When more people travel domestically throughout Australia, they don’t consider domestic travel insurance, perhaps assuming it is an unnecessary additional expense when travelling within one’s own country. However, this is a mistake that can prove costly if things turn bad; let’s take a look at the reasons why.
Existing coverage
Although most Australians are covered for emergency medical treatment by their Medicare contributions, several potentially expensive medical situations are not covered. It is prudent to know what they are and secure domestic travel insurance to address them if they are of concern.
Ambulances
Although Australians might find themselves covered for any emergency medical treatments they require, it is a fact that this does not extend to any ambulance usage. Even short distances in an ambulance can prove costly, but imagine how those costs skyrocket in remote areas or if, heaven forbid, an air ambulance is required. Domestic travel insurance that contains coverage for emergency services is worth its weight in gold in a situation like this, so be sure to check for it among the policy details.
Dental
Losing a crown or breaking a tooth is painful and inconvenient at the best of times, but if that discomfort comes with a hefty bill, a grave fiscal insult is added to the injury. Check your chosen domestic travel insurance policy for mention of dental emergencies, and do not accept one that does not provide cover. Even emergency dental procedures are not covered by Medicare, and nothing can ruin a trip faster.
Other benefits of domestic travel insurance
- Cancellations
If any element of your domestic trip is cancelled, domestic travel insurance will protect you and reimburse you for any cancellation fees and additional costs. For example, if you have booked tickets to see a show in one city, but the artist falls ill and has to postpone until another date, your plans might be thrown into disarray. Without coverage, you can expect to lose at least a portion of hotel costs and incur extra fees to change flights and other associated bookings. With decent domestic travel insurance, all of these costs are covered.
- Luggage
Those who have experienced the horror of losing their entire wardrobe because of a flight-associated mishap know how expensive and frustrating it can be. Domestic travel insurance covers your loss and allows you to shop for a whole new wardrobe guilt-free.
- Natural disasters
From flooding and temperatures so hot they melt runways to tropical storms and raging bushfires, you name it, Australia experiences it occasionally. Unexpected travel and accommodation costs are expected when disasters strike, and those lucky enough to make it home safely know their domestic travel insurance policy will reimburse them for those costs.
So, is domestic travel insurance worth having when travelling around Australia?
It may strike some people as being overly cautious to purchase domestic travel insurance when travelling within Australia. Still, we hope this article has gone some way towards demonstrating why that is not the case. Australia is not small and has more than its share of devastating natural disasters and schedule-destroying cancellations. Protect yourself where you can and be thankful if you never have to fall back on your domestic travel insurance.
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