Whether you plan on visiting family in the country, attending a wedding interstate, or just a quick trip out of town, when it comes to domestic travel within Australia, travel insurance is worth considering.
Why domestic travel insurance is a good idea.
Almost everyone who travels overseas will purchase travel insurance. When travelling to unfamiliar places and countries, having travel insurance can give you a sense of security should something go wrong. Unlike international voyages, travel insurance for domestic holidays is often overlooked. But if you explore further, you’ll discover that there are many similarities between the two.
Here’s why you might want to consider travel cover for your next domestic trip.
Baggage and other belongings.
Sometimes your baggage can be mishandled and damaged, lost, stolen or even miss your flight, leaving you without belongings for a few days or for the entire stay away. Whatever the reason, being without the things you packed can be extremely inconvenient.
Flight disruptions.
Next time you book an interstate flight, consider adding cancellation cover to your domestic travel insurance. This will provide you with peace of mind especially if you experience unexpected delays and incur costs like missed event tickets and additional accommodation expenses which can quickly add up.
Rental cars.
Thinking about hiring a car? It’s generally the best way to get around and see the sights. While some rental companies offer cover, it’s always a good idea to make sure you have comprehensive cover in place before you drive away. With the Domestic travel insurance policy, it can cover the insurance excess on your hire vehicle that you become liable to pay if the vehicle is damaged or stolen. Paying for the excess is no comparison to paying for the repair or replacement of a damaged or stolen vehicle.
Additional activities.
If you’re planning on skiing, riding a motorbike or moped (as the driver or passenger) , cover is available for an extra premium. This can cover you for participating in the activity and assisting with additional expenses incurred if you are hurt. Remember, to check the list of included activities as well and to mention to your insurer if you plan on doing additional activities as they may not be included in your standard policy.
What domestic travel insurance may not cover.
Domestic travel insurance policies don’t cover medical or dental expenses incurred within Australia. Australian citizens and permanent residents may be able to use their Medicare card or private health insurance to help cover some, or all, of the medical costs involved.
It’s important to know that with most insurance policies, there are some general exclusions to be aware of. You may find that the travel insurance policy you're looking at might not provide coverage if you're breaking the law, under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs, failing to disclose a pre-existing condition, neglecting to take reasonable steps to protect your belongings, or disregarding official warnings or advice.
Not all domestic travel insurance policies are the same. The level of cover, exclusions, and excesses will vary between policies, and companies. Most importantly, always read the terms and conditions and the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) of each policy before deciding what is right for you.
Thinking of travelling around Australia? The team at Defence Bank can help with your domestic insurance. Call our Contact Centre on 1800 033 139 or visit your local branch to find out more.
Find out more about Defence Bank travel insurance.
Insurance issued by Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722 trading as CGU Insurance. Any advice in this article is general only and has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the relevant PDS available from cgu.com.au to see if a product is right for you.
Important note: This information is of a general nature and is not intended to be relied on by you as advice in any particular matter. You should contact us at Defence Bank to discuss how this information may apply to your circumstances.
