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Best Domestic Travel Insurance

Compare and find the best domestic travel insurance policy for your next Australian holiday.

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Savvy Editorial Team
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, updated on September 4th, 2023       

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Whether you’re planning a skiing trip to Thredbo or a drive along the Great Ocean Road, it’s important to ensure that you’re covered in the event not everything goes to plan. As such, Savvy can help you find the best domestic travel insurance for your needs by comparing a range of options right here.

With trusted partners amongst our panel, we give travellers exploring Australia the best chance of finding a suitable policy which offers the cover required to enable them to travel with peace of mind. Start the comparison process with us today and access your cover before you know it.

How do I find the best domestic travel insurance policy for my needs?

There are many ways to go about securing the best domestic travel insurance policy. While the definition of what the best policy is varies depending on the traveller, following some of these key pointers will help you get the most out of your travel insurance so you can rest assured you’ll be covered in the event of an incident.

Compare your options with Savvy

The first, and perhaps most important, thing you can do when on the lookout for the best travel insurance policy is to compare a range of options, which you can do with Savvy. By looking at a variety of offers and learning more about insurers across Australia, you can gain a better understanding of what a suitable level of coverage is and find offers which won’t break the bank.

Consider your needs as a traveller

Different travellers have different needs when it comes to their policies, so it’s crucial to look inwards and analyse your situation to help you secure the best overall policy for you. For example, those planning a one-off trip would look to go for the standard single-trip insurance policy. However, it’d likely be cheaper for those leaving home several times throughout the year to purchase a multi-trip policy to cover up to 90 days’ worth of travel over 12 months.

Study the PDS to find out what is and isn’t covered

The Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) tells you everything you need to know about your insurance policy and what it covers. Crucially, though, it’ll also enable you to find out more about what isn’t covered, which is often more important to be aware of. For instance, a particular policy may not offer much COVID-19 cover for cancellations, which is highly relevant to know before you buy.

Look at the available claim limits

Domestic travel insurance won’t offer unlimited coverage across all areas, with many of these being dictated by a claim limit. If you’re looking to insure particular items, such as your jewellery or luggage, or cover you in the event of disruptions to your holiday, take the time to consider different upper limits between offers. For example, personal effects cover may only reach up to $5,000 with some insurers but $15,000 with others.

Think about the optional extras available

If you’re a thrill seeker looking for cover to take part in adventure sports while you’re away from home, it’s worth checking between providers to see whether insurance is offered either automatically or as an optional extra. An example of this would be if you were planning a domestic cruise. While some companies will cover this automatically, others will require you to pay an additional premium to insure you while at sea.

What do the best domestic travel insurance policies cover?

When comparing travel insurance policies, considering what they cover is perhaps the most important piece of the puzzle. While these may differ slightly between providers, the key areas of coverage offered by comprehensive domestic insurance are:

  • Cancellation costs: if you have to cancel part or all of your trip due to a covered event (such as falling ill, suffering a family emergency or having your annual leave cancelled by your employer), your insurance can cover any fees charged. This is particularly useful for bookings which are often non-refundable, such as flights, accommodation and guided tours. You can often claim an unlimited amount through this cover.
  • Personal effects: you’re also afforded a level of cover should your belongings be lost, damaged or stolen whilst away from home. This may be up to a set limit of between $5,000 and $15,000 depending on your insurer.
  • Rental vehicle excess: you can also be covered in the event your rental car is damaged whilst in your care. Your domestic travel insurance can cover the cost of the excess charged to you by the hire car company, often up to $5,000.
  • Personal liability: should you find yourself liable for injury to another person or damage to their property, your travel insurance policy offers personal liability cover. Depending on the type of policy you take out, this can range anywhere from $1 million to $5 million total.
  • Accidental death: if you pass away due to an accident whilst away from home, your family can claim for the costs relating to the return of your remains to your home and potentially funeral costs. This is capped at $25,000 by some insurance providers.
  • Delay, disruption and resumption: any costs relating to the delay, disruption or resumption of your holiday can be claimed for under a domestic policy. While disruption claim limits can reach up to $50,000, delay and resumption are likely to come with much lower limits of $2,000 to $3,000.

How much will my domestic travel insurance cost?

Travel insurance companies will calculate the cost of your policy premium based on several factors, which are important to bear in mind when entering the quote process. The variables which will play a part in determining the cost of your domestic travel insurance are:

  • Level of cover: are you taking out a comprehensive or basic policy? While comprehensive insurance is more expensive, it offers protection in a wider range of areas (namely those listed above). However, if you’re only travelling light without many bookings along the way, you may look to a basic policy as a cheaper alternative.
  • Type of policy: not only will the level of cover dictate the cost, but also the type of insurance you choose. Are you taking out a policy to cover your whole family or a large travelling party? Multi-person policies are more expensive than individual ones in isolation but are likely to be cheaper overall when splitting this cost amongst travellers.
  • Your age: how old you are will play a major role in your insurer’s determination of how much of a risk you’re at of making a claim. As such, senior travellers will typically pay much more for premiums and be required to pay a larger excess than those seeking cover under 30.
  • Length of your trip: the longer you’re away from home, the more likely it is that something will happen which prompts you to make a claim. As such, insurance for shorter trips will cost less than those for long-term travel arrangements.
  • Size of your excess: the travel insurance excess is what you’ll pay out of pocket when making a claim. This can have a direct impact on the cost of your insurance: greater excesses often come with cheaper premiums, while policies with low to no excess will often be more expensive to take out.

Types of travel insurance

International

International travel insurance can offer cover for a range of events, including medical expenses, lost luggage or items, cancellation fees and more when you're overseas and a long way from home.

Domestic

If you're journeying within Australia, domestic policies are designed to offer many of the same protections as international travel insurance (with the exception of medical expenses).

Single trip

The most standard and common type of travel insurance, this policy can cover you for one trip starting and ending in Australia (and is available for both international and domestic travel).

Annual multi-trip

As the name suggests, this type of travel insurance covers multiple trips over a 12-month period. Depending on your insurer, you may be able to take an unlimited number of trips up to 90 days each.

One-way

You don't have to have a return ticket booked to take out cover while you're overseas. One-way travel insurance enables you to access cover without a set end date, such as if you're moving temporarily.

Cruise

You may need to take out specialist coverage if you're setting sail on a cruise. Fortunately, cruise insurance can cover emergency evacuation, cabin confinement and more.

Seniors

Just because you're older doesn't mean travel insurance isn't still important. If you qualify for cover, seniors' travel insurance can offer greater peace of mind for included events while you're travelling.

Ski

Adding winter sports or ski cover to your policy can add protection against damage to your equipment, piste closure due to bad weather and activities such as back-country skiing, heliskiing and more.

Adventure sports

Looking to enjoy some adventure sports on holiday? An adventure sports pack can grant you cover for a range of activities, such as hiking, scuba diving and motorcycle or scooter riding.

Families

Jetsetting with the whole clan in tow? Some insurers offer family travel insurance, which enables you to include yourself, your partner and your dependent children under one policy to help you save.

Couples

If you're travelling interstate or overseas with your partner (or simply another friend or family member), you may be able to access a discount by taking out a joint or duo travel insurance policy.

Why compare travel insurance with Savvy?

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Reputable insurance partners

We’re partnered with some of Australia’s most trusted travel insurance providers, enabling you to compare quality offers.
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Fast and convenient online process

You can complete the quote, comparison and purchase process online through Savvy quickly and easily.

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Competitive quote costs

Regardless of the type of insurance you’re looking for, we can help you compare between competitive quotes.

More questions about the best domestic travel insurance policies

Why doesn’t domestic travel insurance cover medical costs?

The simple reason why you won’t find any medical cover under a domestic travel insurance policy is that Medicare and private health insurance are in place to cover such expenses suffered whilst in Australia. As such, there’s no need for medical coverage on these types of policies.

What’s the best travel insurance for a domestic cruise?

The best insurance for domestic cruises will typically be cover which is automatically offered as part of your policy. Cruises can be the exception to the rule when it comes to medical cover, as not all ships will have a Medicare-registered doctor on board. As such, you should look at taking out medical cover as a minimum to avoid a costly bill if you receive treatment.

What COVID-19 cover will I be offered under domestic travel insurance?

In terms of the best domestic policies, many insurers will offer the ability to claim for the cancellation and disruption of your trip due to COVID-19 (which may be due to you testing positive or becoming a close contact). The limit set for this will often be around $3,000.

How do I find the best domestic travel insurance as a senior?

If you’re a senior looking for travel insurance, you should always double-check that the age limit imposed by your insurer can accommodate you. Some companies will cap their cover at the age of 65 to 70, so it’s important to find one who can cater to your needs as a traveller. It’s important to price-match as a senior, as these policies will generally be more expensive to take out.

What’s the best domestic travel insurance for my business?

The best business travel insurance policy will depend on what you’re looking for as a business owner or operator. If you’re sending multiple employees or some of them several times a year, group and annual travel insurance would suit these respective instances. You should look for policies which cover you for business-specific expenses such as replacement of employee and resumption of assignment.

How do I make an insurance claim online?

Making an insurance claim online is simple. You’ll be required to fill out a form with your provider and provide detail as to the incident (which may also require supporting evidence such as a medical certificate or police report). Once you’ve confirmed you can claim for the expense you’re looking to cover, send off your form and wait for your insurer’s determination, which will likely come within the next ten days.

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Disclaimer:
We do not compare all travel insurance brands currently operating in the market. Any advice presented above or on other pages is general in nature and does not consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing an insurance policy.

Savvy earns a commission from our partners each time a customer buys a travel insurance policy via our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased from these brands directly, as all purchases are conducted via their websites.

Before purchasing your policy, we recommend you refer to the provider’s PDS for any further information on the terms, inclusions and exclusions.

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Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.

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1300 974 066

Sign up to our newsletter

Disclaimer and important things you should know

Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.

We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.

For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.

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