Fully vaccinated Australians can now travel overseas without seeking an exemption from the Australian Government. However, this doesn’t mean travelling will be as simple as it was pre-COVID-19.
So, what do you need to be aware of? And what’s the deal with travel cover for COVID-19? To help you plan your next overseas trip with confidence, Covermore has come up with some helpful tips.
Travel insurance has always been an important item to consider packing when you’re travelling, and in our current environment, it’s even more vital. Why? COVID-19 has not only changed the rules and regulations of global travel, but it can also create the need for last-minute changes or bring about unexpected obstacles during your trip. When looking for a suitable travel insurance policy for you and your trip, it’s important to understand what you are – and aren’t – covered for in relation to COVID-19. Some points to consider include:
- Thinking about whether you want to cover for cancellation and amendment costs (if it’s not automatically included) in your policy to help protect you financially from unforeseen COVID-19 scenarios.
- Ensuring you are clear on the limitations and exclusions of the cover that may relate to your exposure to – or if you contract – COVID-19, so you are aware of how your policy responds to and operates with different events that arise. Remember, your policy may be comprehensive in scope but in terms of coverage, terms and conditions apply.
- Understanding how the COVID-19 cover applies to pre-trip and on-trip scenarios.
- Checking if the COVID-19 overseas medical expenses cover is sufficient should you be diagnosed with COVID-19 overseas and require hospitalisation or other medical treatment.
- Deciding whether the COVID-19 cover is comprehensive enough for your needs. (Some complimentary COVID-19 insurance policies offered by tour operators or airlines may not provide the level of cover you’re looking for or within the country you need cover in.)
- Understanding if the travel insurance is issued by an overseas insurance provider and thus subject to the regulations of that country – not Australia. (If so, it may not be a good substitute for a comprehensive travel insurance policy from an Australian travel insurance provider.)
- Purchasing a suitable policy as soon as you book elements of your trip – especially if you want some pre-trip cancellation and amendment costs to cover
Download the Covermore COVID-19 Travel Guide HERE.
