Australia
Unspoiled beaches, national parks, unique wildlife, rainforests and the extraordinary Outback await
- As featured in:
As featured in:
Essential travel insurance tips
Ignoring the practicalities of travelling through a large, remote and often very hot and dry country has tripped up many experienced travellers. Here are a few things to know about your travel insurance coverage before you travel around Australia.
Protect your gear from theft
Australians are renowned for their welcoming attitude and with good reason. However, while the majority are friendly to travellers, some are more interested in your wallet than getting to know you. Claims for theft in Australia are common. It takes just seconds for a thief to grab your camera or wallet from under your beach towel at Bondi or off the table while you’re ordering coffee. Always keep your valuables on you or locked up (using the hotel safe or hostel lockers). Also, don’t leave anything in your car as break-ins are common in urban areas (especially at night). If your belongings aren’t with you, and there is no evidence or police report of a theft, you may not be covered if they’re stolen.
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything, particularly if you leave something behind. Check your policy carefully for full details of coverage, including the limit payable on each item, adventure sports upgrades, and any exclusions or conditions of coverage such as depreciation or valid proof of ownership.
Baggage delay
Australia’s remoteness is part of its charm but can also present some challenges if your baggage is delayed. Most visitors require a half-day plane ride to get to Australia, so you’re unlikely to get your baggage back quickly if your airline has delivered it to Sidney, Canada instead of Sydney, Australia. Most travel insurance policies can help replace essentials, like a change of clothes or toothbrush, if you have to wait more than 12 hours for your bags to arrive. It won’t cover the costs of swapping your ripped jeans for a designer pair. Be sure to read the conditions and exclusion of the Baggage, Personal Effects and Sporting Equipment section of your policy.
Before you leave home, ensure your baggage is clearly labelled and the tags are firmly attached, giving your airline the best chance of getting it on the right plane or finding it quickly and getting it back to you.
Medical insurance for accidents or injuries
The Australian medical system is first class, but it comes with a price, which makes buying travel insurance even more important. Your government health insurance plan (GHIP) has limited or no coverage overseas.
Emergency medical coverage from your travel insurance plan is your safety net if you get sick or get into an accident; it’s not designed to pay for every scratch and headache. Conditions and exclusions apply. If you’re hurt or injured, contact us and we can help you understand what your policy covers. If it’s a life-threatening medical condition, always seek medical help immediately. You should also contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. The team can help you get access to medical assistance and keep your family and friends informed of the situation
Adventure sport coverage
There are many great opportunities to do adventure sports in Australia, which is why World Nomads travel insurance covers hundreds of activities from kite surfing and skiing to hiking and scuba diving. Be sure to check our Help Centre article about covered adventures and sports to see what types of activities may be covered. You may have to purchase a sports upgrade for an additional fee. Read your policy carefully before you go bungee jumping in Cairns or scuba diving in Byron Bay. If you get hurt skiing in the Victorian Alps, and you only found out after the accident that off-resort skiing is not covered, it’s going to be a very expensive trip.
There are exclusions, too. Such as if you do something really stupid, like grab a snake by the head or go swimming with crocodiles, you may not be covered at all.
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. It is important you read and understand your policy as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions. If you do not understand your coverage, of if you have questions about your coverage, just ask us.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.
- Explorer Plan: $5,000
- Standard Plan: $2,500
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Insurance
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
- Explorer Plan: $10 million
- Standard Plan: $5 million
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
We’ll get you to hospital or home quickly.
- Explorer Plan: $500,000
- Standard Plan: $500,000
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Covers the theft, damage or delay of your bags, tech and sports gear.
- Explorer Plan: $3,000
- Standard Plan: $1,000
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Medical Expenses
- Emergency Dental for Injury or Sickness
- Bedside Companion Travel and Subsistence
- Emergency Professional Services
- Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
- Return of Travel Companion/Dependent Children
- Return to Your Trip Destination
- Return of Remains
- Travel Accident
- Flight Accident
- Trip Cancellation
- Trip Interruption
- Trip Delay
- Baggage and Personal Effects Theft or Damage
- Baggage and Sporting Equipment Delay
- Travel Documents Theft or Damage
- Sporting Equipment Theft or Loss by a Common Carrier
- Covered Adventure Sports listed in Policy
Assistance Services Included
- LiveTravelTM Emergency Assistance
- Worldwide Travel Assistance
- Adventure Travel Hotline
- 24/7 Security
- Travel Medical Assistance
- Bag Trak
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical or dental assistance or advice, emergency evacuation or travel assistance, our team are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Telephone +1 866 878 0192 (toll-free from Canada and the Continental U.S.) or +1 416 646 3723 (collect from anywhere else in the world)
Contact the team
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.