- The best single trip travel insurance plans
- Single Trip Travel Insurance Explained
- The price of single trip travel insurance
- What does single trip travel insurance cover?
- The conditions of single trip travel insurance
- Why take out single trip travel insurance?
- How to choose the right single trip travel insurance?
- Do current insurance policies cover single trip travel insurance?
- FAQ
single trip travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Single trip insurance covers one specific journey, from your departure from Australia until your return home.
2. Price: A one-week policy for Europe typically costs between $80 and $150 AUD, depending on your coverage level.
3. Coverage: It covers medical emergencies and cancellations but often excludes undeclared pre-existing conditions and high-risk adventure sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Bank cards, Medicare, and private health funds offer minimal or no overseas medical and cancellation cover.
5. Tips: Always declare pre-existing conditions and check policy limits for your destination and planned activities like adventure sports.
6. Other useful info: Check DFAT travel advisories before you buy, as travelling against advice 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 here everything you need to know to choose the best single trip travel insurance.
The best single trip travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best single trip travel insurance plans available for residents of Australia in 2025. These policies stand out for their high medical limits, low deductibles and straightforward conditions, offering reliable protection for travellers on one-off journeys abroad.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 2,000,000 AUD | 100 AUD | • Fast certificate delivery for visa applications. • 24/7 emergency assistance worldwide. • Direct hospital payment system. • Flexible trip duration choices. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1,500,000 AUD | 150 AUD | • Multilingual helpline. • Emergency medical repatriation. • Covers some adventure activities. • Fast reimbursement of expenses. |
| Tourist Card | 2,000,000 AUD | 200 AUD | • Good pre-existing medical cover. • High baggage limits. • COVID-19 protection. • Family plan discounts. |
| World Travel | 1,000,000 AUD | 100 AUD | • Online document management. • Clear claims process. • Policy extended for delays. • Transparent customer support. |
| Globe Partner | 1,200,000 AUD | 150 AUD | • Adventure sports included. • Flexible date changes. • Suitable for solo and group travellers. • Policy issued immediately online. |
| Globe Traveller | 1,500,000 AUD | 150 AUD | • Competitive premium for seniors. • Trip cancellation included. • Extended trip duration allowed. • Assistance in multiple languages. |
• 24/7 emergency assistance worldwide.
• Direct hospital payment system.
• Flexible trip duration choices.
• Emergency medical repatriation.
• Covers some adventure activities.
• Fast reimbursement of expenses.
• High baggage limits.
• COVID-19 protection.
• Family plan discounts.
• Clear claims process.
• Policy extended for delays.
• Transparent customer support.
• Flexible date changes.
• Suitable for solo and group travellers.
• Policy issued immediately online.
• Trip cancellation included.
• Extended trip duration allowed.
• Assistance in multiple languages.
The best single trip travel insurance may vary depending on your needs. We invite you to use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the one that suits you best and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance policies for freeI compareSingle Trip Travel Insurance Explained
Single trip travel insurance is coverage that protects Australians for one specific journey, from departure to return home, with benefits tailored to that trip’s duration and destination.
It typically includes cover for medical emergencies, cancellations, lost luggage, delays, and personal liability while travelling domestically or overseas.
Single trip policies are ideal for infrequent travellers, as you only pay for the period needed, unlike annual multi-trip insurance.
Single trip insurance is sometimes called one-trip cover and is limited to a single journey, not continuous or repeated travel.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out single trip travel insurance is especially important if you live in Australia:
- For infrequent travellers taking one or two trips annually.
- When visiting countries with high medical costs, like the USA.
- For expensive trips with significant non-refundable booking costs.
- For holidays involving adventure sports, skiing, or cruise travel.
- When your credit card insurance or Medicare provides limited cover.
- If you are travelling with any pre-existing medical conditions.
- When your destination requires mandatory insurance for a visa or entry.
- For a single long trip, like a working holiday.
The price of single trip travel insurance
On average, single trip travel insurance costs between 3% and 6% of your total trip price.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 4-day city break in New Zealand | $1,000 | $35 to $65 |
| 2-week tour of France and Italy | $4,000 | $90 to $170 |
| 1-month backpacking in Southeast Asia | $6,000 | $160 to $300 |
| 3-week family holiday to the USA | $12,000 | $230 to $480 |
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 single trip travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: longer trips have higher premiums.
- destination: countries with higher medical costs or more risk increase the price.
- traveller’s age: premiums rise for older travellers.
- level of coverage: comprehensive and low-excess plans cost more.
- selected options: adventure sports, pregnancy cover, and valuable items add to the cost.
- family or group cover: insuring multiple people together can be more cost-effective per person.
What does single trip travel insurance cover?
Single trip travel insurance is for those taking one particular journey, offering cover from the moment you leave home until your return to Australia. It is suited for holidays, business trips, or any single planned itinerary, with protection tailored to your trip.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refunds unused travel costs if you must cancel for a reason covered by your policy before you go. | Start with at least $5,000 cover and deductible under $100. Cancellation for change of mind, known events, or business reasons is usually excluded. |
| 🚫 Missed departure | Pays for extra transport if you miss your initial flight, train or boat due to unexpected causes. | Look for $500 minimum cover with no more than a $50 deductible. Not covered if you are late or the reason for missing is not documented. |
| 🎒 Baggage loss or theft | Covers loss, theft or accidental damage to your baggage during your single trip. | At least $2,500 cover and deductible under $100 is recommended. Claims for unattended baggage, valuables, or gradual damage are often not covered. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Helps pay for meals or accommodation if your transport is delayed for several hours. | Look for $200 after 6 hours, deductible should be minimal. No cover for short delays, strikes known before departure, or unproven cases. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays hospital and medical treatment costs if you are hurt or ill overseas. | Minimum $1,000,000 cover, deductible below $100 is best. Exclusions include pre-existing medical conditions, elective procedures, or ongoing treatment for chronic illnesses. |
| 🚑 Emergency evacuation | Arranges for you to return to Australia or go to another hospital if medically necessary. | Seek unlimited cover or at least $500,000, no deductible. Not covered unless medically required or repatriation is approved by the insurer and attending doctor. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Covers emergency dental treatment abroad due to pain or injury. | At least $500 cover and deductible under $50. Not covered for routine, cosmetic, or pre-existing dental issues. |
| ⚖️ Personal liability | Protects if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property during your trip. | Minimum $2,000,000 cover, deductible below $250. Claims for deliberate acts, business matters, or motor vehicle accidents are excluded. |
| 🚗 Rental vehicle excess | Pays the excess if your rental car is damaged or stolen during your trip. | Choose at least $3,000 cover, deductible max $150. Not available if driving off-road, unlicensed, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. |
| 💔 Trip interruption | Covers increased costs if you have to cut your trip short for an emergency situation. | At least $2,000 cover, avoid any deductible above $100. Not covered for voluntary early returns, business or minor reasons. |
Cancellation for change of mind, known events, or business reasons is usually excluded.
Not covered if you are late or the reason for missing is not documented.
Claims for unattended baggage, valuables, or gradual damage are often not covered.
No cover for short delays, strikes known before departure, or unproven cases.
Exclusions include pre-existing medical conditions, elective procedures, or ongoing treatment for chronic illnesses.
Not covered unless medically required or repatriation is approved by the insurer and attending doctor.
Not covered for routine, cosmetic, or pre-existing dental issues.
Claims for deliberate acts, business matters, or motor vehicle accidents are excluded.
Not available if driving off-road, unlicensed, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Not covered for voluntary early returns, business or minor reasons.
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 single trip travel insurance best suited to your itinerary and needs, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of single trip travel insurance
To activate your single trip travel insurance and ensure your cover is valid, a few key requirements must be met.
- Timing of purchase: you must purchase your policy before leaving Australia, ideally before your departure date.
- Residency requirement: at the time of policy purchase, you need to be an Australian resident or citizen.
- Single journey coverage: cover applies only for the one specified trip, starting from departure and ending on return.
- Trip duration limit: your journey must not exceed the maximum number of days stated in your policy, usually up to 90 days.
- No ongoing travel: you cannot be overseas when buying cover for a new single trip.
- Destination eligibility: only destinations listed or covered by your policy are insured, with exclusions for high-risk or sanctioned countries.
- Incident notification: any accident, illness, or claimable event must be reported to the insurer as soon as possible.
- Supporting documents: for claims, you must provide evidence such as tickets, police, or medical reports relevant to the event.
Watch out!
A common mistake Aussies make is buying single trip insurance just before they fly. To be covered for trip cancellation due to unforeseen events, you must purchase your policy right after booking your flights or accommodation. Waiting too long means you're not covered for pre-trip mishaps.
Why take out single trip travel insurance?
Even on a single trip, unexpected events can occur and lead to high medical costs abroad, far exceeding the value of your holiday.
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%, by policy limit |
| Medical repatriation |
| Often 100%, if medically required |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to $10,000,000 AU |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Covered up to policy maximum |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Partial or full, per schedule |
- Europe: $450 AU
- North America: $1,200 AU
- Asia: $280 AU
- Europe: $85,000 AU
- North America: $120,000 AU
- Asia: $65,000 AU
- Europe: $15,000 AU
- North America: $45,000 AU
- Asia: $8,500 AU
- Europe: $380 AU
- North America: $950 AU
- Asia: $220 AU
- Europe: $280 AU
- North America: $750 AU
- Asia: $150 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.
Beyond medical costs, single trip travel insurance may also cover trip cancellation or interruption, lost or delayed baggage, personal liability, travel delay, rental car excess and emergency repatriation, which are useful for most types of travel.
Good to know
A medical emergency overseas can cost tens of thousands. Single trip cover is your essential safeguard against crippling bills for everything from a broken leg to trip cancellation. For a small cost, you get total peace of mind, with 24/7 assistance from providers like Chapka.
How to choose the right single trip travel insurance?
Coverage options and reimbursement limits differ between single trip insurance plans, making it important to compare features. Focusing on key criteria helps you tailor coverage to your trip’s duration, activities, and destination.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | High medical and evacuation bills can arise unexpectedly outside Australia | Choose at least $1,000,000 medical coverage for any trip abroad and check for higher limits if needed. |
| 📉 Deductible | You will pay this amount out of pocket before reimbursement | Balance premium and excess so your up-front cost does not become a burden in case of a claim. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Policy may exclude claims if terms, dates or declared activities change | Read all declarations carefully and buy insurance promptly after booking to access more protections. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Older travellers can face age limits, surcharges or exclusions | Confirm your age group is covered and check if pre-existing conditions require extra documentation. |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | Needs vary between solo, family, business, or group travel | Choose a policy that matches your group type for optimal value and suitable cover limits. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Most single trip policies restrict maximum days per journey | Buy extended-trip options if your journey exceeds 60 or 90 days, as needed by your plans. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Coverage and risk level depend on the country or region you visit | Check your exact destination list and request specific regions, especially North America or remote places. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Credit card or private policy may partially overlap or fail to meet visa needs | Compare included benefit details before buying, especially for rental excess, medical, or baggage. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Risk sports and some leisure activities may not be included in basic plans | Disclose any sports or adventure activities before buying and ask for written confirmation of cover. |
Do current insurance policies cover single trip travel insurance?
It is understandable to wonder whether your existing insurances, such as credit card cover or the public health system, could provide you with suitable single trip travel insurance, but in most cases they are not sufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Single trip travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | Never | Limited emergency care in select countries only, limits vary. No global medical, trip cancellation, baggage, or repatriation covered. | Travel insurance covers up to $10,000,000 medical expenses, trip cancellations, and global emergencies. |
| Private health insurance (Medibank, Bupa Australia) | Almost never | Some emergency medical benefits, most capped at $500,000–$2,000,000, limited to certain countries. No cancellation, evacuation, delay, or baggage cover abroad. | Travel insurance offers higher limits, repatriation, trip disruption, and baggage loss up to $10,000,000. |
| Classic credit card (NAB Classic, Westpac Standard) | Never | Medical cover may be up to $500,000–$1,000,000, baggage loss usually max $5,000–$7,500. No trip cancellation, comprehensive delays, or extended stay protection. | Travel insurance includes cancellation, travel delays, emergency return, all up to $10,000,000 worldwide. |
| Premium credit card (ANZ Black, AMEX Platinum) | Limited coverage | Medical up to $1,000,000, trip cancellation up to $10,000, baggage up to $10,000. No adventure activities, rental car excess, or specialty cover for high-risk trips. | Travel insurance allows tailored add-ons, high-value liability, and covers adventure up to $10,000,000. |
No global medical, trip cancellation, baggage, or repatriation covered.
No cancellation, evacuation, delay, or baggage cover abroad.
No trip cancellation, comprehensive delays, or extended stay protection.
No adventure activities, rental car excess, or specialty cover for high-risk trips.
Expert advice
Your bank card or health insurance might not cover trip interruptions for family emergencies. Carefully review your policy's exclusions to avoid unexpected costs while you're away. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe a dedicated travel insurance tailored to the trip.
FAQ
Is single trip travel insurance mandatory?
Single trip travel insurance is required by some countries for entry, especially in regions like the Schengen Area or for certain visa types. Even when not legally mandatory, it is strongly advised. For example, a quick holiday to the USA could result in tens of thousands in medical bills after an accident, which would not be covered by Medicare or Australian private health insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase single trip travel insurance?
The best time to buy single trip travel insurance is as soon as you confirm your bookings, ideally within 14 days of making your first payment. This ensures you are protected for cancellations, trip interruptions, or medical events that can occur before departure. Early purchase maximises the available benefits.
How do I purchase single trip travel insurance?
Start by comparing single trip policies using HelloSafe’s online travel insurance comparison platform. Carefully check guarantees and exclusions that relate to your trip's duration, destination, and planned activities. Purchase the selected policy online, and you will receive your insurance certificate by email, ready for your travels and visa needs.
Can I purchase single trip travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you may buy single trip travel insurance after making your travel arrangements, as long as you purchase the policy before you depart. However, coverage for pre-existing events (like cancellations or illness) may not apply. Buying early ensures access to the full range of policy benefits.
How do I make a claim on single trip travel insurance?
To claim, contact your insurer’s assistance hotline or submit your documents via their online claims portal. You'll usually need receipts, medical reports, police statements, and proof of payment. Timely documentation and complete paperwork speed up the process, helping you recover eligible costs faster.
Does single trip travel insurance cover adventure sports or cruises?
Many standard single trip policies exclude adventure sports or have limited cruise coverage. If you are planning activities such as skiing, diving, or a cruise holiday, choose a policy with specific adventure sports or cruise add-ons. Always check your policy’s exclusions and conditions before you buy.
Is single trip travel insurance suitable for families?
Single trip travel insurance can be tailored for families, often providing more cost-effective coverage than purchasing separate policies. Family policies generally cover all members on the same itinerary and include benefits for medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost baggage for everyone travelling together.
Is single trip travel insurance mandatory?
Single trip travel insurance is required by some countries for entry, especially in regions like the Schengen Area or for certain visa types. Even when not legally mandatory, it is strongly advised. For example, a quick holiday to the USA could result in tens of thousands in medical bills after an accident, which would not be covered by Medicare or Australian private health insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase single trip travel insurance?
The best time to buy single trip travel insurance is as soon as you confirm your bookings, ideally within 14 days of making your first payment. This ensures you are protected for cancellations, trip interruptions, or medical events that can occur before departure. Early purchase maximises the available benefits.
How do I purchase single trip travel insurance?
Start by comparing single trip policies using HelloSafe’s online travel insurance comparison platform. Carefully check guarantees and exclusions that relate to your trip's duration, destination, and planned activities. Purchase the selected policy online, and you will receive your insurance certificate by email, ready for your travels and visa needs.
Can I purchase single trip travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you may buy single trip travel insurance after making your travel arrangements, as long as you purchase the policy before you depart. However, coverage for pre-existing events (like cancellations or illness) may not apply. Buying early ensures access to the full range of policy benefits.
How do I make a claim on single trip travel insurance?
To claim, contact your insurer’s assistance hotline or submit your documents via their online claims portal. You'll usually need receipts, medical reports, police statements, and proof of payment. Timely documentation and complete paperwork speed up the process, helping you recover eligible costs faster.
Does single trip travel insurance cover adventure sports or cruises?
Many standard single trip policies exclude adventure sports or have limited cruise coverage. If you are planning activities such as skiing, diving, or a cruise holiday, choose a policy with specific adventure sports or cruise add-ons. Always check your policy’s exclusions and conditions before you buy.
Is single trip travel insurance suitable for families?
Single trip travel insurance can be tailored for families, often providing more cost-effective coverage than purchasing separate policies. Family policies generally cover all members on the same itinerary and include benefits for medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost baggage for everyone travelling together.
