According to survey data from Canstar.com.au more Australians are taking out travel insurance as an increasing priority, in the wake of the disruption to travel as a result of the 2019/20 bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The survey canvassed 1,024 Australians and results show that, prior to the pandemic, 49% of Australians had taken out travel insurance for a holiday taken in the last five years. When asked about their intention to take out insurance in the wake of the bushfires and the pandemic, this number climbed to 54%.
Canstar’s travel insurance expert, Steve Mickenbecker says there’s so much uncertainty with travel right now and anyone planning a holiday should consider their options to ensure they’re protected if things don’t go to plan.
“With international travel off the table at least until there is a vaccine, domestic travel will be the go-to for hopeful holiday-makers,” Mickenbecker says.
“Prior to the pandemic only 15% of Australians had taken out travel insurance for a domestic holiday, though in the wake of the pandemic the number who intend to take out cover for a domestic holiday rose to more than one quarter (26%).
“The best time to purchase travel insurance is as soon as you have booked or finalised your holiday plans. While you may not be covered for the pandemic as it is a known event, booking your travel insurance as soon as possible means you could benefit from cancellation cover for other events, which is considered one of the most basic elements of any travel insurance package.”
Canstar’s tips to get good value travel insurance:
- Check that your intended activities are covered. There are a number of activities that may not be included in a general travel insurance policy – this could include things such as skiing, caving or underwater activities. It’s important to make sure your policy will cover you for these activities if you intend to participate in them.
- Check the $$$ limits on any claims. Travel insurance is not unlimited; there will generally be a set dollar value up to which you can claim for any one incident. This might be more valid for international travel, but if you’re looking to have cover for lost, stolen or damaged goods it’s important to understand the limits you’re covered for.
- Shop around. The cheapest policy does not necessarily offer the best value, so it’s important to ensure you weigh up the price with what the policy covers.
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