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Optional Cover Travel Insurance

Explore the many optional extras travel insurance offers by comparing with Savvy.

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, updated on September 4th, 2023       

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Rock climbing in the mountains at Yosemite National Park in the US or just wanting to secure protection for some worldly possessions on your domestic holiday? Most travel insurance providers offer optional cover to protect all of these and much more, so it’s a good idea to compare with Savvy.

We allow you to dig a bit deeper into the policies, allowing you to do a side-by-side comparison of each so you can easily weigh up the pros and cons of each. Compare with Savvy before you take off on your next holiday.

What optional cover can I purchase with my travel insurance?

Travel insurance providers offer a range of optional extras that you can add to your basic or comprehensive policies. While standard policies offer a wide range of inclusions, you won’t be automatically covered for certain activities that insurers deem ‘high-risk’. You also won’t be afforded automatic coverage for any valuables you pack in your bags. Some of the optional coverage you can purchase includes:

  • Skiing and snowboarding: if you’re planning on travelling to the snowfields to take part in some activities, you can take out extra coverage for winter sports to be protected while you’re carving up the slopes. By paying a little extra, your insurer can protect you while you’re skiing, snowboarding or sledding.
  • Cruises: many travel insurance providers offer cruise cover automatically as part of their standard policies. However, there are some which require you to take out additional cover if you’re planning on sailing through Australian or foreign waters and want some peace of mind.
  • Recreational activities: want to do a spot of bungee jumping or rock climbing while you’re on holiday? Insurers offer protection for a wide range of these riskier activities in the event there are spills when you’re chasing some thrills.
  • Motorcycle riding: riding through the streets of Europe on a scooter or cruising the open road on a motorbike can be the perfect way to get around on your holiday. You’ll be protected from any accidents while you’re on two wheels if you tack this extra onto your policy.
  • Valuable items: planning on popping the question on your holiday and travelling with an expensive engagement ring? Maybe you want the best cover for your electronic gadgets? Many providers allow you to take out optional extra coverage to protect your valuables up to a certain limit, which can range from $5,000 to $15,000 overall.
  • Rental car excess: certain comprehensive travel insurance policies include coverage for the excess on a rental car automatically. However, more often than not, you will have to take out extra coverage.
  • Pre-existing conditions: most travel insurance providers will offer coverage for up to 40 pre-existing medical conditions automatically as part of their policies. However, if you suffer from a more serious condition, such as a heart condition or some form of non-terminal cancer, you will need to pay for extra cover.
  • Golf: want to take your clubs along on your trip to Singapore? You can purchase additional coverage to protect your driver, irons and putters while you’re in between fairways.

How do I compare optional travel insurance coverage?

Adding optional cover to your domestic or international travel insurance can give you peace of mind, whether you’re planning on scuba diving off the Great Barrier Reef or toting around some expensive electronic gadgets. When you’re comparing with Savvy to find the best extra coverage on the market, it’s worth considering these factors when making your decision:

Costs

The premium you pay to take out extra cover will vary depending on the provider you choose. By getting a few quotes from a handful of providers who draw your eye, you can price match and find a cheap policy that offers you ample coverage for whatever you’re planning on doing or taking on holiday. Cheapest isn’t always best, so make sure you’re focusing on your needs first as well as the price.

The inclusions and exclusions

Getting the cover you need is one of the most important factors to consider when taking out travel insurance. There’s no point in purchasing a policy if it doesn’t cover the type of activity or offer protection for the pre-existing medical condition you need insurance for. When you’re comparing with Savvy, you’ll be able to do a side-by-side comparison so you can see which policy offers you the most bang for your buck.

Excesses

Most travel insurance providers make you dig into your pocket and pay an excess if you need to make a claim. While some won’t make you pay a cent to file a claim in certain situations, you’ll need to pay between $100 and $250 most of the time. It’s a good idea to shop around so you can find an excess that’s suitable for you.

Claim limits

If you do need to make a claim through your optional coverage, insurers limit how much you can receive back for certain incidentals. For example, some providers allow you to claim up to $1,000 (or $100 per day) if your ski resort is closed. These tend to vary depending on who you’re purchasing through, though, so it’s best to shop around and find limits sufficient for you.

What if my valuables are worth more than the claim limits?

In most cases, policies will have item limits. However, if you’re taking an item away on holiday which is worth more than the claim limit on your policy, insurers will typically let you pay extra to cover it.

When you’re comparing your policies, a $10,000 claim limit on your luggage and personal items can seem like a lot of money. However, it’s a good idea to drill down and look at the single article limits.

These sub-limits allow you to take out individual protection for items such as jewellery, mobile phones, cameras and laptops. Usually, these limits range from $1,000 to $6,000, meaning that even if you have $15,000 worth of coverage for personal effects, you’ll be capped per specific item.

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.

Frequently asked questions about optional travel insurance

How much does travel insurance with optional cover cost?

If you're wondering how much travel insurance is with your optional extra on top, it’ll come down to several variables. Whether you secure a cheap travel insurance policy with optional cover will largely depend on the following:

  • Your destination and length of your trip
  • Your age
  • Your cover level
  • Any pre-existing medical conditions you suffer
  • How many travellers are on your policy
  • The nature of your optional cover
Can seniors take out optional cover if they’re over 65?

Yes – those over 65 can take out additional coverage. However, many insurers usually start limiting higher-risk activities such as skiing and motorcycle riding to those under the age of 70. It’s best to check your provider’s age limits before you settle on a policy, as they can tend to vary between companies.

Do I need to take out optional cover if I’m pregnant?

In most cases, many travel insurance providers will cover you if you want to take a domestic or international holiday and you’re up to 30 weeks pregnant. They may only automatically cover you if you are expecting only one child and have had no prior complications during other pregnancies, though.

How do I make a claim on my travel insurance?

Most travel insurance providers will allow you to file a claim online through an online portal while you’re away from home. For example, if you’ve travelled to the UK and injured yourself on a motorbike, you’ll usually have to follow these steps to make a claim:

  • Provide your policy number and relevant email address
  • Complete the claim form with ample detail
  • Attach any relevant documents (such as medical certificates and receipts)
  • Submit your claim

You’ll need to wait up to ten working days for your travel insurer to respond to your claim request. It’s important you respond to any requests for clarification or more information promptly to avoid hampering the process.

Do I need to take out optional cover for COVID-19-related costs?

Most comprehensive travel insurance policies will cover you for COVID-19-related costs, whether it be medical treatment or the cost of cancelling your trip because you tested positive for COVID-19. However, this may not always be the case, so it’s important to compare your options with Savvy to help find out what is and isn’t covered.

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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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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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