Travelling can be an exciting and life-changing experience. It can expose you to different cultures, cuisines, and ways of life. But in all the excitement of planning a trip, it's easy to overlook the importance of travel insurance. However, there are many good reasons why you should take out travel insurance before you take off on your next adventure.
What is travel insurance?
Travel insurance is a type of insurance that provides cover for unexpected events that can occur before and during a trip. It can cover overseas medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost or stolen luggage, emergency overseas medical evacuation, and other travel-related incidents. Travel insurance policies can vary in terms of cover, limits, and exclusions, so it's important to read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) carefully before purchasing. The PDS sets out the terms of your insurance coverage.
Why do you need travel insurance?
1. Overseas medical emergencies
Overseas medical emergencies can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. When you're travelling, you may be exposed to new environments, different foods, and unfamiliar activities that may increase the likelihood of accidents or illnesses. Travel insurance may provide cover for overseas medical expenses such as hospitalisation, non-elective surgery, and emergency medical evacuation. For example, if you accidentally sprain your ankle while hiking on your trip, travel insurance may be able to cover some of the medical costs you incur.
2. Trip cancellation
Sometimes, unexpected events can occur before or during your trip that can force you to cancel or cut it short. In such cases, travel insurance may help you recover the costs of non-refundable expenses such as airfare, hotel bookings, and tour reservations.
3. Lost or stolen luggage
Losing your luggage can be a frustrating and stressful experience, especially if you have important valuables in it. With travel insurance, you may be reimbursed for the cost of replacing your lost or stolen luggage.
4. Emergency medical evacuation
In some cases, you may need to be evacuated from your international destination due to a medical emergency. Travel insurance may cover the cost of an emergency medical evacuation, including transportation to a medical facility or back to your home in Australia if deemed necessary.
5. Peace of mind
Travelling can be unpredictable, so having travel insurance offers you some peace of mind knowing that your trip is protected in the event that something goes wrong.
How should I choose travel insurance?
If you have made the decision that travel insurance is right for you, it's important to consider your individual needs and circumstances when choosing travel insurance. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Cover - Consider whether the policy covers the types of incidents that you're most concerned about, such as overseas medical emergencies or trip cancellation. Additionally, be sure to pay attention to the limits and exclusions of the policy to ensure that you're comfortable with them.
Cost - Compare the cost of different policies to ensure that you're getting a reasonable price. Keep in mind that the cheapest policy may not always be the best option, especially if it has limited cover. Be sure to check the cover amounts between policies to ensure you’re comparing apples to apples.
Duration - Choose a policy that covers the entire duration of your trip. Be mindful of the end date of your trip, especially when travelling overseas and returning to Australia due to the time difference. If you plan to take multiple trips throughout the year, consider an annual multi trip policy instead of purchasing single trip policies.
So, is travel insurance really worth it?
Depending on how you feel about the risks of travelling, travel insurance can make a difference when it comes to a stress-free vacation. Whether you are faced with overseas medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost or stolen luggage or an emergency overseas medical evacuation, don't let an unexpected event ruin your travel experience. Travel insurance provides you with peace of mind knowing you are protected for your unexpected travel expenses. For more information, visit Qantas Travel Insurance and get a quote online today. If you need any help deciding on which Qantas Insurance cover is right for you, then give one of Qantas Travel Insurance experts a call on 13 49 60. You’re under no obligation to purchase, they just want to help you choose the right insurance to suit you.
Disclaimer Qantas Travel Insurance is issued by AIG Australia Limited ABN 93 004 727 753, AFSL 381686 (“AIG”). Qantas Airways Limited is AIG’s authorised representative (AR 261363). This is general advice only and your objectives, financial situation or needs have not been taken into account. You should consider whether the advice is suitable for you and your personal circumstances. Before making any decision to buy the travel insurance, you should read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Target Market Determination (TMD) and Financial Services Guide (FSG). All cover is subject to terms and conditions as detailed in the PDS.
