- The best comprehensive travel insurance plans
- What is comprehensive travel insurance?
- The price of comprehensive travel insurance
- What comprehensive travel insurance covers
- The conditions of comprehensive travel insurance
- Why take out comprehensive travel insurance?
- How to choose the right comprehensive travel insurance
- The Coverage of comprehensive Travel Insurance by Current Policies
- FAQ
- On the same topic
comprehensive travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Comprehensive insurance covers major risks like medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage for complete travel protection.
2. Price: For one week in Europe, expect to pay between $80 and $150 AUD for comprehensive cover.
3. Coverage: It typically covers medical, cancellation, and baggage, but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk activities.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Credit cards, Medicare, and private health funds offer very limited or no overseas travel insurance cover.
5. Tips: Always declare pre-existing conditions and check specific cover limits for medical expenses and valuable items.
6. Other useful info: DFAT strongly advises cover for medical evacuation, which can be extremely expensive from overseas back to Australia.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best comprehensive travel insurance.
The best comprehensive travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best comprehensive travel insurance plans available for residents of Australia in 2025. These policies stand out for their high medical limits, low deductibles and simplified conditions, providing optimal protection for stress-free journeys around the world.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 5,000,000 AUD | 100 AUD | • Direct payment to global hospitals. • Premium coverage for adventure sports. • All claims processed online. • Travel disruption protection included. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1,000,000 AUD | 100 AUD | • 24/7 multilingual support. • Mobile medical app. • No age limit for policyholders. • Covers dependent children for free. |
| Tourist Card | 2,000,000 AUD | 250 AUD | • Adventure sports coverage. • Annual multi-trip options. • Pre-existing medical condition protection. • Family and group discounts available. |
| World Travel | 5,000,000 AUD | 200 AUD | • Top-tier medical limit. • Emergency evacuation. • Telemedicine included. • Comprehensive baggage cover. |
| Globe Partner | 1,500,000 AUD | 150 AUD | • Annual cover for frequent travelers. • Professional/business risk coverage. • High-risk destination specialists. • Fast claim handling. |
| Globe Traveller | 2,000,000 AUD | 150 AUD | • Long trip and expatriate-ready. • Unrestricted trip duration. • Simple online renewal. • Premium stability up to age 75. |
• Premium coverage for adventure sports.
• All claims processed online.
• Travel disruption protection included.
• Mobile medical app.
• No age limit for policyholders.
• Covers dependent children for free.
• Annual multi-trip options.
• Pre-existing medical condition protection.
• Family and group discounts available.
• Emergency evacuation.
• Telemedicine included.
• Comprehensive baggage cover.
• Professional/business risk coverage.
• High-risk destination specialists.
• Fast claim handling.
• Unrestricted trip duration.
• Simple online renewal.
• Premium stability up to age 75.
The best comprehensive travel insurance may vary according to your needs. We invite you to use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the plan that suits you best and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance policies for freeI compareWhat is comprehensive travel insurance?
Comprehensive travel insurance is a multi-risk policy that covers a wide range of incidents that may occur before or during a trip.
It includes cover for medical emergencies overseas, trip cancellation or interruption, lost or delayed baggage, personal liability, and 24/7 assistance.
This type of insurance is designed to offer broad protection in a single policy, for both domestic and international travel from Australia.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out comprehensive travel insurance is especially recommended if you live in Australia:
- When travelling overseas, as Medicare provides no cover abroad.
- If visiting countries with high medical costs, like the USA.
- For an expensive or non-refundable trip booked well in advance.
- If you have any pre-existing medical condition, even a minor one.
- For trips involving adventure activities such as skiing or diving.
- When going on a cruise, for specific on-board medical risks.
- If travelling to remote areas where medical evacuation is expensive.
The price of comprehensive travel insurance
On average, comprehensive travel insurance costs between 3% and 6% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 3-day city break in Melbourne | $900 | $25 to $45 |
| 2-week beach holiday in Bali | $3,200 | $90 to $170 |
| 1-month guided tour of Europe | $8,000 | $240 to $420 |
| 3-month backpacking trip in Thailand | $12,500 | $480 to $950 |
These prices are provided as an indication and may vary depending on the type of plan chosen (standard or premium) and the specific conditions of each insurer.
The price of your comprehensive travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: longer journeys result in increased premiums.
- destination: countries with high medical service costs or risk attract higher insurance rates.
- traveller’s age: prices rise with age, especially over 65 years.
- level of coverage: choosing higher medical limits, baggage protection, and extra benefits increases cost.
- selected options: cover for adventure sports, valuables, pregnancy events, or pre-existing medical conditions will make the policy more expensive.
What comprehensive travel insurance covers
Comprehensive travel insurance covers you at every stage of your journey, from before departure to your return home. It is the most extensive protection available and is recommended for peace of mind during both domestic and international trips.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refund of trip costs if cancelled for a covered reason before departure. | We recommend a minimum $5,000 cover, with a deductible under $100. Change of mind, business issues and foreseeable events are excluded. |
| 🚫 Missed departure | Pays extra transport costs if you miss your flight or train due to unexpected events. | At least $500 cover is advisable, avoid high deductibles. Not covered for being late, or if the delay is not confirmed in writing. |
| 🎒 Baggage loss or theft | Loss, theft or damage to luggage or valuables during your trip. | Opt for $2,500 cover with deductible under $100. Unattended baggage, wear and tear, and electronics above the limit are often excluded. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Pays meals and accommodation due to delayed transport. | Look for $200 after 6 hours, with no deductible. Delays under 6 hours or lacking documentation are excluded. |
| 🏥 Overseas medical expenses | Key guarantee. Emergency medical care and hospitalisation abroad. | Minimum $1,000,000 recommended, ideally with no deductible or max $100. Pre-existing conditions, elective treatments and chronic illnesses are usually excluded. |
| 🚑 Emergency evacuation | Key guarantee. Costs to medically evacuate you or repatriate you to Australia if needed. | Cover should be unlimited or at least $500,000. Non-medical, comfort-only or refused repatriation are excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Dental treatment for acute pain or injury while overseas. | Minimum $500 cover, deductible should not exceed $50. Cosmetic/luxury treatment and pre-existing dental issues are excluded. |
| ⚖️ Personal liability | Pays if you injure someone or damage property during your trip. | At least $1,000,000 cover recommended, deductible under $250. Intentional damage, professional activities and motor vehicle claims are excluded. |
| 🚗 Rental vehicle excess | Covers the excess if your rental car is damaged or stolen. | $3,000 cover is a good starting point, max $150 deductible. Off-road driving, unlicensed use, or driving under influence are excluded. |
| 🧍♂️ Personal accident | Compensation for accidental death or disability during your journey. | Look for $25,000 or more. No deductible is expected. Excludes suicide, war, risky sports and substance use. |
Change of mind, business issues and foreseeable events are excluded.
Not covered for being late, or if the delay is not confirmed in writing.
Unattended baggage, wear and tear, and electronics above the limit are often excluded.
Delays under 6 hours or lacking documentation are excluded.
Pre-existing conditions, elective treatments and chronic illnesses are usually excluded.
Non-medical, comfort-only or refused repatriation are excluded.
Cosmetic/luxury treatment and pre-existing dental issues are excluded.
Intentional damage, professional activities and motor vehicle claims are excluded.
Off-road driving, unlicensed use, or driving under influence are excluded.
Excludes suicide, war, risky sports and substance use.
Reimbursement limits vary depending on the insurer and the plan selected (eco, standard, premium). They must always be checked in the general terms and conditions.
To find the comprehensive travel insurance best suited to your profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of comprehensive travel insurance
To activate your comprehensive travel insurance and make your benefits valid, several important conditions must be met.
- Timing of purchase: most insurers require that you buy the policy before leaving Australia or your place of residence.
- Residency requirement: you must be a permanent resident of Australia at the time you purchase the policy.
- Trip duration compliance: your trip must fit within the duration and dates specified in the policy contract.
- No ongoing travel: you cannot already be abroad or have departed before you take out your insurance.
- Incident notification: you must notify your insurer as soon as possible after any incident, such as hospitalisation, loss, or theft.
- Supporting documentation: you need to provide proof like a medical certificate or police report when making a claim.
- Destination restrictions: if you travel to countries under a “do not travel” advisory from the Australian government, coverage may be excluded.
- Policy exclusions: policy conditions exclude losses due to recklessness, illegal acts, or undeclared pre-existing medical conditions.
Watch out!
A common trap for Aussie travellers is buying insurance too late. Your comprehensive policy won't cover 'known events'. If a cyclone, strike, or pandemic is already in the news before you buy, any claims related to it will likely be rejected. Purchase your policy when you book your trip!
Why take out comprehensive travel insurance?
While travelling, even a minor health issue can quickly lead to large expenses, especially outside Australia. Financial risks are often higher than most travellers expect.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to 100%, often to policy limit |
| Medical repatriation |
| Frequently 100%, if medically required |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to 100%, subject to policy limit |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Usually covered, based on limits |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Partial, often capped per policy |
- Europe: $450
- North America: $1,200
- Asia: $280
- Europe: $75,000
- North America: $120,000
- Asia: $45,000
- Europe: $18,000
- North America: $45,000
- Asia: $8,500
- Europe: $380
- North America: $950
- Asia: $220
- Europe: $280
- North America: $750
- Asia: $150
Coverage varies greatly depending on the plan chosen (standard or premium) and the insurer. Refer to the general conditions and always compare with tools like HelloSafe.
In addition to medical expenses, comprehensive travel insurance also covers many other risks: trip cancellation or interruption, lost or stolen luggage, civil liability abroad, repatriation assistance and services like teleconsultation or emergency fund advances.
Good to know
Don't let a medical emergency ruin your trip and your savings. An overseas hospital stay can cost over $50,000. Comprehensive insurance is essential for unlimited medical cover and emergency evacuation. Policies from insurers like Chapka ensure you're protected from massive bills, giving you total peace of mind.
How to choose the right comprehensive travel insurance
Not all comprehensive travel insurance offers are the same: coverage levels, reimbursement limits, and policy features may vary greatly. That’s why comparing several criteria before choosing a plan is essential to match your real travel needs.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Low medical or baggage limits may leave you underinsured if something serious happens abroad. | Always prioritise high limits: at least $1,000,000 for medical, and $5,000 for personal baggage. |
| 📉 Deductible | This out-of-pocket amount can impact your costs if you have to make a claim. | Choose a low or no deductible for medical or trip cancellation to reduce expenses in emergencies. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Some benefits only apply if the policy is purchased within a strict time window. | Buy your insurance quickly: ideally within 48 hours of booking to secure full cancellation cover. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Age can restrict eligibility, increase premiums, or limit coverage options. | For seniors, check for age caps and additional requirements before you commit to a policy. |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | Needs differ if you travel as a solo, family, business, or senior traveller. | Look for cover matching your group (solo, couple, family, business) and confirm dependent coverage. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Most policies cap maximum trip length per journey or for the entire policy. | For long or multiple trips, prefer annual multi-trip or extended stay plans with flexible dates. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Coverage and price change significantly by destination, especially for the USA/Canada. | Check that cover extends to all planned countries, especially if transiting high-cost regions. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Overlap with bank cards or private health could mean doubled or limited benefits. | Review existing insurance to avoid duplicates and only pay for what you truly need. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Risky sports and adventure activities are often excluded or limited by default. | Disclose all planned activities like diving, skiing, or hiking to ensure they’re properly covered. |
The Coverage of comprehensive Travel Insurance by Current Policies
It is reasonable to ask whether your existing protections, like credit card insurance or Medicare, can give you comprehensive travel insurance, but in practice these are usually not sufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Comprehensive travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicare (public health insurance AU) | Never | Covers some emergency medical care in 11 reciprocal countries, but no repatriation. No cover for baggage, cancellation, delays or liability. | Travel insurance covers medical up to $10,000,000 and adds baggage, liability, and cancellation up to $100,000. |
| Medibank Private, Bupa Australia (private) | Almost Never | Limited overseas medical emergency, usually up to $500,000 to $1,000,000, no evacuation, no adventure sports. No trip cancellation, personal liability, delays or high-value baggage cover. | Travel insurance covers evacuation, cancellation, sports, baggage and liability often up to $5,000,000 or more. |
| Commonwealth Bank Low Fee, NAB Classic (classic credit card) | Never | Generally no cover, or very basic if any, with medical typically less than $250,000. No repatriation, no cancellation, minimal or no baggage and liability cover. | Travel insurance covers medical and repatriation up to $1,000,000+ and all major travel risks globally. |
| ANZ Frequent Flyer Black, Westpac Altitude Black (premium credit card) | Limited coverage | Medical up to $1,000,000, baggage up to $10,000, trip cancellation up to $10,000. No cruise, many exclusions for age, sport, or high limits for electronics. | Travel insurance covers higher medical, more generous cancellation, all activities, and fewer exclusions, up to $10,000,000. |
No cover for baggage, cancellation, delays or liability.
No trip cancellation, personal liability, delays or high-value baggage cover.
No repatriation, no cancellation, minimal or no baggage and liability cover.
No cruise, many exclusions for age, sport, or high limits for electronics.
Expert advice
Heads up, Aussies! Your bank card or health insurance might not cover you for trip interruptions due to a relative's illness. Scrutinise the policy details to avoid nasty surprises abroad. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to subscribe to dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is comprehensive travel insurance mandatory?
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory only when required by certain countries for entry, such as Schengen states or some working holiday visas. While it is generally not compulsory for most destinations, it is strongly recommended for all international and domestic trips. For example, a skiing holiday in Japan without insurance could expose you to bills of tens of thousands of AUD in case of injury.
When is it recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
The best time to purchase comprehensive travel insurance is immediately after making your first trip payment, such as booking flights or accommodation. Early purchase ensures you are covered against cancellations, delays, or medical emergencies that could arise before you even depart. It also maximises your eligibility for a wider range of policy benefits, including pre-trip claims.
How do I purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
Start by comparing comprehensive travel insurance options using HelloSafe’s online comparison platform for up-to-date quotes and benefits. Carefully check all guarantees and exclusions relevant to your travel type, health, and activities. Once you find the right policy, you can conveniently purchase it online, and you will receive your insurance certificate immediately by email for your records and visa or travel documents.
Can I purchase comprehensive travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, it is possible to buy comprehensive travel insurance even after booking your flights, hotels, or tours. However, coverage for events that occur before you buy the policy—like sudden illness or natural disaster—will not apply. For the greatest protection and to access cancellation cover, purchase your policy as soon as you make any trip payments.
How do I make a claim on comprehensive travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer as soon as practical and provide your policy number, proof of travel, and documentation of your loss, such as receipts or medical reports. Most Australian insurers now offer fast online or app-based claims services with 24/7 assistance. Keeping detailed evidence supports quick and smooth claims processing, especially for medical or high-value claims.
Does comprehensive travel insurance cover adventure sports?
Many comprehensive policies include standard coverage for popular adventure activities like hiking, snorkeling, or guided tours. However, extreme sports such as skiing, scuba diving, or bungee jumping may require an extra premium or an add-on. Always check your product disclosure statement to confirm which adventure sports are covered and any related policy exclusions.
Do I need comprehensive travel insurance for domestic trips in Australia?
Comprehensive travel insurance can be valuable for domestic travel in Australia, especially if visiting remote areas where medical evacuation can be expensive. It can also cover trip cancellation, lost luggage, and delays within Australia. Domestic cover is especially recommended for family holidays or trips that involve significant upfront payments or adventurous activities.
Is comprehensive travel insurance mandatory?
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory only when required by certain countries for entry, such as Schengen states or some working holiday visas. While it is generally not compulsory for most destinations, it is strongly recommended for all international and domestic trips. For example, a skiing holiday in Japan without insurance could expose you to bills of tens of thousands of AUD in case of injury.
When is it recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
The best time to purchase comprehensive travel insurance is immediately after making your first trip payment, such as booking flights or accommodation. Early purchase ensures you are covered against cancellations, delays, or medical emergencies that could arise before you even depart. It also maximises your eligibility for a wider range of policy benefits, including pre-trip claims.
How do I purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
Start by comparing comprehensive travel insurance options using HelloSafe’s online comparison platform for up-to-date quotes and benefits. Carefully check all guarantees and exclusions relevant to your travel type, health, and activities. Once you find the right policy, you can conveniently purchase it online, and you will receive your insurance certificate immediately by email for your records and visa or travel documents.
Can I purchase comprehensive travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, it is possible to buy comprehensive travel insurance even after booking your flights, hotels, or tours. However, coverage for events that occur before you buy the policy—like sudden illness or natural disaster—will not apply. For the greatest protection and to access cancellation cover, purchase your policy as soon as you make any trip payments.
How do I make a claim on comprehensive travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer as soon as practical and provide your policy number, proof of travel, and documentation of your loss, such as receipts or medical reports. Most Australian insurers now offer fast online or app-based claims services with 24/7 assistance. Keeping detailed evidence supports quick and smooth claims processing, especially for medical or high-value claims.
Does comprehensive travel insurance cover adventure sports?
Many comprehensive policies include standard coverage for popular adventure activities like hiking, snorkeling, or guided tours. However, extreme sports such as skiing, scuba diving, or bungee jumping may require an extra premium or an add-on. Always check your product disclosure statement to confirm which adventure sports are covered and any related policy exclusions.
Do I need comprehensive travel insurance for domestic trips in Australia?
Comprehensive travel insurance can be valuable for domestic travel in Australia, especially if visiting remote areas where medical evacuation can be expensive. It can also cover trip cancellation, lost luggage, and delays within Australia. Domestic cover is especially recommended for family holidays or trips that involve significant upfront payments or adventurous activities.
On the same topic
