Conditions for new travel insurance policies

Australian domestic travel

You can purchase a policy for domestic travel within Australia’s states, territories and islands within its maritime borders.

See the Cruise section below for details on Australian cruises. 

Selected international travel destinations

You can buy a policy for a specified country if you have been issued a travel exemption by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs prior to the purchase date for the same country AND it is one of the following countries:

• Belgium
• Finland
• Italy
• Malta
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Republic of Ireland
• Slovenia
• Sweden
• United Kingdom

International travel destinations not covered

You cannot buy a policy for travel to any country not on Fast Cover's 'Selected International Travel Destinations' list, regardless of whether you have a travel exemption from the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs or not. This is due to our limited ability to ensure acceptable medical treatment in or repatriation from certain countries.

Australian cruise - small ship

Australian waters cruise (including river cruises) on a small ship (ship with a capacity of 200 passengers or less). For example a Kimberley Cruise or Great Barrier Reef Cruise.

Australian cruise - large ship

Australian waters cruise (including river cruises) on a large ship (ship with a capacity of more than 200 passengers).

All international cruises

• Any cruise (including river cruises) in international waters or in any other country other than Australia on a small ship (ship with a capacity of 200 passengers or less).
• Any cruise (including river cruises) in international waters or in any other country other than Australia on a large cruise ship (ship with a capacity of more than 200 passengers).

Up to 6 months from purchase date for Domestic and New Zealand trips

Domestic and New Zealand policies can be purchased up to a maximum of 6 months (182 days) prior to the Depart Date.

Up to 2 months from purchase date for International trips

International policies can be purchased up to a maximum of 2 months (62 days) prior to the Depart Date.

More than 6 months for Domestic & New Zealand trips & 2 months for International trips

Due to the uncertainty of border closures, international travel bans and the health impact of COVID-19, we are unable to provide a policy with a Depart Date more than:

• 182 days from the date you are obtaining a quote for Domestic trips.
• 62 days from the date you are obtaining a quote for International trips.

Travellers currently in Australia

If you are currently in Australia, you can buy a policy if you satisfy all other guidelines on this page.

If the traveller is currently outside of Australia, we are unable to issue a policy. A policy is automatically void if purchased whilst a traveller listed on a policy is not in Australia at the time of purchase. 

Travellers outside of Australia

If the traveller is currently outside of Australia, you do not meet the requirements of our policies and you are unable to purchase a policy. A policy is automatically void if purchased whilst a traveller listed on a policy is not in Australia at the time of purchase. 

Maximum 12 months cover

Policies are available with up to a maximum of 12 months duration including any extensions.

You can apply for an extension up to 30 days

If you have purchased a policy with a duration of less than 12 months, you can apply to extend your cover once only for a maximum of 30 days up to a maximum policy period of 12 months by contacting us on or before your original policy expiry date. Extension of cover is subject to our written approval and your payment of the additional premium.

Extensions are only permitted for travellers who are insured by Fast Cover travel insurance and are:

• Actively trying to return home to Australia as per the advice from the Australian Government; and
• Currently in a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement country.

Cover cannot be extended for:

• any Pre-existing Medical Condition, unless it is listed under the heading “Automatically Covered Pre-Existing Medical Conditions” and you have not been hospitalised (including Day Surgery or Emergency Department attendance) for that condition in the past 24 months; or
• for conditions you suffered during the term of your original policy; or
• where you have not advised us of any circumstances that have given (or may give) rise to a claim under your original policy; or
• where at the time of extension you are aged 60 years or over.

Policy and extension cannot exceed 12 months

At this point in time, a policy cannot be purchased or extended beyond a maximum of 12 months duration in any combination. This will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and you should contact us prior to the return date on your policy for the current extension options.

0-89 years of age

You can purchase a policy for domestic if all travellers to be listed on the policy are aged 89 years of age or younger and you satisfy all other conditions during the quote application.

Any traveller over 89 years of age cannot purchase a domestic policy. 

0-75 years of age

You can purchase a policy for travel to New Zealand if all travellers to be listed on the policy are aged up to and including 75 years of age and you satisfy all other conditions during the quote application.

Any traveller over 75 years of age cannot purchase a New Zealand policy. 

0-65 years of age

You can purchase a policy for travel to selected countries with an exemption if all travellers to be listed on the policy are aged up to and including 65 years of age and you satisfy all other conditions during the quote application.

Any traveller over the age of 65 cannot purchase a policy for any overseas countries (other than New Zealand)