- The Best international Travel Insurance Plans
- What exactly is international travel insurance?
- The price of international travel insurance
- What international travel insurance covers
- The conditions of international travel insurance
- Why take out international travel insurance?
- How to choose the right international travel insurance?
- International travel coverage under your existing insurance policies
- FAQ
- On the same topic
international travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: International travel insurance protects you financially from unexpected events like medical emergencies and cancellations while overseas.
2. Price: A one-week policy for Europe typically costs between $50 and $100 AUD, depending on your chosen coverage.
3. Coverage: Policies cover medical emergencies and cancellations but often exclude pre-existing conditions and high-risk activities without extra cover.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Medicare and private health offer little to no cover overseas; credit card insurance is often very limited.
5. Tips: Always declare pre-existing conditions and read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for specific policy exclusions.
6. Other useful info: Check DFAT's Smartraveller advice, as travelling against government warnings can void your insurance policy.
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 everything you need to know to choose the best international travel insurance.
The Best international Travel Insurance Plans
Here is a selection of the best international travel insurance plans available for residents of Australia in 2025.
These policies stand out for their high medical limits, low deductibles and flexible terms, providing optimal protection for safe travel worldwide.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 2,000,000 AUD | 100 AUD |
|
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1,000,000 AUD | 100 AUD |
|
| Tourist Card | 2,000,000 AUD | 150 AUD |
|
| World Travel | 1,500,000 AUD | 200 AUD |
|
| Globe Partner | 1,000,000 AUD | 100 AUD |
|
| Globe Traveller | 1,000,000 AUD | 100 AUD |
|
- Direct payment for overseas hospital bills.
- 24/7 support in English.
- Digital claims and app tracking.
- Adventure and sports activities covered.
- International medical assistance.
- No age limits for travelers.
- Covers dependent children.
- Mobile claims and instant emergency support.
- Family and children discounts.
- Pre-existing condition acceptance.
- Covers electronics in luggage.
- Cruise and adventure activities included.
- Pregnancy and childbirth coverage.
- Fast policy certificate delivery.
- Upfront payment for emergencies.
- Annual or single-trip options.
- Annual policy for frequent travelers.
- Quick reimbursement process.
- Direct billing with providers.
- Suitable for seniors and long trips.
- Covers worldwide destinations.
- Extended cover for working holidays.
- High cancellation compensation.
- Multi-currency coverage available.
The best international travel insurance may vary depending on your individual 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 exactly is international travel insurance?
International travel insurance is cover that protects Australians travelling outside Australia, offering financial protection against incidents that can occur overseas.
It covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and personal liability from the time you leave Australia until you return.
This type of policy is essential because Australian health insurance, including Medicare, does not cover costs incurred in other countries.
International travel insurance differs from domestic policies, as it is designed for trips beyond Australian borders and may also be called overseas travel insurance.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out international travel insurance is especially important if you live in Australia:
- when travelling where Medicare provides no cover for overseas medical costs
- if visiting countries with high medical costs, like the USA
- for expensive or non-refundable trips, protecting your significant financial investment
- if you have any pre-existing medical condition, regardless of severity
- when participating in adventure sports like skiing, diving or hiking
- for cruise holidays, which have unique risks and medical needs
- if travelling with valuable items like electronics or professional equipment
- even in countries with Reciprocal Health Care Agreements for full cover
The price of international travel insurance
On average, international travel insurance costs between 3% and 6% of your total trip price.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week holiday in Thailand | $1,500 | $45 to $85 |
| 2 weeks in the UK and France | $6,000 | $180 to $320 |
| 1 month family trip to the USA and Canada | $12,000 | $450 to $750 |
| 3 months round-the-world (single adult) | $7,500 | $380 to $650 |
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 international travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: longer stays mean a higher total insurance cost.
- destination: travel to countries with expensive healthcare, such as the USA, increases premiums.
- traveller’s age: older travellers, especially over 65, often pay more.
- level of coverage: higher medical and cancellation limits make the premium more expensive.
- selected options: adventure sports, cruise cover, or pregnancy coverage will increase the price.
- pre-existing medical conditions: policies that cover your specific conditions are often priced higher.
What international travel insurance covers
International travel insurance is designed to protect Australian travelers during trips outside the country, whether for leisure, study, or business. It covers events that can occur from the moment you leave Australia until you return home. This type of insurance is essential since Medicare and local health funds provide little or no help overseas.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refund of pre-paid costs if you cancel your trip for covered reasons before departure. | Minimum cover of $5,000, deductible no higher than $100 is advised. Change of mind, existing events, and visa refusal are often excluded. |
| 🚫 Missed departure | Pays for extra transport if you miss your flight or other transport due to reasons outside your control. | Choose at least $250 cover, and no deductible. Not covered if you're simply late or lack official documentation of the delay. |
| 🎒 Baggage loss or theft | Compensation for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage or personal belongings. | Look for at least $2,000 cover and avoid excess over $100. Unattended items, high-value electronics, and non-reported losses are often excluded. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Pays for meals and accommodation due to significant travel delays. | Minimum cover of $200 after 6 hours, no deductible preferred. Short delays and lack of proof typically excluded. |
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays for urgent medical treatment and hospital stays abroad. | Ensure at least $1,000,000 cover, with maximum deductible $100. Pre-existing conditions, routine care, and elective treatments are excluded. |
| 🚑 Emergency evacuation or repatriation | Key guarantee. Pays to transport you to Australia or nearest facility if medically necessary. | Unlimited or at least $500,000 cover is needed. Non-urgent repatriation and refusal by insurer or doctors are excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Covers emergency dental treatment for accidents or sudden pain abroad. | At least $300 cover, deductible under $50 recommended. Cosmetic work and pre-existing problems are not covered. |
| ⚖️ Personal liability | Covers compensation if you accidentally injure someone or damage property overseas. | Minimum recommended is $1,000,000 cover, deductible under $100. Professional activities, rented items, and intentional acts are excluded. |
| 🚗 Rental car excess | Pays the rental car excess for damage or theft while abroad. | At least $3,000 cover, avoid excess above $150. Claims from unlicensed drivers, off-road driving, and alcohol are not included. |
| 💔 Trip interruption | Refund for unused services if you shorten your trip due to a covered emergency. | Look for $2,000 or more, deductible should be small or nil. Voluntary changes and minor health issues are usually not covered. |
Change of mind, existing events, and visa refusal are often excluded.
Not covered if you're simply late or lack official documentation of the delay.
Unattended items, high-value electronics, and non-reported losses are often excluded.
Short delays and lack of proof typically excluded.
Pre-existing conditions, routine care, and elective treatments are excluded.
Non-urgent repatriation and refusal by insurer or doctors are excluded.
Cosmetic work and pre-existing problems are not covered.
Professional activities, rented items, and intentional acts are excluded.
Claims from unlicensed drivers, off-road driving, and alcohol are not included.
Voluntary changes and minor health issues are usually not covered.
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 international travel insurance best suited to your profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of international travel insurance
To make sure your international travel insurance applies, there are several important conditions you should be aware of.
- Timing of purchase: you must buy the policy before leaving Australia, not after your trip has already started.
- Residency requirement: you must be an Australian resident at the time of taking out the insurance.
- Trip duration compliance: your travel must not exceed the maximum cover period specified in the policy terms.
- No ongoing travel: you cannot already be overseas when purchasing or activating a new international policy.
- Eligible destinations: you must travel only to countries approved by your policy, with restricted areas or “do not travel” zones not covered.
- Incident notification: you need to inform your insurer quickly in case of claimable events like hospitalisation, cancellation, or theft.
- Supporting documentation: you are required to provide evidence such as receipts, medical reports, or police records for claims.
- Policy exclusions: losses from excluded activities, pre-existing conditions, or illegal acts are not covered, so always review your policy terms closely.
Watch out!
Many Aussies mistakenly believe travel insurance automatically covers pre-existing medical conditions. You must declare everything when you buy your policy, or your cover could be voided. Don't risk massive overseas hospital bills—always be upfront with your insurer to ensure you're properly protected.
Why take out international travel insurance?
Health emergencies or accidents that happen while travelling overseas can quickly result in significant expenses, even on a short international trip.
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%, depending on policy limit |
| Medical repatriation |
| Often covered in full if medically required |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to $10,000,000 AU, depending on plan |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Usually covered, up to policy maximum |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Partial or full, subject to limits |
- Europe: $450–$650 AU
- North America: $800–$1,200 AU
- Asia: $200–$400 AU
- Europe: $45,000–$75,000 AU
- North America: $65,000–$95,000 AU
- Asia: $35,000–$55,000 AU
- Europe: $15,000–$25,000 AU
- North America: $35,000–$55,000 AU
- Asia: $8,000–$15,000 AU
- Europe: $350–$500 AU
- North America: $600–$900 AU
- Asia: $150–$300 AU
- Europe: $400–$600 AU
- North America: $700–$1,000 AU
- Asia: $180–$350 AU
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, international travel insurance also covers many other risks: trip cancellation or interruption, lost or stolen luggage, personal liability, emergency evacuation, rental car excess and travel delay, all essential for safer journeys abroad.
Good to know
Your Aussie health cover is no good overseas. A broken leg in the US could set you back over $10,000. Don't risk massive debt for a mishap. A policy from an insurer like Chapka covers huge medical bills and gets you home safely.
How to choose the right international travel insurance?
International travel insurance plans vary in coverage, reimbursement limits, and policy conditions, so it is important to compare key features. Evaluating these criteria ensures you select a policy that meets your needs and budget before travelling.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Medical costs abroad are high, especially in the USA or Japan, so low limits may leave gaps | Choose at least $1,000,000 cover for medical expenses, and more for travel to USA or Canada. |
| 📉 Deductible | This is what you pay out of pocket if you make a claim | Opt for lower deductibles if you want to avoid unexpected costs during an emergency abroad. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Policy may exclude coverage if taken out late or for some trip types | Buy cover as soon as you book to access cancellation and pre-departure benefits. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Insurers set age limits, restrict cover, or may raise premiums for older travellers | Check if age limits or surcharges apply for seniors or children before purchase. |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | Needs differ for families, solo travellers, groups, or business travellers | Choose a plan that matches your situation, whether family, student, or business. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Some policies limit cover to 30, 60, or 90 days, or require extensions | Long trips need annual or extended-stay policies not just basic single-trip cover. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Costs, risks, and requirements differ between continents and countries | Confirm your destination(s) are fully covered especially in North America or remote regions. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Home, bank, or credit card policies may not provide full international cover | Review current policies before buying so you don’t pay twice for the same benefit. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Many plans exclude adventure sports, hazardous work, or trekking | Declare all planned sports or activities to make sure you are covered for them. |
International travel coverage under your existing insurance policies
It is logical to wonder if your current insurances, such as credit card insurance or the public health system, will offer international travel insurance, but unfortunately coverage is often insufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | International travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | Never | Limited reciprocal emergency treatment only, max: varies by country. No evacuation, trip cancellation, or lost luggage covered overseas. | Travel insurance reimburses up to $10,000,000 for medical, evacuation, baggage, interruption, and more globally. |
| Private health insurance (Medibank, Bupa Australia) | Almost never | Overseas emergency treatment in select countries, max: $2,000–$25,000. No evacuation, full medical, trip, or baggage protection outside Australia included. | Travel insurance covers major costs and risks up to $10,000,000, including trip cancellation, worldwide emergencies, and more. |
| Classic credit card (NAB Classic, Westpac Standard) | Never | May cover small medical emergencies, typically below $100,000. No repatriation, high-value baggage, or trip cancellation for international trips. | Travel insurance can protect medical and travel costs up to $10,000,000 with worldwide scope and extended cover. |
| Premium credit card (ANZ Black, AMEX Platinum) | Limited coverage | Emergency medical up to $1,000,000, trip cancellation up to $12,000, limited baggage. No full adventure, liability, or extended global repatriation cover. | Travel insurance reimburses up to $10,000,000 for evacuation, cancellation, activities, and broad worldwide emergencies. |
No evacuation, trip cancellation, or lost luggage covered overseas.
No evacuation, full medical, trip, or baggage protection outside Australia included.
No repatriation, high-value baggage, or trip cancellation for international trips.
No full adventure, liability, or extended global repatriation cover.
Expert advice
Many bank card and health insurance policies exclude key situations like trip interruption due to a family emergency. Scrutinise your policy's Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to avoid shock bills abroad. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to subscribe to dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is international travel insurance mandatory?
International travel insurance is sometimes mandatory for entry into certain countries, such as those in the Schengen Area, Cuba, or for specific working holiday visas. Even where not legally required, it is strongly recommended—without it, a simple accident or illness on a US or European holiday could result in medical bills of $20,000 or more, as Australian health insurance provides little or no cover abroad.
When is it recommended to purchase international travel insurance?
It’s best to purchase international travel insurance as soon as you have paid for flights, accommodation, or tours. Early purchase ensures you are covered for cancellations, travel disruptions, and medical emergencies—even before your departure. This way, you maximise your policy’s protections and reduce the risk of being uninsured if issues arise before you leave Australia.
How do I purchase international travel insurance?
Start by using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to compare options specific to your trip’s destinations. Carefully check all guarantees and exclusions, especially regarding international and high-risk activities. Once you’ve found a suitable policy, purchase it online and you’ll immediately receive your certificate by email for proof of coverage.
Can I purchase international travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can purchase international travel insurance after booking flights, hotels, or tours. However, events occurring before you buy a policy, such as natural disasters or illness, are not covered. Buy as soon as possible to ensure cancellation and pre-trip coverage begins promptly and your risk of an uninsured event is minimised.
How do I make a claim on international travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s claims team online or via telephone and provide all required documentation, such as receipts and medical or police reports. Most Australian providers offer online claims portals and 24/7 emergency assistance. Keeping your paperwork organised and responding promptly helps your claim process go smoothly and efficiently.
Does international travel insurance cover COVID-19 related events?
Most reputable international travel insurance policies now include coverage for COVID-19, such as medical care, trip cancellation, and quarantine expenses. Always verify if your chosen policy has explicit COVID-19 coverage and pay attention to exclusions—especially for travel advisories and government-ordered lockdowns.
Does international travel insurance cover adventure sports and cruises?
Standard international policies may exclude or limit coverage for adventure sports like skiing, diving, and trekking, as well as cruise-specific risks. If these are planned, choose a policy with adventure sports and cruise add-ons or inclusions. Always read the product disclosure statement for activity-specific restrictions before purchasing.
Is international travel insurance mandatory?
International travel insurance is sometimes mandatory for entry into certain countries, such as those in the Schengen Area, Cuba, or for specific working holiday visas. Even where not legally required, it is strongly recommended—without it, a simple accident or illness on a US or European holiday could result in medical bills of $20,000 or more, as Australian health insurance provides little or no cover abroad.
When is it recommended to purchase international travel insurance?
It’s best to purchase international travel insurance as soon as you have paid for flights, accommodation, or tours. Early purchase ensures you are covered for cancellations, travel disruptions, and medical emergencies—even before your departure. This way, you maximise your policy’s protections and reduce the risk of being uninsured if issues arise before you leave Australia.
How do I purchase international travel insurance?
Start by using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to compare options specific to your trip’s destinations. Carefully check all guarantees and exclusions, especially regarding international and high-risk activities. Once you’ve found a suitable policy, purchase it online and you’ll immediately receive your certificate by email for proof of coverage.
Can I purchase international travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can purchase international travel insurance after booking flights, hotels, or tours. However, events occurring before you buy a policy, such as natural disasters or illness, are not covered. Buy as soon as possible to ensure cancellation and pre-trip coverage begins promptly and your risk of an uninsured event is minimised.
How do I make a claim on international travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s claims team online or via telephone and provide all required documentation, such as receipts and medical or police reports. Most Australian providers offer online claims portals and 24/7 emergency assistance. Keeping your paperwork organised and responding promptly helps your claim process go smoothly and efficiently.
Does international travel insurance cover COVID-19 related events?
Most reputable international travel insurance policies now include coverage for COVID-19, such as medical care, trip cancellation, and quarantine expenses. Always verify if your chosen policy has explicit COVID-19 coverage and pay attention to exclusions—especially for travel advisories and government-ordered lockdowns.
Does international travel insurance cover adventure sports and cruises?
Standard international policies may exclude or limit coverage for adventure sports like skiing, diving, and trekking, as well as cruise-specific risks. If these are planned, choose a policy with adventure sports and cruise add-ons or inclusions. Always read the product disclosure statement for activity-specific restrictions before purchasing.
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