Skip to main content

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance for Expatriates

It is very unlikely that you will find the best “value for money” in travel insurance at your travel agent – this is regardless of whether your agency is based in Australia or if you are an expatriate and using a “local” travel agency.

Simple economics means that the travel insurance is usually best purchased over the internet and this is particularly the case if you are over 70 years of age or have a pre-existing condition which you need covered.

In the past, expats have sometimes been limited to taking travel from “local” insurers in their host country, but this is rarely the case now with online travel insurance cover on a very competitive basis now available for expatriates in almost all countries.

There are three principal issues that should drive your selection of travel insurance:

  • The adequacy of cover, particularly in the “high cost” areas such as medical cover and repatriation, cancellation, loss of baggage and personal liability.
  • The cost of cover, and
  • The bona fides of the insurance underwriter; the size and reputation of the insurance company which stands behind the policy.

A recent survey initiated by Smartraveller has shown that there are concerning number of Australians willing to travel overseas without appropriate travel insurance. These are largely casual travellers rather than expats, but they are placing themselves at considerable personal and financial risk by not arranging travel insurance - for example, there is a concerning lack of awareness that Medicare does not cover overseas medical expenses or the often unbelievable cost of medical repatriation. Whether you are a casual traveller or an expat who needs travel insurance on the way to your new country of residence, we would suggest reading the Choice travel insurance buying guide.

If you are not currently resident in Australia, we would suggest you consider World Nomads in any comparison. Available not just to Australian expatriates but to people resident in over 150 countries, with online claims and the ability to extend coverage while overseas, cover extends to adventure activities such as skiing and snowboarding.

 

 

IMPORTANT: The material contained in this website and other associated communications is only intended as general, background information and must not be relied upon. No warranty is provided in relation to any material or to the services that may be contracted through exfin.com. It is recommended that individuals seek the advice of qualified professionals before taking any action.