When planning a holiday within Australia, travel insurance may be the last thing on your mind. After all, you’re staying within the country, Medicare is available, and many of the risks associated with overseas travel don’t apply.
So, do you need travel insurance for a domestic holiday? The short answer is no – domestic travel insurance is not legally required in Australia. However, depending on the type of trip you’re taking, domestic travel insurance can provide valuable financial protection.
And with the ever-increasing popularity of domestic cruises, some people may not be aware that Medicare is unavailable at sea for domestic ocean cruises. Onboard medical treatment can be very expensive. All Boomers Travel Insurance Plans include unlimited cover for medical costs incurred onboard as well as unlimited evacuation cover.
What domestic travel insurance covers
The Boomers Travel Insurance Comprehensive plan for domestic travel insurance includes:
- Unlimited cover for onboard medical expenses while cruising.
- Trip cancellation costs if you need to cancel due to illness, injury, or other covered events.
- Travel delays and disruption expenses.
- Lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and personal belongings.
- Rental car excess waiver.
- Personal liability protection.
When domestic travel insurance may be worth considering
Domestic travel insurance may be worth considering if:
You’ve prepaid significant non-refundable expenses
If you’ve paid for flights, accommodation, a cruise, tours, or event tickets in advance which are non-refundable, travel insurance can cover cancellation costs if you need to cancel due to illness, injury, or other covered events.
You’re taking a cruise
You are not covered by Medicare while cruising in Australian waters so there is a financial risk should you get ill or injured while onboard.
You’re hiring a car
This is a real travel insurance gem that many travellers are unaware of. The Boomers Travel Insurance Comprehensive plan includes a car hire excess waiver benefit. If you’ve ever rented a car, you know that the actual cost of car hire is just the start of the total car hire cost. You will be given an option to pay usually between $35-$45 per day to waive your obligation to pay the insurance excess in the case of damage to the vehicle sustained in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
This is a very profitable add-on for car hire companies!
You’re travelling with valuable items
Cameras, laptops, sporting equipment, and other expensive belongings may be covered if they are lost, stolen, or damaged during your trip.
Final things to consider
You may wish to consider purchasing domestic travel insurance if your trip involves significant prepaid expenses, a cruise, car hire, or valuable belongings.
The key question isn’t whether you need travel insurance, but whether you could comfortably absorb the financial loss if your holiday doesn’t go to plan. If the answer is no, a domestic travel insurance policy may be a sensible investment.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or insurance advice. Terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) to ensure that the policy is suitable for you.
