Travel Insurance for Australia

Do I need travel insurance for Australia?

Australia has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK, which means UK residents can get medically necessary treatment in public hospitals through Medicare. That sounds like plenty, but the agreement has real limits. It does not cover ambulance trips (which can be very expensive), private treatment, or the cost of getting you home to the UK if you are seriously ill. It will not help if your flight is cancelled or your luggage goes missing on a 22-hour journey either.

That is where travel insurance comes in. The policies we offer cover emergency medical costs, repatriation, cancellation and baggage, and there is a 24-hour assistance line if you need help while you are away.

Which area do I choose for Australia?

For a single trip, just choose Australia as your destination. For annual cover, some policies have an Australia and New Zealand area, while others group it within worldwide cover. Our guide to geographical areas explains how countries are grouped.

Think about your route as well. Most UK flights to Australia stop in Singapore, Dubai, Doha, Hong Kong or elsewhere in Asia. If you are spending a few days on a stopover, or flying back via Los Angeles, make sure the area you pick includes those countries. Flying via the USA usually means you need worldwide cover including the USA.

Long trips and visiting family

Plenty of people heading to Australia are away for weeks rather than days, often to see children or grandchildren who have emigrated. A single trip policy can cover a long stay in one go, and you can choose a trip length to match. If you are likely to make more than one long-haul trip in a year, compare an annual multi-trip policy too, but check that the maximum trip length is long enough for the time you will spend there.

Travelling for months on a working holiday visa? Look at our backpacker insurance, which is designed for longer trips.

Activities in Australia

Diving the Great Barrier Reef, surfing at Bondi or hiking in the Blue Mountains are all on many people's lists. Lots of activities are covered as standard on a Direct Travel policy, but some need adding or have conditions. Scuba diving cover usually depends on how deep you go and whether you hold a qualification. Check our list of sports and activities before you travel, and add winter sports cover if you are skiing in the Snowy Mountains.

Travel insurance for Australia with medical conditions

Medicare will not fly you home, and it will not cover treatment you travelled to Australia to get. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, declare them in our online medical screening so they can be considered for cover. You will see the price with your conditions included before you buy.

Take enough medication for the whole trip plus a few days spare, in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Australia has strict rules on bringing in some medicines, and our guide to travelling abroad with medication has more advice.

Before you go

UK passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or another visa before flying to Australia. Apply through the official Australian government app or website, not an agent site. Australia also has strict biosecurity rules, so declare any food, plant or animal products on arrival.

The sun is much stronger than at home, distances between towns can be huge, and wildlife ranges from harmless to definitely not. Our Australia country guide has more on entry requirements, climate and getting around. Carrying on to New Zealand? See our New Zealand travel insurance page.