Do I really need travel insurance?
Who can purchase this policy?
My credit card company is offering me free cover – why should I pay for travel insurance?
What is “cancellation” cover?
Is there an age limit on travel insurance?
What travel insurance should generally cover?
In the event of a claim
If you have complaint
There are many things to consider when travelling overseas including passport, tickets, exchange rates, accommodation, and what to pack. While overseas travel can be an exciting prospect, there can be situations where things may go wrong and travellers find themselves needing urgent medical assistance, help with replacing lost luggage and/or assistance with making an urgent trip home. This is where Travel Insurance can help – along with providing peace of mind for travellers who may find themselves in any of these situations. Travellers should thoroughly read the policy before they purchase travel insurance to ensure it meets all their requirements and provides the appropriate level of cover.
We’ve all heard the horror stories of people losing their money, passport, sometimes their entire luggage, leaving them stranded far from home. Or worse, being injured or just getting sick in the wrong part of the world.
Cover is only available if…….
Carefully read the fine print when you see advertisements offering free travel insurance when you pay for the trip with your credit or charge card. This is not always comprehensive travel insurance that you are being offered. Insurance will usually be provided to the individual cardholder and will cover any immediate family if they were travelling together, if their travel itinerary is identical or, in some cases, if it is very similar. To qualify for the insurance, cardholders need to either purchase the return airfare on their credit card or spend a certain dollar amount while overseas.
It is not safe to assume that the cover is deluxe quality and comprehensive because it is attached to a premium card.
Cancellation Cover applies to lost deposits and cancellation fees for pre-paid travel arrangements due to unforeseen circumstances neither expected nor intended by you or which are outside your control.
There is provision to claim for cancellation of your trip for a variety of reasons including becoming redundant, being called for jury duty or the death of a close relative, sickness, accidents, and natural disasters. However if you merely change your mind about your trip, there is no cover.
A travel insurance policy should provide cover for the entire duration of the trip. But it may be a good idea to consider adding a couple of extra days to the policy so that cover is available if there are delays or cancellations, or if travel plans are changed.
There’s usually an upper age limit. But insurers are aware of the fact that more and more of our older citizens enjoy international travel – and also that many are fitter than travellers half their age. Some budget-priced travel insurance policies place limits on travellers over 50, with cover ceasing at age 65. However, most travel insurers only ask for a Traveller’s Appraisal Form, which details the customer’s state of health, when they are aged 70 or more.
Medical and additional expenses
Including cover for the costs of medical, surgical, hospital, ambulance, emergency dental, medical evacuation and additional expenses. Please note that medical costs incurred in your Country of Residence will not be covered. Medicare cover applies to residents of Australia.
Cancellation
Cover for cancellation charges on prepaid arrangements.
Luggage and personal effects
This provides cover for personal belongings that are taken on the trip or purchased during it. Note that there is usually a limit per item, with an overall limit for electronic equipment like cameras and personal computers.
Travel documents
Cover for travel documents, credit cards or travellers cheques that are lost or stolen. There is usually a limit – either per item or overall
Personal liability
Cover against possible claims arising from injury accidentally caused to another person or damage their property. In some parts of the world, the liability can be huge.
Return airfare
Some insurers offer to reimburse the cost of the airfare if you suffer an accident or need to return home due to a covered event outside your control.
Travel Delay
Reimbursement for additional meals and accommodation expenses if the journey is delayed for more than a certain number of hours. Delays due to industrial action and – even worse – weather are far more common than you might think.
Emergency luggage
Reimbursement for purchases for essential items if luggage is temporarily delayed by the carrier.
Accidental death
Limits usually apply, ranging from $10,000 to $25,000, depending on the type of policy.
Resumption of journey
If you have to return home early due to the unexpected death of a relative, some insurers will offer cover for the costs of resuming an overseas trip. Note, however, the word “unexpected”.
Out-of-pocket expenses
Provides spending money for each day that you are confined in an overseas hospital.
Loss of income
Some travel insurance policies provide a benefit ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 if you have an accident on a trip and are unable to work when you return home.
Domestic pets
Cover for kennel and cattery fees if you are caught up overseas by injury or an unforeseen delay.
Rental vehicle insurance excess
Provides cover for the insurance excess on a rental vehicle if it is involved in an accident or stolen.
Cover for children
Some insurers offer coverage for dependents under the age of 21, accompanying the policyholder, at no additional cost.
Amateur or action sports
For anyone partial to skiing, ice sports, hot-air ballooning, scuba diving, bungee jumping, white-water rafting, parachuting, paragliding and so on, on their holidays, look for a policy that offers specific cover for amateur or action sports. The policy will define exactly what is covered. If your favorite activity isn’t on the list, ask your insurer.
Contact Aussie Travel Cover General Enquiries on
Phone: 1800 888 448 or 02 9979 8888
Fax: 02 99971529
Email: sales@aussietravelcover.com.au
Web: www.aussietravelcover.com.au
Claims Guarantee
Aussie Travel Cover will process your claim within 10 working days of receiving a completed claim form and all necessary documentation. If any additional information is required, a written notification will be sent to you within 10 working days.
Immediate Notice
Should be given to Allianz Global Assistance.
24 Hour Emergency Assistance call:
1800 010 075
PO Box 162, Toowong Qld 4066
Email: travelclaims@allianz-assistance.com.au
Please Note: For claims purposes, evidence of the value of the property insured or the amount of any loss must be kept.
Should you have a complaint or dispute arising out of this insurance, or our employees, authorised representatives or service providers, please call Allianz Global Assistance on 1300 667 132 or put the complaint in writing and send it to PO Box 162, Toowong, Queensland 4066.
A dispute may also be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service limited (FOS), which is an independent external dispute resolution body.
