- The best domestic travel insurance plans
- What exactly is domestic travel insurance?
- The price of domestic travel insurance
- What domestic travel insurance covers
- The conditions of domestic travel insurance
- Why take out domestic travel insurance?
- How to choose the right domestic travel insurance
- Do my current insurance policies cover domestic travel insurance?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
domestic travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Domestic travel insurance covers financial losses for trips within Australia, like cancellations, lost luggage, and rental car excess.
2. Price: A one-week domestic policy in Australia typically costs between AUD $50 and AUD $100 per person.
3. Coverage: It covers cancellations, luggage, and rental excess, but often excludes events covered by Medicare or private health insurance.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Credit cards offer little domestic cover; Medicare and private health won't cover non-medical costs like cancellations.
5. Tips: Check policies for rental vehicle excess, remote area evacuation, and specific adventure activity cover before you purchase.
6. Other useful info: Ambulance cover varies by state, so ensure your policy covers you for interstate travel if not covered already.
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 domestic travel insurance.
The best domestic travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best domestic travel insurance plans available for residents of Australia in 2025. These policies stand out for their high coverage limits, low deductibles and clear terms, offering strong protection for trips within Australia.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 100,000 AUD | 100 AUD | • Unlimited emergency evacuation for remote areas. • Adventure activities covered. • 24/7 multilingual support. • Quick claims via mobile app. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 100,000 AUD | 100 AUD | • Medical evacuation included. • No age or trip limit. • Family plans at discount. • Covers most pre-existing conditions. |
| Tourist Card | 80,000 AUD | 150 AUD | • Includes rental vehicle excess. • Trip cancellation due to natural disasters. • Adventure sport benefits. • Fast online refunds. |
| World Travel | 75,000 AUD | 200 AUD | • Comprehensive luggage coverage. • Dental emergencies included. • Family-friendly plans. • COVID-19 interruption benefits. |
| Globe Partner | 80,000 AUD | 100 AUD | • Flexible trip length. • Suitable for all ages. • Adventure and water sports cover. • Paperless policy delivery. |
| Globe Traveller | 80,000 AUD | 100 AUD | • Senior-friendly policies. • Extensive outback coverage. • Emergency dental and medical. • Option for long-term travel insurance. |
• Adventure activities covered.
• 24/7 multilingual support.
• Quick claims via mobile app.
• No age or trip limit.
• Family plans at discount.
• Covers most pre-existing conditions.
• Trip cancellation due to natural disasters.
• Adventure sport benefits.
• Fast online refunds.
• Dental emergencies included.
• Family-friendly plans.
• COVID-19 interruption benefits.
• Suitable for all ages.
• Adventure and water sports cover.
• Paperless policy delivery.
• Extensive outback coverage.
• Emergency dental and medical.
• Option for long-term travel insurance.
The best domestic travel insurance for each person depends on their needs. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the right plan and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance policies for freeI compareWhat exactly is domestic travel insurance?
Domestic travel insurance is coverage designed to protect Australians on trips within Australia against unexpected events and expenses.
It typically includes medical emergencies, booking cancellations, lost luggage, travel delays, and rental vehicle excess while travelling interstate or to remote regions.
This insurance is valuable for covering risks not included in standard health insurance, such as costly evacuations or property loss during domestic travel.
Domestic travel insurance is sometimes called "interstate travel insurance".
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out domestic travel insurance is especially recommended in Australia:
- When you have pre-paid for expensive, non-refundable travel costs.
- If you hire a rental vehicle and want to cover the excess.
- For trips to remote areas where medical evacuation might be necessary.
- As ambulance costs are not covered by Medicare in many states.
- When travelling with valuable items like cameras, laptops or sporting gear.
- If your trip includes adventure activities like hiking, skiing or diving.
- For protection against natural disasters like bushfires, cyclones, and floods.
The price of domestic travel insurance
On average, domestic travel insurance costs between 2% and 5% of the total trip value, depending on length and level of cover.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney to Melbourne weekend getaway (3 days) | $750 | $16 to $35 |
| Perth to Uluru adventure trip (10 days) | $2,500 | $55 to $110 |
| Brisbane to Cairns family holiday (2 weeks) | $4,200 | $80 to $150 |
| Adelaide to Tasmania road trip (3 weeks) | $6,000 | $120 to $180 |
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 domestic travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: longer holidays require higher premiums.
- destination: travel to remote or high-risk regions may increase the price due to evacuation costs.
- level of coverage: comprehensive plans with higher medical and cancellation limits cost more than basic plans.
- traveller’s age: older travellers may pay higher premiums or need extra medical screening.
- selected options: add-ons like cover for adventure activities, rental cars, or valuable items will increase the total cost.
What domestic travel insurance covers
Domestic travel insurance protects you during trips within Australia. It is designed for journeys between states, cities, and remote destinations, offering valuable peace of mind. Policies are sometimes called interstate or within Australia travel insurance.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refund for pre-paid trip costs if canceled for a covered reason before departure. | Minimum of $2,500 cover is advised, deductible should be under $100. Change of mind, work reasons, and known events are usually excluded. |
| 🚫 Missed departure | Extra transport if you miss your flight or transport for reasons outside your control. | At least $300 cover, no deductible preferred. Not covered without proof or if late by own action. |
| 🎒 Luggage and personal items | Compensation for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage, electronics, or valuables. | Opt for at least $2,500 cover and avoid deductibles above $100. Items left unattended or unreported losses are often excluded. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Covers meals and accommodation due to significant travel delays during your trip. | Seek $100–$200 per day after 6h, deductible should be low. Delays under 6h or lacking documentation are not covered. |
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses | Key guarantee. Pays for urgent hospital or doctor bills during your trip across Australia. | We recommend a minimum of $50,000, with a deductible under $100. Pre-existing conditions and routine checkups are excluded. |
| 🚑 Emergency evacuation | Pays for medical evacuation to the nearest hospital or your home if required. | Look for cover of at least $50,000, and ensure low or zero deductible. Voluntary or non-medical evacuation is excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Pays for urgent dental treatment caused by accident or sudden pain on your trip. | At least $1,000 cover is advised, deductible under $50. Not covered for regular dental care or cosmetic work. |
| ⚖️ Personal liability | Protects if you accidentally injure someone or damage property during your journey. | Minimum $1,000,000 cover recommended, deductible under $200. Intentional acts, family damage, or property owned by you are not covered. |
| 🚗 Rental vehicle excess | Pays the excess on a rental car damaged or stolen during your domestic trip. | Choose at least $3,000 cover, deductible should be under $150. Not covered for driving under the influence or unlicensed driving. |
| 💔 Trip interruption | Refund for lost trip costs if you need to come home early for a covered emergency. | Select minimum $1,000 limit, deductible should be low. Voluntary early returns or small changes are excluded. |
Change of mind, work reasons, and known events are usually excluded.
Not covered without proof or if late by own action.
Items left unattended or unreported losses are often excluded.
Delays under 6h or lacking documentation are not covered.
Pre-existing conditions and routine checkups are excluded.
Voluntary or non-medical evacuation is excluded.
Not covered for regular dental care or cosmetic work.
Intentional acts, family damage, or property owned by you are not covered.
Not covered for driving under the influence or unlicensed driving.
Voluntary early returns or small changes are excluded.
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 domestic travel insurance best suited to your profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of domestic travel insurance
To make your domestic travel insurance valid and benefits accessible, certain requirements must be met.
- Timing of purchase: you must buy the policy before leaving your home or starting your trip within Australia.
- Residency requirement: you must be an Australian resident at the time of policy purchase.
- Trip within Australia: cover only applies if your travel is entirely between locations inside Australia’s borders.
- Trip duration limit: the trip must not exceed the maximum period set out in the policy, such as 30 or 60 days.
- No coverage for pre-existing trips: you cannot already have departed or be on your journey when you arrange cover.
- Notification of incident: any claimable event, such as loss, accident, or illness, must be reported to the insurer promptly.
- Supporting documentation: you must provide receipts, medical certificates, or police reports as proof for any claim.
- Activity and location exclusions: some remote regions or adventure sports may be excluded from standard policies unless specifically added.
Watch out!
Many Aussies mistakenly believe Medicare covers all medical costs nationwide. It doesn't cover ambulance transport or remote medical evacuations, which can cost thousands. Domestic travel insurance is vital to protect against these unexpected, hefty bills, especially when travelling interstate or to the Outback.
Why take out domestic travel insurance?
Travelling within Australia still comes with risks, and unexpected incidents during a domestic trip can cause significant financial strain, especially in remote regions.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost in eastern Australia | Average cost in western/northern Australia | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) | $350 to $450 AU | $400 to $550 AU | Up to 100%, up to policy limit |
| Ambulance transport (50 km) | $800 to $1,200 AU | $1,000 to $1,500 AU | Usually covered in full, if included |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization | $15,000 to $25,000 AU | $18,000 to $30,000 AU | Often up to $250,000 AU |
| Stitches after a fall | $280 to $380 AU | $320 to $450 AU | Covered up to policy maximum |
| Emergency tooth extraction | $400 to $600 AU | $500 to $750 AU | Partial, based on policy conditions |
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.
Beyond medical expenses, domestic travel insurance can also include trip cancellation, lost or delayed luggage, personal liability, rental vehicle excess, emergency evacuation, and natural disaster coverage, providing a safety net for any trip within Australia.
Good to know
Your holiday down under deserves protection. Domestic insurance covers you for trip cancellations, lost luggage, and hefty ambulance fees not covered by Medicare. With 24/7 assistance from insurers like Chapka, you can explore from coast to coast with confidence, knowing you're protected.
How to choose the right domestic travel insurance
Not all domestic travel insurance policies are identical: reimbursement caps, exclusions and guarantees may vary greatly. Knowing which criteria to check helps you select suitable coverage for your next trip within Australia.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 Reimbursement limits | Low claim limits could leave you exposed to high evacuation or medical costs. | Pick cover that includes at least $100,000 for medical and $5,000 for baggage per trip. |
| 🧾 Deductible | This is what you pay before your claim is reimbursed and can add up for each incident. | Avoid plans with high deductibles on medical and trip interruption if you want lower out-of-pocket costs. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Some cancellation or delay benefits need early sign-up, notification or supporting proof. | Read the policy's small print and act promptly to maximise cover for cancellation or claims. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Age may affect access to certain policies or trigger higher premiums. | If over 65, confirm there are no excessive fees or impossible requirements before booking insurance. |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | Needs differ if you travel solo, as a couple, with family or in a group. | Select a plan matching your travel group or activity to ensure everyone you need is protected. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Many domestic policies restrict cover to trips of a certain length. | Choose policies with flexible or long trip limits if you are planning an extended stay in Australia. |
| 🌏 Destination remoteness | Remote or Outback travel raises evacuation and delay risks and costs. | Get policies covering emergency evacuation by air if venturing into remote or hard-to-reach regions. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Hiking, diving or other adventure activities may be excluded from standard cover. | Disclose extreme or adventure sports up front and ensure they are written into your policy. |
| 🏥 Existing health cover | Medicare or private insurance might only cover part of your emergency costs or none. | Check limits of your current cover and add travel insurance if you want complete protection. |
Do my current insurance policies cover domestic travel insurance?
It is quite reasonable to wonder if your current insurances, like credit card insurance or the public health system, are sufficient to insure you for domestic travel within Australia, but unfortunately, this is often not the case. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Domestic travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | Never | Medical treatment in public hospitals, ambulance support in some states, max: standard benefits only. No baggage, trip delays, cancellation, emergency evacuation, or vehicle excess protection included. | Travel insurance can reimburse up to $250,000 and includes cancellation, personal liability, and lost luggage cover. |
| Private health insurance (Bupa, Medibank) | Almost never | Hospital, extras, ambulance (varies by state), max: $50,000 ambulance. No coverage for non-medical events, delays, or all travel risks. | Travel insurance covers medical, evacuation, trip disruption, and baggage up to $250,000 across all locations. |
| Classic credit card (ANZ Standard, Westpac Classic) | Never | Rare travel or purchase protection, medical: $0 for domestic travel. No medical, experience, or travel specific guarantees for local trips. | Travel insurance covers domestic medical and emergency events, cancellations, and lost baggage up to $250,000. |
| Premium credit card (ANZ Black, AMEX Platinum) | Limited coverage | May include some domestic delays or lost luggage, max: $1,500 luggage. No comprehensive medical, no trip or rental vehicle excess, no broad cancellation cover. | Travel insurance is tailored for local travel with maximums up to $250,000 for medical and much broader extra benefits. |
No baggage, trip delays, cancellation, emergency evacuation, or vehicle excess protection included.
No coverage for non-medical events, delays, or all travel risks.
No medical, experience, or travel specific guarantees for local trips.
No comprehensive medical, no trip or rental vehicle excess, no broad cancellation cover.
Expert advice
Your bank card or health insurance might not cover trip interruptions for family emergencies. Always check the policy details carefully to avoid costly surprises while you're away. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to subscribe to dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is domestic travel insurance mandatory?
Domestic travel insurance is generally not mandatory for trips within Australia. However, some remote adventure tours, cruise operators, or group travel packages may require mandatory insurance. Even when not required, it is highly recommended—especially for trips to the Outback or islands where medical evacuation costs can be very high in case of emergency.
When is it recommended to purchase domestic travel insurance?
The best time to purchase domestic travel insurance is immediately after booking your trip. This ensures you are covered for cancellations, unforeseen events, and emergencies before and during your travel period. Early purchase also gives you peace of mind, as some protections, such as cancellation cover, apply once the insurance is in place.
How do I purchase domestic travel insurance?
Start by comparing plans with HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find a policy that suits your needs. Carefully check the guarantees and exclusions, especially those specific to domestic travel, such as remote area evacuation. You can then purchase online in a few minutes and receive your certificate, which serves as proof of coverage.
Can I purchase domestic travel insurance after my trip is already booked?
Yes, you can arrange domestic travel insurance even after making travel bookings, but it is best done well before departure. Some covers, such as trip cancellation, may only apply from the date of policy purchase. It is also wise to have insurance in place before starting your journey to avoid being uninsured during unforeseen incidents.
How do I make a claim on my domestic travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s claims line or use their online portal to submit your documentation. You will usually need to provide proof of purchase, receipts, and any police or medical reports if relevant. Promptly filing your claim and keeping all relevant paperwork will help speed up the process.
Does domestic travel insurance cover COVID-19 related cancellations or illness?
Many insurers now include cover for COVID-19 related trip cancellations, travel interruptions, or medical expenses. Coverage can vary by provider and policy, so review the product disclosure statement for specific inclusions or exclusions relating to pandemics, quarantine, and government-issued travel restrictions before purchasing.
Is domestic travel insurance mandatory?
Domestic travel insurance is generally not mandatory for trips within Australia. However, some remote adventure tours, cruise operators, or group travel packages may require mandatory insurance. Even when not required, it is highly recommended—especially for trips to the Outback or islands where medical evacuation costs can be very high in case of emergency.
When is it recommended to purchase domestic travel insurance?
The best time to purchase domestic travel insurance is immediately after booking your trip. This ensures you are covered for cancellations, unforeseen events, and emergencies before and during your travel period. Early purchase also gives you peace of mind, as some protections, such as cancellation cover, apply once the insurance is in place.
How do I purchase domestic travel insurance?
Start by comparing plans with HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find a policy that suits your needs. Carefully check the guarantees and exclusions, especially those specific to domestic travel, such as remote area evacuation. You can then purchase online in a few minutes and receive your certificate, which serves as proof of coverage.
Can I purchase domestic travel insurance after my trip is already booked?
Yes, you can arrange domestic travel insurance even after making travel bookings, but it is best done well before departure. Some covers, such as trip cancellation, may only apply from the date of policy purchase. It is also wise to have insurance in place before starting your journey to avoid being uninsured during unforeseen incidents.
How do I make a claim on my domestic travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s claims line or use their online portal to submit your documentation. You will usually need to provide proof of purchase, receipts, and any police or medical reports if relevant. Promptly filing your claim and keeping all relevant paperwork will help speed up the process.
Does domestic travel insurance cover COVID-19 related cancellations or illness?
Many insurers now include cover for COVID-19 related trip cancellations, travel interruptions, or medical expenses. Coverage can vary by provider and policy, so review the product disclosure statement for specific inclusions or exclusions relating to pandemics, quarantine, and government-issued travel restrictions before purchasing.
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