RAC Travel Insurance Review

Learn more about RAC’s travel insurance policies to find out about their coverage and fees and compare them with other insurers today.

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, updated on June 26th, 2023       

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Founded in 1905 as a roadside assistance service for Western Australians, RAC now offers a wide range of services and products not just for those behind the wheel. Alongside finance and auto services, the West Perth company offers insurance for homes, cars, motorcycles, and even your next holiday.

You can compare RAC's travel insurance products against those of other insurers with Savvy to help you choose the best plan for your next getaway. Additionally, you can compare coverage details such as inclusions and exclusions to other plans.

Find out more about RAC’s offerings on this page before getting a quote with Savvy today.

*Please note that Savvy does not represent RAC for its travel insurance products.

More about RAC travel insurance

What travel insurance policies does RAC offer?

RAC offers a range of travel insurance policies in Australia, including:

  • International Comprehensive: RAC’s highest level of coverage provides you with unlimited medical expense coverage, including COVID-19 and 24/7 emergency assistance. You can also receive compensation if your bags are stolen, go missing or are damaged on your holiday, whether you’re travelling to the UK or taking a holiday to Singapore.
  • International Essentials: this policy covers you for the essentials such as unlimited overseas medical costs, some cancellation fees and lost deposits and damage or theft of your luggage. This policy is like their comprehensive insurance but offers lower limits.
  • Domestic Comprehensive: RAC offers this policy for people who are sticking close to home for their holiday. Coverage includes replacement of stolen or lost luggage, loss of income and the cancellation of your trip.
  • Medical-Only: if you’re looking for a bare-bones policy which only covers a trip to the hospital if you need it, RAC offers this medical-only policy.
  • Annual Multi-Trip Insurance: if you’re planning to take more than one trip over 12 months, RAC offers an annual travel insurance policy which covers you for multiple holidays up to 60 days in length. You can roll your children and grandchildren into your coverage for free, and if you’re taking more people, you can even turn it into a family or dual travel insurance policy.
International Comprehensive International Essentials Domestic Comprehensive Medical-Only
Medical, dental and hospital expenses
Unlimited
Unlimited
N/A
Unlimited
Cancellation
Unlimited
$25,000
Unlimited
N/A
Emergency expenses
Unlimited
$25,000
$25,000
$5,000
Luggage
$15,000
$7,500
$7,500
$2,000
Travel delay expenses
$3,000
$1,500
$1,500
N/A
Personal liability
$10 million
$10 million
$10 million
$10 million
Rental car excess
$8,000
$4,000
$5,000
N/A

Whether you’re jetting off to the UK or just taking a flight to Perth, it’s important to compare policies with Savvy so you can find the best travel insurance for your next holiday.

What optional extras are available through RAC?

RAC, like many other travel insurers, provides optional extras for both international and domestic holidays. These include:

  1. Ski and winter sports cover: taking part in some snow sports on your holiday? RAC offers cover for those who want to snowboard, ski, play ice hockey, ice skate or even go snowmobiling for overseas medical costs, the hire of snow equipment and piste closure.
  2. Cruise cover: if you’re taking a domestic or international cruise holiday and purchase your travel insurance through RAC, you’ll need to tack this onto your coverage to get protection for medical expenses, cabin confinement and other expenses at sea.
  3. Medical conditions: RAC automatically covers a raft of pre-existing medical conditions, such as glaucoma, hernias and nocturnal cramps. However, if you have a more serious health condition such as a heart condition or asthma and you’re over 60, you may need to pay a higher premium to get it covered.

What exclusions should I be aware of when buying travel insurance through RAC?

While some travel insurance policies in Australia can offer wide-ranging coverage, the benefits aren’t limitless and there are some circumstances where your claim won’t be given the green light. With RAC, some of these include:

  1. Unapproved pre-existing health issues, such as claims of mental illness and certain types of diabetes
  2. Partaking in an unapproved activity or sport such as BASE jumping or hang gliding
  3. Travel on a privately chartered boat or plane
  4. Complications following an elective surgery
  5. Travelling against the advice of your doctor
  6. If you’re filing a claim due to terrorism or war
  7. Travelling to a country against Australian government advice
  8. Accidents caused by the consumption of drugs or alcohol

If you’ve found a policy that suits your next holiday to a tee, make sure you review the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before you set your decision in stone.

What we think of RAC travel insurance

What we like

Discount if you’re a RAC member

If you’re a RAC member, you can receive a 15% discount on your travel insurance policy. This compares to some of their competitors who offer 10% discounts on policies (or most who offer none at all).

Extensive cooling-off period

RAC gives you 21 days to change your mind and cancel your policy, which is seven days longer than most other insurers. This allows you to continue shopping around to find a deal which beats the policy you already have.

Generous legal liability

You’re covered for up to $10 million if you’re found personally liable for damage to property or the injury of another person, whereas many other insurers cap this at $5 million or lower.

What we don't like

Higher premium for cruise cover

You’ll need to pay a higher premium if you’re taking a cruise holiday and want to go with RAC as it’s not automatically included under standard policies.

Strict pregnancy cover requirements

RAC travel insurance policies will cover pregnancy; however, you’ll only be covered for complications before your 26th week of gestation and won’t be covered for routine doctor’s visits.

Limited coverage for pets

While RAC’s comprehensive policy allows you to claim up to $650 if you need to book extra boarding for your pet because your return is delayed, this coverage isn’t available on domestic, medical-only or essentials policies.

Types of travel insurance

Why compare travel insurance with Savvy?

Why compare hotels with Savvy?

Frequently asked questions about RAC travel insurance

Does RAC offer coverage for COVID-19?

RAC’s comprehensive policy offers you limited coverage for a range of COVID-19-related costs, including hospital and medical expenses and cancellation costs.

How do I make a claim through RAC?

All claims can be submitted either by phone or electronically, online or by email with RAC. If you’re filing your claim by phone or e-mail, you’ll be sent a claim form to fill out, along with information on what supporting paperwork is required. Once you’ve submitted your claim, RAC sends you a confirmation email and the estimated turnaround time is about ten working days.

How much will my RAC travel insurance cost?

The price of travel insurance varies from person to person based on a wide range of factors, such as:

  • Your date of birth
  • Your chosen destination
  • The level of coverage you buy
  • Any optional extras you need
  • Pre-existing medical conditions you need to disclose
  • The policy excess you choose
  • The type of insurer and insurance policy you buy
What are the difference between single, annual and one-way trip travel insurance?

Single-trip travel insurance will only cover one round trip. On the other hand, annual multi-trip insurance protects you against financial loss for as many trips as you take each year (often up to 60 travel days per trip). A one-way travel insurance coverage may cover your whole trip if you are on an ongoing journey (up to a year). An extra year of insurance coverage may be bought for many plans.

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