Insurance plans crafted to account for potential travel mishaps, ensuring financial coverage when unforeseen incidents occur on journey.
Heading overseas? Don't forget to secure a travel insurance policy that's as vital as your passport, sunscreen, and vacation outfit. But beware, not all policies are created equal. Research by Smartraveller shows one in four Aussie jet-setters experienced an insurable event on their latest international trip – think lost luggage, delayed flights, or medical emergencies.
So, how do you find an insurance policy that truly covers your needs? Expert Jodi Bird from CHOICE advises that the top policies cater to your travel destination, the activities you'll partake in, and even your medical conditions.
In a meticulous evaluation of over 100 policies from 30+ insurers, CHOICE determined that many policies contain tricky exclusions, stingy limits, or lack true value for money. So, avoid those shady deals and compare policies side-by-side, using CHOICE's comprehensive comparison tool.
By comparing policies, you can assess coverages and compare each policy's cost using CHOICE's 'price score.' Remember, the best policies not only cover your needs at a reasonable price but also cater to your age. And if you have any medical conditions, ensure they are included in the coverage without incurring extra costs.
Annual or single-trip policy?
If you're embarking on a one-time holiday, go for a standalone or 'one-trip' travel insurance policy.
However, if you're a frequent traveler, consider an annual multi-trip policy. You can filter annual policies in CHOICE's insurance review to find policies that provide good value for money without any length-of-trip restrictions.
Stay clear of the worst travel insurance policies
CHOICE has rated travel insurance based on value for the price, and unfortunately, some policies score extremely low. For instance, the lowest-rated one-trip policy only offers coverage for overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses, but at a relatively higher price compared to other policies with better coverage.
Here are the three worst travel insurance policies to avoid:
- Flight Centre Gold Travel Insurance: CHOICE Expert Rating: 50%
- Cover score: 78%
- Price score: 8%
According to CHOICE experts, Flight Centre's Gold Travel Insurance policy provides good overall cover, although it comes at some of the highest prices in the market. Prices have increased, making it a less attractive option compared to policies recommended by CHOICE.
Learn more about the Flight Centre Gold travel insurance policy review.
- 1Cover Medical Only: CHOICE Expert Rating: 54%
- Cover score: 34%
- Price score: 83%
This is a medical-only policy that solely covers certain medical expenses and excludes coverage for travel-related costs such as lost baggage or missed flights. Although its price may seem appealing, the minimal coverage does not make it a good deal, say CHOICE experts.
Discover more about the 1Cover Medical Only travel insurance policy review.
- Flight Centre Silver Travel Insurance: CHOICE Expert Rating: 55%
- Cover score: 67%
- Price score: 36%
Similar to Flight Centre's Gold policy, the Silver policy offers decent coverage overall, but there are better options available at lower prices.
Unveil the details in the Flight Centre Silver travel insurance review.
Let CHOICE be your travel buddy
For over six decades, CHOICE has been on a mission to empower Australian consumers with expert reviews, independent product testing, and impartial advice. Funded by member subscriptions, CHOICE stands apart from advertisement-driven content, giving you credible and honest answers for safer, smarter travel choices.
Join the CHOICE community today to make educated decisions and obtain the protection you deserve on your next adventure.
- When choosing a travel insurance policy, be mindful of privacy policies as you may need to disclose personal details about your lifestyle, medical conditions, and consumer rights to get the best coverage.
- To make an informed decision, review CHOICE's travel insurance comparisons, especially avoiding the lowest-rated policies such as Flight Centre Gold Travel Insurance, 1Cover Medical Only, and Flight Centre Silver Travel Insurance, as they offer poor value for money, limited coverage, or expensive prices.
