Travel Insurance Comparison: What to Check Before You Get a Quote

Travel insurance is intended to cover you for emergencies, accidents or other events that occur unexpectedly while you are away from home. For example, you might arrive at your destination and find your luggage hasn’t arrived, or you could be injured early in your trip and face medical expenses. In situations like these, travel insurance may be able to help with certain associated costs, depending on the policy you choose and the circumstances of the claim.

Because policies can differ significantly, comparing travel insurance before you request a quote can help you understand the trade-offs between price and features. Comparison tools may allow you to enter key trip details—such as destination, travel dates, the ages of travellers and any extras you require—to generate a shortlist of options. Some tools can provide quotes in minutes and may offer to email the quotes to you if you want more time to decide.

Why comparing travel insurance matters

Things don’t always go to plan when you travel. Travel insurance is commonly considered for situations such as unexpected medical bills, trip delays, lost bags and other disruptions. However, it’s important to remember that no travel policy will cover every single thing that could possibly go wrong while you’re away. Even when a policy includes a benefit, it may apply only in limited circumstances.

When comparing options, it can help to focus on what you actually need for your trip. There is no one-size-fits-all solution: the “best” policy depends on your needs and budget. If you’re planning an adventurous holiday—such as skiing, snowboarding, or rock climbing—you may need a policy that covers your chosen activities. If your main concern is luggage, you might look for a policy with a higher luggage limit. The key is to match the cover to your plans.

Examples of quoted prices (illustrative only)

Quoted premiums can vary depending on factors such as destination, trip length, traveller ages and included benefits. As an illustration, an average quoted premium per day per traveller was stated as $4.99 based on quotes received from a travel insurance panel between 1 June 2025 and 30 September 2025. The same set of information also included example “as low as” totals for different trip types, such as:

• $120 for a couple’s 8-day tropical escape to Bali
• $244 for a 15-day family ski trip to Japan
• $152 for a 2-week solo trip to the United States
• $66 for a 10-day domestic trip within Australia

These examples were based on specific traveller profiles, dates and inclusions. They also noted that quotes were collected on 13/6/2025 and included minimum levels of cover such as at least $10,000 trip cancellation, $5,000 luggage, and unlimited medical cover (with snow sports cover included in the Japan family example). Prices displayed through a comparison tool may be current on the day you access it but can change at the provider’s discretion, so it’s important to confirm the price with the provider before purchasing.

What travel insurance can cover (and why details matter)

Providers offer a range of inclusions, and the situations covered depend on the policy. Generally speaking, travel insurance is likely to cover costs associated with issues such as medical situations, trip disruptions and baggage problems, but the level of cover can vary. Depending on your needs, you might choose a basic policy or a comprehensive policy.

Medical expenses are often a major reason people consider travel insurance. Cover may include certain medical-related costs, depending on the level of cover you choose. However, policies typically contain exclusions and conditions. For example, surgeries and treatments deemed non-essential may not be covered, and private hospital rooms may not be covered unless deemed necessary by doctors. These details are usually set out in the policy documentation.

Reading the PDS and TMD before you buy

When doing a travel insurance comparison, it’s important to carefully read the policy terms and conditions in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and ask questions before purchasing so you understand what is and isn’t covered. In addition, you may see references to a Target Market Determination (TMD), which explains which people a product may be suitable for (the target market) and any conditions around how the product can be distributed. TMDs are compulsory for most financial products, and you can request a copy from the product issuer.

Key factors that can affect the cost of travel insurance

There is no set cost for travel insurance. Pricing can vary based on a number of factors, so getting multiple quotes can be a practical way to compare price and cover. It may also be the case that travel insurance for seniors is more expensive, as providers may see higher potential health risks associated with travel. Some seniors travel insurance policies may also include benefits tailored for older travellers.

Limits, definitions and how benefits are displayed

When comparing policies, pay close attention to limits and how they apply. Some providers may display cancellation and luggage limits per person, while others show them as a collective figure for all travellers. It’s important to confirm with the provider whether the advertised limits apply to each traveller or to the group as a whole.

Also note that not all policies cover every part of a region. Even if a policy appears to cover a broader area, your specific address may not be included in the policy’s coverage. Checking the PDS and confirming details directly with the provider can help avoid misunderstandings.

COVID-19 considerations

Even though international travel has returned and restrictions have been lifted, contracting COVID-19 overseas remains a risk. Travel insurers may offer limited cover for COVID-19, but the available cover can vary substantially between providers. If COVID-related expenses are important to you, it’s especially important to read the PDS, TMD and the wording of the policy.

Choosing a policy that fits your trip

If you’re trying to narrow down your options, some common areas to review include whether the policy covers your planned activities, the level of cover for medical emergencies, options for delays and cancellations, and how straightforward the claims process is. Comparison tables may be sorted by a cover rating and may show only a selection of products, such as those from online partners able to return prices in real time. Ratings and tables can be useful starting points, but they are only one factor to consider.

Finally, any general information about travel insurance doesn’t take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider whether a policy suits your circumstances, and always read the PDS and confirm cover details with the provider before you buy.