Travel insurance FAQ
Let’s be honest, insurance isn’t the most exciting topic in the world to discuss. In fact, it’s a subject that can often make eyes glaze over but it’s a vital topic to talk about because it’s just so important. To help you along with the sometimes-tedious task, we’ve put together a handy list of frequently asked questions to help make choosing your travel insurance easier.
It’s a small price to pay if you do end up needing it. The Australian Government’s Smart Traveller site states, “If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.”
Can I claim for my personal effects and luggage?
It depends on your cover, but generally you are able to claim for stolen, accidently damaged or permanently lost items in accordance to the Product Disclosure Statement. What claims requirements need to be met, is a question for each insurer, but you are likely need to provide adequate evidence of ownership i.e. by submitting photographic evidence in conjunction with warranty cards, manuals, bank or credit card statements to support your proof of ownership.
Can I get a refund for my insurance policy?
If you decide that you do not want your policy, the Corporations Act requires that insurers allow you to cancel it within 14 days after you are issued with the product (some providers may have extended periods for cancellation under the cooling off period). Generally, you will be given a full refund of the premium you paid, provided you have not started your journey or you do not want to make a claim or to exercise any other right under your policy.
When does my cover start?
It depends on the relevant product, but generally cover for cancellation fees and lost deposits begins from the date of issue of the policy and cover for all other benefits starts at the beginning of your journey or the start date shown on your Certificate of Insurance, whichever occurs later.
Can I take out a policy if I am already overseas?
Again, it will dependent on the actual product, but generally the answer would be ‘no’, you have to take out travel insurance policies “pre-travel” or before you leave for a trip.
Can my “pre-existing medical condition” be covered?
It will depend on the relevant product. Some insurers provide cover for certain type of pre-existing conditions automatically and allow for other conditions to be covered, subject to payment of additional premium after applying for cover for the relevant condition. In many cases, there are certain more serious pre-existing conditions that the majority of insurers will not provide cover for under any circumstances.
How do I make a claim and when should I submit it?
The relevant Product Disclosure Statement will provide details of how claims are to be made.
What documentation do I need?
You must give any information your insurance company reasonably asks for to support your claim at your expense, such as but not limited to police reports, valuations, medical reports, original receipts or proof of purchase and ownership. If required they may ask you to provide them with translations into English of any such documents to enable their consideration of your claim.
If your claim relates to cancellation or medical expenses arising from injury, sickness or death, often a requirement will be that the insured’s usual treating doctor in Australia complete the medical certificate of the claim form.
The best holidays come from peace of mind – click here to arrange your travel insurance now.
Related links:
Travel tips everyone will want to know
Surprising facts about travel insurance
What to do in an emergency while travelling