Why you need travel insurance

It is the year of international travel for many Queenslanders, with data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealing that travel activity is back to pre-Covid levels.

RACQ Head of Commercial Analysis and Travel Quintin Dyer said travellers should be aware some countries not only require travel insurance for entry but also stipulate the type of insurance you need.

“The requirements for travel insurance differ from country to country and may have changed since the last time you travelled,” Mr Dyer said.

“Not all travel insurance policies are the same so it’s important that you check the entry conditions of your destination on the Smart Traveller website.

“In some countries, for example, all foreign passport holders must have medical travel insurance with international coverage that covers COVID-19 before travelling.

“It’s also important to read the travel insurance policy’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) which provides information on what is covered to ensure you have the correct coverage.”

Mr Dyer said even if there was no requirement for travel insurance, it should still be considered an essential.

“No matter how experienced a traveller you are or how fit you are, unforeseen events still happen,” he said.

“Travel insurance covers you from the moment you buy it and can provide protection for things like theft, accidents, or medical issues and can help provide coverage for unexpected expenses.”

Mr Dyer said there were a number of other things to consider.

“When choosing your cover think about how long you’re travelling, the mode of transport you’re travelling by (e.g. cruise ship), what you’re planning on doing there (as some activities may not be covered), what valuables you’re taking with you and if you have any pre-existing medical conditions,” he said.

RACQ members save on 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 and receive a commission for each policy sold or renewed.