snowboarding without appropriate snowsport cover
- Potentially dangerous activities like scuba diving or bungee jumping (some insurers may cover these activities, but it’s possible you may need to pay extra or buy a separate adventure travel policy)
- High-value belongings (unless you tell your insurer about them and they’re listed for cover on your policy)
- Risky or irresponsible behaviour on your part that leads to a claim, including behaviour while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Pre-existing medical conditions you didn’t tell your insurer about when applying
- Intentional illegal behaviour, or breaking local laws and regulations more generally
- Lost or stolen items where you left your belongings unattended
- Driving a scooter or motorbike overseas (you may be able to obtain cover in some cases if you have a motorbike licence and are driving a low-power vehicle, but check with your insurer first)
- Acts of war, like civil unrest, military skirmishes, and closures of airspace.
Looking for cheap travel insurance?
When it comes to travel insurance, the cheapest option may not always be the best for you. A cheaper policy that excludes coverage for trip cancellation or pre-existing medical conditions, for example, may be lighter on the wallet, but could cost you in the long run if you find out you’re not covered for what you thought you were. That said, there are still ways to save on travel insurance without compromising on important cover.
Seven tips to reduce travel insurance premiums
Canstar Research found you could potentially save up to $74 (24%) by taking out a policy from one of our Award winners compared to the market average. Click the ‘Get started’ or ‘Compare’ buttons and enter some details about your trip to compare a range of different policies on both price and features.
Some providers may offer exclusive deals and discounts to Canstar customers who use our comparison tool. There may also be deals that are more broadly available on providers’ websites.
While underinsurance is a worthwhile concern, it’s also worth reviewing a policy to make sure you’re not overpaying for limits you don’t actually need. For example, you may not need a $25,000 luggage limit if you’re only packing light and not taking high-value items with you.
Cover for adventurous activities like skiing, snowboarding, or white water rafting can make an insurance policy more expensive. If you don’t plan on partaking in these activities, then it doesn’t really make sense to have them included on your policy. Consider only what you require when comparing policies.
As with most types of insurance, you’ll usually be required to pay an excess when making a claim. You can often reduce your premium by increasing your excess, but it’s important to note you’ll need to be able to contribute this higher amount come claim time.
If you plan on travelling multiple times within a 12-month period, you may find value in taking out an annual policy rather than multiple single trip ones.
Some credit cards come with complimentary travel insurance, which may mean you won’t need to take out a standalone policy. This type of travel insurance, however, can come with a host of terms and conditions, such as all of your travel-related purchases having to be made using the card. The policy itself may also be rigid in what it covers, as it will generally not cover pre-existing medical conditions. Travel insurance is also usually only offered by more premium cards with higher annual fees and purchase rates, which means it’s important to consider these factors and whether they erode any savings you could make in travel insurance costs, before taking out a card like this.
When should you get travel insurance?
This will depend on the type of policy you want and the details of your trip. If you only require a basic policy, booking far in advance may not be necessary, as you’ll only be covered for things that happen on your trip.
Whereas if you’re taking out a comprehensive policy that includes cover for trip cancellation, it’s recommended you take out a policy before you start booking your big ticket items like airfares, accommodation, and trip activities. You may not be able to claim for these large purchases if your policy wasn’t active when you made them.
Does travel insurance get cheaper closer to the travel date?
While travel insurance may not necessarily get cheaper the closer you get to your travel date, you may find there’s a sweet spot as far as pricing is concerned. Canstar Research suggests this could be around two weeks prior to your trip, as booking too far in advance adds time to the policy and increases the likelihood of you making a claim, whereas leaving it to the last minute may suggest to the insurer that you’re unorganised.
Insider tip: Look out for government travel warnings
If you’re travelling to a country with a ‘Reconsider your need to travel’ or ‘Do Not Travel’ overall advice level from the Australian Government, you may find it difficult to obtain travel insurance. Check the Smartraveller website for a comprehensive list of destinations.
How to make a travel insurance claim
You can usually make a claim online, over the phone, or by completing a physical form and sending it to your insurer. Your insurer will often provide a 24/7 helpline you can call for assistance with the claims process as well.
You’ll need to provide relevant documents to support your claim, like medical reports, police reports, accommodation and tour details, and receipts for the expenses you’re claiming.
If you’re claiming something has been stolen, some policies stipulate you must report this to the relevant authorities within 24 hours of the incident occurring.
It’s always advisable to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to alert them to the fact you’ll be making a claim. They can then talk you through the process.
How long does a travel insurance claim take to process?
After you’ve lodged your claim, your insurer will then process it and let you know if it requires you to provide any additional documents. Generally, you can expect to get a response within 10 business days, but this may vary between insurers.
Is there a time limit for making a travel insurance claim?
The time limit for making a claim will depend on your insurer, but generally speaking, it’s recommended you make your claim as soon as possible and within 30-60 days of returning home from your trip.
What if your claim is denied?
If your travel insurance claim is denied or you’re unsatisfied with the outcome, it’s important to understand exactly why your insurer has denied it.
Common reasons for your claim to be denied might be that your policy excludes the event you’re claiming for, you failed to report the claim within the timeframe outlined by your policy, or you provided false or inaccurate information.
If you feel your claim has been denied unfairly, you can contact your insurer and ask for it to be resolved by their internal dispute resolution process. If you’re unhappy with the outcome of this, you can escalate it to an external body such as the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). It’s advised that you keep written records of all communication with your insurer and its Dispute Resolution team before escalating to AFCA. If you’re still unsatisfied with AFCA’s ruling, you may consider obtaining legal advice.
What can void your travel insurance?
- Failing to pay your premium
- Falsifying policy details
- Being impaired by alcohol or drugs at the time of the insured event
- Breaking local laws or engaging in illegal acts
- Ignoring ‘Do Not Travel’ advisories from the Australian Government
- Leaving your belongings unattended
- Failing to keep proof of ownership (e.g., receipts) of valuable items
- Failing to contact police in the event of lost or stolen luggage
- Travelling against the medical advice of a healthcare professional
- Not disclosing pre-existing medical conditions that would have excluded you from coverage
- Operating a vehicle, like a scooter or motorbike, without holding a valid licence or riding without a helmet
Is travel insurance worth it?
Smartraveller strongly recommends all Australians heading overseas take out comprehensive travel insurance. Travel can go wrong at any time, and the cost of medical and hospital bills in the event of an emergency could be financially devastating. You may even be refused treatment or assistance in an emergency if you can’t pay.
Even if you’re heading to a destination where most medical costs are covered for Aussies under a reciprocal health care agreement, you’ll likely still need additional cover for any exclusions. Travellers should also take out coverage for other potential problems, such as lost or stolen luggage, cancellations or delays, and evacuation and repatriation.
If you’re budgeting for travel, factoring in the cost of a travel insurance policy is essential. In the event you need to make a claim, travel insurance can save you not just money, but also time and stress.
How to get travel insurance
Once you've locked in your travel details, you can take out a travel insurance policy with any Australian travel insurance provider, as long as you meet their eligibility criteria. However, you'll need to decide what level of coverage you require, then shop around to find a policy that best matches your needs.
You can use Canstar's travel insurance comparison platform to find policies suitable for your destination and desired cover.
