Comprehensive Travel Insurance is the highest level of cover you can buy, or as we like to name it "top notch cover!" If you're headed overseas it's a vital purchase for your trip to cover you for an array of sticky situations.
Most insurers have three levels of cover to choose from: basic (or medical cover only), mid-range and comprehensive. You should pick the cover that best suits the type of holiday and activities you have planned. Don't just buy the cheapest policy you find, or you might miss out on vital cover...
Compare comprehensive travel insurance policies
When searching for the maximum cover, it's a good idea to compare a few different companies to see which policy gives you the best bang for your buck! The below table shows the top cover levels of a few insurers in the market to give you an idea of what is available. To get a comprehesive quote specific to your trip, use the quote box at the top of the page.
| Insurer | Underwriter | Medical | Cancellation | Luggage | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HDI Global Specialty SE - New Zealand | Unlimited | Unlimited | $15000 | ||
HDI Global Specialty SE | Unlimited | $25000 | $15000 | ||
HDI Global Speciality SE | Unlimited | Unlimited | $7500 | ||
AWP Services New Zealand Ltd | Unlimited | Unlimited | $30000 | ||
Zurich Australian Insurance Limited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $25000 | ||
Zurich Australian Insurance Limited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $25000 | ||
AWP Services New Zealand Ltd | Unlimited | Unlimited | $30000 | ||
Zurich Australian Insurance Limited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $30000 | ||
Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd | Unlimited | Unlimited | $12000 | ||
Southern Cross Benefits Limited Trading | Unlimited | Unlimited | $25000 | ||
Zurich Australian Insurance Limited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $25000 | ||
AWP Services New Zealand Ltd | Unlimited | Unlimited | $30000 | ||
Zurich Australian Insurance Limited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $15000 | ||
Certain Underwriters at Lloyds | Unlimited | Unlimited | $10000 | ||
The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd | $20 million | $100000 | $10000 |
1Cover
TINZ
Zoom Travel Insurance
AA Travel
Air New Zealand
AMI
AMP
Cover-more
NIB
Southern Cross Travel Insurance
State Travel Insurance
Tower
Webjet
World Nomads
WorldcareGeneral advice Warning: The table above shows the listed insurer's most comprehensive policy - international trips only. The contents of this article were accurate at the time of writing. Insurers change their policies from time to time, so some information may have changed. You should always read the Product Disclosure Statement of your chosen insurer to understand what is covered and what isn't. The information provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account any personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your personal circumstances
what does cover? comprehensive travel insurance
24/7 Medical Assistance
Don't fret should you get sick or injured on your trip, because this is exactly why you're buying protection for your holiday. Comprehensive travel insurance covers your medical expenses for injury or illness including hospital stays, surgery, dental, prescription drugs, and doctor visits.
Cancellation Cover
Sometimes trips just don't go to plan! Cancellation benefits cover the cost of rearranging or cancelling your journey because of unforeseen circumstances such as illness, accidents, and extreme weather conditions. Remember, cover starts from the day you buy your policy, not when your trip starts
Lost or Damaged Luggage
It's a real pain in the ar*e when your stuff is lost, stolen, or doesn't show up. At least if disaster happens on your holiday, your policy will replace or reimburse you for your baggage and personal items if they disappear or are damaged.
Travel Delays
Bummer, your flight's delayed, now what!? If your transport is postponed due to an unforeseen reason, your out-of-pocket accommodation, meals, and transport costs would be covered until you get back on track. Note, this benefit probably won't kick in if you only have a short delay which is less than 6 hours.
Family Emergency
It's always a worry going on holiday leaving loved ones behind. Never fear, should a close relative, or the person you're traveling with become seriously ill, injured, or heaven forbid, die, your travel expenses would be claimable. Restrictions can apply for relatives' age, medical conditions, and where they live.
Personal Liability
A lawsuit would certainly put a dampener on your dream holiday. Relax as you're covered in the event that you are found to be legally liable for accidental injury or damage you may have caused to another person or their property whilst on your trip.
what doesn't it cover?
Let's face it, travel insurance can't cover everything! Just like waiting periods with your health insurance, or drink-driving exclusions with your car insurance, similar conditions apply to your travel protection. Here's a few things to be aware of that might not be covered.
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Pre-existing illnesses: Some medical conditions that exist before you travel may not be covered. If you've recently been in hospital, have planned surgery, or suffering from a serious illness where overseas treatment is likely, you may find getting cover is tricker than usual. That's not to say if you do have a pre-existing condition you can't get cover at all, you may just need to have your condition assessed before cover can be granted. If cover is declined, in most cases, you can still buy a policy that would cover you for all other benefits, and for any unrelated illness or injury (just not your known pre-existing).
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Being reckless: We know that travel is all about new and exciting experiences, but if you deliberately put your life in danger (like jumping off a high cliff into the sea) you wouldn't be covered. Injuries or loss when alcohol or drugs have been involved may not be covered either. Not too many piña coladas now!
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High risk activities: Hey there adrenaline junkie! Many high risk activities and extreme sports (e.g. American football, boxing, skydiving, competitive cycling , rock climbing, polo and motor sports) are not covered. Always check whether your planned activities are before you go jumping out of a plane (for example.)
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Travel supplier default : Does your tour operator sound a bit dodgy ? Travel insurance does not always cover for insolvency of travel agents, tour wholesalers, tour operators or booking agents. Make sure you're confident in the operater making your travel arrangements.
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Known events: Just like you can't buy car insurance after you've had a car accident, you are unable to buy travel insurance to cover an event that has already happened. For example, if news of a hurricaine has already been spread all over the media and it prompts you to buy cover, it's already too late. You can of course still purchase, it's just that that particular known event is likely to be excluded from your cover.
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And more... We haven't detailed all travel insurance exclusions here. Just the ones that tend to pop up. It's vital that you read your chosen insurer's Product Disclosure Statement before you purchase to understand the exclusions that apply to your cover.
why you need comprehensive cover
We're not silly, we know that plenty of Aussies go on holiday and have an amazing time exploring new and exciting places without buying comprehensive travel insurance. But taking a gamble on your much-needed break can be risky. Here's why!
Exxy Medical Costs
If you buy a policy for just one reason, this is it! Falling ill or being injured while travelling is not cheap! Hospital costs in the USA can reach up to $10,000 per day. If this alone doesn't convince you to buy cover for your trip, we don't know what will!
Disasters Can Strike
Picture your dismay if you had to cancel your dream va-cay last minute. Nightmare!! Worse still, imagine you're mid-martini when bad news breaks. Should you need to return home, you'll be covered for unforeseen events like injury or illness of a close relative.
Your Stuff is Important
Loss, theft, or damage to your prized possessions can be a common, yet gut-wrenching experience. Don't worry, if your personal belongings go AWOL, the right policy will pay to replace or repair them. Woop!
For Your Peace of Mind
At the end of the day, your holiday is when you're meant to have some down-time! Comprehensive travel insurance will take a load off so you can get some well-deserved R&R.
Because You Have To
Still not convinced? We hate to be the fun police, but some countries simply won't let you in without cover!
other handy tips & guides
What Adventure Activities Are Covered?
We know that relaxing on a beach isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. For the adventure junkies amongt us, it’s important to think about your planned activities and understand what is and isn’t covered.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Having pre-existing medical conditions shouldn’t stop you from taking on the globe, one continent at a time! You shouldn’t have to pay through the nose for cover either!
Pregnancy Travel Insurance Guide
Not all insurers will cover you automatically if you’re over 22 weeks gestation or have had pregnancy complications. See which companies offer cover for pregnant women.
