Domestic Travel Insurance

Taking a domestic holiday? Compare a range of policies all in one place with Savvy.

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, updated on September 4th, 2023       

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Compare Travel Insurance Quotes in 30 Seconds

Travel insurance isn't just important for sprawling international holidays; it can offer plenty of benefits for travellers who are planning a domestic getaway. Whether you want further protection for your luggage, cancellations or other unexpected circumstances, you can compare a range of domestic travel insurance offers with Savvy.

We're partnered with some of the leading travel insurance providers in Australia so you can consider high-quality offers for your upcoming trip. You can get the process started with a free, no-obligation quote right here with us today.

What is domestic travel insurance and how does it work?

Even while you travel your home country, there is still potential for the unexpected to happen. Domestic travel insurance is designed to protect you if an unforeseen event, which is covered under your policy and meets any relevant qualification criteria, occurs while on your travels within Australia. As Medicare or private health insurance will cover the costs of medical events here in Australia, medical cover is exempt from domestic travel insurance, generally making it cheaper than international travel insurance.

In terms of how this type of travel insurance works, it offers policyholders the ability to make a claim, which may enable them to be reimbursed a certain amount if an unexpected situation unfolds whilst on their travels. If the event is covered and your claim is approved, your insurer can pay you a set amount to cover out-of-pocket costs either partially or in full (depending on the terms of your policy, the event and whether you're required to pay an excess).

What does domestic travel insurance cover?

The inclusions of domestic travel insurance vary between policies, so it’s important you read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure you're familiar with the ins and outs of your agreement before you purchase it. Some of the most common benefits which may be included in your policy are the following:

  1. Costs relating to the cancellation or delay of your flights, accommodation and other bookings (which will depend on your insurer's terms and conditions relating to the reason for your cancellation and the costs you've incurred)
  2. Loss of, or damage to, your belongings whilst overseas (including theft)
  3. Damage to a car rented whilst on holiday (the excess you're required to pay by your rental company can be partially or wholly covered)
  4. Your personal liability should you be found to be at fault for damage to someone else's property or an injury or illness 

The exclusions of domestic travel insurance will vary between policies. Therefore, it’s vital you check out your policy’s PDS to know what you’re covered for. These may include:

  1. Incidents which occur under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  2. Incidents which involve breaking any laws
  3. Loss of personal items which are left unattended
  4. Any cancellation fees stemming from a terrorist incident or another demonstration at your destination
  5. Known events, such as extreme weather, prior to the purchase of your policy

What are some of the optional extras I should look out for on my domestic travel insurance policy?

Optional extras will differ between insurers, as some may offer policies which already include cover for certain activities. Optional extras could include some of the following:

  • Skiing and winter sports – accidents can happen while on the slopes, which could result in significant expenses. Many insurers offer a specialist winter sports pack, which be purchased at an additional cost to offer protection for certain events that may occur while in the snow. These may include damage to rented equipment and replacement hire costs, prepaid expenses, resort closures and more.
  • Scuba diving and adventure activities – in addition to snow sports, some insurers also offer additional coverage for adventure sports and activities, such as scuba diving, rock climbing and more. This can also be purchased as an add-on to expand the number of insured events covered under your policy.
  • Domestic cruises – while some insurers will offer domestic cruise coverage as part of their policies automatically, others will require you to purchase it separately. Cruise companies recommend insurance (and in some cases require it) for their travellers, both international and domestic. It can also offer medical coverage, as you may not have access to a Medicare-registered doctor and your private health insurance may not cover injuries or illnesses on the water.

Types of travel insurance

Why compare travel insurance with Savvy?

Top tips for comparing domestic travel insurance

Inclusions and exclusions

When comparing domestic policies, consider the inclusions and exclusions in respect to the items you’re taking and what activities you will be doing. If you’re taking expensive belongings, for instance, it's important to look for cover that includes those items.

Claim limits

In addition, you will need to consider the level of financial coverage on offer. Each person will have different needs when it comes to how much coverage they're looking for, but you should ensure you have sufficient coverage for your items, expenses and liability when purchasing your insurance.

Cost of premiums

Compare the costs of the domestic travel insurance premiums available. It's important to bear in mind that the cheapest domestic policy isn't always the best, as they may offer fewer benefits and lower claim limits in some cases. However, you should still compare policies to ensure you aren't overpaying.

Optional extras

If you're looking for coverage beyond the standard circumstances included under your policy, you should compare policies based on the optional extras available. Consider not only what they cover, but also the cost to add them to your policy.

Frequently asked questions about domestic travel insurance

Can I be covered for COVID-19-related expenses under my domestic travel insurance policy?

Some insurers can offer protection relating to costs incurred as a result of COVID-19, most notably cancellation expenses. These may be covered if you contract the virus yourself before or during your trip. However, you won't be covered for all COVID-19-related costs, with common exclusions for this area including lockdowns, added quarantine costs as a close contact and claimable incidents occurring within 72 hours of your policy purchase. It's important to check with your insurer and read your PDS to make sure you know what you will and won't be covered for under your domestic policy.

How much does domestic travel insurance cost?

The price of your domestic travel insurance premium will vary based on several factors, including the following:

  • Your choice of insurer
  • The duration of your trip
  • The level of cover you choose
  • Your age
  • Whether you add extras to your policy
Can I purchase a multi-trip domestic travel insurance policy?

Certain insurers will be able to provide domestic multi-trip or annual policies, which can offer cover for as many domestic holidays as you like within 12 months. However, these policies may also restrict the duration of each individual trip, with some insurers capping these at 90 days each.

What parts of Australia does domestic travel insurance include?

Domestic travel insurance can provide cover for holidays to all parts of mainland Australia and many of its territories, including Norfolk Island, Tiwi Islands and Lord Howe Island. However, not all insurers will cover all Australian territories under their coverage, with Pitcairn Island, Ducie Island and Oeno Island examples of those which may not be covered.

Can I be covered for holidays a short distance away from my home under domestic travel insurance?

Cover for domestic holidays within a short distance from your home will vary between policies. Some insurers will require that your holiday destination is at least 200km from your home, but this may vary depending on who you choose to purchase your policy with. Check with your insurer before you buy your cover if you're unsure about whether your holiday will qualify for coverage on this basis.

As a senior, am I eligible for domestic travel insurance?

Many insurers offer domestic policies designed for senior travellers. However, whether you qualify for coverage will depend on whether you meet your insurer's qualification criteria, which includes your age. Some insurers can offer protection to those up to the age of 100 (subject to other criteria), but others will set this at a younger age.

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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.