MELBOURNE, 5 July, 2024: Eighty seven-percent Australians bought travel insurance on their last trip overseas, an increase from 84 % last year. This is a positive development, but 93 % did not know at least one travel insurance exclusion including:
- Knowingly drinking more alcohol than their insurance policy permitted (25%).
- Two in 5 didn’t know that leaving luggage unattended or riding a motorcycle without a license is, in most cases, not covered in their policy (40%).
- Traveling to a ‘do not travel’ destination on DFAT’s Smartraveller website (17%).
Ensure the insurance covers the destinations you plan to visit, any planned activities, and pre-existing conditions or current medical treatments.
This risk can be reduced by Australians during their their overseas travel by making Smartraveller their first destination and by subscribing for free destination updates while they’re away. They can also find advice on choosing the right insurance in Smartraveller’s CHOICE travel insurance buying guide.
For all other information including emergency consular services check – www.smartraveller.gov.au
