Why You Should Consider Domestic Travel Insurance
While most Australians already have medical cover that is valid throughout the country, there are still several reasons to purchase domestic travel insurance that go beyond medical needs. Whether you’re planning a road trip or a weekend getaway, here are some factors to consider:
Cancellations
Unexpected events can sometimes force you to cancel your trip. Having domestic travel insurance can provide coverage for such situations. As Smarttraveller suggests, if you’ve already invested a significant amount in your holiday, it’s worth buying travel insurance to protect yourself from potential losses.
It’s important to review your product disclosure statement (PDS) to understand the specific reasons that qualify for cancellation coverage. For instance, some policies may no longer cover cancellations due to contracting Covid-19, as isolation is no longer mandatory for those who contract the virus.
Delays and Change of Plans
Domestic travel insurance can also offer coverage for changes in your holiday plans or unexpected delays. If you need to return home early due to illness or injury, your insurance policy may cover the cost of a new flight. Additionally, if you miss a pre-paid concert or event due to travel delays, your policy may reimburse you for the expenses.
Lost Belongings
Travelling with valuables can be risky, but domestic travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen items. Most policies offer different categories of coverage, including lost luggage, lost valuables, and lost cash. Additionally, the coverage usually extends to belongings that have been damaged or stolen. However, it’s important to note that there may be sub-limits for certain items, such as electronics.
Car Hire Excess
If you plan to rent a car for your travels, having domestic travel insurance with car hire excess coverage is a wise investment. This coverage can help pay for the cost of your excess if any damage occurs to the vehicle. Without this coverage, you would be responsible for paying the car hire company’s full excess charge, which can be quite expensive.
Personal Liability
A domestic travel insurance policy typically includes coverage for personal liability. This means that if you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property or injure someone, your policy may provide coverage up to a certain amount. However, if you already have comprehensive car insurance and are traveling by road in your own vehicle, this coverage may already be included and not necessary to add to your travel insurance policy.
Cruise, Snow and Adventure Cover
If you’re planning a specific type of trip, such as a snow holiday or an adventure tour, it’s essential to ensure that your domestic travel insurance policy covers the activities you intend to participate in. While these types of trips may not be automatically covered, many policies offer additional packs that can be purchased to provide coverage for specific activities like snow sports or adventure activities. It’s worth noting that even if you’re cruising in Australian waters, you may not be covered by Australia’s Medicare system. Cruise cover is especially important in such cases.
About the Author
“As an avid traveler and game enthusiast, I understand the importance of protecting yourself during domestic trips. Domestic travel insurance provides peace of mind and financial security in case of unexpected events. Don’t let cancellations, delays, or lost belongings ruin your holiday experience. Stay protected with domestic travel insurance and enjoy your adventures worry-free!” – [Author’s Name]
Conclusion
While Australians already have medical coverage through Medicare or private health insurance, domestic travel insurance offers additional benefits that go beyond medical needs. From covering cancellations and delays to protecting against lost belongings and providing car hire excess coverage, domestic travel insurance ensures a worry-free holiday experience. It’s crucial to review your policy’s coverage details and consider additional packs for specific activities. Stay protected and enjoy your domestic travels to the fullest!
George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
