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Does travel insurance still cover you if you've had a drink?

Don't get caught out by tricky alcohol exclusions that could void your policy..

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Checked for accuracy by our qualified fact-checkers and verifiers. Find out more about fact-checking at CHOICE .

Need to know

• A few drinks won't void your travel insurance policy, but insurers may deny claims that result from you being drunk
• How travel insurers define drunkenness can vary considerably
• If you disagree with your insurer's assessment of how the drink affected you, you can dispute their decision

For many of us, enjoying the local liquor is part of enjoying a holiday. It's as inseparable as insurance cover with loopholes. But if you have a few drinks while you're on vacation, will travel insurance still cover you? We look at how insurers apply alcohol exclusions and what you can expect.

On this page:

Does any travel insurance cover alcohol?

When do insurers apply the alcohol exclusion, how does a travel insurer define 'under the influence of alcohol', how does the insurer know you're drunk, what to do if your travel insurer denies your claim, other alcohol and drug exclusions.

Having a couple of drinks won't void your travel insurance cover for your whole holiday. But there is no travel insurance that will cover you for events that arise because you were under the influence of alcohol.

If you have an accident or lose some personal possessions, and the insurer thinks that occurred because you were drunk, they will probably deny your claim. 

Having a couple drinks won't void your travel insurance cover for your whole holiday

The way insurers see it, they don't cover events that you could have foreseen and taken action to avoid. So for example, if a volcano affects travellers to Bali, your insurance won't cover you if you know about the volcano but don't take action to avoid being impacted by it. 

If you're under the influence of alcohol, your ability to foresee events is blurred, and you may not be capable of taking the right action to avoid that event. 

How the alcohol exclusion affects you can be as innocuous as having a few drinks at a wedding and slipping and breaking a leg, or something more sinister like having your drink spiked at a nightclub.

Here's an  example provided by Smartraveller  for the CHOICE travel insurance buying guide:

"Lee (not his real name) was attending a wedding in Phuket, Thailand, when he fell down some stairs at the hotel, breaking his leg and several ribs. Because he'd been celebrating with a few alcoholic drinks, his insurer refused his claim for medical expenses, citing his intoxication at the time.

"The incident cost Lee $10,300 in medical expenses, which had to be paid in full before he could leave hospital. Lee's injuries also meant he was unable to work for the next six weeks, causing further financial hardship."

While all travel insurers will exclude cover for events that happen because you're drunk, how they word the exclusion varies between insurers.

Insurer World2Cover, for example, excludes "any claim arising from or related to… you being under the influence or addicted to intoxicating liquor or drugs".

For Allianz, it's when you're "...affected by any intoxicating liquor or drug to the extent that your physical, or mental functions, or your judgement are impaired".

"Under the influence" or "affected by" alcohol is a grey area, but it generally comes into play at the point where the event that caused your claim wouldn't have occurred if it weren't for you being drunk.

Even if you've had a drink, the insurer still has to prove you were drunk and that this intoxication actually caused the event that led to your claim

If you slip on a wet walkway when you're drunk, an insurer may say that if you weren't drunk, you would've had better judgement and been able to avoid that slippery walkway, or at least walked more carefully across it.

Other insurers will define a specific blood alcohol content (BAC) over which they'll exclude your claim. This gives a bit more clarity to what being under the influence actually is.

Go Insurance specifies 0.05% (the legal driving limit), regardless of whether you're driving or not, while Cover-More states 0.19%. Some people may struggle to walk in a straight line at that level of intoxication.

You may find a clause in your travel insurance policy that obliges you to agree to a blood alcohol or breath analysis. So if the insurer suspects you've had some drinks, they may get you to take a test before they agree to cover your claim. 

If insurers don't get their hands on a BAC test, they may use other methods to estimate your BAC in order to decline your claim. In a case published earlier this year, Cover-More estimated a BAC based on the policyholder's weight and the drinks on their bar bill.

Video: CHOICE calls for more transparency about alcohol exclusions in travel insurance.

If your travel insurer denies your claim because they reckon you had too much to drink, but you disagree with them, the first step is to lodge an internal dispute with your insurer. Check the insurer's website or product disclosure statement (PDS) for their official complaints procedure and contact (usually an email address). 

If the insurer still denies your claim after you lodge a dispute with them, you can raise a dispute with the independent ombudsman, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).

Even if you've had a drink, the insurer still has to prove you were drunk and that this intoxication actually caused the event that led to your claim. 

If the insurer still denies your claim after you lodge a dispute with them, you can raise a dispute with AFCA

A ruling by the Financial Ombudsman Service, AFCA's predecessor (this was a while ago but we cling onto cases where the insurer lost), found that an insurer was not able to rely on the exclusion to deny a claim for a woman who left a backpack in a taxi after a couple of drinks:

"...she [admits to] consuming a number of drinks on the evening but was not under the influence nor did the loss arise directly or indirectly from the influence of alcohol. Other than this statement, there is no evidence regarding the influence of alcohol.

"The Applicant claims the backpack was left in the cab in the confusion of trying to settle the cab fare whilst at the same time keeping an eye on children. There is no evidence to contradict this.

"The evidence is not sufficient to establish that the loss arose directly or indirectly from the influence of alcohol."

Search your PDS for the alcohol or liquor clause to understand how your claims might be limited. And while you're there, check the full list of general exclusions. It's a sobering read.

Another exclusion you'll come across is for claims that relate to the treatment of alcoholism, drug addiction or substance addiction. This may mean your visit to a rehabilitation clinic, but it can also extend to other people. 

For example, if you want to interrupt your holiday to travel home to visit a sick relative, the insurer may deny your claim if your relative is sick due to chronic use of alcohol or drugs.

Stock images:  Getty, unless otherwise stated.

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Cover-More Comprehensive Travel Insurance Review

Published: Mar 20, 2024, 2:42pm

Cover-More Travel Insurance offers Australians high-quality cover within its comprehensive plan, including unlimited medical cover that extends to Covid-19. While dental isn’t included in the unlimited medical cover, it is still covered up to $2,000. Plus, Cover-More provides automatic cover for nearly 100 sports and activities, making it a great choice for the adventurous traveller.

Related: Best Travel Insurance Providers for Australians

• Unlimited medical cover
• Maximum age limit of 99 years of age
• Automatic cover for nearly 100 sports and activities
• Snow, cruise and adventure cover cost extra
• Dental not included in unlimited medical cover
• No online discounts

Table of Contents

About cover-more travel insurance, what is covered by cover-more, does it cover me for covid, what about pregnancy, what about sports and activities, customer service.

Cover-More Travel Insurance is part of the Zurich Insurance Group, with the Australian Cover More Travel Insurance policies underwritten by Zurich Australian Insurance Limited. Cover-More was established in 1986 in Sydney, and claims to protect more than 15 million travellers per year with its policies.

The company has won numerous industry awards over the years, and its comprehensive policy has received a 3.3 star ranking from 2843 customer reviews on Australia’s leading consumer review site, ProductReview.

Featured Partners

Fast Cover Travel Insurance

On Fast Cover’s Secure Website

Medical cover

Unlimited, 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Cancellations

Unlimited, (Trip Disruption $50,000)

Key Features

25-Day Cooling Off Period, Australian Based Call Centre, 4.6 Star Product Review Rating

Cover-More Travel Insurance

Covid Cover?

Maximum age limit?

99 years old

Lost luggage cover?

Yes, up to $15,000

Southern Cross Travel Insurance

Medical Cover

Including medical treatment, doctors’ visits, prescribed medication, specialist treatment & medical transport costs

$2,500 with option to increase to unlimited

Cover-More’s Comprehensive Travel Insurance policy is available for travellers up to 99 years of age, subject to meeting the acceptance criteria. Dependent children are also automatically included up to 21 years of age, provided they are financially dependent and are not in full time employment–making this policy a good choice for family holidays.

While Cover-More doesn’t state a maximum amount of credit card fraud it will cover in its comprehensive plan, it does say that it will repay the legal liability of illegal use and also provide a replacement. As for personal liability, this is covered up to $2.5 million.

Additionally, missed connecting flights are covered up to $3000, and there is cover for hire car excess up to $5000 as well. Cancellations are also covered, with the amount chosen by the customer upon taking out the policy.

Lost luggage

Yes, the Cover-More Comprehensive Travel Insurance policy includes lost luggage cover up to $15,000. Sub limits apply; however, item limits can be increased when taking out the policy if required.

Cover-More’s Comprehensive Travel Insurance policy comes with unlimited medical cover. This includes COVID-19 (as explained below) and some pre-existing medical conditions.

There are 32 conditions that are automatically covered in Cover-More’s policy, provided they meet certain criteria. These conditions include epilepsy, asthma, coeliac disease and more.

Other medical conditions require an assessment to determine whether cover will be provided, and may incur an additional premium on the policy. Cover-More urges policyholders to disclose all medical conditions upon taking out a policy to ensure the correct level of cover is provided throughout the trip.

Is Dental Cover Included in Medical?

Dental is not included in Cover-More’s unlimited medical cover. However, policyholders are covered for dental costs up to $2,000.

Related: Review of Travel Insurance Saver Insurance

Yes, Cover-More includes Covid-related medical expenses within its unlimited medical cover. There is also cover up to $5,000 for trip cancellations due to Covid, and additional expenses–such as emergency accommodation if required to isolate–are covered up to $2,500.

Related: Are You Covered for Covid?

When it comes to pregnancy, a single-child pregnancy is automatically covered with Cover-More’s comprehensive plan. For multiple babies, or if the pregnancy was IVF-assisted, policyholders must apply for extra cover upon taking out the policy.

The pregnancy cover that Cover-More provides is only up to week 24 of the pregnancy, and only for serious and unexpected complications. Childbirth is not covered.

Cover-More provides its customers with plenty of choice when it comes to cover for sports and activities on their holiday. Automatically included in the travel insurance policy are 96 different activities, which range from windsurfing and swimming with dolphins to paint balling and archery.

Some activities that are automatically included come with extra conditions in order to be covered, such as hiking/trekking only up to 2000 metres, and hot air ballooning as a passenger through an organised activity only.

Cover-More adds that all activities listed within its 96 automatic-inclusions must be undertaken recreationally and in a non-professional capacity, with certain limits and sub-limits applying.

For travellers looking for travel insurance that covers other sports and activities outside of the 96 listed, Cover-More provides optional add-ons at an extra cost. This includes adventure activities, snow packs and cruise cover.

Cover-More offers its customers 24/7 emergency assistance via a dedicated overseas medical and emergency assistance team known as Cover-More Assist. Policyholders can contact Cover-More Assist by calling +61 2 8907 5619 from anywhere in the world.

There is also a general customer service phone line, and a separate claims line. Alternatively, customers can choose to submit claims online via the Cover-More website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there a discount for cover-more travel insurance.

No. At the time of writing, there are currently no online discounts for Cover-More Travel Insurance.

Cover-More does frequently run promotions for its customers (such as the chance to win a $2,000 Visa giftcard or 15% off your policy), with these promotions and deadlines found online at the Cover-More website.

Does Cover-More Travel Insurance cover Covid-19?

Yes, Cover-More’s Comprehensive Travel Insurance policy includes cover for Covid-19. As Cover-More offers unlimited medical cover, COVID-19 related medical needs are included within this.

There is also cover up to $5000 for trip cancellations due to Covid, and additional expenses that incur due to contracting COVID-19 are covered up to $2500.

Is Cover-More Travel Insurance good?

Forbes Advisor compared a wide range of travel insurance policies to find the best choices for Australians. Cover-More Travel Insurance was rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by Forbes Advisor, and also has a 3.3 star ranking from 2,843 customers on independent site, ProductReview.

It is considered a good travel insurance option for Australians, largely due to its unlimited medical cover–which includes Covid coverage–and its many automatically included sports and activities.

Where Can I Find The Cover-More Policy Document?

Cover-More offers a range of different travel insurance policies to Australians, each with differing product disclosure statements (PDS) outlining their inclusions and limitations. The comprehensive plus policy’s PDS can be found here , while the standard comprehensive offering’s policy document can be found here .

For all PDS’ from Cover-More, including its domestic travel insurance offering , you can find them online on the Cover-More website .

Who underwrites Cover-More Travel Insurance?

Cover-More travel insurance is underwritten by Zurich Australian Insurance Limited.

How do I contact Cover-More Travel Insurance?

For general enquiries, Australians can contact Cover-More Travel Insurance by calling 1300 72 88 22.

For policy holders requiring emergency assistance, you can call Cover-More Assist 24/7 from any country on +612 8907 5619.

To make a claim over the phone, policyholders should call 1300 36 26 44.

Complaints can be made via the general enquiries line, by submitting a form online , or emailing [email protected].

Does Cover-More offer domestic travel insurance?

Yes. Along with Cover-More’s comprehensive offering, as reviewed above, the travel insurance provider also provides plans for those travelling domestically.

Cover-More’s domestic plan made it onto Forbes Advisor Australia’s list for our pick of the Best Domestic Travel Insurance , scoring 4 stars out of 5.

From our review, we found that the Cover-More Domestic policy is available for all ages up to 99 years, subject to acceptance criteria such as pre-existing medical conditions. Delays are covered up to $1000, missed connections are also covered up to the value of $2000, and the value of cancellation cover is chosen by the customer.

Sophie Venz is an experienced editor and features reporter, and has previously worked in the small business and start-up reporting space. Previously the Associate Editor of SmartCompany site, Sophie has worked closely with finance experts and columnists around Australia and internationally. Sophie grew up on the Gold Coast and now lives in Melbourne.

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CoverMore Travel Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

Written and researched by Michael Kays (Travel Insurance Expert) | Fact Checked by Danya Kristen (Insurance Agent).

Planning a trip involves more than just booking flights and accommodations. Ensuring you’re covered for unforeseen circumstances through a solid travel insurance plan is crucial too.

One provider that’s become a go-to for many travelers is CoverMore. If you’re considering purchasing a policy from them, this comprehensive guide to CoverMore Travel Insurance is here to aid your decision.

In this article...

Who is CoverMore?

CoverMore is an Australian-based travel insurance provider that’s been operating since 1986.

Its experience, customer-centric approach, and extensive range of insurance products have earned CoverMore a place among the top travel insurance providers globally.

They serve millions of customers each year, providing coverage for everything from trip cancellation to medical emergencies.

Recommended Plans

✅  Atlas America

Up to $2,000,000 of Overall Maximum Coverage, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Medical coverage for eligible expenses related to COVID-19, Trip Interruption & Travel Delay.

✅  Safe Travels Comprehensive

Coverage for in-patient and out-patient medical accidents up to $1 Million, Coverage of acute episodes of pre-existing conditions, Coverage from 5 days to 364 days (about 12 months).

✅  Patriot America Platinum

Up to $8,000,000 limits, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Coinsurance for treatment received in the U.S. (100% within PPO Network), Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions covered.

What Does CoverMore Travel Insurance Cover?

CoverMore provides a broad spectrum of coverage to cater to various traveler needs. Let’s look at the primary aspects their policies cover:

• Medical and Dental Expenses: CoverMore provides comprehensive medical and dental coverage, which includes hospital stays, surgical procedures, outpatient treatment, and emergency dental expenses.
• Amendments or Cancellation Costs: If you have to amend your travel plans or cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances, CoverMore offers coverage to minimize your financial loss.
• Luggage and Travel Documents: CoverMore provides coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and personal effects. This also extends to travel documents, including passports and credit cards.
• Delayed Luggage Allowance: If your luggage is delayed by a transport provider, CoverMore provides an allowance for you to purchase essential clothing and toiletries.
• Rental Car Insurance Excess: If you plan to rent a car during your travels, CoverMore’s coverage includes rental car insurance excess.
• Resumption of Journey: If you must return home due to an unexpected event, CoverMore will cover the cost of resuming your journey.
• Hospital Incidentals: If you’re hospitalized while traveling, CoverMore provides a daily allowance to cover incidental expenses.
• Personal Liability: CoverMore provides coverage in case you become legally liable for injuring another person or damaging their property.

Why Choose CoverMore Travel Insurance?

When evaluating travel insurance options, it’s natural to wonder why you should opt for CoverMore. Here are some reasons:

• Global Assistance: CoverMore operates its own global assistance network, ensuring round-the-clock access to medical and travel specialists wherever you are in the world.
• Flexible Policies: With CoverMore, you can choose from various policy options, allowing you to find one that best suits your travel needs and budget.
• High Medical Coverage Limits: CoverMore offers high coverage limits for medical and dental expenses, which is particularly beneficial for travel to countries where healthcare costs are high.
• Wide Range of Pre-existing Medical Conditions: CoverMore considers cover for a wide range of pre-existing medical conditions, making it a preferred choice for many travelers.

CoverMore Travel Insurance: Customer Reviews

Customer reviews offer invaluable insights when you’re considering a product or service. With an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 on Product Review, CoverMore is generally well-received by its customers.

Customers frequently praise the company for its efficient claims process, helpful customer service, and comprehensive coverage . However, some customers have noted that the cost of CoverMore’s policies can be higher than some competitors.

As always, it’s essential to read policy documents carefully and ensure you fully understand what’s covered before purchasing a travel insurance policy.

CoverMore Travel Insurance vs. Other Providers

As with any service, it’s beneficial to compare CoverMore with other travel insurance providers before making a decision.

While CoverMore shines in its comprehensive coverage and high medical limits, its prices can be higher than other providers. If cost is a primary concern for you, it might be worth exploring other options.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for robust coverage and don’t mind paying a bit extra for the peace of mind, CoverMore could be an excellent choice. The decision ultimately depends on your personal needs, travel plans, and budget.

This guide has aimed to shed light on CoverMore Travel Insurance, helping you make an informed decision about whether it’s the right choice for you.

Remember, the best travel insurance policy is one that offers the coverage you need at a price you’re comfortable with.

Happy and safe travels!

FAQs about CoverMore Travel Insurance

Does CoverMore cover COVID-19 related claims? Yes, CoverMore offers coverage for COVID-19 related claims under certain conditions. Be sure to check their policy details for the latest information.

Can I get a CoverMore policy if I have a pre-existing medical condition? Yes, CoverMore considers cover for a wide range of pre-existing medical conditions. However, you must declare all conditions during the application process.

What should I do if I need to make a claim with CoverMore? If you need to make a claim, you should contact CoverMore’s claims department as soon as possible. Remember to keep all relevant documentation, as you’ll need it to support your claim.

Can I get coverage from CoverMore if I’m traveling to multiple countries? Yes, CoverMore offers travel insurance for single and multiple destinations. You’ll need to list all countries you plan to visit when applying for a policy.

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Drinking alcohol could void your travel insurance policy should you need to make a claim. Here's why

Bottoms up? Maybe not.

Part of the appeal of a holiday is to let your hair down, explore a new city, and maybe enjoy a couple of drinks by the pool.

And while you're certainly allowed to have a drink on holiday, what many people don't know is that alcohol consumption can invalidate your travel insurance policy should you need to make a claim.

This means that if you're intoxicated, slip and break your arm while on a trip overseas, your travel insurance company likely won't approve your claim nor cover your medical expenses.

West Australian police officer Ella Cutler, 25, was denied cover by her travel insurer after she suffered critical injuries from a 10-metre fall in Croatia. It was reported alcohol was present in her system at the time of the accident.

The question whether you're covered for alcohol comes down to how each insurer interprets its own exclusions.

So, here's what you need to know before you jet off on your overseas trip.

Why are alcohol-fuelled accidents not covered?

Choice's travel expert Jodi Bird said insurance may not be the safety net people expect it to be.

"Travel insurance covers you for unforeseen events, but insurers rely to an extent on your own ability to foresee events and take evasive action," Mr Bird said.

"If you've had a few too many drinks, your ability to foresee events is blurred.

"So there's a much higher risk of something going wrong, and if an event has too high a risk of actually occurring, then insurers don't want to cover it."

How can I find out if my insurer covers alcohol-related claims?

Read the fine print.

The fine print of a travel insurance policy is known as the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) .

The PDS lays out the terms and conditions of your policy, including what you're covered for (inclusions) and what you're not (exclusions). Here is where you'll find the exclusion that relates to the consumption of liquor and drugs.

Generally, most travel insurance policies will have an exclusion that reads along the lines of:

We will not pay for claims arising directly or indirectly from you while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, unless prescribed by a medical practitioner.

If you're looking to locate the exact section in the PDS that mentions alcohol, you can use the Ctrl-F keys to search the document.

"If you're searching your PDS for the alcohol exclusions, it's worth checking the full list of general exclusions while you're there. It's a sobering read," Mr Bird said.

How does an insurer know if you were under the influence?

Insurers will look at police and medical records, and hotel reports, to determine whether the intentional consumption of alcohol caused the accident.

Your social media account may also come back to bite you as insurance investigators could use these sites to verify your claim.

Mr Bird says your policy may include a clause that obliges you to agree to a blood alcohol or breath analysis.

"So if the insurer suspects you've had some drinks they may get you to take a test before they agree to cover your claim," he said.

"Alternatively, we've seen insurers get their hands on the bar bill where you've been drinking, and come up with their own estimate of your blood alcohol content based on how much you've had and how much you weigh."

Todd Nelson, the CEO of insurer Cover-More, said his company would undertake extensive enquiries before making a decision on any claim where alcohol may be a factor.

"This may involve obtaining an independent report from a specialist toxicologist as to the potential amount of alcohol consumed and the impact this could have had in contributing to the incident," Mr Nelson said.

He also noted they could look at securing:

• The report of a medical practitioner or forensic expert
• The witness report of a third party
• A person's own admission
• The description of events described to them by the policyholder or the treating medical professional (e.g. paramedic, nurse, or doctor) as documented in their records

How much is too much?

It all comes down to the insurer you're with and what they deem an indirect or direct claim arising from alcohol consumption.

While some travel insurance policies are quite vague when it comes to this, there are a few that specifically refer to an individual's blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

Cover-More, NRMA, and Budget Direct all state the following in their exclusions sections:

Claims involving, arising from or related to Your impairment due to You drinking too much alcohol: which is evidenced by the results of a blood test which show that your blood alcohol concentration level is 0.19% or above.

This is almost four times above the legal driving BAC limit range in Australia, which is 0.05%.

"Many travel insurers will just exclude cover for claims that arise from you 'being under the influence of alcohol'," Mr Bird said.

"That's a grey line, but it generally comes into play at the point where the event that caused your claim wouldn't have occurred if it weren't for you being drunk."

Can your claim be voided if drugs are detected?

The PDS will likely state that your insurer won't pay out for any claim related to drug use (even if it's legal at your destination), unless the drugs were prescribed by a medical professional and taken in accordance.

"Policies have a general exclusion relating to substance abuse, including drug abuse (whether over the counter, prescription or otherwise) or ingestion of any non-prescription drug or substance such as marijuana, ecstasy, and heroin," Mr Nelson said.

What are other common exclusions from travel insurance policies?

Along with alcohol and drug use, there are some other common circumstances where you won't be covered by your travel insurance policy.

These include, but are not limited to:

• Visiting a country or region to which Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has applied a 'Do Not Travel' advisory
• Leaving possessions unattended in a public place
• Claiming against an unapproved medical condition
• Participating in high-risk sports and activities without the proper level of cover
• Hopping on a motorcycle or moped without a helmet, valid licence, or the appropriate cover
• Breaking laws in the country of travel

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Alcohol and travel insurance: The catch Aussies need to know about

Most policies include alcohol exclusions, but you’ll need to read the fine print to find out how much is too much when it comes to alcohol and travel insurance..

In this guide

Do any insurers cover alcohol-related claims?

Compare your travel insurance quotes, how does an insurer know if you were under the influence, methanol poisoning and travel insurance, how does travel insurance work when it comes to drug use, booze bust: why alcohol and travel insurance don't mix.

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While letting your hair down on holidays and having a drink is common, most travel insurance policies have an exclusion along the lines of:

We will not pay for claims arising directly or indirectly from any conduct engaged in by you whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, unless prescribed by a doctor and taken in accordance with the doctor’s advice.

All travel insurance policies include a general exclusion that rejects claims if alcohol was the root cause of the incident. The reasons for this are two-fold: to encourage you to be mindful of how much you're drinking, and to limit the risk for the insurer.

The question of whether you're covered for drinking alcohol really comes down to how each insurance brand interprets its own exclusions.

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Unless you're drug-tested or breathalysed, an insurer can't know for certain how much you had to drink.

Generally, it comes down to whether alcohol contributed or caused the incident, rather than simply whether alcohol was involved.

Some use the yardstick that applies to all aspects of insurance: "Was the incident unexpected?" This simply means: would a reasonable person expect their actions, in this case drinking too much, to lead to an incident that could have a negative outcome such as a claimable event e.g getting injured? If the answer if yes, then the incident was not unexpected and you wouldn't be covered.

Some insurer-specific examples

The following examples show how three separate insurance brands deal with claims involving alcohol:

• Southern Cross Travel Insurance. Some insurers won't cover you if the alcohol involves you putting yourself in danger. For exampSCTI says it won't cover you if you put yourself in danger , which includes "you being under the influence of alcohol, solvents, or drugs — including your conduct while under their influence".
• Cover-More. Some insurers mention blood alcohol limits. Cover-More says it won't cover claims "involving, arising from or related to your impairment due to you drinking too much alcohol: which is evidenced by the results of a blood test which show that your blood alcohol concentration level is 0.19% or above ." This is 4 times aboves the legal driving limit. It can also refuse alcohol-related claims based on a medical practitioner's report, third party witness or other documented piece of evidence.
• Fast Cover Some insurers don't leave much room for interpretation. Fast cover says it won't cover you "If you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol." It doesn't outline how it can make this determination.

Insurers tend to look at methanol related claims on a case-by-case basis. However, most travel insurance policies contain a blanket drugs and alcohol exclusion and it is up to the individual insurer to interpret this.

What is methanol poisoning?

Methanol poisoning occurs when someone consumes homemade alcohol containing methanol, a pure form of alcohol similar to ethanol. Not normally present in commercially produced spirits, methanol is converted by the body into a toxin called formic acid. This can build up in the blood and cause kidney failure, heart problems, liver damage, blindness, nerve and brain damage and ultimately death.

Where can methanol poisoning happen?

Methanol poisoning can happen anywhere, but travellers to South Eastasian holiday destinations such as Bali and Thailand are considered most at risk. This is due to widespread home brewing of spirits and substitution of drinks by disreputable bar owners. Authorities warn that the best way to guard against methanol poisoning is to be wary of offers of free or discounted drinks and not to drink anything unless it comes from a sealed bottle or can.

How is methanol poisoning treated?

If you suspect that you've unknowingly drank methanol, you'll need to seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Medical professionals usually administer ethanol or fomepizole, both of which will prevent formic acid building up in the body.

Insurers won't pay out for any claim related to drug use unless your drugs were prescribed by a medical professional.

An example . If you smoked marijuana in Thailand, hopped behind the wheel of your hire car and were then involved in an accident, your travel insurer would not provide any cover for your medical expenses, legal liability or rental vehicle insurance excess costs.

The drug use exclusion can even apply to people who aren't travelling with you. If you are forced to cut your trip short and return home following the serious illness or death of a relative as a result of drug use, your insurer may not provide any cover for cancellation or curtailment costs.

Enjoying a drink is a normal part of any vacation. However, if you want to be covered by your travel insurance, you should understand the fine print in your policy.

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Gary Ross Hunter

Gary Ross Hunter is an editor at Finder, specialising in insurance. He’s been writing about life, travel, home, car, pet and health insurance for over 6 years and regularly appears as an insurance expert in publications including The Sydney Morning Herald, The Guardian and news.com.au. Gary holds a Kaplan Tier 2 General Advice General Insurance certification which meets the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146).

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Travel Insurance You Can Trust

What country are you going to?

Select the Area of travel in which you will spend most time. NOTE: If you are spending more than 20% of your trip time in the Americas Area, it is compulsory to select a destination in the Americas Area for your policy.

If you are quoting a multi-trip policy please select “see region list” and select a destination in the appropriate region. For example United States for Worldwide cover or Spain for European cover.

When are you going?

Please select the departure and return dates for your trip.

For multi-trip policies the departure date will mark the start of your cover and it will automatically run for a year from that date.

Who is travelling?

Simply enter the age of each traveller including Adults and Accompanied Children*. Enter the age they are now.

Only use as many boxes as you have travellers.

*As per the Policy Wording: "Accompanied Children" means Your children or grandchildren plus one non-related child per adult policyholder who are identified on the Certificate of Insurance and travelling with You on the Journey, provided they are not in full-time employment and they are under the age of 21 years at the Relevant Time. If an Accompanied Child is in full time employment then they will need to purchase their own policy.

If you require a policy for more than 6 travellers, please contact Cover-More on (0800) 500 225 as we may still be able to offer cover to you.

Travel Insurance FAQs

Get answers to your questions about our cover.

We've compiled the most frequently asked questions from our customers here to help you understand travel insurance and its benefits and select the right level of cover for your needs. You'll also find answers about how make a claim, as well as how the claims process works.

Cover questions

There are many things to look out for when choosing a travel insurance provider and although it may appear that some policies are extremely similar, quality cover is more than just high policy limits. Make sure you  compare plans  by looking into the sub limits and cover conditions that apply, and by carefully reading the policy exclusions.    

• With Cover-More, our policies don’t just cover your luggage, they can also provide cover for the costs of you having to unexpectedly cancel or amend your trip, accommodation and medical costs should you become ill or get injured, experience a travel delay, have your luggage lost or stolen, and much more.
• When you compare travel insurance policies, ensure you look closely at what cover you’ll have for major world disasters. You will soon discover that we can cover what many others don't—including medical costs for injuries resulting from terrorism attacks, civil unrest, strikes, natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, redundancy, working holidays, and emergency dental.
• Most importantly, you will have access to our 24-hour emergency assistance team so help is just a phone call away 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.

Please read the  Policy Wording  for full details of the cover provided.

In most cases, yes. We may be able to cover you for up to 12 months with either our  Options or Essentials Plans. Please contact your travel agent or broker, or our Customer Service Department for more information.

Yes, if you meet the following criteria:

• You are up to 74 years of age at the time of policy issue
• You are a New Zealand resident
• You are travelling mainly for business purposes and for a New Zealand company

Please see the Policy Wording for full details. You may find that an  Annual Multi-Trip policy  may suit you if you do not fit these criteria.

In most cases yes, we can. Our Cover-More Travel Insurance policies allow you to stay away for a maximum of 24 months (under two 12-month policies). There are tighter restrictions on durations for some destinations and age groups. In particular, if you are travelling to the Americas or Africa, we can only offer cover up to 18 months. We also do not provide cover for existing medical conditions (EMCs) on the second 12-month policy (only the first 12-month policy).

Please contact your travel agent or broker, or our Customer Service Department for more details.

There is provision to claim for the purchase of essential items of clothing and toiletries if your entire luggage is delayed for more than 12 hours by a Transport Provider during your journey.

The benefit limits for delayed luggage cover are:

• up to $1,500 on our International Options Plan with an item limit of $500, plus up to $100 for transport to retrieve your luggage
• up to $600 on our International Essentials Plan with an item limit of $500, plus up to $100 for transport to retrieve your luggage
• up to $1,500 on our Business Plan with an item limit of $500, plus up to $100 for transport to retrieve your luggage

For more information on what items are covered – and what you need to do in the event your luggage is delayed – please read the Policy Wording .

Note: there is no cover for delayed luggage on our Domestic and Domestic Cancellation Options Plans.

We automatically cover your children and grandchildren plus one (1) non-related child per adult traveller provided they are all dependent (not in full-time employment) and under 21 years. This applies to all our Essentials, Options, and Business Plans with the exception of our Domestic Cancellation Options Plan, which provides cover on a per person base only.

Our Cover-More Travel Insurance policies offer cover for snow skiing and snowboarding provided you pay an additional premium. However, you will NOT be covered if you are racing, off-piste or participating in a professional capacity even if you pay the additional premium.  Get more details about ski travel insurance .

We cover many different types of sporting activities as long as the activity is not in a professional capacity and not listed in the "We Will Not Under Any Section Pay For" section of the policy wording. We cannot provide cover for participation in any races other than on foot (i.e. walking or running).

Certainly. On some plans, you may add extra cover for valuables at the time of purchase, or any time before your departure. Check your Policy Wording  for limits. Please note you will need to provide us with a valuation and the purchase receipt for the items if you need to claim on an item.

Claims questions

Save time and submit your claim online . Alternatively, you may download and complete this Claim Form and send it to us. When filling out the form, take care to provide as much detail as possible regarding the event you are claiming. For more information, see our step-by-step guide to making a claim .

We aim to respond to all claims within 10 working days. If we require information or documents that were not supplied when the claim was submitted, we will be in touch. In these cases, the turnaround time may be greater than 10 working days.

Check the status of your claim online .

You may only use the same travel insurance policy if your travel dates have not changed. Otherwise, you may need to purchase another policy for your new travel dates. Please check with your travel agent or broker, or call our Customer Service Department on (0800) 500 225 for details.

You should provide as much supporting evidence as you can. To avoid unnecessary delays, please read the instructions carefully on the claim form and gather all documents listed in the checklist on the back of the form before submitting your claim. When sending receipts or documentation we require originals, so it's a good idea to make copies before you submit your claim.

Submit your claim online . Alternatively, you may download and complete this  claim form and send it to us within 60 days of the completion of your journey.

Medical questions

There is provision for Emergency Dental Treatment overseas; however, there is no provision for dental treatment caused by or related to the deterioration and/or decay of teeth or associated tissue, or involving the use of precious metals. Claims related to routine or cosmetic dental treatment or surgery during your trip are not covered (even if your existing medical condition has been approved).

Yes! All Cover-More Travel Insurance policies automatically cover some  existing medical conditions . (Please see the applicable  Policy Wording for details.) If your condition/s aren’t automatically included – or if your conditions don’t comply with the conditions - you may need to pay an extra premium for cover to apply. To find out, simply fill out the online medical assessment when getting a quote.

Under no circumstances is cover available for:

• conditions resulting from drug or alcohol use or being drug or alcohol dependent;
• travel booked or undertaken against the advice of any medical practitioner;
• routine or cosmetic medical or dental treatment or surgery during the Journey, even if Your Existing Medical Condition has been approved;
• conditions for which You are travelling to seek advice, treatment, or review or to participate in a clinical trial.

Our Cover-More Travel Insurance policies can provide limited  cover for pregnancy up to 24 weeks, but the following conditions apply:

If you are aware of your pregnancy at the time of issue of the policy, you will need to apply for cover via our online medical assessment when generating a quote if:

• there have been complications with this or any previous pregnancy; 
• the conception was medically assisted (e.g. using assisted fertility treatment including hormone therapies or IVF); or
• you are having a multiple pregnancy (e.g. twins or triplets).

Please be aware that:

• No cover is provided for standard check-ups or scans.
• No cover exists where unexpected serious complications of your pregnancy occur after the 23rd week of pregnancy.
• No cover is provided for childbirth.
• No cover is provided for costs relating to the health or care of a newborn child, regardless of the stage of pregnancy at which the child is born.

Cover cannot be provided for childbirth or the health of a newborn child, regardless of the stage of pregnancy at which the child is born.

Our travel insurance does not automatically cover all existing conditions. To apply for cover, once you have gone through the quoting process you will come to the "Existing Medical Condition Pre-Assessment Questions". Simply answer the questions and we will be able to advise you if we can cover your pre-existing medical condition with an additional premium. If you need assistance with this or you are unsure if you have a pre-existing medical condition, please contact us.

These are some of the existing medical conditions that are automatically covered subject to policy requirements, for more information please visit our  existing medical  page.

• Bell's palsy
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Cataracts/glaucoma
• Coeliac disease
• Congenital blindness
• Congenital deafness
• Glucose intolerance
• Ear grommets
• Gastric reflux
• Gastric ulcer
• Graves’ Disease
• Hiatus Hernia
• Hip/knee/shoulder replacement
• Hip resurfacing
• Hypercholesterolaemia (high cholesterol)
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Peptic ulcer
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Raynaud's disease
• Skin cancer
• Stenosing tenosynovitis (Trigger Finger)
• Urinary incontinence
• Underactive/overactive thyroid

Tips and links

As long as you use common sense and good judgment--such as staying aware of your surroundings and avoiding risky situations--you are likely to have a safe trip. Here are a few resources you can consult to address particular safety concerns:

• Safe Travel :  This is the official source of advice of the New Zealand Government for New Zealanders travelling or living overseas.
• Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand : This site provides a detailed section on advice for air travellers, passenger safety, and aviation in New Zealand etc.
• World Health Organisation : The WHO's site gives health-specific information which is sorted by countries and health topics.

You can register your travel plans at Safe Travel  so you can be contacted and assisted in an emergency if needed. This is incredibly important as, in the past, some New Zealanders who were thought to be in an area affected by a cyclone, major earthquake or bomb blast overseas because they registered their travel contact details were accounted for first.  Register here .

Safe Travel lists travel advisories by destination, region and risk level. If you have any questions or concerns about your destination before or during your trip, please contact us at (0800) 500 225.

• Safe Travel's Health and Travel section offers expert travel health advice, information about vaccination and malaria and current health alerts for overseas travel. It also provides advice on medications you may be taking with you on your journey.
• World Health Organisation's website gives health-specific information which is sorted by countries and health topics.  

The website of MAF Biosecurity New Zealand provides a detailed list of the items you may bring into New Zealand, as well as which items you must declare.

Please wait, generating your policy.

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Travel Insurance That Covers Alcohol-Related Accidents

Find out what you can be covered for under your travel insurance by comparing offers here.

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In most cases, being on holiday overseas or interstate is the perfect time to let your hair down and enjoy a couple of drinks, whether it’s a glass of wine or two over dinner or cocktails by the resort’s pool. However, it’s important to know what you can and can’t be covered for when it comes to alcohol-related accidents away from home.

Fortunately, comparing travel insurance policies is made simpler with Savvy. You can take the guesswork out of locking in the most suitable insurance for your situation by completing the comparison process with us and considering offers from some of Australia’s top insurers right here. Find out whether you can be covered for alcohol-related incidents here.

Does travel insurance cover alcohol-related accidents?

In most cases, no – travel insurance companies will generally enforce a blanket exclusion to incidents being claimed for which are caused by alcohol. This means that if you’re heavily intoxicated, stumble and break your arm whilst on a trip in Azerbaijan to visit family, your travel insurance company likely won’t approve your claim and cover your medical costs. The same applies if you’re away at Schoolies and lose your phone and wallet after a night of partying.

Not every insurer will enforce these rules in the same way, though, meaning you may find that some can afford more lenience if you consume alcohol before your accident. For this reason, it’s highly valuable to familiarise yourself with different policies and Product Disclosure Statements (PDS) so you can avoid any rude surprises if you go to make a claim.

Does this mean I won’t be able to make a travel insurance claim if I consumed alcohol before an accident?

No – while the alcohol exclusion still applies, it’s important to know that it isn’t necessarily a case of black and white when it comes to alcohol-related incidents. Providers will assess incidents and claims on a case-by-case basis, meaning that if you were deemed to have taken sufficient care and that your insurer determines that your alcohol consumption was immaterial to your injury, your claim may be accepted. As such, the blanket alcohol exclusion isn’t as definitive as it might seem.

Different companies will have different approaches when it comes to covering alcohol-related incidents under travel insurance policies , so whether you’re covered will largely depend on who you choose to purchase insurance with. For example, while some providers may determine whether an event is expected or unexpected from a person in an inebriated state, others will look more closely at whether the incident would have occurred at all had you consumed alcohol and the extent to which it contributed to the incident.

You may find that, in some cases, your claim is neither denied nor fully accepted. If alcohol is deemed to have played a role in your incident, you may instead only be partially covered by your insurer, meaning you’d be required to pay a more significant portion out of pocket beyond your excess alone. As such, the travel insurance comparison process is crucial, particularly regarding areas of coverage, which you can complete right here with Savvy to help find the best travel insurance for your needs.

What can I be covered for under my travel insurance policy?

While you may not be covered for an alcohol-related incident under your insurance policy, it’s important to know what it can cover you for . These areas will be covered by standard comprehensive travel insurance policies:

• Overseas medical cover: if you’re injured or fall ill without any influence of alcohol, you can be covered for the expenses incurred by treatment in a medical facility abroad. This cover is offered without limit, meaning there won’t be a cap on the amount you can claim for as long as you pay the required excess.
• Overseas emergency transportation and evacuation: being transported to the hospital is an often-essential step in the treatment process, but this doesn’t mean it’s cheap. This can range from an ambulance to a helicopter and also includes cover for evacuation from remote areas . If your condition is serious, your policy can also cover your evacuation and repatriation to Australia.
• Loss or theft of, or damage to, personal items: should you misplace a valuable personal effect, have it stolen or damaged whilst on holiday, you can generally be reimbursed up to a set limit (depending on the item) to have it fixed or replaced. However, alcohol could spell the end of your chances to claim.
• Cancellations: life doesn’t always go according to plan, so if you’re required to cancel part or all of your trip, you can be covered for any cancellation fees charged or refunds not granted by your travel insurance policy. Being injured or falling ill as a result of alcohol consumption before your trip won’t be covered, however.
• Personal liability: while you can be covered for up to $5 million for any legal trouble you may find yourself in if you’re considered liable for injury to another person or damage to their property, being under the influence will likely result in your cover being limited or voided.
• Hire car excess: hire car excess protection isn’t always automatically included in your policy, as you may have to pay extra to include it, but can offer between $5,000 and $10,000 worth of cover.

More questions about travel insurance and alcohol-related accidents

They can – however, it’ll depend on the insurer and the situation. For example, if a family member is hospitalised suffering from alcohol poisoning while you’re on holiday in Africa and you decide to return home early, not all insurers will cover the cost of cancelling your trip. That’s why it’s crucial to read through the PDS before you purchase your policy, as you’ll want to be as clear as possible on what is and isn’t covered.

Again, this will depend on the incident being claimed for and the extent to which your alcohol consumption affected you. If your drink is spiked and you require medical treatment, showing to your insurer that a crime committed against you caused the event, rather than just drinking too much, will maximise your chances of having your claim signed off on. This may involve supplying police reports or blood or urine samples proving that you were spiked. In any event, though, it’s crucial to always take care to avoid spiking, such as not leaving your drink unattended and buying your own.

Yes – in the same way that alcohol exclusions apply, drug use will also void most claims in which it’s a factor. The exception to this exclusion is if the drugs consumed were prescribed to you by a medical professional.

Not always – whether you’re breathalysed or have to take a test to determine your blood alcohol reading will depend on the nature of the incident you’ve experienced and where you are in the world. For example, if you’re involved in a car accident, you’re more likely to be breathalysed than if you tripped climbing the stairs at your hotel and sprained your wrist.

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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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Travel Insurance

Cheapest travel insurance of April 2024

Mandy Sleight

Heidi Gollub

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 9:52 a.m. UTC April 11, 2024

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Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy .

WorldTrips is the best cheap travel insurance company of 2024 based on our in-depth analysis of the cheapest travel insurance plans. Its Atlas Journey Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier plans offer affordable travel insurance with high limits for emergency medical and evacuation benefits bundled with good coverage for trip delays, travel inconvenience and missed connections.

Cheapest travel insurance of 2024

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our team of travel insurance experts analyzes hundreds of insurance products and thousands of data points to help you find the best travel insurance for your next trip. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content . You can read more about our methodology below.

• 1,855 coverage details evaluated.
• 567 rates reviewed.
• 5 levels of fact-checking.

Best cheap travel insurance

Top-scoring plans

Average cost, medical limit per person, medical evacuation limit per person, why it’s the best.

WorldTrips tops our rating of the cheapest travel insurance with two plans:

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheaper travel insurance plan of the two, with $100,000 per person in emergency medical benefits as secondary coverage and an optional upgrade to primary coverage. It’s also our pick for the best travel insurance for cruises .
• Atlas Journey Premier costs a little more but gives you $150,000 in travel medical insurance with primary coverage . This is a good option if health insurance for international travel is a priority.

Pros and cons

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheapest of our 5-star travel insurance plans.
• Atlas Journey Premier offers $150,000 in primary medical coverage.
• Both plans have top-notch $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Each plan offers travel inconvenience coverage of $750 per person.
• 12 optional upgrades, including destination wedding and rental car damage and theft.
• No non-medical evacuation coverage.

Cheap travel insurance for cruises

Travel insured.

Top-scoring plan

Travel Insured offers cheap travel insurance for cruises and its Worldwide Trip Protector plan gets 4 stars in our rating of the best cruise travel insurance .

• Worldwide Trip Protector offers $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage per person and a rare $150,000 in non-medical evacuation per person. It also has primary coverage for travel medical insurance benefits, which means you won’t have to file medical claims with your health insurance first.
• Cheap trip insurance for cruises.
• Offers a rare $150,000 for non-medical evacuation.
• $500 per person baggage delay benefit only requires a 3-hour delay.
• Optional rental car damage benefit up to $50,000.
• Missed connection benefit of $500 per person only available for cruises and tours.

Best cheap travel insurance for families

Travelex has the best cheap travel insurance for families because kids age 17 are covered by your policy for free when they’re traveling with you.

• Free coverage for children 17 and under on the same policy.
• $2,000 travel delay coverage per person ($250 per day) after 5 hours.
• Hurricane and weather coverage after a common carrier delay of any amount of time.
• Only $50,000 per person emergency medical coverage.
• Baggage delay coverage is only $200 and requires a 12-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for seniors

Evacuation limit per person

Nationwide has the best cheap travel insurance for seniors — its Prime plan gets 4 stars in our best senior travel insurance rating. However, Nationwide’s Cruise Choice plan ranks higher in our best cheap travel insurance rating.

• Cruise Choice has a $500 per person benefit if a cruise itinerary change causes you to miss a prepaid excursion. It also has a missed connections benefit of $1,500 per person after only a 3-hour delay, for cruises or tours. But note that this coverage is secondary coverage to any compensation provided by a common carrier.
• Coverage for cruise itinerary changes, ship-based mechanical breakdowns and covered shipboard service disruptions.
• Non-medical evacuation benefit of $25,000 per person.
• Baggage loss benefits of $2,500 per person.
• Travel medical coverage is secondary.
• Trip cancellation benefit for losing your job requires three years of continuous employment.
• No “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) upgrade available.
• Missed connection coverage of $1,500 per person is only for tours and cruises, after a 3-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for add-on options

AIG offers the best cheap travel insurance for add-on options because the Travel Guard Preferred plan allows you to customize your policy with a host of optional upgrades.

• Travel Guard Preferred upgrades include “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , rental vehicle damage coverage and bundles that offer additional benefits for adventure sports, travel inconvenience, quarantine, pets, security and weddings. There’s also a medical bundle that increases the travel medical benefit to $100,000 and emergency evacuation to $1 million.
• Bundle upgrades allow you to customize your affordable travel insurance policy.
• Emergency medical and evacuation limits can be doubled with optional upgrade.
• Base travel insurance policy has relatively low medical limits.
• $300 baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour delay.
• Optional CFAR upgrade only reimburses up to 50% of trip cost.

Best cheap travel insurance for missed connections

TravelSafe has the best cheap travel insurance for missed connections because coverage is not limited to cruises and tours, as it is with many policies.

• Best-in-class $2,500 per person in missed connection coverage.
• $1 million per person in medical evacuation and $25,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• Generous $2,500 per person baggage and personal items loss benefit.
• Most expensive of the best cheap travel insurance plans.
• No “interruption for any reason” coverage available.
• Weak baggage delay coverage of $250 per person after 12 hours.

Cheapest travel insurance comparison

How much does the cheapest travel insurance cost?

The cheapest travel insurance in our rating is $334. This is for a WorldTrips Atlas Journey Preferred travel insurance plan, based on the average of seven quotes for travelers of various ages to international destinations with a range of trip values.  

Factors that determine travel insurance cost

There are several factors that determine the cost of travel insurance, including:

• Age and number of travelers being insured.
• Trip length.
• Total trip cost.
• The travel insurance plan you choose.
• The travel insurance company.
• Any add-ons, features or upgraded benefits you include in the travel insurance plan.

Expert tip: “In general, travelers can expect to pay anywhere from 4% to 10% of their total prepaid, non-refundable trip costs,” said Suzanne Morrow, CEO of InsureMyTrip.

Is buying the cheapest travel insurance a good idea?

Choosing cheaper travel insurance without paying attention to what a plan covers and excludes could leave you underinsured for your trip. Comparing travel insurance plans side-by-side can help ensure you get enough coverage to protect yourself financially in an emergency for the best price. 

For example, compare these two Travelex travel insurance plans:

• Travel Basic is cheaper but it only provides up to $15,000 for emergency medical expense coverage. You’ll also have to pay extra for coverage for children.
• Travel Select will cost you a bit more but it covers up to $50,000 in medical expenses and includes coverage for kids aged 17 and younger traveling with you. It also offers upgrades such additional medical coverage, “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage and an adventure sports rider that may be a good fit for your trip.

Reasons to consider paying more for travel insurance 

Make sure you understand what you’re giving up if you buy the cheapest travel insurance. Here are a few reasons you may consider paying a little extra for better coverage. 

• Emergency medical. The best travel medical insurance offers primary coverage for emergency medical benefits. Travel insurance with primary coverage can cost more than secondary coverage but will save you from having to file a claim with your health insurance company before filing a travel insurance claim.
• Emergency evacuation. If you’re traveling to a remote location or planning a boat excursion on your trip, look at travel insurance with a high medical evacuation insurance limit. If you are injured while traveling, transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility could cost in the tens to hundreds of thousands. It may make sense to pay more for travel insurance with robust emergency evacuation coverage. 
• Flexibility. To maximize your trip flexibility, you might consider upgrading your travel insurance to “ cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage . This will increase the cost of your travel insurance but allow you to cancel your trip for any reason — not just those listed in your policy. The catch is that you’ll need to cancel at least 48 hours before your trip and will only be reimbursed 50% or 75% of your trip expenses, depending on the plan. 
• Upgrades. Many travel insurance plans have optional extras like car rental collision and adventure sports (which may otherwise be excluded from coverage). These will cost you extra but may give you the coverage you need. 

How to find the cheapest travel insurance

The best way to find the cheapest travel insurance is to determine what you’re looking for in a travel insurance policy and compare plans that meet your needs.

 “Travel insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every trip is different, and every traveler has different needs, wants and concerns. This is why comparison is key,” said Morrow.

Consider the following factors when comparing cheap travel insurance plans.

• How often you’re traveling. A single-trip policy may be the most cost-effective if you’re only going on a single trip this year. But a multi-trip travel insurance plan may be cheaper if you’re going on multiple international trips throughout the year. Annual travel insurance policies cover you for a whole year as long as each trip doesn’t exceed a certain number of days, usually 30 to 90 days. 
• Credit card has travel insurance benefits. The best credit cards offer perks and benefits, and many offer travel insurance-specific benefits. The coverage types and benefit limits can vary, and you must put the entire trip cost on the credit card to use the coverage. If your trip costs more than the coverage limit on your card, you can supplement the rest with a cheaper travel insurance plan.
• The coverage you need. When looking for the best travel insurance option at the most affordable price, only buy extras and upgrades you really need. A basic plan may only provide up to $500 in baggage insurance, but if you only plan to take $300 worth of clothes and accessories, you don’t need to pay more for higher coverage limits.

Is cheap travel insurance worth it?

Cheap travel insurance can be worth it, as long as you understand the plan limitations and exclusions. Taking the time to read your policy, especially the fine print, well before your trip can ensure there won’t be any surprises about what’s covered once your journey begins.

“If a traveler is looking for coverage for travel delays, cancellations, interruptions, medical and baggage — a comprehensive travel insurance policy will provide the most bang for their buck,” said Morrow. But if you’re on a tight budget and are only worried about emergency medical care and evacuation coverage while traveling abroad, stand-alone options are cheaper.

Before buying travel insurance, you should also consider what your health insurance will cover. 

“Most domestic health insurance plans, including Medicare, will not cover medical bills abroad,” said Morrow. Even if you’re staying stateside, you may find value in an affordable travel insurance plan with medical coverage if you have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). 

A cheap travel insurance plan is better than none at all if you end up in a situation that would have covered some or all of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses.

Methodology

Our insurance experts reviewed 1,855 coverage details and 567 rates to determine the best travel insurance . From those top-scoring travel insurance plans, we chose the most affordable for our rating of the cheapest travel insurance.

Insurers could score up to 100 points based on the following factors:

• Cost: 40 points. We scored the average cost of each travel insurance policy for a variety of trips and traveler profiles.
• Medical expenses: 10 points. We scored travel medical insurance by the coverage amount available. Travel insurance policies with emergency medical expense benefits of $250,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Medical evacuation: 10 points. We scored each plan’s emergency medical evacuation coverage by coverage amount. Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver: 10 points. We gave full points to travel insurance policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions if certain conditions are met.
• Missed connection: 10 points. Travel insurance plans with missed connection benefits of $1,000 per person or more received full points.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade: 5 points. We gave points to travel insurance plans with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75%.
• Travel delay required waiting time: 5 points. We gave 5 points to travel insurance policies with travel delay benefits that kick in after a delay of 6 hours or less.
• Cancel for work reasons: 5 points. If a travel insurance plan allows you to cancel your trip for work reasons, such as your boss requiring you to stay and work, we gave it 5 points.
• Hurricane and severe weather: 5 points. Travel insurance plans that have a required waiting period for hurricane and weather coverage of 12 hours or less received 5 points.

Some travel insurance companies may offer plans with additional benefits or lower prices than the plans that scored the highest, so make sure to compare travel insurance quotes to see your full range of options.

Cheapest travel insurance FAQs

When buying travel insurance, cheapest is not always the best. The most affordable travel insurance plans typically offer fewer coverages with lower policy limits and few or no optional upgrades. Add up your total nonrefundable trip costs and compare travel insurance plans and available features that cover your travel expenses. This strategy can help you find the cheapest travel insurance policy that best protects you from financial loss if an unforeseen circumstance arises.

Get the coverage you need: Best travel insurance of 2024

According to our analysis, WorldTrips , Travel Insured International and Travelex offer the best cheap travel insurance. Policy coverage types and limits can vary by each travel insurance provider, so the best way to get the cheapest travel insurance plan is to compare several policies and companies to find the right fit for your budget.

A good rate for travel insurance depends on your budget and coverage needs. The most comprehensive travel insurance plan is usually not the cheapest. But cheap trip insurance may not have enough coverage or the types of coverage you want. Comparing different levels of coverage and how much they cost can help you find the best cheap insurance for travel. 

The average cost of travel insurance is between 5% to 6% of your total travel expenses for one trip, according to our analysis of rates. However, you may find cheaper travel insurance if you opt for a plan with fewer benefits or lower coverage limits. How much you pay for travel insurance will also depend on the number of travelers covered, their ages, the length of the trip and any upgrades you add to your plan.

Travel insurance covers nonrefundable, prepaid trip costs — up to the policy coverage limits — when your trip is interrupted or canceled for a covered reason outlined in your plan documents. Even the cheapest travel insurance policies usually provide coverage for:

• Medical emergencies.
• Trip delays.
• Trip interruption.
• Trip cancellation.
• Lost, stolen or damaged luggage.

However, if you’re looking to save on travel insurance, you can shop for a policy that only has travel medical insurance and does not include benefits for trip cancellation .

Even when you buy cheap travel insurance, you can often use upgrade options to customize your policy to meet your specific needs. 

Some common travel insurance add-ons you may want to consider include:

• Rental car damage coverage. 
• Medical bundle.
• Security bundle.
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
• Adventure sports bundle.
• Pet bundle.
• Wedding bundle.
• “Cancel for work reasons” coverage.
• “Interruption for any reason” (IFAR) coverage.
• “Cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage .

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Mandy is an insurance writer who has been creating online content since 2018. Before becoming a full-time freelance writer, Mandy spent 15 years working as an insurance agent. Her work has been published in Bankrate, MoneyGeek, The Insurance Bulletin, U.S. News and more.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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• travel_explore Not sure? See region list.

Where are you going?

Enter the destination(s) you plan to visit or select them from the list of countries and regions in the dropdown.

Planning a stopover? If you’re in a country for less than 72 hours, you do not need to list it as a destination.

Don’t currently know all the countries you’ll be visiting? You can select a region to obtain cover for all countries within that region, or you can select “Anywhere in the world”. Important: If selecting “Anywhere in the world”, your policy will not provide cover for claims arising in countries that are subject to sanctions. Your safety is paramount, so please read and familiarise yourself with the “ Standing Travel Alert for High Risk and Sanctioned Countries ” when undertaking worldwide travel – and before making any side trips to neighbouring countries – to ensure you have adequate cover.

Going on a cruise? If your cruise is in inland Australia (e.g. on the Murray River) or in Australian coastal water (e.g. the Kimberley), enter or select “Australia”. If your cruise embarks and disembarks from Australia ports only without any stopover at a port outside of Australia (e.g. a “Sampler Cruise” or cruise from Sydney to Brisbane), enter or select “Domestic Cruise”. If your cruise is overseas (e.g. a European river cruise, a Caribbean cruise, or a cruise from Sydney to Hong Kong), enter or select the country or region you will spend the most time in during your trip.

Want to come to Australia on our Inbound Plan? Select “Australia Inbound”.

When do you depart?

Enter the date you will leave your home to start your trip.

When do you return?

Enter the date you will arrive home based on AEST (considering any time differences/zones and travel times).

Duration of each trip?

Select the maximum trip duration that best suits your needs.

The maximum trip duration you select will apply to each separate trip you take during the 12-month period of your policy.

For cover to apply, you cannot take trips that exceed this maximum duration. If you make a claim related to a trip that exceeds this maximum duration, it may be declined.

The maximum trip duration you select will be shown on your Certificate of Insurance.

Age of each traveller?

Enter the age (as of today) of each adult and child to be included on the policy.

Seniors Travel Insurance FAQs

Helpful answers to your questions about Cover-More travel insurance for seniors

Whether you’re planning a holiday to visit family or ticking off the biggest dreams on your bucket list, travel is exciting no matter how many candles were on your last birthday cake. Planning where to go and new experiences can be all part of the fun – but finding the right travel insurance is an important part of planning your trip, too.

When you’re comparing cover, you might have some questions: is there a travel insurance age limit? Do I need a special seniors travel insurance policy? How do I get medical help overseas? And how do I make a claim?

Get the answers to these frequently asked questions about our travel insurance cover for seniors below.

You can also visit our  seniors travel insurance cover  page for helpful information about our coverage options, and to find our best plan for you.

Skip ahead to read:

Do I need to buy a specific Cover-More travel insurance policy if I’m a senior traveller?

Does cover-more have a travel insurance age limit, am i covered for anything that could go wrong on my trip if i get cover-more's comprehensive travel insurance, what if i can’t get cover-more to cover an existing medical condition (emc), can cover-more help if i need unexpected and immediate medical treatment overseas, can cover-more help if i need a doctor when travelling, do i need to provide a medical certificate or information from my doctor to make a claim with cover-more travel insurance, does cover-more cover my trip if my relatives or family are sick.

• Does Cover-More have a Seniors Card discount?

Can I pay for my Cover-More travel insurance by cheque?

No, we don’t have specific travel insurance policies for senior travellers. At Cover-More, we offer a range of plan options to all travellers to help you find the cover that best suits you.

Yes, travel insurance age limits do apply to our policies. Travellers up to 99 years of age are eligible for our Cover-More travel insurance. However, this is subject to our acceptance criteria based on age at the time of buying the policy, destination, and trip duration.

Plans may not be available to all travellers.

At Cover-More, we cover a wide range of unforeseen incidents and mishaps, and we will be there to support you if something goes wrong on your trip.

However, travel insurance can’t cover absolutely everything.

It is important you read the  Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)  so you are aware of what our policies will and won’t cover before you consider purchasing our Cover-More travel insurance.

If you’re unsure, call our team on 1300 72 88 22.

If cover for your EMC was denied in the online assessment during the quote process, you will not have any cover for incidents relating to your health that are related in any way to your existing medical condition(s). However, you may still have cover under the policy for benefits like lost luggage or travel documents.

Call us on 1300 72 88 22 to see what sort of policy we can put together for you.

If it’s an emergency, call the local emergency line straight away.

Then, when you can, call our 24-hour Emergency Assistance team so we can help.

We will require a medical report from the treating doctor, details of your medical history and information from your GP, as well as details of the cost of your overseas treatment.

We can also deal with the hospital directly while you focus on getting better.

Claims are subject to approval.

At Cover-More, we want our customers to feel confident that if anything goes wrong on their travels, we can be there to provide help and support.

Our TravelGP# service provides you access to an Australian-based doctor while you’re on your trip.

Through TravelGP#, we can provide tips for getting better, and advice on doctors or hospitals to visit near you.

Watch the TravelGP# video below for more information.

Yes, the medical certificate on the claim form will need to be completed by the usual GP of the person whose health caused the claim. A specialist report may also be required. We may require additional medical information including a full history for a claim, but we will let you know if that arises.

Our Cover-More travel insurance plans can include coverage related to the health of other people in your life who may impact your travel plans. We understand unfortunately things can happen that may mean you have to cancel your trip or return home early.

Our additional expenses benefit can provide cover for claims for travel costs arising from the sudden disabling injury, sickness or disease or death of a relative or your business partner who is not travelling, so long as it meets the criteria outlined in our PDS.

Our Cancellation Extensions upgrade – available on our Comprehensive+ and Comprehensive Plans – can also provide cover if a non-travelling relative or your business partner becomes ill, injured or dies.

Please note: “relative” means a person who is your spouse, de facto, parent, parent-in-law, stepparent, guardian, grandparent, child, foster child, grandchild, brother, brother-in-law, half-brother, stepbrother, sister, sister-in-law, half-sister, stepsister, daughter, daughter-in-law, stepdaughter, son, son-in-law, stepson, fiancé, fiancée, uncle, aunt, niece, or nephew.

Limits, sub-limits, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the  Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for full details on what is and isn’t covered before deciding if our travel insurance is right for you.

Does Cover-More have a seniors card discount?

No, sorry. You can adjust the price of your premium through altering the excess or the cancellation amount you wish to be covered for when generating a quote online.

No. You can pay by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or PayPal.

Ready to book your getaway?

Discover our best travel insurance cover for your seniors’ trip.

#TravelGP services do not form part of your travel insurance policy. It is a service offered to customers at Cover-More's cost and at our sole discretion. Your circumstances including age, location, medical condition or issue, proximity to appropriate medical care and medical history will also be considered.