How to Compare Travel Insurance in Australia: Your 2025 Guide to Getting the Best Coverage
Introduction: Why Comparing Travel Insurance Matters
Planning a trip is exciting—whether it’s a European adventure, a Bali escape, or a local Aussie road trip. But before you book those flights, don’t forget a crucial step: comparing travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you from unexpected costs like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and more.
As an Australian traveller, you have access to many travel insurance providers. But not all policies are created equal. Some offer better medical cover, while others focus on trip disruption or gear protection. The trick is knowing how to compare them properly based on your travel style, destination, and budget.
Let’s break down how to compare travel insurance in Australia and look at the top providers in 2025.
What to Look for When Comparing Travel Insurance
Here’s what savvy Aussie travellers should consider:
🛡️ 1. Coverage Types
- Medical expenses: Covers overseas hospital costs and medical treatment.
- Trip cancellation/interruption: Reimburses non-refundable expenses if you cancel due to illness, natural disasters, etc.
- Lost/stolen luggage: Compensation for your belongings.
- Travel delays: Covers food, accommodation, or rebooking costs if your transport is delayed.
- Adventure sports cover: For activities like skiing, scuba diving, or hiking.
- COVID-19 cover: Many providers now include pandemic-related medical and cancellation cover.
💰 2. Cost vs. Value
- Cheaper doesn’t always mean better. Look at what’s included in the premium and what’s excluded.
- Check the excess (the amount you pay before insurance kicks in).
🌍 3. Destination-Based Coverage
- Some policies exclude high-risk regions or charge extra for certain destinations.
- Make sure your specific travel location is fully covered.
👥 4. Family and Group Policies
- Are you travelling solo, as a couple, or with kids? Many insurers offer family bundles at better rates.
📅 5. Single Trip vs. Annual Cover
- Single trip insurance is for one-off travel.
- Annual multi-trip insurance is better for frequent travellers and often saves money in the long run.
Top Travel Insurance Providers in Australia (2025)
Let’s compare some of the best travel insurance providers in Australia and how their offerings stack up.
1. Cover-More Travel Insurance
- Strengths: Comprehensive international cover, strong global support, good COVID-19 benefits
- Unique Features: 24/7 emergency helpline, optional add-ons for skiing and cruising
- Great For: Travellers wanting broad coverage and high medical limits
- Notable Info: Backed by Zurich, available through Flight Centre and other partners
2. Allianz Global Assistance
- Strengths: Worldwide network, good reputation for claims process
- Coverage Options: Essentials, Comprehensive, and Multi-Trip policies
- Great For: Frequent flyers and international business travellers
- Pros: Strong medical coverage, clear policy options
- Watch Out: Slightly higher excess compared to others
3. Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI)
- Strengths: Competitive pricing, great value policies for Aussies
- Top Features: COVID-19 cover included, high-quality app for managing claims
- Best For: Budget-conscious travellers and families
- Cons: May not cover some adventure sports
4. NIB Travel Insurance
- Strengths: Flexible plans, includes some adventure activities
- Coverage: Essentials, Comprehensive, and Annual policies
- Ideal For: Younger travellers, backpackers, and active holidaymakers
- Bonus: Customisable add-ons for gadgets and extreme sports
5. Fast Cover Travel Insurance
- Strengths: Easy-to-understand policies, unlimited overseas medical cover
- Perfect For: Seniors, cruise travellers, and those needing clear documentation
- Highlights: Excellent ratings from independent review platforms
- Note: Doesn’t always have the lowest premium, but offers top-notch service
6. Medibank Travel Insurance
- Strengths: Trustworthy brand, hospital network support
- Top Picks: Comprehensive international and domestic plans
- Ideal For: Travellers who want strong health-focused coverage
- Extras: Optional snow and cruise coverage
7. Bupa Travel Insurance
- Strengths: Strong health cover, ideal for senior travellers
- Features: International, domestic, and annual plans available
- Why Choose Them: Trusted health insurer with great medical claim processing
- Downside: Slightly higher premiums
Comparison Table Snapshot
| Provider | Best For | Medical Cover | COVID-19 Cover | Annual Plans | Adventure Add-ons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cover-More | Comprehensive coverage | ✅ High | ✅ Included | ✅ Available | ✅ Yes |
| Allianz | Frequent travellers | ✅ High | ✅ Included | ✅ Yes | ❌ Limited |
| SCTI | Budget-friendly | ✅ Moderate | ✅ Included | ✅ Yes | ❌ Few |
| NIB | Backpackers, active trips | ✅ Moderate | ✅ Included | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Fast Cover | Seniors, clear policies | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ Included | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Medibank | Health-focused travellers | ✅ Strong | ✅ Included | ✅ Yes | ✅ Optional |
| Bupa | Older travellers | ✅ Strong | ✅ Included | ✅ Yes | ✅ Optional |
Tips for Buying Travel Insurance in Australia
✔ Compare policies side by side using tools like Compare the Market, Canstar, or Finder.
✔ Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before buying—know exactly what’s covered.
✔ Check reviews and claim satisfaction ratings. A cheap policy isn’t useful if claims are hard to process.
✔ Declare pre-existing conditions honestly to avoid claim denial.
✔ Don’t wait—buy your insurance as soon as you book your trip to ensure cancellation coverage.
Conclusion: Protect Your Trip with the Right Policy
When you compare travel insurance in Australia, you’re not just looking at prices—you’re choosing peace of mind. The best policy depends on your trip type, health needs, and risk tolerance. Whether you’re a solo explorer, family vacationer, or business jetsetter, take the time to find a plan that covers what matters most to you.
📌 Ready to compare?
- Visit comparison websites like Finder or Canstar
- Get quotes from at least 3 providers
- Read user reviews before purchasing
- Choose the coverage that fits your travel style, not just the cheapest
✈️ Don’t let unexpected events ruin your dream trip—get the right cover before you go!
Also Read :
Travel Insurance Bali Guide for Australians: What You Need to Know