Travel Insurance: What to Check Before You Buy in 2026

Medical cover is the most critical part of any travel insurance policy, especially for international trips. Medical emergencies abroad can result in significant costs, from hospital stays to emergency evacuations.

What to look for:

• Cover limits: Ensure the policy offers a high enough limit for overseas medical expenses. Medical evacuations and hospital stays can be extremely costly, so look for policies with substantial cover.
• Emergency evacuation: Check that the policy includes cover for medical evacuation to Australia or the nearest suitable hospital if required.
• Infectious diseases: Confirm whether the policy covers medical expenses related to illnesses such as COVID-19 or other communicable diseases.

Tip: Policies with low medical cover may not be enough for serious incidents. Always check the maximum limits and what’s included.

Trip cancellation cover protects your prepaid, non-refundable travel costs if you have to cancel or cut short your trip for reasons outlined in the policy.

What to look for:

• Cover limit: Make sure the cancellation cover matches the total value of your trip, including flights, accommodation, tours, and cruises.
• Covered reasons: Policies usually list specific reasons for cancellation, such as illness, injury, family emergencies, or natural disasters. Some policies offer broader protection through optional add-ons.
• Waiting periods: Be aware of any waiting periods before cancellation cover becomes active.

Tip: If you’re booking an expensive trip, ensure your policy’s cancellation limit is high enough to cover all non-refundable costs.

This section of your policy covers loss, theft, or damage to your belongings while travelling.

What to look for:

• Total and per-item limits: Policies often have an overall limit for luggage and separate limits for individual items. Expensive items like electronics or jewellery may not be fully covered unless you specify them.
• Proof of ownership: You’ll usually need receipts or bank statements to claim for valuables.
• Unattended belongings: Most policies exclude claims for items left unattended, so always check the fine print.

Tip: If you’re travelling with valuable gear, check the per-item limits and consider whether you need extra cover.

If you have any health conditions, it’s essential to understand how they affect your cover.

What to look for:

• Definitions: Insurers have specific definitions for pre-existing conditions. Read these carefully.
• Automatic cover: Some stable conditions may be covered automatically, but others require medical screening.
• Disclosure: Always disclose any pre-existing conditions when applying. Not doing so can void your policy.
• Exclusions: Check which conditions are excluded and what that means for your cover.

Tip: If you’re unsure, speak to the insurer or a broker before purchasing.

Standard travel insurance may not cover all activities, especially those considered high risk.

What to look for:

• Included activities: Everyday activities like swimming, hiking, or sightseeing are usually covered.
• Excluded or high-risk activities: Sports such as skiing, scuba diving, or adventure sports often require additional cover or may be excluded.
• Limits: Some policies have altitude or depth limits for certain activities.

Tip: If you plan to participate in adventure sports, check that your policy covers them specifically.

The excess is the amount you pay out of pocket for each claim.

What to look for:

• Excess amount: Policies may have different excess amounts, typically ranging from zero to several hundred dollars. Lower excess usually means a higher premium.
• Per claim or per incident: Understand whether the excess applies to each claim type or each incident.

Tip: Consider how much you’re willing to pay upfront if you need to make a claim.

Access to emergency help is vital when you’re overseas and something goes wrong.

What to look for:

• Availability: Ensure the insurer provides a 24/7 helpline for emergencies anywhere in the world.
• Services: Look for assistance with medical emergencies, travel disruptions, lost documents, and legal issues.

Tip: Policies without reliable emergency assistance can leave you stranded. Check what support is offered before you buy.

All travel insurance policies have exclusions—situations where you won’t be covered.

What to look for:

• Common exclusions: These often include travelling against government advice, incidents related to alcohol or drugs, undeclared pre-existing conditions, professional sports, and travel to war zones.
• Destination-specific exclusions: Some regions may be excluded due to travel advisories or other risks.

Tip: Always read the exclusions section carefully so you know what isn’t covered.

Each policy sets maximum payouts for different types of claims, with some categories having sub-limits.

What to look for:

• Medical cover: Ensure the limit is high enough for international travel.
• Cancellation: Should match your total trip cost.
• Luggage: Check both total and per-item limits.
• Travel delay: Some policies include daily allowances for accommodation and meals if your travel is delayed.

Tip: A policy with low limits may not provide enough protection for your needs.

A policy is only as good as its claims process. If you need to make a claim, you want it to be straightforward and efficient.

What to look for:

• How to claim: Check whether you can claim online, via an app, by phone, or email.
• Timeframes: Find out how long claims typically take to process.
• Documentation: Know what evidence you’ll need to provide, such as receipts, police reports, or medical certificates.
• Customer feedback: Consider looking at customer reviews for insights into the claims experience.

Tip: Insurers with a reputation for slow or difficult claims processes may not be the best choice.

Travel insurance is more than just a box to tick before you leave. In 2026, taking the time to check these key areas can make all the difference if something goes wrong on your trip. Compare policies, read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), and make sure you understand what you’re covered for. That way, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing you’re protected if the unexpected happens.