Australia Travel Insurance

Author: Melissa A.

Published: February 14th, 2025 | Updated: February 14th, 2025
Read time: 6 mins

Australia attracts an increasing number of international visitors yearly, including Canadians, who rank it as a top travel destination. Most visitors holiday in Australia for an average of 12 days, which is ample time to see all the country has to offer. Known for its iconic beaches, the world’s largest Grand Barrier Reef and oldest living Indigenous culture, outback, rainforests, famous wildlife, and world-class wineries, there is something for every type of traveller. As enticing as Australia sounds, travelling there comes with risks. Being the world’s largest island, it’s remote, and a baggage delay means a long wait for your personal belongings. Theft of your electronics can leave you feeling a pinch of a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Or worse, a sports and adventure activity accident landing you in the hospital can trap you in debt of tens of thousands to millions of dollars. Travel insurance for Australia tailored to you and the type of trip you are taking can protect you from these scenarios.

Do I need travel insurance for Australia?

Australia travel insurance is not a requirement for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Airfare to Australia has risen, making flights not cheap, and travel disruptions are quite common; therefore, it’s wise to protect your investment in your trip with travel insurance. Also, unforeseen events you do not plan for can happen even to the most experienced traveller. For example, you could have an accident and will be expected to pay for your costly medical expenses on the spot.

However, tourists who plan to stay in Australia for up to 90 days must have a valid passport and an electronic travel authorization (eTA) for entry. Before travel, you must apply for your eTA online or through the Australian eTA app. An Australian business visa is required for those travelling abroad for a short work trip for up to 90 days. A visa is also needed for those planning an extended stay for more than 90 days; the type of visa you will need will depend on what your extended stay entails.

What does Australia travel insurance cover?

Although travel insurance plans differ by provider, Australia trip insurance will typically include coverage for travel disruptions such as trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage loss, and delay and medical emergencies. Some plans may even include coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation. Coverage for personal effects, sports, and activities that are not high-risk or competitive, as well as 24/7 travel assistance, is usually offered. Depending on the plan, some may provide coverage for seniors (a Canadian resident 60+), pre-existing conditions, COVID-19, and/or high-risk and adventure sports activities. Thoroughly read a policy to understand its terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions so you know the coverage you will receive versus what is not covered by the policy.

Do I need health insurance to travel to Australia?

Australia is known for its world-class medical facilities and excellent healthcare services throughout the entire country. However, when you do not have travel health insurance for Australia, commonly called emergency medical insurance with medical evacuation and repatriation benefits, your medical expenses can cost you tens of thousands to millions of dollars out-of-pocket if you become ill or injured and must be transported to the nearest qualified hospital for treatment or repatriated back home. Medical expenses are expected to be paid at the time of service. Therefore, travel medical insurance for Australia is well worth the small price you will pay for a policy in comparison because it will cover those costs for you.

How much is travel insurance for Australia?

The amount you will pay for travel insurance for a trip to Australia is based on your total prepaid, nonrefundable trip cost. Generally, it will cost 4% to 10% of your trip cost. Various critical risk factors also affect the amount you will pay for a policy; they include the number of travellers on a policy, traveller(s) age, trip duration and the level of coverage. Risk factors such as whether you are travelling to high-risk or remote part of Australia, limits, deductible, the options, and add-ons you choose can increase a policy cost as well.

For the most affordable policy, consider coverage you may already have, whether that be through your employee benefits plan, an existing travel insurance policy, or your credit card company if you paid for your trip with a travel rewards card because you might only need to buy a policy containing supplemental coverage. The best way to find out the cost of travel insurance for your Australia trip is to start a quote with us online and compare plan options from multiple providers. Unfortunately, we do not offer travel insurance from Canadian banks. Also, look at our reviews page to see what travellers say about their experience on our website.

What is the best travel insurance for Australia?

The ideal travel insurance for your trip to Australia will depend on your specific travel needs; therefore, take some time to assess your requirements to determine the coverages that will best suit you and the type of trip you plan to take. For instance, if you plan to backpack throughout Australia, backpacker insurance offers 18-24 months of coverage and allows multiple trips home and back. Cruise insurance would be the most suitable choice if you plan to cruise to Australia. If you are a student planning to study abroad in Australia full-time, student insurance will provide the necessary coverage.

A well-suited travel insurance policy for a trip to Australia should include coverage for trip cancellation (sometimes referred to as flight insurance) and interruption, medical emergencies, emergency evacuation and repatriation, baggage loss and delay, personal belongings, and 24/7 travel assistance. Be sure to add additional coverages that align with your travel needs, for example, coverage for pre-existing conditions, sports and adventure activities, remote rescue and/or gadgets. An annual travel insurance plan is a cost-effective option if you are a frequent traveller (taking more than two trips yearly). But you need to add trip cancellation coverage if you want it included. When reviewing plans, carefully read the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions to fully understand what is and isn’t covered.

Do visitors from Australia to Canada need travel insurance?

Travel Insurance Australia to Canada, commonly known as Visitors to Canada travel insurance, is not mandatory but highly recommended. Canada’s Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP) covers Canadian citizens and residents. It does not extend medical coverage to international travellers coming to Canada for vacation, to visit family, work, or study.