Do I really need Travel Insurance?
As the Department of Foreign Affairs smartraveller website states; “If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.” So, whilst it isn’t compulsory by law for all countries, you should consider taking out travel insurance for yourself and anyone else in your family, just in case the unexpected happens.
Many believe that taking a holiday is full of fun and excitement. Most of us wouldn't be planning for a disaster or medical emergency but the truth is, anything can happen on your holiday. At Fast Cover we provide cover for the unexpected. Taking out a Comprehensive travel insurance policy with us takes a matter of minutes! Our policies can cover an Unlimited* amount for overseas medical emergencies that can occur unexpectedly. Get a quote now in seconds!
What does ‘travel insurance’ mean?
Like most insurance companies, Fast Cover policies provide cover for the unexpected and unforeseen. And, like most insurance companies, we give back a lot to our travellers in paid claims. Travel insurance can be like a security blanket for you and your loved ones. This legally binding agreement may be able to assist you with any medical or financial issues that can arise while you're travelling. Most people think travel insurance is just about protection from medical emergencies, but depending on the type of policy that you choose, benefits can include:
- Cover for your cancellation expenses if you're not able to go on your trip,
- Personal liability cover if you cause bodily injury and/or property damage in an accident or series of accidents,
- Trip disruption cover if your trip is unexpectedly interrupted due to circumstances out of your control,
- Luggage and Personal Effects cover for your lost, stolen or damaged items,
- Reimbursement for your expenses to purchase essential items if your luggage and personal effects is delayed, misdirected or misplaced,
- Passport theft or credit card fraud cover,
- Cover if your cash is stolen from you,
- Special event transport expenses cover to get you to your special event on time.
What happens if I don’t purchase travel insurance?
Not buying travel insurance is like going to a snow field without any snow equipment. Sure, you'll be able to enjoy the wonderful white snowflakes but you wouldn’t be able to fully enjoy the experience because you're ill-equipped. Travel insurance, if keeping with this analogy, is like the equipment needed to benefit from snow related activities. If you don't have a jacket, goggles, helmet, snowboard or skis you'll just be running around a field with no protection. So you should consider buying travel insurance for your next trip to cover you from potential unexpected costs! If you don’t, then you wouldn't be covered for any medical expenses that may occur due to a sickness or injury or other out of pocket expenses if your trip doesn’t go to plan.
Who needs to double check travel insurance covers them?
- Anyone with a Pre-existing medical condition – If you have an existing medical condition, it might be worth taking out cover specifically for your condition. Fast Cover offers medical screening for your Medical Conditions.
- If you're a Senior – Travel insurers may have age limits on their policies and activities cover. If you’re an older traveller, you should check with your travel insurer the type of policies that you can take out, and the acctivities that you can have cover for. Fast Cover can povide cover for travellers up to the age of 89, with age limits applied to some activities including for snow sports and adventure activities.
- If you're travelling with children – Children are joys of the world and yet easily hurt because of their fragile bodies. If you're travelling with children, taking out travel insurance can provide cover for lost devices, a doctors visit to treat a local flu to more life threatening situations.
What if I purchase Travel insurance and something happens?
Once you buy a policy that suits your trip, you will be issued with a ‘Certificate of Insurance’. This will have emergency domestic and international contact numbers should something arise while you travel.
In the event of an emergency the best course of action would be to contact our 24/7 Emergency medical assistance number. The cost for this call can be reimbursed if the claim is approved. Our prompt and professional team will provide practical steps for your specific situation and assist as required.
You can also:
- Seek medical assistance immediately
- Call the local police or relevant authority if required
- Contact DFAT on their 24-hour consular number
- Contact a family member who is able to speak on your behalf
Though travelling to well-known countries may seem like a risk-free activity, life can change at the flick of a switch. Equipping yourself with cover that is suitable for your trip may end up saving you both time and money.
Why would I pay for something I probably won’t use?
Naturally, no one wants to pay for something that they don’t need, which is why Fast Cover’s policies allow you to tailor your policy to suit the type of trip you’re taking. Going cruising? Add cruise cover to your policy. Not doing snow sports? Then don’t add it to your policy and you don’t have to pay for that cover!
And if you bought travel insurance but you didn’t need to see a doctor or wasn’t hospitalised? You’re lucky! But if you actually did have to see a doctor or was hospitalised because you slipped onboard your cruise ship and broke your ankle, got Bali belly or was washed out by a current while surfing in Hawaii, you could have submitted a claim for your medical expenses, instead of having to foot the whole bill yourself.
Travel insurance is like car or home insurance - you’re buying it just in case something unexpected happens and you have to use it to pay for costs which you didn’t expect that you’d have to pay.
Travel insurance shouldn’t be viewed as compulsory. Think of it more as an investment that could save your wallet.
