Travelling domestically within Australia can be an incredible experience. With its stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and vibrant cities, it's no surprise that Aussies choose to roam around our own backyard. However, even when travelling domestically, it's important to consider the possibility of unexpected events that could impact your trip, which is why domestic travel insurance in Australia is important.
What is domestic travel insurance?
Domestic travel insurance is a type of insurance that provides cover for unexpected events that can occur during a domestic trip within Australia. This can include benefits such as trip cancellation and delay, rental vehicle excess, and lost or stolen luggage.
What are the benefits of domestic travel insurance?
Although travel insurance isn’t a requirement for domestic travel within Australia, it can provide your trip with some protection in case of unexpected events. Some of the benefits of domestic travel insurance include:
Trip cancellation - If unforeseen events force you to cancel your trip, domestic travel insurance may provide cover for non-refundable travel expenses such as flights or accommodation.
Lost or stolen luggage - Domestic travel insurance may provide cover for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage.
Rental Car Excess - If you plan to rent a car during your trip, domestic travel insurance may cover the insurance excess or deductible you may be charged if the rental car is damaged or stolen.
Personal Liability - If you negligently or are alleged to have negligently caused damage to someone else's property, or injure someone during your trip, domestic travel insurance may provide cover for resulting legal expenses.
Do you really need domestic travel insurance in Australia?
Whether you need domestic travel insurance depends on your individual circumstances and trip. Here are a few questions to consider before deciding whether or not to purchase:
Do you already have existing cover? Before purchasing domestic travel insurance, check to see if you already have cover through other sources, such as your credit card or private health insurance, making sure the cover is adequate for your trip.
How much is the trip costing? Consider the cost of your trip and how much you are willing to lose if you have to cancel your trip due to unforeseen events. If you have invested a significant amount of money in your trip, domestic travel insurance may be worth considering.
How long is the trip? The longer your trip, the greater the chance that something unexpected could occur. If you are travelling for some time, domestic travel insurance may be a wise investment.
What activities do you have planned during your trip? For example, if you are planning to go skiing, you can add Snow Sports cover to your domestic travel insurance.
What’s your personal risk tolerance? What this means is how comfortable you are assuming the financial risk of unexpected events during your trip. If you prefer to play it safe and have the security of financial protection, domestic travel insurance may be a good investment.
Before deciding whether or not to purchase domestic travel insurance, it’s important to consider your individual circumstances and risk tolerance.
Qantas Travel Insurance’s Australian Comprehensive policy provides cover for when you’re travelling within Australia. Policies include cover for trip cancellation and delay, lost baggage, rental vehicle excess and more.
Disclaimer: Qantas Travel Insurance is issued by Zurich Australian Insurance Limited, ABN 13 000 296 640, AFSL 232507 (“ZAIL”). Qantas Airways Limited, ABN 16 009 661 901 (“Qantas”), is an authorised representative (AR 261363) of ZAIL. This information is general in nature only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. 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). ZAIL engages affiliated entities within the Zurich Insurance Group to provide services in support of this insurance as permitted by applicable laws.
