- The best travel insurance plans for Iran
- Is it currently safe to travel to Iran?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Iran?
- Why take out travel insurance for Iran?
- What travel insurance for Iran should cover
- The cost of travel insurance for Iran
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Iran
- Coverage of your current insurance in Iran
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Iran: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Iran covers medical emergencies, repatriation, and provides essential assistance during your trip.
2. Warning: The Australian government advises against all travel to Iran due to the high-risk security situation.
3. Key protection: Travel insurance is mandatory for Australian citizens to obtain a visa and enter Iran.
4. Minimum coverage: The mandatory insurance is automatically provided by an Iranian insurer during the visa application process.
5. Good to know: Most standard Australian travel insurance policies will not provide any cover for travel to Iran.
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 travel insurance for Iran.
The best travel insurance plans for Iran
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | AUD 1.6M | Recommended for high-risk destinations like Iran. - very high medical ceiling - covers evacuation - policy wording is clear |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | AUD 1.6M | Strong for urgent needs in Iran. - 24/7 emergency hotline - includes repatriation - no excess on most medical claims |
| Tourist Card | AUD 800K | Solid for core risks in Iran. - medical and hospitalisation - local assistance - competitive price |
| Travel Pass Monde | AUD 1.1M | Balanced contract for complex destinations. - high medical cap - support in English - personal liability feature |
| Globe Partner | AUD 480K | Reliable for serious incidents in Iran. - emergency care - evacuation - simple claim process |
| Globe Traveller | AUD 800K | Suitable for short or essential trips. - essential medical cover - straightforward claims - limited ceiling |
- very high medical ceiling
- covers evacuation
- policy wording is clear
- 24/7 emergency hotline
- includes repatriation
- no excess on most medical claims
- medical and hospitalisation
- local assistance
- competitive price
- high medical cap
- support in English
- personal liability feature
- emergency care
- evacuation
- simple claim process
- essential medical cover
- straightforward claims
- limited ceiling
Watch out!
These travel insurance policies are the ones we usually recommend due to their excellent value for money and reliability. However, in this particular case, they may not offer travel insurance coverage for Iran due to the ongoing armed conflict.
Is it currently safe to travel to Iran?
As of June 2025, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises travellers do not travel to Iran due to the volatile regional security situation and a real risk of arbitrary detention for foreigners.
Security risks: volatile security conditions may result in sudden military action. In April 2025, commercial flights from Tehran were suspended and the embassy is now closed. Avoid all demonstrations and never photograph military or administrative sites.
Health risks: insect-borne diseases like malaria and leishmaniasis, as well as waterborne infections such as cholera, are regularly reported. Major cities including Tehran experience high levels of air pollution and frequent dust storms.
Legal constraints: foreign travellers, especially dual nationals, face an increased risk of arrest. Passports bearing Israeli visas or stamps will result in denied entry, and all visitors require pre-arranged visas.
Cultural norms: strict dress codes apply, including head coverings for women and long sleeves for all. Consuming alcohol is forbidden, and acts of perceived criticism against the state can lead to detention.
Travel insurance is legally mandatory to enter Iran. It must cover at minimum medical care and repatriation costs, as these expenses can be significant in case of illness or accident during your stay.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Iran?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for Australian citizens to enter Iran.
To obtain a visa, travellers must provide a valid travel insurance certificate that covers at minimum medical expenses and repatriation for the entire duration of their stay. Iranian authorities require this document at the time of visa application, and a compliant certificate may be automatically issued by the Iran Insurance Company. It is advisable to ensure your policy is clearly dated, includes sufficient medical coverage, and is valid throughout Iran.
Why take out travel insurance for Iran?
Travel insurance is a legal requirement for visiting Iran.
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Iran.
Medical costs in Iran can be high, as foreigners are often directed to private hospitals for treatment. Facilities such as Tehran Clinic or Pars Hospital in Tehran require payment in advance, and evacuation for serious cases may involve substantial extra costs. Public hospitals may face shortages, while private care and emergency procedures in cities like Shiraz or Isfahan are costly.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Iran.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Pars Hospital Tehran | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | IRR 100,000,000 (approx. AUD 3,600) | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | IRR 80,000,000 (approx. AUD 2,900) | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | IRR 1,500,000,000 (approx. AUD 54,000) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | IRR 300,000,000 (approx. AUD 10,800) | up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What travel insurance for Iran should cover
⚠️ Due to ongoing volatile security conditions and limited consular support in Iran, standard Australian travel insurance policies may not offer adequate coverage for this destination, making it difficult to secure a compliant policy. Specialised high-risk coverage is essential for entry and medical needs.
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Iran.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations | Legally required |
|---|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Hospital and doctor bills in public or private clinics, including for infectious diseases and accidents. Recommended limit: AUD 500,000. | ⚠️ Mandatory |
| ✈️ Repatriation | Evacuation to Australia if seriously ill or injured, as local care may be limited. Recommended minimum: AUD 200,000. | ⚠️ Mandatory |
| 🏨 Hospitalisation | Costs for inpatient care, surgery or intensive treatment at major hospitals in Tehran or Shiraz. Recommended minimum: AUD 100,000. | ⚠️ Mandatory |
| 💊 Medications | Prescription medicine for treatments during your stay. Recommended minimum: AUD 2,000. | 🔴 Highly recommended |
| 🚑 Ambulance | Emergency road or air transportation, especially in isolated areas. Recommended minimum: AUD 10,000. | ⚠️ Mandatory |
| 🛄 Luggage protection | Protection for baggage and valuables in case of theft or loss. Recommended minimum: AUD 5,000. | 🟠 Recommended |
| ❌ Trip cancellation | Refund for non-refundable bookings if your trip is cancelled for health or security reasons. Recommended minimum: AUD 10,000. | 🟡 Optional |
| 🦷 Dental emergencies | Emergency dental care following an accident. Recommended minimum: AUD 2,000. | 🟠 Recommended |
Recommended limit: AUD 500,000.
Recommended minimum: AUD 200,000.
Recommended minimum: AUD 100,000.
Recommended minimum: AUD 2,000.
Recommended minimum: AUD 10,000.
Recommended minimum: AUD 5,000.
Recommended minimum: AUD 10,000.
Recommended minimum: AUD 2,000.
Important information
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Australian travellers applying for an Iran visa (short or long stay). The certificate must include coverage for medical expenses, hospitalisation, and repatriation, be valid for the duration of your stay, and be written in English. Authorities require documentation at the time of visa application.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards often has low limits and many exclusions. It is safer to rely on a comprehensive policy from a trusted insurer. Compare top options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Iran
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | AUD 65 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | AUD 109 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | AUD 165 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | AUD 325 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of travel insurance for Iran is influenced by several key factors: your age, the length of your stay, the level of coverage, and the high-risk nature of the destination. As most standard Australian policies are void, you'll need specialised cover. It's vital to consider these points to secure adequate protection for your trip.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to pay less for your travel insurance to Iran
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Iran while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Iran requires mandatory travel insurance for entry and risks include medical costs and evacuation. | Choose a plan meeting visa rules and make sure policy covers medical repatriation and emergencies, not just basic care. |
| ⏳ Trip duration | Longer stays will raise your insurance premium. Accurate trip length ensures correct, not excessive, coverage. | Only insure for exact trip dates and avoid rounding up coverage, as extra days can noticeably increase the price. |
| 👤 Traveller's age | Premiums climb with age, especially for those over 60 visiting high-risk destinations. | Compare insurers; Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62, which helps older travellers save money. |
| 👫 Number of travellers | Covering several people on one contract is often less expensive per person than buying separately. | Take a group or family policy when possible, as bundled covers usually cost less per person for the same coverage. |
| 💳 Payment method | Card payments may offer discounts or rewards, while conversion fees can add up when paying in foreign currencies. | Use AUD payment options where available and avoid cross-currency processing to keep additional fees as low as possible. |
| 📑 Plan type | Not all plans cover high-risk regions such as Iran, and exclusions can invalidate your visa. | Select specialised policies approved for travel to Iran to satisfy visa rules and avoid buying cheaper general plans. |
| 📆 Purchase timing | Buying too early may risk non-refundable premiums, but late bookings can raise your cost. | Purchase promptly after visa approval but before travel, so you meet requirements and have the best choice of offers. |
Good to know
Travel insurance is legally required for all Australians entering Iran. The policy should be valid for the full stay and must name Iran specifically. Most visas require a printout of the insurance policy.
Coverage of your current insurance in Iran
It’s completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverage—such as credit card insurance or your public health system—can protect you during a trip to Iran. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient. For Australian citizens, travel insurance is mandatory for obtaining an Iranian visa, as only it meets embassy requirements.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Iran? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance | Never | Covers nothing overseas. No medical care, hospitalisation, repatriation, or assistance services in Iran. | Travel insurance covers up to AUD 1.6M medical expenses, repatriation, evacuation, and 24/7 emergency help worldwide. |
| Private health insurance | Limited coverage | May cover some medical care abroad (limit: AUD 20k–150k), but rarely covers high-risk destinations or repatriation. | Travel insurance includes much higher limits, repatriation, security incidents, and specialised care unavailable with other plans. |
| Classic credit card (e.g. Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard, ANZ First) | Never | No medical coverage for Iran. No support for evacuation, baggage loss, or personal liability in high-risk areas. | Travel insurance is required by Iranian law, with mandatory cover for medical care and repatriation for your visa application. |
| Premium credit card (e.g. Westpac Platinum, NAB Platinum, American Express Explorer) | Never | Some medical overseas expenses, but almost never for Iran. No coverage for civil unrest or high-risk evacuation. | Travel insurance offers up to AUD 1.6M for medical and evacuation in Iran, which these cards will not support. |
Example
After a bad bout of food poisoning in Tehran, David's hospital bill for treatment and a week's stay hit AU$18,000. His NAB debit card's travel cover was invalid due to the 'Do Not Travel' warning, and the mandatory local insurance only paid AU$1,000, leaving him to find AU$17,000.
Expert advice
Don't assume your bank card or health insurance has you covered. Critical events, like trip interruption for a relative’s illness, are often excluded. Read the fine print carefully to avoid nasty surprises overseas. In all cases, it's safer to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Iran?
Yes, Australian citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to Iran. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. Entry will be refused if your passport contains Israeli stamps or visas. Visa requirements and processing can change, so check the latest updates before planning your visit.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Iran?
First, compare travel insurance options by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Pay special attention to policy exclusions and guarantees for Iran, as most Australian insurers exclude high-risk destinations. Once you find a suitable plan, purchase it online, and you will receive your insurance certificate, which is required for your visa application.
What medical risks should I consider when travelling to Iran?
Travellers to Iran should be aware of risks from insect-borne diseases, including malaria and leishmaniasis, and frequent outbreaks of foodborne and waterborne illnesses such as cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis. Air pollution and dust storms are common in larger cities. Medical services can be basic outside major cities, so comprehensive medical coverage is very important.
Will standard Australian travel insurance cover Iran?
Most Australian travel insurance policies specifically exclude travel to Iran due to the high-risk advisory. You will need to obtain a specialist policy, sometimes provided by local Iranian insurers or high-risk insurance providers. Iranian travel insurance is a legal requirement for entry, and the document is typically sent after your visa is issued.
What do I do if I need medical care in Iran as an Australian traveller?
In major cities, hospitals and clinics offer a reasonable standard of care for basic medical needs, but serious illness or injury may require complex or costly treatment. It is recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, as some facilities may request pre-payment, and facilities outside major cities are often limited. Always carry your insurance certificate and contact details for emergencies.
Do I need a visa to travel to Iran?
Yes, Australian citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to Iran. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. Entry will be refused if your passport contains Israeli stamps or visas. Visa requirements and processing can change, so check the latest updates before planning your visit.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Iran?
First, compare travel insurance options by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Pay special attention to policy exclusions and guarantees for Iran, as most Australian insurers exclude high-risk destinations. Once you find a suitable plan, purchase it online, and you will receive your insurance certificate, which is required for your visa application.
What medical risks should I consider when travelling to Iran?
Travellers to Iran should be aware of risks from insect-borne diseases, including malaria and leishmaniasis, and frequent outbreaks of foodborne and waterborne illnesses such as cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis. Air pollution and dust storms are common in larger cities. Medical services can be basic outside major cities, so comprehensive medical coverage is very important.
Will standard Australian travel insurance cover Iran?
Most Australian travel insurance policies specifically exclude travel to Iran due to the high-risk advisory. You will need to obtain a specialist policy, sometimes provided by local Iranian insurers or high-risk insurance providers. Iranian travel insurance is a legal requirement for entry, and the document is typically sent after your visa is issued.
What do I do if I need medical care in Iran as an Australian traveller?
In major cities, hospitals and clinics offer a reasonable standard of care for basic medical needs, but serious illness or injury may require complex or costly treatment. It is recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, as some facilities may request pre-payment, and facilities outside major cities are often limited. Always carry your insurance certificate and contact details for emergencies.
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