How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance Policy

Choosing travel insurance can feel like navigating a maze – there are endless options, varying coverage levels, fine print galore and wildly different price tags. But here’s the thing: the “right” policy is the one that actually protects you and your trip. Not all policies are created equal and it’s worth taking the time to find one that fits your needs – not just your budget.

Here’s a detailed guide to help you confidently choose the right travel insurance policy that gives you real peace of mind while you’re off exploring the world.

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Start with Your Destination

Different countries carry different risks – and insurers know this. Some destinations, like the USA or Japan, have extremely high healthcare costs. Others may be considered higher risk due to political instability, natural disasters, or limited medical infrastructure.

Things to check:

• Is every country you’re visiting (including stopovers) covered?
• Do you need specific add-ons for certain destinations (e.g. snow sports in Finland, trekking in Peru, or safari in Africa)?
• Does the policy exclude destinations with government travel warnings? Always check Smartraveller for current advice.

Tip: If you’re planning a cruise, it may require a specific “cruise cover” add-on – even for domestic Australian cruises.

Understand the Medical Coverage

This is one of the most important components of any travel insurance policy. Medical emergencies overseas can be financially devastating without cover. Make sure your policy includes:

• Unlimited or high-limit medical coverage for hospitalisation, doctor visits, emergency surgery and ambulance fees.
• Medical evacuation and repatriation (flying you home if needed).
• Dental emergencies (some include this under medical, others list it separately).
• 24/7 emergency assistance helpline.

And don’t forget: if you have pre-existing medical conditions, you must declare them. Some insurers will automatically cover common conditions (like asthma or high blood pressure), but others require a medical assessment and may charge extra – or exclude them completely.

Consider Your Activities & Adventures

Planning to hike, ski, snowboard, ride a scooter, snorkel, or go ziplining? Many popular travel activities aren’t covered under standard policies and require an add-on or a special adventure pack.

Make sure your policy covers:

• Winter sports (especially in places like Lapland or the Alps)
• High-altitude trekking (common in Nepal, Peru and even New Zealand)
• Scuba diving (some policies limit depth or require you to be licensed)
• Quad biking or motorbike riding (check helmet and license requirements)

Always read the fine print or call the insurer to confirm what’s included – because “excluded due to high-risk activity” is the last thing you want to hear if something goes wrong.

Look Closely at Cancellation & Trip Disruption Cover

You never think you’ll have to cancel your dream trip – but life can be unpredictable. Good travel insurance will reimburse you for non-refundable costs if you need to cancel or shorten your trip due to:

• Illness or injury (yours or a family member’s)
• Natural disasters (like volcanic eruptions, floods, or bushfires)
• Airline strikes or severe weather
• Death or hospitalisation of a relative

Make sure your policy covers the total value of your prepaid trip, including flights, accommodation, tours and activities.

If you’re booking things well in advance, you may want to purchase travel insurance early to ensure you’re protected before departure.

Know the Limits on Baggage & Belongings

Not all policies will cover the full cost of your camera, phone, or laptop. There are usually item limits and an overall cap. Some policies might only reimburse $750 for a stolen phone unless you pay extra to list it as a high-value item.

Look for:

• Per-item limits (especially for electronics or jewellery)
• Overall baggage cover limit
• Coverage for lost or delayed baggage
• Reimbursement for lost travel documents and passports

Take photos of your luggage and receipts for valuable items before your trip – it makes the claims process smoother if something goes missing.

Weigh Up Premiums vs Excess

The excess is the amount you pay out of pocket when you make a claim. For example, if your excess is $200 and your stolen item was worth $250, it might not be worth claiming.

On the flip side, policies with very low premiums often have higher excesses or less comprehensive cover.

Ask yourself:

• How much could I comfortably pay out-of-pocket if something went wrong?
• Would I rather pay more upfront for better coverage and lower excess?

Read Reviews & Research Claim Success

A good travel insurance provider isn’t just one with a shiny brochure – it’s one with a solid track record for paying claims promptly and fairly and a good reputation.

Look at:

• Customer reviews on sites like ProductReview or Trustpilot
• Claim timeframes and customer service feedback
• Ease of online claims submission

Choose a provider that clearly explains the claim process and offers 24/7 support. You don’t want to be left on hold while you’re stranded overseas.

Why I Recommend Cover-More Travel Insurance

After experiencing first-hand how crucial comprehensive travel insurance is, I always turn to Cover-More Travel Insurance for my trips. They offer:

• Comprehensive coverage tailored to various travel needs
• 24/7 emergency assistance to support you anytime, anywhere
• Customisable plans including options for adventure activities, cruises, and more

If you’re planning your next adventure, consider getting a quote from Cover-More Travel Insurance. Their user-friendly platform makes it easy to find a policy that suits your specific travel plans.