Seniors Travel Insurance FAQs | Australian Seniors (2024)

These FAQsFrequently Asked Questions are general in nature and relate only to Seniors Travel Insurance. They do not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of this, you should consider whether the advice is appropriate for you. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement before making a decision.

How far in advance can I purchase travel insurance?

It’s up to you when you purchase travel insurance, however, keep in mind these three things:

  1. You can purchase travel insurance up to 12 months in advance.
  2. You must purchase travel insurance before you start your journey. Your journey starts when any traveller named on the Certificate of Insurance leaves home or work in Australia to commence travel.
  3. Depending on the plan you choose you may have trip cancellation cover, which covers unexpected trip cancellation, rescheduling or shortening from the date your Certificate of Insurance is issued. So, consider purchasing travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked and paid for some or all of your trip as you may be covered for such events before you depart.

Can I purchase travel insurance after I have started my trip?

No, you must purchase travel insurance before you have started your journey. Your journey starts when any traveller named on the Certificate of Insurance leaves home or work in Australia to commence travel.

Can I purchase travel insurance for a one-way trip?

No, as your journey starts when any traveller named on the Certificate of Insurance leaves home or work in Australia to commence travel, and ends when you return to your home or arrive at a hospital or residential care facility in Australia (if you are evacuated or repatriated for medical reasons), whichever happens first.

Do any age limits apply when purchasing travel insurance?

Our Comprehensive, Domestic and Non-Medical plans are available to travellers of all ages.

Our Essentials and Multi-Trip plans are only available to travellers who are aged under 75 years at the time your Certificate of Insurance is issued.

Please note, if you choose to extend your travel insurance policy after you have begun your journey, age limits may apply.

How many dependants can I insure on my travel insurance policy?

You can insure up to 10 dependants on your travel insurance policy. Dependants must be your child or grandchild (including step-child, adopted child, foster child and child you care for under a legal guardian arrangement), aged under 25 years, not employed full-time, and with you for 100% of the journey.

Is there a cooling-off period?

Yes, if you change your mind after you purchase your travel insurance policy, you may cancel it within 14 days of your Certificate of Insurance being issued. You will be given a full refund of the premium you’ve paid, provided you have not started your journey and do not intend to make a claim or exercise any other right under your policy.

I'm going on multiple trips this year, do I have to purchase a travel insurance policy for each trip?

Our Multi-Trip Plan offers a high-level of cover for multiple trips to your chosen destinations within a 12-month period. Each individual trip will be limited to 15, 30 or 45 days and is chosen during your quote. This is a summary only. Terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply; refer to the Product Disclosure Statement.

If I contract an epidemic or pandemic, such as COVID-19, while travelling, am I covered?

This product has a general exclusion, with limited exceptions, against epidemics and pandemics. That means we don’t cover claims that arise from, or are related to, an epidemic or pandemic. However, you are covered under selected benefits in this product if, during your period of cover, you are positively diagnosed as suffering a sickness recognised as an epidemic or pandemic, such as COVID-19. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement to see which benefits offer cover in the event that you contract a sickness recognised as an epidemic or pandemic, and the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions that apply.

If you have any questions call us on1300 051 095(Weekdays 8am-7pm AEST Saturday 8am-5pm AEST).

If I cancel, reschedule or shorten my trip due to an epidemic or pandemic, such as COVID-19, am I covered?

There is no cover under any benefit of this policy if your claim arises because you did not follow an advice or warning that a reasonable person would have been aware of:

  • by the Australian government (when a reconsider your need to travel or do not travel alert is in place), which can be found on Smartraveller; or
  • which was published in a reliable mass media source.

Before purchasing travel insurance, and while you’re travelling, check Smartraveller and Allianz Partners for travel alerts or advisories for your intended destination(s). Please note, this applies even if an Australian government has given you permission to travel, or you fall under a specific exemption where there is otherwise a travel ban in place.

Tip! Subscribe to Smartraveller to receive travel alerts and advisory updates via email. Refer to the General Exclusions in the Product Disclosure Statement for a full list of exclusions.

If you have any questions call us on1300 051 095(Weekdays 8am-7pm AEST Saturday 8am-5pm AEST).

What is a general exclusion?

A general exclusion, sometimes referred to as a policy exclusion, is an exclusion that applies to all policy benefits, regardless of when the travel insurance policy was purchased. Should a general exclusion apply, your travel insurance policy will not provide cover for the specified event, activities or circ*mstances. Refer to the General Exclusions in the Product Disclosure Statement.

What is an epidemic and what is a pandemic?

We define an epidemic as an infectious disease that rapidly spreads to a large number of people in a community, population, or region.

We define a pandemic as an epidemic that spreads to multiple countries, continents, or worldwide.

Can I get a refund on my travel insurance policy premium if my travel plans have been cancelled or shortened by an epidemic or pandemic, such as COVID-19?

If a COVID-19 border closure or mandatory quarantine period prevents you from travelling, or requires you to shorten your journey while travelling, you may be entitled to cancel your policy and receive a partial or full premium refund; refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for conditions.

If you have any questions or would like to apply for a refund call us on1300 051 095(Weekdays 8am-7pm AEST Saturday 8am-5pm AEST).

How do I make an amendment to my policy?

To amend your travel insurance policy, call us on1300 051 095(Weekdays 8am-7pm AEST Saturday 8am-5pm AEST).

How do I cancel my policy?

To cancel your travel insurance policy, call us on1300 051 095(Weekdays 8am-7pm AEST Saturday 8am-5pm AEST), or travelinsurance@allianz-assistance.com.au us.

If you’re cancelling within 14 days of your Certificate of Insurance being issued you'll be given a full refund of the premium you've paid, provided you have not started your journey and do not intend to make a claim or exercise any other right under your policy.

What do I do if I need emergency assistance on my trip?

Call emergency services immediately if your condition is life threatening. Call us on+61 7 3305 7499(overseas) or1800 010 075(within Australia).

If the unexpected happens while on your trip call us as soon as you can, our Australian-based case managers are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with registered nurses and doctors available when you need them. They’ll step you through the process and take care of things. If you can’t call us straight away, make sure you keep any documentation that may help with your claim, this could include, receipts, invoices, medical records or police reports, and contact us as soon as you’re able to.

What's a pre-existing medical condition?

We define a pre-existing medical condition to be a condition of which a reasonable person in the circ*mstances, should have been aware at the time of issue of the Certificate of Insurance, including:

  • any dental condition;
  • any physical condition;
  • pregnancy (see travel during pregnancy below);
  • any lifelong illness;
  • any chronic illness;
  • any mental illness;
  • any current or previously treated cancer; or

any condition which, in the last two years:

  • was treated by surgery (including day surgery);
  • required regular medication;
  • required on-going treatment;
  • was referred to a specialist medical adviser;
  • had regular reviews or check-ups;
  • caused admission to hospital; or
  • was treated at a hospital emergency department or out-patient clinic.

What if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

If you have a pre-existing medical condition that meets this definition, you can apply to include cover under your policy for your pre-existing medical condition(s) at the time of purchasing your policy. Alternatively, you can call our contact centre and they can step you through the medical assessment over the phone, call us on1300 051 095(Weekdays 8am-7pm AEST Saturday 8am-5pm AEST).

We don’t cover any pre-existing medical conditions unless you complete a medical assessment and we agree to cover you. If you choose not to tell us about your pre-existing medical condition(s); or we decline to cover you; or you decline our offer; you, or anyone else on the policy, won’t be covered for any claim arising from your pre-existing medical condition(s).

What if I have a complaint?

We hope that you never have a reason to complain, but if you do, we will do our best to work with you to resolve it. To make a complaint, visit our complaints page.

Seniors Travel Insurance FAQs | Australian Seniors (2024)

FAQs

Do I need travel insurance for Australia from the USA? ›

You are not required to have travel insurance to visit Australia, but it is strongly encouraged. Australia's government travel authority says, “If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.” Medical care in Australia can be expensive for travelers and visitors.

What is the best travel insurance for Australians? ›

If you're after the most coverage for the best value, these comprehensive policies are worth a look!
  • Chubb Australia – Prestige Single Trip policy.
  • Freely – International Travel Insurance policy.
  • InsuranceandGo – Gold policy.
  • Tick Travel Insurance – Top policy.
  • World2Cover – Top policy.
Apr 1, 2024

What travel insurance do I need to go to Australia? ›

You'll need worldwide travel insurance (excluding USA) for your trip to Australia. Check that the policy you choose includes Australia on its list of countries covered, as well as any other destinations you're visiting as part of the same trip.

What is the age limit for travel insurance in Australia? ›

Who Offers Travel Insurance To Senior Travellers?
INSURERSINGLE TRIP AGE LIMITSANNUAL POLICY AGE LIMITS
Travel Insurance Saver BUYUnder 100Under 100
Travel Insuranz BUYUnder 70Under 70
Virgin Money BUYNo Age LimitUnder 75
Webjet BUYNo Age LimitUnder 75
29 more rows

Does American insurance work in Australia? ›

Plan to Have Insurance

Most U.S. medical insurance plans do not include coverage outside of the United States – including U.S. Medicare.

Can you use US health insurance in Australia? ›

U.S. medical insurance typically doesn't work in Australia, so it's important to have travel insurance for these unexpected situations. If you're bitten by a Tasmanian devil or sustain some other wildlife-related injury, travel insurance takes the place of your regular medical insurance.

What is the best international travel insurance for seniors? ›

Compare Travel Insurance Companies for Seniors
CompanyBBB RatingRecommended Plan
Travelex GET QUOTEA+Travel Select
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection GET QUOTEA+LuxuryCare®
Nationwide Travel Insurance GET QUOTEA+Luxury Cruise
Generali Global Assistance GET QUOTEA+Premium
5 more rows
Apr 16, 2024

Who are the Big 3 insurance companies in Australia? ›

Life insurers

As a result, the largest three life insurance companies in Australia, TAL, AIA and Zurich, account for over 60% of total market share and are all overseas owned.

What is not covered in travel insurance? ›

Reasonably foreseeable events. Known storms, epidemics, acts of war. Travel restrictions imposed by government authorities. Pre-existing conditions, unless the Premium plan is bought within the window for coverage.

Can I take my medication to Australia? ›

Many medicines and medical devices can be brought with you into Australia if they are for your personal use. Some require a permit or prescription, and others cannot be brought with you at all . Your medicine or device may be covered by the traveller's exemption, or you may belong in a special category.

What medicines are not allowed in Australia? ›

Prohibited items
  • Abortifacients (for example, mifepristone – RU486)
  • Yohimbe (Yohimbine)
  • Aminophenazone, amidopyrine, aminopyrine, dipyrone, metamizole.
  • Amygdalin/laetrile.
Jan 16, 2023

Is travel insurance worth it in Australia? ›

Travel insurance is essential if you end up sick or injured. Medical assistance is usually the highest unexpected cost for Australians overseas. Most countries won't give you free or subsidised care. You, or your insurer, must usually pay full price.

Should seniors buy travel insurance? ›

Since seniors and retirees are more likely to face a medical emergency during a trip, most travel insurance plans for seniors include coverage for emergency medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation. Coverages vary among plans, as do limits, so make sure to compare options before you book a trip overseas.

Can I get travel insurance for an 80 year old? ›

There are a range of policies out there that insure travellers with no upper age limit, including those which cover pre-existing medical conditions. Here's our guide to finding the right over 80 travel insurance for your needs so you can travel with confidence.

Do Australians need travel insurance to travel in Australia? ›

Although travel insurance isn't a requirement for domestic travel within Australia, it can provide your trip with some protection in case of unexpected events.

Do US citizens need travel insurance? ›

The U.S. government does not provide insurance for U.S. citizens overseas. We do not pay medical bills or unexpected medical costs. We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel.

Is health insurance required for tourist visa Australia? ›

Visitor Visa

Do you hold a subclass 600 or subclass 651 or subclass 601 visa? Usually, visitor visa holders are not required to have insurance when they are in Australia. However, medical costs in Australia can be costly, therefore it may be beneficial to have adequate health insurance.

Do you need travel insurance for Sydney Australia? ›

Health and Safety

It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation. Stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun, and apply sunscreen regularly due to Australia's strong UV rays.

Does worldwide travel insurance cover Australia? ›

Travel insurance for multiple countries

If you choose 'Worldwide (excluding USA and Canada),' the area of cover is anywhere in the world except the USA and Canada. This means you can get cover for an Australian adventure, a tour of Vietnam's history or a Kenyan safari in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

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