Travel Insurance for Australia

Australia is a rather unique country to visit, offering visitors everything from spectacular beaches and vibrant cities, to a vast, arid, and sparsely populated interior. It has a rich and incredibly diverse culture, supported by fauna and flora not native to any other country or continent, which includes six of the world’s most deadliest snakes, and a few other dangerous creatures. Which means if you’re planning a trip to Australia, you shouldn’t only be packing strong sunscreen in with your luggage, but also checking that you have the right travel insurance.

Do I need a visa to travel to Australia?

All foreign visitors to Australia need a visa, irrespective of the country they are travelling from. Visitors to Australia must apply for one of five visas, depending on the purpose of their visit, and the length of their stay. The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is the most versatile since it allows tourists and persons travelling for business purposes to enter Australia as many times as they want, for up to 12-months after the visa was granted, as long as no single stay exceeds 3-months. However:

it is only available for visitors who hold passports for certain countries,
it does not allow visitors to work or provide services for any business or organisation in Australia,
it is not available for visitors who will be studying in Australia, and
it is also not available for visits to Australia that are specifically for medical treatments or consultations.

What is the best time to travel to Australia?

Seasonally, the best time to visit Australia is either Spring (September – November) or Autumn (March – May), when it is neither too hot, nor too cool. However, if you are interested in specific events or activities, you would need to research these to determine the best time to enjoy them, keeping in mind that peak season stretches from early December through to the end of January, and this is when both flights and accommodation would be most expensive, and you would have to contend with crowds in many locations.

Do I need travel insurance for Australia?

It is not mandatory to have travel insurance when visiting Australia, but as with any travel, it is highly recommended. A single night in hospital in Australia will cost you more than $200, while emergency medical treatment could cost more than $2,000. And travel insurance doesn’t only cover you for medical treatment, it also covers you for lost, delayed, or stolen luggage, travel documents, and personal belongings. Not forgetting cover for any pre-paid trips and excursions that have to be cancelled.

Is it safe to travel to Australia?

Crime rates in Australia are very low, making it a very safe country to visit. However, this doesn’t mean you should avoid exercising normal precautions, or think about saving a few dollars by not taking out travel insurance. The biggest risk to visitors is in the form of the weather, natural disasters and wildlife. High UV index levels are possible throughout the country, meaning visitors should always take precautions when spending time outdoors or on the beach. Bush fires, flooding, and dangerous riptides in the ocean are some of the natural hazards tourists should be aware of, while visitors should also heed any posted warnings regarding wildlife.

How long is a flight to Australia?

Depending where you are travelling from, flights to Australia can be very long. The length of your journey is further influenced by any stops or layovers, and which Australian city you are flying to. Flying from Beijing to Sydney could take as little as 12-hours, while flying from New York or London could take more than 20-hours, and up to 55-hours for flights involving long layovers along the way.

We also offer insurance for other destinations such as Europe