Tips and suggestions to minimise jet lag symptoms and maximise your enjoyment of your next international trip.
Travel
When to book travel insurance
To ensure you have coverage against cancellations and other insured events on your next overseas trip, consider purchasing travel insurance sooner rather than later.
The Australian government travel site Smarttraveller found that one in four Australian travellers experienced an insurable event on their last overseas trip. That's 25 per cent of Australian holidaymakers who could potentially lose money due to cancellations, theft and other incidents if they didn’t have the appropriate travel insurance.
Purchasing travel insurance early can help provide coverage for certain situations, such as trip cancellations, and reduce the financial impact of potential complications. Understanding the requirements of your destination country, the coverage options for your traveling party, and specific needs like electronics and travel documents will help ensure you have the appropriate coverage throughout your journey.
Timing your travel insurance purchase
When can I purchase travel insurance?
You have the flexibility to purchase travel insurance as soon as you book your trip, or even closer to your departure, depending on the type of coverage you need. Early purchase can help ensure that you have coverage from the moment you make your first payment towards your trip, for issues such as trip cancellations or interruptions that may occur before departure. It's important to read your travel insurance policy documents carefully to understand the different coverage options available and ensure they meet your specific needs.
That said, the more information you have about your trip, the easier it is to buy the coverage that best suits your needs. For example, are you going on an ocean cruise, hitting the ski slopes, or planning to drive overseas? Knowing what you’ll be doing on holiday will help you choose suitable supplemental coverage.
Travel insurance is an important consideration of planning an overseas holiday. Image: Getty
Why consider purchasing travel insurance early?
Once you purchase the appropriate travel insurance, you may be covered for unexpected events in the lead-up to your holiday. For example, you may have to cancel your ski holiday due to a broken leg. Travel insurance may help reimburse non-refundable expenses.
Can I purchase travel insurance right before I leave?
You can purchase travel insurance up until you depart on your trip, although buying coverage when you make your bookings can offer additional benefits.
Policies bought closer to your departure date typically offer less coverage compared to those purchased well in advance. For instance, you might miss out on pre-existing condition coverage or have fewer options for trip cancellation and interruption benefits.
Moreover, you might face coverage gaps if an unforeseen event occurs shortly before your departure and you haven't bought insurance yet.
Consider purchasing travel insurance once you start making bookings. Image: Matt Harvey
What if my travel plans change?
Travel plans can change throughout the planning process. Perhaps you want to add on a few more days or visit a different country.
If flexibility is a priority, consider a travel insurance provider that allows you to purchase coverage first and make changes to your policy, such as adjusting destinations or travel dates. However, be sure to review the terms and conditions, as the ability to make changes may vary.
Which countries require travel insurance?
Some countries have specific requirements regarding travel insurance. It's crucial to check the entry requirements of your destination country well in advance to ensure compliance. Failure to provide the necessary documentation could result in being denied entry.
For example, to obtain a visa to Europe’s Schengen Area countries, travellers must have valid travel insurance that covers the entire Schengen area, with a minimum cover of EUR 30,000 for medical treatment and repatriation.
Even if you don’t legally require travel insurance to enter a country, make sure your travel insurance policy covers every country that you intend to visit.
You should also check each country’s safety status on Smarttraveller, as your travel insurance policy won’t cover you for destinations marked ‘Do Not Travel’ by the Australian government.
Travel plans can change throughout the planning process, so choose an insurer that allows you to update your policy until you depart. Image: Getty
Does travel insurance cover my entire travelling party?
Travel insurance typically covers all individuals listed on the policy, but this can vary depending on the plan you choose. This can be more cost-effective than buying individual policies for each person.
It’s important to review the specifics of the policy to ensure that all members of your travelling party are covered. In addition, ensure that each traveller's details are accurately listed on the policy to avoid potential issues with claims.
RACV Travel Insurance automatically has cover for dependent(s),* so you can take your little ones on holiday with you. Simply add your dependent(s) travelling with you to your Certificate of Insurance.
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) Ltd AR 001243563 is an authorised representative of the issuer and receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. RACV Travel Insurance issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548. Terms & conditions apply, refer to the PDS.
* Dependents such as children, grandchildren, stepchildren, and foster children aged 25 or under at no extra cost provided they are travelling with you the whole time, are financially dependent on their parents or grandparents, not working full time and do not require a medical assessment.
