Why travel Insurance is a holiday essential

Anyone who has planned a holiday since COVID-19 restrictions began to ease will understand the importance of flexibility when it comes to travelling in 2022.

RACQ Head of Commercial Management and Delivery Quintin Dyer said travel insurance could offer protection against several scenarios that could impact your plans.

“RACQ has worked closely with Tokio Marine since 2016 to help give members added peace of mind that comes from travel insurance,” Mr Dyer said.

“With entry requirements changing and COVID-19 in the community, flexibility is very important, so travel insurance can help you recoup some of the costs if you have to make changes to your travel plans.

Travel insurance also helps cover you for lost or stolen luggage, overseas medical and hospital expenses.”

A Tokio Marine spokesperson said the pandemic had impacted the way holidaymakers thought about travel insurance.

“More than 90 percent of travel policies that members have been purchasing through us since November 2021 include some form of COVID-19 cover,” the spokesperson said.

“Tokio Marine was able to pay out claims for members impacted by travel cancellations at the peak of COVID-19, subject to policy terms and conditions.”

Mr Dyer said domestic travel insurance was becoming more popular among Australian travellers.

“Travel insurance is not always associated with domestic travel but, as we’ve seen in recent years, travel situations can change at any time,” he said.

“Domestic travel insurance can provide added peace of mind with cover that includes luggage items, such as smart phones and tablets, as well as cancellation fees and lost deposits. There’s also the option to add extra coverage to your policy if you’re planning a ski holiday for an extra charge.”

Mr Dyer said the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) provided essential information on what is covered by your travel insurance and should be read in combination with the Target Market Determination (TMD) which explains if the particular product is appropriate.

“Like any insurance policy, it’s important to do your research to find a policy that fits your needs and helps provide an adequate level of protection, having regard to your individual circumstances,” he said.

“Carefully reading the PDS and TMD may help ensure there are no surprises in the event that you have to make a claim.

“Once your travel insurance is sorted you can focus on enjoying your holiday, knowing you have taken steps to be prepared as best as possible.”

Get travelling again

• Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your return date.
• Check the COVID-19 provisions in your travel insurance cover.
• Check your destination requirements for insurance, vaccinations, international drivers permits and visas.
• Download the Australia Digital Passenger Declaration app and complete the form before returning to Australia.
• Register your trip on Smartraveller and sign up to alerts.

 Members save on RACQ Travel Insurance

Specific terms and conditions, limits (including sub-limits) and exclusions apply to each of our policies and the different benefits. Please read the 'RACQ Travel Insurance- Combined Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement’ for full details and read the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) before determining whether this product is suitable for your circumstances.The information in this article is general advice only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of this, you should, before acting on the advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regards to your objectives, financial situation and needs. You should obtain the ''RACQ Travel Insurance - Combined Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement' and consider it before making a decision about whether to acquire RACQ Travel Insurance. 

RACQ Travel Insurance is issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd (Tokio Marine & Nichido) ABN 80 000 438 291, AFSL 246548. RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of Tokio Marine & Nichido.