Do you plan on visiting the islands around Fiji, backpacking across Europe, seeing the cherry blossoms in Japan, or exploring the Australian outback?

Getting away from everyday life is refreshing, but travelling can sometimes have its risks. If you don’t want a relaxing getaway to turn into a stressful, expensive ordeal, leisure travel insurance works as a safety net.

If plans are in place for your next getaway, this blog will be your best guide to why leisure travel insurance is essential.

What Is Leisure Travel Insurance?

Booking a trip that isn’t business-related? Leisure travel insurance is designed for people travelling domestically or internationally for leisure, ultimately making the experience worry free.

From flight delays to medical emergencies, trip cancellations and lost luggage, you’ll be covered for specialised care and unexpected costs. Similar to business and corporate travel insurance, private leisure travel insurance means that you will be covered for any surprises that come your way.

Why is travel insurance worth having? According to Smartraveller, the Australian Government cannot help you pay medical bills overseas or transport you home if things go wrong. Regardless of where you plan your destination, it is encouraged to get insured before you go, both for the flight and the country you’re travelling to.

What Does Travel Insurance Typically Cover?

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Let’s dive into how leisure travel insurance protects you while you journey overseas.

Trip Cancellations and Delays

If you’re forced to cancel or cut your trip short due to illness, injury, flight schedule changes/delays or unforeseen circumstances like a natural disaster, you could be out of pocket for thousands of dollars. However, leisure travel insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable expenses such as:

Flights, such as missed connecting flights
Accommodation
Airport parking
Rental car insurance
Tours and activities planned
Alternative transport expenses

Medical Emergencies

Medical treatment overseas is often expensive, and the Australian Medicare system does not cover you outside the country. Thankfully, investing in travel insurance covers:

Emergency medical expenses
Hospitalisation (hospital cash allowance)
Ambulance transport
Emergency medical evacuation (such as by helicopter on a cruise ship)
Overseas dental expenses
COVID-19 benefits
Artificial limb, removal of dental appliance, dentures or medical device (hearing aids)

In some cases, countries require proof of insurance before granting entry, such as Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

Lost, Damaged, or Stolen Luggage

Your travel insurance policy can help cover the cost of replacing personal items, including:

Delayed luggage
Jewellery
Drone (with or without camera)
Watches or any other item
Theft of cash
Tablet computer
Laptop computer
Camera or video camera
Phone or smart watch
Luggage and personal affect

Many policies also offer delayed luggage allowance, giving you money to buy essentials while you wait. If you are travelling with valuable items, you can increase the cover available for one or items by specifying the item on your policy.

High-Risk Activities Coverage

Are you planning on skiing, snowboarding or snowmobiling? Many leisure activities are considered high-risk and may require optional coverage.

In some cases you can request cover for claims related to snow sports, motorcycling, or moped riding for an additional premium. Always check if your insurer covers adventure sports or if you’ll need to add extra protection.

Cruise Cover

Cruise cover is for trips that include a multi-night cruise, insuring you for claims in relation to a cancelled cruise, a cabin confinement benefit, sea sickness cover, cruise travel, or accidents or medical expenses on a cruise.

Coverage for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

If you have a chronic illness or previous medical condition, some insurance cover can secure you for pre-existing conditions. However, not every condition is covered, and the coverage varies depending on your insurance provider and the severity of your condition.

Many policies also cover you for loss of income, permanent disability, personal liability, and accidental death. Knightsbridge Insurance Group can help find a policy that suits your health needs, even if other insurers say no.

Formerly known as Travelcard, PassportCard underwent a relaunch and rebrand in Australia. You can receive instant payouts from claims such as delayed luggage, stolen cash, or medical emergencies. Once a claim is approved, funds are loaded onto the passport card, a prepaid debit card given when you purchase the insurance. This card lets you easily pay medical providers, buy essentials, or withdraw cash from an ATM.

What Types of Travel Insurance Are Available?

What are some of the most common types of policies?

Single-Trip Policies: Only heading away once a year? Ideal for occasional travellers, single-trip policies cover one holiday and are often the most affordable option.

Annual Multi-Trip Policies: Best for frequent travellers looking for year-long travel coverage! If you’re planning multiple holidays throughout the year, this policy can save you money and hassle.

Family Travel Insurance: Convenient and less expensive, family policies cover multiple travellers under one plan, including children under a specified age.

Business and Mixed Travel Insurance: If your trip entails business and leisure activities, speak to an expert at Knightsbridge Insurance Group about combining cover for both scenarios. Finding the right policy can be complicated, and we go through all the fine print for you.

How to Choose a Travel Insurance Policy?

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With dozens of policies available, picking the right policy can be overwhelming. Here’s how you narrow it down:

What are some of your travel needs?

Start by answering these questions. You’ll be able to gauge the basics of what you will need for a leisure travel insurance policy.

Where are you planning to visit, or spending most of your trip?
What are your travel dates?
Are you participating in adventure sports? You will need to pay an extra premium
Do you have a pre-existing medical condition, such as asthma or diabetes?
Are you travelling with friends or family?

Compare Policy Options

It is recommended to never go for the cheapest deal. You can certainly use reputable comparison sites, but an insurance broker has the knowledge and experience to find value for money. Knightsbridge Insurance Group works with a range of trusted insurers to match you with the best policy.

Don’t let the complexity of insurance get in the way of your peace of mind. Simply fill out the form on our website to get in touch and one of our expert insurance brokers will help you find the coverage you need.

Read the Fine Print

What is included and excluded in your travel policy of choice?

Are there limits on baggage claims?
Does the policy include cancellation due to COVID-19?
Is there a waiting period for medical claims? Some require you to have insurance for at least 3, 6, or 12 months.

A cheaper policy (such as a medical only policy) may not cover missed flight connections, luggage and personal effects, alternative transport expenses, permanent disability or accidental death.

Evaluate Coverage Limits

High-value items like cameras or laptops might require extra coverage, and emergency medical treatment coverage must be high enough for your destination.

For example, personal liability coverage could be up to $5,000,000, up to $10,000 for loss of income, $500 for theft of cash, or $4000 for a laptop computer. Check your coverage limits

You will also be able to choose your excess amount, which is how much an insurer won’t pay for under some benefits. Deductions from your claims if approved by your insurance provider could be $250, $100, or $0, but it depends on who you plan to buy insurance from.

How Can Knightsbridge Insurance Group Help?

With so many insurance providers and policy options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where Knightsbridge Insurance Group comes in.

We help you make the right move. The insurance you choose needs to reflect your circumstances as there are financial consequences of a potential mishap. If you’re tired of trying to compare confusing insurance policies, fees and coverage options, we cut through the industry jargon and explain your options in simple language.

We work to understand you as individuals. At Knightsbridge Insurance Group, strong ties with our staff, clients, colleagues, partners, industry peers and our greater community provide us with support, security and a sense of purpose.

We take the time to put together a customised solutions to help you feel safe, reassured, and protected when you travel.

Whether you’re heading on a tropical cruise or backpacking through Asia, Knightsbridge leisure travel insurance solutions protect you wherever you go.

To learn more, read our blog: how do I know if my business insurance coverage is adequate?

Choose Knightsbridge for Leisure Travel Insurance: Travel With Confidence

No one books a holiday expecting something to go wrong, but accidents, illness, and delays can happen. The smart thing to do is to plan for the unexpected.

With the right leisure travel insurance, you can focus on enjoying your trip knowing you’re financially protected, and Knightsbridge Insurance Group guides you. Whether you need commercial insurance in Australia, specialty insurance, or personal insurance, we protect your financial interests, health, and lead you to victory.

Contact Knightsbridge Insurance Group by calling 1300 527 4343 or emailing [email protected] for a free, no-obligation quote and to make a claim. You can also visit our office in Helensvale, Queensland. We are pleased to announce that we are one of the fastest-growing brokerages in Australia.

Vacation Smarter: Why Leisure Travel Insurance Is a Must for Your Next Getaway