Travel Insurance: What to Compare Before You Get a Quote
Why comparing travel insurance matters
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 didn’t make it, or you could be injured early in your trip and face medical costs. In situations like these, travel insurance may be able to help with certain associated expenses.
Because policies can differ widely, comparing travel insurance before you request a quote can be a practical way to check both price and features. Comparison tools can provide quotes in minutes and, if you need time to decide, some services can email the quotes to you. It’s also important to remember that not every provider or product will be included in every comparison, and sometimes certain brands or products may not be available.
What travel insurance may cover (and why details matter)
Depending on the kind of policy you have, travel insurance can cover you in a range of situations, and providers offer different inclusions. Generally speaking, travel insurance is likely to cover costs associated with issues such as unexpected medical bills, trip delays, lost bags and other unwanted surprises. However, no travel policy will cover every single thing that could go wrong while you’re away. Even where a policy provides coverage for a particular event, it may only apply in limited circumstances.
This is why it’s important to carefully read the policy terms and conditions in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for any policy you’re considering, and ask questions when purchasing so you understand what is and is not covered. It can also be relevant to review the Target Market Determination (TMD), which explains which people a particular financial product may be suitable for and sets out conditions around how it can be distributed.
Choosing a policy that fits your trip
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to travel insurance. The “best” option will depend on what suits your needs and budget. A policy that works for a relaxed holiday may not be the right match for a trip involving skiing, snowboarding, or other adventurous activities. In that case, you may want to look for a policy that offers cover for your chosen activity at a competitive price. If you’re particularly concerned about lost or stolen luggage, you might focus on policies with higher luggage limits.
When comparing, it can help to think through your itinerary and priorities before you start collecting quotes. That way, you can focus on policies that align with what you actually plan to do and the types of risks you’re most concerned about.
- Check whether the policy covers all planned activities, especially skiing or other higher-risk activities.
- Review the level of medical emergency cover offered.
- Look at options for delays and cancellations.
- Consider how straightforward the claims process appears to be.
What can affect the cost of travel insurance
There is no set cost for travel insurance. Pricing can vary depending on a number of key factors, so it may be a good idea to get multiple quotes to compare both price and cover. Some tools allow users to input a few details—such as destination, travel dates, ages of travellers and any extras required—without needing personal details such as an email address to generate an initial shortlist of providers.
Age can be one factor. For example, travel insurance for seniors may be more expensive because providers may consider there to be more potential health risks associated with travel. At the same time, seniors travel insurance can include benefits tailored more for older travellers.
Quoted examples can also show how pricing may differ by destination and traveller profile. Based on quotes received from a travel insurance panel between 1 June 2025 and 30 September 2025, examples included cover from $4.99 per day on average, and sample trip totals such as $120 for a couple’s 8-day trip to Bali, $244 for a 15-day family ski trip to Japan, $152 for a two-week solo trip to the United States, and $66 for a 10-day domestic trip within Australia. These figures are based on specific traveller ages, dates, and minimum inclusions, and prices can change at the provider’s discretion.
Medical expenses: a key reason many travellers consider cover
Travel insurance can cover medical expenses, although it depends on the level of cover you choose and the policy’s terms. Medical expenses may be a major reason to take out travel insurance, particularly because overseas treatment and transport costs can be significant if repatriation home is required.
Australia has reciprocal healthcare agreements (RHCA) with certain countries—Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Slovenia and the UK—meaning you may be partially covered for medical treatment in those destinations. However, the scope of this cover can be limited. If you travel in a country without an RHCA and you experience a medical emergency, you may face a considerable bill.
It’s also important to keep in mind that travel insurance policies generally have exclusions around medical expenses. Surgeries and treatments deemed non-essential may not be covered, and private hospital rooms may not be covered unless deemed necessary by doctors.
Common exclusions and the importance of reading the fine print
Travel insurance policies will not cover everything that happens on a trip. In some cases, you may need specific cover above and beyond standard travel insurance in order to be covered. Because exclusions can materially change how useful a policy is for your circumstances, reading the PDS and confirming details with the provider is an essential step in any comparison process.
Limits also matter. Some providers display cancellation and luggage limits per person, while others display them as a collective figure for all travellers. If you are travelling with others, it’s worth confirming how limits apply to your party before purchasing.
COVID-19 cover: check what is included
Although international travel has returned and restrictions have been lifted, contracting COVID-19 overseas remains a risk. Many travel insurers now offer limited cover for COVID-19, but the available cover can vary substantially depending on the provider you choose. If COVID-related expenses are important to you, read the PDS, TMD and the wording of your policy carefully.
Is travel insurance worth it?
Whether travel insurance is worth the cost is a personal decision, but it is one that should be seriously considered when deciding to travel. The Australian Government’s Smartraveller website stresses the importance of travel insurance for Australians heading abroad, describing it as “as important as a passport” and warning that you and your family could “suffer financially if things go wrong” on your trip.
Travel already comes with many costs—flights, accommodation, and other trip expenses—so insurance can feel like an extra. But without at least some level of cover, an unexpected event could end up costing more than planned. Comparing policies and quotes can help you decide whether the trade-off between premium and protection makes sense for your trip.
How to use comparison results responsibly
Comparison tables and ratings can be useful, but they are only one factor to consider. Results may default to showing products from certain partners, and the comparison may not include every provider in the market or every feature relevant to you. Ratings and prices can be updated regularly, and there may be occasional delays. Products and ratings shown in a table might not match your exact inputs if a methodology uses set profiles or bands.
Before making a purchase decision, confirm current pricing and cover details with the product issuer, and consider the PDS and TMD. Any general information should be weighed against your own objectives, financial situation and needs, and you may wish to seek advice from a qualified adviser if required.
Always read the PDS and confirm cover details with the provider before you buy.