Medical Only Travel Insurance

International Medical Only Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip

Fast Cover’s Basics policy which provides medical only travel insurance is designed for Aussies travelling overseas who want a policy that focuses on medical-related expenses. Our Basics travel insurance policy with medical only cover may be worth considering if you are:

Travelling light, with minimal luggage
Heading on a short holiday to a familiar or single destination
Backpacking and don’t need high amounts of cover for valuables
Flying direct, with low risk of flight connections or delays

In these types of situations, you may decide you don’t need cover for trip cancellation, trip disruption, or travel delays. You may also decide that you’d prefer a more affordable travel insurance. For this reason, you might prefer our Basics policy that focuses on the essentials by providing cover for medical-related expenses only.

Every traveller’s needs are different, so check the PDS to find the right policy for you. Any advice is general advice only and doesn't consider your personal and financial circumstances.

What Does Medical Only Travel Insurance Cover?

When you’re planning an overseas trip, the last thing you want to think about is unexpected hospital bills. That’s why our Basics policy with medical only travel insurance focuses on the essentials: your emergency medical expenses if you are unexpectedly sick or injured while travelling overseas.

Unlike Comprehensive travel insurance, our medical only Basics policy doesn’t include cover for trip cancellation expenses or travel delay expenses, making it simpler and generally more affordable. This page provides a summary of benefits for Fast Cover’s Basics policy. It doesn’t replace the PDS, which outlines full terms, limits, and exclusions. Always read the PDS and your Certificate of Insurance to understand what’s covered before you buy.

Overseas Emergency Medical and Hospital Expenses

Medical care overseas can be costly, and in some destinations, even a short hospital visit can result in large bills. With Fast Cover’s medical only travel insurance, you may be covered for overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses if you become unexpectedly ill or injured while on your trip. ^

Fast Cover’s medical only travel insurance is designed to help with the financial impact of unexpected illness or injury while overseas. This may include reasonable medical treatment, hospitalisation costs, or related medical expenses covered under your policy that you incur during your trip and are not reimbursed elsewhere. ^

Overseas Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Expenses

If you experience a serious medical emergency while travelling, you might need to be medically transported or evacuated to the nearest hospital for emergency medical treatment or even be repatriated back to Australia for treatment with appropriate medical supervision. ^

Our Basics policy with medical only travel insurance is available to provide cover for the reasonable additional accommodation and travel expenses, cost of medical transfer, evacuation or repatriation when these services are approved under your policy. All medical evacuations and repatriations must be arranged and approved by Fast Cover before they take place. ^

Overseas 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance

Even the most confident and well-prepared travellers can face unexpected medical emergencies overseas. With our Basics travel insurance, you’ll have access to our Australian-based Emergency Assistance team, available 24/7, to guide and support you. ^

Fast Cover’s Basics travel insurance is designed to provide round-the-clock support when unexpected illness or injury occurs. Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team may be able to help you with::

Locating and arranging overseas medical treatment or hospital admission
Coordinating emergency medical evacuation or repatriation if required and approved under your policy
Guidance on accessing local medical support services during your trip ^

Overseas Emergency Dental

Sudden dental pain or an accidental tooth injury can quickly disrupt your trip. Fast Cover’s medical only travel insurance may cover some of the cost of emergency dental treatment if you suffer acute pain or damage to your sound and natural teeth while overseas. ^

Personal Liability

Sometimes travel-related incidents may involve other people as well as yourself. At Fast Cover, the Personal Liability benefit is available to provide cover for legal claims made against you for the payment of compensation in respect of:

Someone else’s death or injury, and/or
The physical loss of, or damage to, someone else’s property.

This applies where the loss, injury, or damage is caused by an accident or a series of accidents attribute to one source or originating because that occurs during your trip.

Your reasonable legal expenses, up to the limits set out in the benefit summary in our PDS, may also be covered for settling or defending the above legal claims made against you, where the claim is covered by the policy. ^

It is important to understand that cover for personal liability does not apply in every situation and general exclusions apply. For example, personal liability does not cover unlawful activities or the use of certain vehicles. Always refer to the PDS for full details of what is and isn’t covered, as well as the limits and sub-limits that apply. ^

Upgrade your Basics Travel Insurance Policy with Optional Extras

Every trip is different, and sometimes you may want more than just basic travel insurance. While Fast Cover’s medical only travel insurance focuses on essential medical cover, you also have the flexibility to customise your policy. You can add optional extras to your Basics policy, or upgrade to our higher-tier policies for access a wider range of add-ons, even more benefits and higher cover limits. This flexibility lets you customise your policy to suit the kind of journey you’re planning.

Lost, Stolen or Damaged Luggage

Lost, stolen, or damaged luggage can quickly turn a dream overseas holiday into a traveller’s nightmare. That’s why Fast Cover makes it easy to add cover for the loss, theft, or accidental damage of your luggage and personal items in situations covered under your policy for an additional cost. ^

You can be covered for up to $2,000 for items such as:

phone,
camera,
or laptop.

If you need a higher level of cover, or if you wish to add cover for your high value items, you can upgrade your policy to increase your benefit limits. Limits, sub-limits, and conditions apply to how much you can claim and when cover is provided. ^

For more details visit our page on travel insurance for luggage and personal effects and read our PDS on terms and conditions of cover for luggage and personal effects.

Cover for Riding or Being a Passenger on a Motorcycle, Moped or Scooter Overseas

Exploring a city or taking a scenic route on two wheels can be one of the most exciting ways to travel abroad. With Fast Cover’s Motorcycle Pack, you can add optional cover that may apply when you’re riding or travelling as a passenger on a:

Motorcycle,
Moped, or
Scooter. ^

The Motorcycle Pack is available for an additional premium to Aussie travellers aged 74 years and under at the date of policy issue, provided they have purchased an international travel insurance policy.

For more details visit our page on travel insurance for riding a motorcycle overseas and read our PDS for terms and conditions of cover for the Motorcycle Pack. 

Cover for Snow Sports

If your holiday includes skiing, snowboarding, or other snow sports, it’s important to understand that these activities are not covered under our Basics policy with medical only travel insurance. If you’re planning to ski or snowboard overseas, answer yes to ‘Skiing or Snowboarding’ during your quote application. This gives you the option to purchase a “Snow Sports Plus Policy” which can provide cover for medical expenses as well as costs associated with covered snow sports. ^

Below are some examples of things that may be covered in your snow sports benefits:

loss or theft of, or accidental damage to snow sports equipment,
for hiring replacement snow sports equipment that is necessary to continue with your original itinerary if snow sports equipment owned by you has been misdirected or delayed for a period of more than 24-hours, or has been accidentally damaged, lost or stolen during your trip,
if you are injured or become sick during your trip and are unable to utilise the full duration of your pre-booked and pre-paid lift passes, snow sports equipment hire, or lessons, we will reimburse you the percentage amount of the unused portion for each insured person, and
the cost of transport and lift passes at an alternate ski resort,

in conditions and circumstances covered under your policy and as per limits and sub limits set out in our PDS. ^

The Snow Sports Plus policy is available at an additional premium for Aussie travellers aged 69 and under at the date of policy issue, when they purchase an international travel insurance policy. ^

For more details visit our page on travel insurance for skiing and snowboarding and read our PDS for terms and conditions of cover for Snow Sports.

Cover for Adventure Activities

The Basics policy automatically provides cover for a range of sports and leisure activities, such as bungee jumping, snorkelling, and golf. However, if you plan to take part in adventure activities you’ll need to take out the Adventure Pack add-on, which is not available under the Basics policy.

Examples of some activities that require the Adventure Pack include:

Abseiling
Outdoor rock climbing
Quad biking
Tandem parachuting and tandem skydiving
Sailing up to 15 nm from a land mass
Scuba diving up to 30 m
Water skiing, jet skiing, and speedboating

To be covered for these types of activities, consider upgrading your policy to a higher level of cover. The Adventure Pack is available with the Standard Saver, Comprehensive, Frequent Traveller Saver, and Snow Sports Plus policies, giving you cover for a wider range of adventure activities.^

For more details, visit our page on travel insurance for adventure activities.

two women preparing for tandem skydiving

Cruise Cover

If your travel plans include cruising, you can choose to add cruise cover to your Basics travel insurance policy for additional cover in case of unexpected emergencies on-board the cruise ship and during onshore excursions where no support or reimbursement is provided by the cruise company for these emergencies. ^

If you are travelling on a cruise ship and wishes to be covered for it, you must specify cruise cover at the time of purchase based on your destination and length of your cruise trip:

If you are travelling within Australian waters, the New Zealand or the South Pacific region for 1night or more, you must specify cruise cover at the time of purchase
If you are travelling on a cruise within Asia, Europe or Worldwide regions for 4 nights or more, you must specify cruise cover at the time of purchase.

By adding this option, your existing Basics travel insurance benefits will extend to when you’re on a cruise, whether it’s a domestic or international voyage. Adding cruise cover to your policy allows you to have cover both on board and on land, helping you stay covered throughout your entire trip. ^

For more details, visit our page on travel insurance for cruises and read our PDS for terms and conditions of cover for travelling on cruise ships.

Cover for Your Rental Vehicle Excess

Exploring overseas at your own pace? Whether you’re hiring a car for a road trip or enjoying retirement by touring a new country in a rental campervan or motorhome, Fast Cover may be able to provide cover for your rental vehicle insurance excess. ^

If your rental vehicle is in an accident, damaged or stolen during your trip overseas, Fast Cover can, depending on the policy chosen, provide additional cover of up to $8,000 for the rental vehicle excess component of your rental vehicle insurance with your car hire company overseas.^

The rental vehicle excess benefit applies to a:

Sedan, hatchback, or station wagon,
Four-wheel drive or minibus/people mover, or
Campervan or motorhome (up to 4.5 tonnes),

rented from a licensed motor vehicle rental company (including vehicles rented from peer-to-peer carsharing platforms). ^

For more details visit our page on rental vehicle excess cover and read our PDS for terms and conditions of cover for rental vehicle excess.

Need Travel Insurance with Medical Only Cover?

Wherever your holiday takes you, from Bali beaches to Europe’s cities, get a quote for a Basics policy with medical only travel insurance for your destinations today!

How Does Medical Only Cover Work?

Medical only travel insurance is designed to provide cover for overseas medical expenses if you become unexpectedly ill or injured while travelling. Here’s how medical only cover works in practice:

Buying Medical Only Travel Insurance

When you purchase our Basics travel insurance policy, you’ll receive a Certificate of Insurance confirming the details of your policy. You’ll also be provided with the Product Disclosure Statement, which explains the full terms and conditions, including benefit limits, sub-limits, and exclusions. Your cover begins from the start date you choose and continues for the length of your trip while you are overseas, as listed on your Certificate of Insurance.

Cover for Existing Medical Conditions

When buying medical only travel insurance, it’s important to tell us about any existing medical conditions. You can apply for cover for your current conditions, as well as for any new conditions or changes in health that occur before your trip, by completing a medical screening. To find out more about what counts as a medical condition and how to apply for cover, take a look at our dedicated page on travel insurance for existing medical conditions.

Emergency Medical and Hospital Expenses During Your Trip

Illnesses and injuries can happen when you least expect them, from food poisoning to a broken bone or even emergency surgery. With Fast Cover’s Basics policy with medical only travel insurance, you may be able to claim for overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses in circumstances covered under your policy. ^

You should be aware that cover isn’t available for all medical expenses as it depends on the terms and conditions of your policy. Some examples of medical expenses where cover isn’t available, include (but are not limited to):

medical emergencies related to your existing medical conditions which aren’t listed as covered on your certificate of insurance, 
planned medical procedures or other non-emergency medical treatments,
routine medical or dental check-ups,
injuries sustained from your participation in sport or leisure activities covered under the Adventure Pack or snow sports unless you’ve purchased additional cover for them, and 
your medical expenses once you’ve returned to Australia,

so, it’s important to review your policy and PDS to understand what is and isn't covered while you're overseas and the terms and conditions that apply.

Reciprocal Health Care Agreements

Some countries have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with Australia which may provide cover for some medical costs during your stay if you meet the eligibility requirements. Please check with the relevant information sources for more information. In these countries, your travel insurance medical cover may not apply to expenses already covered under the RHCA.

However, RHCA benefits are limited and won’t cover every type of medical treatment. That’s why many travellers might still choose basic travel insurance with medical only cover for added protection, helping to cover unexpected overseas medical and hospital expenses that may not fall under a reciprocal agreement.

If you’re visiting a country that does not have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia, you will usually be responsible for all your own medical costs if something happens. In these cases, having travel insurance with medical cover could help protect you from potentially very high overseas medical bills. Always check the official information on RHCA for your destination and consider your own financial and personal circumstances when deciding on cover.

Making a Claim

If you need to make a claim, you might be asked to provide details of what happened along with supporting documents such as medical reports, hospital invoices or receipts. The claims team will then review your claim against the terms of your policy and let you know the outcome. This process ensures that your claim is being assessed consistently and in line with the cover you purchased.

Cover for medical expenses is not available under the Domestic Plus policy. As each individual’s circumstances are different, we will assess each claim on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with your specific circumstances, policy and PDS, T&Cs and Certificate of Insurance.

Any advice is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, personal and financial situation or needs. Consider the PDS as eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits apply.

Cover for Medical Conditions

Having an existing medical condition doesn’t mean you can’t get travel insurance. With Fast Cover, you may be able to purchase travel insurance that includes cover for some existing medical condition, depending on the outcome of a medical screening.

To find out if we can provide cover for your condition, you’ll need to complete a medical screening during your quote journey where you tell us about:

Any medical or pregnancy conditions you have or have had during the period of 3 years prior to your policy issue date, and
Any new medical or pregnancy conditions that develop, or changes to your health, after your policy issue date and before you depart on your trip.

It’s important that you declare all relevant medical or pregnancy conditions when you apply for a quote. If your condition is approved through the medical screening process, it will be listed on your Certificate of Insurance and will then be included under your cover. Any relevant medical or pregnancy condition that is not declared or not listed on your Certificate of Insurance will not be covered.

Please keep in mind that some existing medical conditions may require you to pay an additional cost for them to be included under your cover. You have the choice to either pay for this additional cost or not. If you choose to pay, the condition will be added to your policy and shown on your Certificate of Insurance. If you choose not to pay, that condition will not be covered.

If your health changes after purchasing your policy but before you travel, you will need to contact Fast Cover for a medical re-screening. This process may adjust your premium and will determine whether your condition can continue to be covered.

How to Apply for Cover for Existing Medical Conditions

If you have any existing medical conditions, you may be able to apply to include cover for them during your trip. Our simple medical screening process can be completed online or over the phone to help you find out if your medical condition or pregnancy condition can be covered under your Basics travel insurance policy.

Select Who Needs Cover

Once you've added all travellers, to your policy, you can select those who wish to add cover for any existing medical conditions.

Take a Medical Screening

Answer a few questions online or over the phone about your health history. This helps us determine if your condition can be covered.

Choose to Add Cover

We'll let you know if we can provide cover for any existing medical conditions. You can then choose to add it to your policy.

To find out more about our medical screening process, and how the policy will apply in relation to an existing medical condition, please read and consider the PDS for eligibility criteria, terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub limits that apply.

Who Should Get Medical Only Travel Insurance?

Not every traveller needs all the benefits that come with a Comprehensive policy such as trip cancellation or trip disruption cover. If your main concern is having cover for overseas medical and hospital expenses, then medical only travel insurance may be the right choice for you. Travellers who often consider purchasing our Basics travel insurance policy may include:

Solo travellers: looking for a more affordable option while still being covered for overseas medical emergencies
Couples and families: prioritizing everyone’s health and safety, especially when travelling with children
Backpackers and students: travelling light, without many valuables, and not needing cover for trip cancellation
Seniors: who may have existing medical conditions and prefer a policy that focuses on health cover while exploring
Cruise travellers: medical cover on for cruising, knowing evacuation costs could be covered if the unexpected happens at sea
Budget-conscious travellers: preferring simple, essential cover without paying for extras they don’t need

Everyone’s trip is different, which is why it’s important to think about your personal circumstances and always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand whether this type of policy is suitable for you.

Do I Need Medical Only Travel Insurance?

Deciding on the right travel insurance can feel complicated. The right choice depends on the type of trip you’re taking and what risks you want to be covered for. When deciding if medical only travel insurance is right for you, it helps to understand some of your needs and concerns. Here are some situations to consider when deciding if you need basic travel insurance with medical only cover for your next trip overseas and whether your travel insurance policy can provide cover for these situations:

Getting Sick or Injured During your Holiday

One of the biggest concerns for travellers is what would happen if they became unexpectedly ill or injured overseas. Medical and hospital expenses can be very expensive, and in some countries, even basic care requires upfront payment. Medical only travel insurance is designed to cover reasonable overseas medical and hospital expenses, and in some cases emergency medical evacuation or repatriation if approved under your policy.

If your main concern is how you would manage unexpected healthcare costs abroad, depending on your situation, medical only travel insurance may provide cover specifically for this. Always check your Certificate of Insurance and the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand exactly what is and isn’t included. ^

Travelling Light Without Expensive Luggage

If you’re heading on a trip with just a backpack or essentials, protecting your belongings may not be your top concern. Medical only travel insurance keeps your cover simple, focusing on medical expenses without including cover for luggage. However, if you decide that you’d like cover for your luggage, Fast Cover allows you to add cover for your luggage and personal effects for an additional cost. ^

Finding Affordable Travel Insurance

Some travellers such as seniors and students, or those on a budget may find Comprehensive travel insurance more costly than they expected, especially if they don’t feel they need all of the benefits. By excluding benefits such as trip cancellation and trip disruption, a basic travel insurance policy with medical only cover may be more affordable while still providing cover for overseas medical expenses, which can be the most expensive part of travel. ^

Travelling with an Existing Medical Condition

It’s common for Australians to wonder whether travel insurance will cover their health conditions while travelling overseas. Not having clarity can be stressful. With Fast Cover, you can apply for cover for existing medical conditions through a medical screening. In some cases, there may be an additional cost if you want your condition covered under your policy. This process helps ensure you know exactly what you’re covered for before you travel. Check if your medical only travel insurance can provide cover for your existing medical conditions.

Personal Liability

Travelling overseas also brings the possibility of accidents that affect others. If you unintentionally cause injury to another person or damage someone else’s property, you may be held legally responsible. Some medical travel insurance policies include personal liability cover, which can help with some legal costs or compensation payments depending on the situation. This type of cover doesn’t apply in every case, so it’s important to read the PDS to understand the limits, sub-limits, and exclusions that apply to your policy.

These are only some of the situations that you might wish to consider when deciding if you need medical only travel insurance. Before you decide whether you need medical only travel insurance for your trip, you should read the PDS to check what our travel insurance will and won’t cover you for, any conditions and exclusions that might apply to you and whether the policy provides the cover that you’re looking for. Any advice is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. 

Where Is Your Next Destination?

Medical costs differ around the world. In the United States, hospital bills can be sky-high. In Asia, travellers often face illnesses like Bali Belly or dengue fever. In Europe, emergency medical treatment can add up, and in regions like the Pacific Islands, South America and South Africa access to medical facilities may be limited. Our Basics travel insurance policy is designed to help protect what matters most, your health. ^

What is the Best Medical Only Travel Insurance?

When travellers ask what the “best” medical only travel insurance is, they are usually trying to work our which policy will give them the right type of cover for their trip. The answer depends on your personal circumstances, your destination, and what matters most to you when travelling. Here are some important things you may want to consider when comparing medical only travel insurance policies:

Consider Medical Cover

What if you get sick or injured overseas and require medical assistance? Medical costs overseas can be much higher than at home, and even a short hospital stay may become expensive. Medical only travel insurance can include cover for medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation if required and approved.

Looking at how medical cover applies to your trip can help you compare policies and decide whether basic travel insurance is the right level of cover for your destination and plans.

Consider the Flexibility to Add Extras

Even if your main focus is on medical cover, you may later decide that you’d like cover for your luggage, or activities such as motorcycle riding. Some insurers allow you to add these extras for an additional premium.

When comparing the “best” medical only travel insurance, think about whether you want the option to customise your policy.

Consider If It Includes Cover for Natural Disasters

In some cases, natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, or volcanic eruptions may create serious medical emergencies. Not all medical only travel insurance policies provide cover in these situations.

With Fast Cover’s Basics policy with medical only travel insurance, you may have cover for overseas medical and hospital expenses if you are injured or become ill as a direct result of an unexpected natural disaster while travelling. ^

Looking closely at how a policy treats natural disasters can give you a clearer picture of whether it meets the needs of your trip.

Consider Who You Will Be Travelling with on Your Trip

Whether you’re travelling solo, heading away with your partner, or organising a family holiday, it’s important to check how cover applies to everyone listed on your Certificate of Insurance. A medical only travel insurance policy may apply benefits and limits differently depending on whether you’re a single traveller, couple, or family.

Consider the Activities You Will Be Doing

Are you planning to do any adventurous activities while overseas?

You may wish to check whether your basic travel insurance policy provides cover for the types of adventure activities you plan to do in your destination. Cover for adventure activities may require an additional cover to be added and may incur an additional premium and may have different age limits to standard terms.

These are just some of the considerations that you might wish to consider when reviewing the best medical only travel insurance policy, so you know what cover is available to you before and during your trip and under what conditions. 

Before you decide on the best medical only travel insurance for your trip, you should read the PDS to check what the policy will and won’t cover you for, any conditions and exclusions that might apply to you and whether the policy provides the cover that you’re looking for. Any advice is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. 

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The Fast Cover team always strives to deliver the best travel insurance we can for all our travellers. We're very thankful for the Travel Insurance Awards we've received recognising our efforts.

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2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025 ProductReview.com.au Travel Insurance Award†

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2024 Canstar Outstanding Value Award for Seniors Travel Insurance†

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Compare Medical Only Travel Insurance Benefits

The benefits you receive from your travel insurance will depend on the level of cover you choose. At Fast Cover, our Basics travel insurance policy focuses on medical only cover. Comparing different levels of travel insurance benefits can help you decide whether a medical only travel insurance policy suits your trip or if a higher level of cover is a better fit for your plans. Compare the benefits included in our Basics, Standard Saver, Comprehensive and Snow Sports Plus policies below.

The table below is only a summary of benefits. Each level of cover is subject to full policy terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits, and exclusions as per our PDS available on our website. Benefit limits shown apply per person for both Singles and Duo policies. # These benefit limits are shared between Duo policy holders. ~ These benefit limits are shared between travellers under a Family policy. This means the benefit amount is for the whole family to be used together, not for each person separately. ^ Cover under these benefits are excluded while travelling within Australia. If you hold a Frequent Traveller Saver policy, the benefit limits apply to the combined total of all claims made by all covered travellers (including an accompanying spouse/partner and dependants) listed on the Certificate of Insurance.

Medical Benefits	Basics	Domestic Plus	Standard Saver	Comprehensive	Snow Sports Plus	Frequent Traveller Saver
Overseas 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance^ sub-limits:	Unlimited	–––	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Funeral/cremation Overseas and/or bringing your remains back to Australia (per person)	$20,000		$20,000	$20,000	$20,000	$20,000
Repatriation of your mortal remains from a Schengen listed country back to Australia (only if you have an approved and valid Schengen visa)(per person)	$60,000	–––	$60,000	$60,000	$60,000	$60,000
Overseas Emergency Medical & Hospital Expenses^	Unlimited	–––	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Overseas Emergency Dental^	$500	–––	$750	$1,000	$1,000	$1,000
Overseas Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation^	Unlimited	–––	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Overseas Hospital Cash Payment^ sub-limits:	–––	–––	–––	$5,000	$5,000	$5,000
Daily Limit (per person)				$50	$50	$50
Accidental Death Travellers Aged 80 to 89:	–––	$25,000 $20,000	–––	$25,000 $20,000	$25,000 $20,000	$25,000 $20,000
Accidental Death for travellers up to age 79		$25,000		$25,000	$25,000	$25,000
Accidental Death for travellers aged 80 - 89		$20,000		$20,000	$20,000	$20,000
Accidental Death of a Dependant (per Dependant)		$5,000		$5,000	$5,000	$5,000
Permanent Disability^ Travellers Aged 80 to 89:	–––	–––	–––	$50,000 $20,000	$50,000 $20,000	$25,000 $20,000
Permanent Disability for travellers up to age 79				$50,000	$50,000	$25,000
Permanent Disability for travellers aged 80 - 89				$20,000	$20,000	$20,000
Permanent Disability of a Dependant (per Dependant)				$5,000	$5,000	$5,000
Loss of Income^ sub-limits:	–––	–––	–––	$10,400	$10,400	$10,400
Weekly Limit (per person) - up to 26 weeks				$400	$400	$400

Financial Benefits	Basics	Domestic Plus	Standard Saver	Comprehensive	Snow Sports Plus	Frequent Traveller Saver
Trip Cancellation Expenses sub-limits:	–––	Unlimited	$25,000	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Travel Agents Cancellation Fees		$1,500	$1,500	$1,500	$1,500	$1,500
Close Relatives that do not meet Close relative conditions		$2,000	$2,000	$2,000	$2,000	$2,000
Personal Liability~	$1,000,000	$5,000,000	$2,500,000	$5,000,000	$5,000,000	$5,000,000
Trip Disruption Expenses sub-limits:	–––	$50,000	$30,000	$50,000	$50,000	$50,000
Close Relatives with a Pre-existing Medical Condition		$2,000	$2,000	$2,000	$2,000	$2,000
Trip Resumption Expenses	–––	$3,000	$2,000	$3,000	$3,000	$3,000
Luggage & Personal Effects sub-limits:	Optional up to $2,000	$7,500	$5,000	$15,000	$15,000	$15,000
Stand-alone personal computers, cameras and video recorders (excluding devices with integrated cameras or recording functions, such as mobile phones, Drones or similar devices) (per item)	$3,000	$3,000	$3,000	$3,000	$3,000	$3,000
Mobile phones (per item)	$1,500	$1,500	$1,500	$1,500	$1,500	$1,500
Tablets (per item)	$1,000	$1,000	$1,000	$1,000	$1,000	$1,000
All other unspecified items (per item)	$750	$750	$750	$750	$750	$750
Luggage and Personal Effects stolen from a Locked Storage Compartment of an unattended vehicle during daylight hours. We will pay up to $200 for each item and $2,000 in total for all stolen items.	$2,000	$2,000	$2,000	$2,000	$2,000	$2,000
Passports, Credit Cards & Credit Card Fraud^	–––	–––	$2,000	$5,000	$5,000	$5,000
Special Event Transport Expenses	–––	$5,000	–––	$5,000	$5,000	$5,000
Rental Vehicle Excess#~ sub-limits:	–––	$5,000	Optional up to $8,000	Optional up to $8,000	Optional	Optional
Return of Rental Vehicle		$500	$500	$500	$500	$500
Travel Delay Expenses sub-limits:	–––	$2,000	–––	$2,000	$2,000	$2,000
Daily Limit (per person) (we will pay up to $200 for each full 24 hours beyond the initial 6 hour delay)		$200		$200	$200	$200
Delay of Luggage and Personal Effects^	–––	–––	–––	$750	$750	$750
Theft of Cash^~	–––	–––	–––	$250	$250	$250

Snow Sports Benefits	Basics	Domestic Plus	Standard Saver	Comprehensive	Snow Sports Plus	Frequent Traveller Saver
Snow Sport Equipment	–––	$1,500	–––	–––	$1,500	–––
Snow Equipment Replacement Hire	–––	$1,500	–––	–––	$1,500	–––
Snow Prepaid Expenses	–––	$750	–––	–––	$750	–––
Snow Resort Closure~ sub-limits:	–––	$1,000	–––	–––	$1,000	–––
Daily Limit (per person)		$100			$100

COVID-19 Benefits	Basics	Domestic Plus	Standard Saver	Comprehensive	Snow Sports Plus	Frequent Traveller Saver
COVID-19 Overseas Emergency Medical, Hospital & Medical Evacuation Expenses^	Unlimited	–––	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Funeral/cremation Overseas and/or bringing your remains back to Australia (per person)	$20,000	–––	$20,000	$20,000	$20,000	$20,000
Repatriation of your mortal remains from a Schengen listed country back to Australia (only if you have an approved and valid Schengen visa)(per person)	$60,000	–––	$60,000	$60,000	$60,000	$60,000
COVID-19 Trip Cancellation & Disruption	–––	$3,500	$3,000	$5,000	$5,000	$5,000

What is Not Covered by our Basics Policy with Medical Only Travel Insurance?

It’s just as important to understand what your Basics policy with medical only travel insurance doesn’t cover as it is to know what it does. This can help you decide whether a Basics travel insurance policy is enough for your trip, or if you should consider upgrading to a Standard Saver or Comprehensive policy.

Below are some examples of when cover may not be available. Always check the PDS and TMD to understand the policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub limits before making your decision to buy. 

If you require non-emergency or elective procedures

Fast Cover’s travel insurance policies are designed to cover unexpected overseas emergency medical situations such as overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses, emergency overseas dental, and overseas emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.

None of our policies provide cover for non-emergency or elective medical care, including planned medical procedures, cosmetic treatments, routine check-ups, or ongoing treatment for conditions that existed before you left Australia, or any complications or other claims arising from such procedures or treatment.

If you need cancellation cover or trip disruption benefits

Unlike our Standard Saver and Comprehensive policies, our Basics policy provides medical only travel insurance and does not include cover for trip cancellation expenses, trip disruption expenses, or travel delay expenses. If you would like cover for prepaid trip bookings, cancellations, or travel interruptions, consider upgrading your policy to a different level of cover.

If you are intoxicated or have taken illicit drugs or prohibited substances

Enjoying a drink while travelling is common, but excessive alcohol consumption or drug use can impact your cover. Keep in mind that if you’ve drunk alcohol excessively, there are certain exclusions that may likely apply to your travel insurance policy. As an example, if you’re under the influence of alcohol and you stumble and hurt yourself, you may not have cover under your policy.

It’s also important to remember that alcohol and drug laws vary widely around the world and breaking them can have serious consequences both legally and for your travel insurance. Always be mindful of local laws and understand that your travel insurance medical coverage is designed for unforeseen events, not those linked to excessive drinking or illegal drug use.

If you engage in excluded or high-risk activities

If you’re injured while taking part in activities not automatically covered by your policy, such as extreme adventure sports or riding a motorcycle without the appropriate add-on, your medical travel insurance coverage may not apply. If you’re injured in an accident while, for example, riding a motorcycle, and you didn’t add the Motorcycle Pack to your Basics policy, you may be responsible for paying your medical and hospital expenses because you did not choose to include cover for that under your policy.

It is important to think about what activities you will be participating in so that you have the right cover for the activities you plan to do overseas. Always check the PDS to understand which activities are included and which require additional cover.

Unsupervised belongings

The Basics policy does not automatically include luggage or personal effects cover. Even if you add this optional extra, you may not be covered if belongings are left unattended in public areas, for example, leaving your bag on the beach while swimming.

Make sure you keep your belongings with you at all times or keep them in a secure location or take reasonable measures to secure them at all times and at all places.

Ignoring official warnings

Should the Australian Government release a warning on official government Smartraveller website that certain areas overseas are no longer safe to travel to and you still choose to travel there anyway, there may be exclusions that will apply such as if you do not follow advice in the mass media where a travel advisory risk rating of Do Not Travel was issued after policy purchase.

Note: We are unable to offer travel insurance to international destinations that have a Do Not Travel warning on official government Smartraveller website. To check which countries we may cover, enter your destination country in the quote box on our website.

Known events

Certain large-scale events, such as natural disasters or disease outbreaks, may be declared as known events. If you purchase your policy after a known event has been announced, your Basics policy with medical only travel insurance will not cover overseas medical or hospital expenses related to that event. For example, if there is a declared outbreak of a particular illness before you buy your policy, treatment for that illness during your trip will not be included.

Always check the latest Travel Alerts and updates on the Smartraveller website before purchasing a policy, so you understand how a known event could affect your international travel medical insurance.

As each individual’s circumstances are different, we will assess each claim on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with your specific circumstances, policy terms and Certificate of Insurance.

How Much Does Medical Only Travel Insurance Cost?

The cost of a policy with medical only travel insurance is generally lower than a comprehensive policy. However, the cost of a medical only policy depends on several factors including:

Destination

Some countries have much higher medical costs than others. For example, the United States is one of the most expensive places in the world for healthcare, so policies for travelling to the US are usually more expensive than for trips to nearby destinations like Bali or Thailand.

Trip length

Longer trips usually increase the premium, because the longer you’re away, the higher the chance of something unexpected happening overseas like a medical emergency.

Age

As age increases, so does the likelihood of experiencing a medical emergency or needing medical treatment while overseas. That’s why your age may impact the cost of your medical only policy.

Existing medical conditions

Some existing medical conditions may require you to pay an additional cost for it to be covered under your policy which may affect your premium.

Extras added on

While the Basics policy focuses on medical cover, you can choose to add optional extras such as cover for luggage and personal effects or the Motorcycle Pack for an additional premium. Adding these options will increase the cost of your Basics policy.

Why Choose Fast Cover for your Medical Only Travel Insurance?

Australian-Based Customer Service

24/7 Emergency Assistance

25 Day Cooling Off Period#

Fast and Simple Claims Process

Chosen by over
501,284
travellers and counting

4.6

From over 2,527 reviews^°

4.6

From over 2,274 reviews

What Our Travellers Are Saying

See what our travellers have to say about Fast Cover travel insurance °

FAQs about Medical Only Travel Insurance

What is the Basics policy and what does it cover?

The Basics policy offered by Fast Cover Travel Insurance provides cover for international travel and includes benefits that focuses on emergency medical care. By way of summary, it provides cover for:

Overseas 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance: Access to emergency medical support services arranged by Fast Cover’s emergency assistance team if you are unexpectedly injured or become sick while overseas.
Overseas Emergency Medical and Hospital Expenses: Cover for the reimbursement of reasonable overseas emergency medical or emergency hospital expenses incurred if you are injured or become sick overseas.
Overseas Emergency Dental Expenses: Cover for the cost of overseas emergency dental treatment for dental costs, for the relief of sudden and acute pain to sound and natural teeth, up to the applicable benefit limits specified in the PDS.
Overseas Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation: Cover for overseas medical transfer, evacuation (medivac) or repatriation if you are seriously injured or sick while overseas, where approved by the emergency assistance team.
Personal liability: Cover for your legal liability because of a legal claim against you, for compensation or associated legal expenses if you unintentionally cause death or injury to someone else, or cause property damage to someone else’s property.

The Basics policy does not provide cover for other benefits such as Trip Cancellation, Trip Disruption or Rental Vehicle Excess. However, there is an option of adding luggage cover for an additional premium.

Eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub limits apply. Consider the PDS prior to deciding on which policy is right for you and your needs.

Any advice is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation, or needs. Please consider the PDS before making any decisions regarding the purchase of travel insurance.

As each individual’s circumstances are different, we will assess each claim on a case-by-case basis in accordance with your specific circumstances, policy terms, and Certificate of Insurance.

Does the Basics policy cover for sports?

The Basics policy automatically provides cover for a number of sports and leisure activities. If you are participating in adventurous sports that are not automatically covered, there will be no cover for these sports under the Basics policy.

The Adventure Pack provides cover for more adventurous sports and can be added to our Comprehensive, Standard Saver, Snow Sports Plus, Frequent Traveller Saver and Domestic Plus policies for an additional premium.

Before you purchase your policy, you should check if the sport or activity that you will be doing is automatically covered, or covered under the Adventure Pack. There would be no cover for the activity if it is not listed in the automatically covered sports and leisure activities list or you have not purchased the Adventure Pack as a part of your policy.

If you have the Basics policy and the sport that you wish to do is covered under the Adventure Pack, you should contact us to upgrade your policy:

Phone: 1300 409 322 or dial +61 2 8215 7239 if you are still overseas

Email: info@fastcover.com.au

Note:

There is no cover if you participate in sports or activities which are NOT listed as an automatically covered sport or leisure activity, or in the Adventure Pack.

Cover is subject to the policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

Can I buy the Basics policy for any Geographical region?

For the Basics policy you must nominate the applicable Geographical Region for your journey.

Note:

The Basics policy for the domestic region cannot be selected as this policy is designed for travel overseas.

For more information, refer to our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

Do I have a medical condition for travel insurance purposes?

A Medical Condition means any bodily or physical injury, physical defect, illness, disease or other medical or dental Condition or sign or symptom of these things, the applicable person:

required prescription medication for or has been prescribed medication from a medical practitioner in writing for,
sought or received medical advice from a medical practitioner or other health care professional for,
had tests, investigations, care, treatment or medical attention including surgery for,
been admitted to hospital for (including emergency department or day surgery procedure), or
became aware of or which a reasonable person in the circumstances would have been aware of.

It includes but is not limited to:

the suffering or treatment of mental illness,
a brain, heart (such as any cardiovascular or coronary heart disease or any condition related to a heart or blood vessels), kidney, liver, respiratory, circulatory (such as high blood pressure, stroke, or transient ischaemic attack), cancer or cancerous condition,
reduced or deficient immune system,
a sign or symptom of the above matters, or
an allergy or food intolerance,
a persistent and lasting condition in medicine such as constant pain or long-suffering pain or pain with a pattern of relapse and remission.
any conditions related to previous and current pregnancy as detailed in What is a Pregnancy Condition and in the ‘Pregnancy Cover’ section of the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

Every claim is reviewed individually on a case-by-case basis and will only be paid if it meets the terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions in your policy. Always check the PDS carefully so you know exactly what’s included before you travel.

Is medical only travel insurance enough for international trips?

Medical-only travel insurance is designed to cover overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses, which can be very costly without insurance. This type of policy provides essential medical protection but does not usually include other benefits such as cancellation cover, travel delay, luggage protection, or additional options like rental vehicle excess.

Whether medical-only cover is enough depends on what level of cover you want for your trip. Some travellers choose it when their main concern is overseas medical care, while others prefer policies which provide more coverage, such as Standard Saver or Comprehensive that also include non-medical benefits.

Ultimately it is your own personal decision and responsibility to decide which travel insurance policy to buy.

Is medical only cover suitable for seniors?

Medical-only travel insurance provides cover for overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses but does not include other benefits such as cancellation, or travel delay. Some seniors may consider this type of cover if their main concern is access to medical treatment while travelling overseas.

Whether medical-only cover is suitable depends on individual circumstances, including your travel plans, health needs, and what level of protection you want during your trip. The Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) outlines the terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions that apply, including age limits and how pre-existing medical conditions are considered.

Is medical only travel insurance cheaper than comprehensive travel insurance?

In most cases, medical-only travel insurance is less expensive than comprehensive travel insurance because it provides a narrower level of cover. Medical-only policies are generally focused on overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses, while comprehensive policies include a wider range of benefits such as cancellation, luggage protection, travel delays, and additional options.

The actual price you pay will depend on factors such as your destination, the length of your trip, your age, and any optional extras you choose. The best way to see the difference in cost is to get a quote for both policy types based on your travel plans.

Does medical only travel insurance cover cancellation?

Fast Cover’s Basics policy which has medical-only travel insurance does not cover cancellation costs. This type of policy is designed to provide cover for overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses only.

If you want cover for cancellation, trip disruption, or travel delays in addition to medical cover, you would need to consider a broader policy type such as Standard Saver or Comprehensive, as outlined in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

Can I upgrade from Basics to Comprehensive later?

If your trip hasn’t started yet, you can switch your policy either way, from Basics to Comprehensive, or from Comprehensive back to Basics.

If your trip has already started, you can still upgrade from Basics to Comprehensive, but you won’t be able to downgrade from Comprehensive to Basics once you are already travelling.

Travel Health Hub

Discover travel resources, advice and tips for your next holiday.

Travel Tips, Health & Safety Advice for Seniors

The ultimate travel guide for senior travellers, filled with great tips to help you stay safe and healthy while travelling overseas. ~

Health and Safety Tips for Travel During Pregnancy

Our pregnancy health and safety guide is filled with practical travel tips so that your next trip during pregnancy is as enjoyable and trouble-free as possible. ~

Travel Safety Tips for Families

Our family travel health and safety guide is filled with practical tips so that your family holiday is as enjoyable and trouble-free as possible. ~

How Can We Help, Mate?

Fast Cover’s Aussie based Emergency Assistance team are available to provide support when you need it, wherever you are, under applicable terms and conditions. ^

Overseas 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Emergency Assistance Team: +61 2 8320 7999

Emergency Consular Services

Travel Alerts and Advisories

Fast Cover Travel Alerts

Official Smartraveller Government Website

Travel Advisories Explained

Customer Service

Customer Service: +61 2 8215 7239

9am-5pm AEST Monday - Saturday

Manage Your Policy

Find a Policy Document

Make a Claim Online

Things you need to know

^* See Product Disclosure Statement for full terms and conditions and exclusions and limits that apply.

^ Eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub limits apply to all policies. Make sure you consider the PDS and TMD at fastcover.com.au prior to deciding whether travel insurance is right for you and which policy is right for you and your individual needs.   

† Fast Cover has a referral arrangement with this company. Awards are only one factor to be taken into account when deciding whether this product is right for you. Check Product Review, Canstar and Finder for current awards.  

# We offer a money back guarantee up to 25 days if you have not started your trip and have not used any of your rights under the Policy (e.g. you have not made a claim or used your policy to obtain a visa). You have a full 25 days from the purchase date of the Policy (as set out in the Certificate of insurance) to make sure you are happy with every aspect of your Fast Cover Travel Insurance Policy and in accordance with our regulatory obligations. This is known as the “cooling off” period. During this time, you may cancel the Policy simply by contacting us and we will give you a full refund. If you decide to cancel your policy outside of this cooling off period, you may be eligible for a partial refund as described in PDS. 

° Ratings are only one factor to be taken into account when deciding whether this product is right for you. The star rating is accurate as of 13/08/25. Check Product Review and Google for current ratings.  

~ These are only some of the resources, please do your own research to find out more information as per your specific needs and circumstances and to confirm whether the information provided in these resources is correct and current.

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Personal Liability

Upgrade your Basics Travel Insurance Policy with Optional Extras

Lost, Stolen or Damaged Luggage

Cover for Riding or Being a Passenger on a Motorcycle, Moped or Scooter Overseas

Cover for Snow Sports

Cover for Adventure Activities

Cruise Cover

Cover for Your Rental Vehicle Excess

Need Travel Insurance with Medical Only Cover?

How Does Medical Only Cover Work?

Buying Medical Only Travel Insurance

Cover for Existing Medical Conditions

Emergency Medical and Hospital Expenses During Your Trip

Reciprocal Health Care Agreements

Making a Claim

Cover for Medical Conditions

How to Apply for Cover for Existing Medical Conditions

Select Who Needs Cover

Take a Medical Screening

Choose to Add Cover

Who Should Get Medical Only Travel Insurance?

Do I Need Medical Only Travel Insurance?

Getting Sick or Injured During your Holiday

Travelling Light Without Expensive Luggage

Finding Affordable Travel Insurance

Travelling with an Existing Medical Condition

Personal Liability

Where Is Your Next Destination?

What is the Best Medical Only Travel Insurance?

Consider Medical Cover

Consider the Flexibility to Add Extras

Consider If It Includes Cover for Natural Disasters

Consider Who You Will Be Travelling with on Your Trip

Consider the Activities You Will Be Doing

Multi Award-Winning Travel Insurance

Winner Travel Insurance Award

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Value for Money

Compare Medical Only Travel Insurance Benefits

Medical Benefits

Travellers Aged 80 to 89:

Travellers Aged 80 to 89:

Financial Benefits

Snow Sports Benefits

COVID-19 Benefits

What is Not Covered by our Basics Policy with Medical Only Travel Insurance?

If you require non-emergency or elective procedures

If you need cancellation cover or trip disruption benefits

If you are intoxicated or have taken illicit drugs or prohibited substances

If you engage in excluded or high-risk activities

Unsupervised belongings

Ignoring official warnings

Known events

How Much Does Medical Only Travel Insurance Cost?

Destination

Trip length

Age

Existing medical conditions

Extras added on

Why Choose Fast Cover for your Medical Only Travel Insurance?

Australian-Based Customer Service

24/7 Emergency Assistance

25 Day Cooling Off Period#

Fast and Simple Claims Process

Chosen by over501,284travellers and counting

What Our Travellers Are Saying

FAQs about Medical Only Travel Insurance

What is the Basics policy and what does it cover?

Does the Basics policy cover for sports?

 Multi Award-Winning Travel Insurance

Chosen by over
501,284
travellers and counting