Travel Insurance for Australia

The most common travel insurance claim payout for New Zealanders visiting Australia is for medical reasons.

A huge misconception for Kiwis is that if you get hurt or injured while in Australia, the Australian Health System will pay for your medical bills.

New Zealanders are only covered for urgent or necessary care as a public patient in a public hospital. While Kiwis are entitled to some prescriptions at a cheaper rate, not all prescriptions are subsidised.

If get sick or are injured on your holiday in Australia, you could expect to pay hundreds, or even thousands on medical bills and associated costs - such as certain medications, flight upgrades and unused hotel accommodation.

This is one of the reasons why you should consider a travel insurance policy for your trip to Australia. 

Some useful travel safety tips for Australia include:

• Only swim between the red and yellow flags at beaches patrolled by Surf Lifesavers. Never swim alone, at night or under the influence of alcohol. 
• Stay out of the sun in the middle of the day to avoid heatstroke and use sunscreen to prevent sunburn. 
• If you are driving in remote areas of Australia, there is often long distances between towns and facilities, so it is important to plan rest stops and fuel refills before setting off.
• Australia is home to many dangerous animals, such as crocodiles, sharks, snakes, and spiders. Always follow advisory signs and do not approach animals in the wild.
• Avoid the temptation to hitchhike; there are plenty of safe public transportation options available in Australia.
• Safely enjoy bushwalking and hiking in Australia's bushland by:

• The Red Centre – Uluru is the heart of Australia. Choose to cycle, walk, ride a camel, or even take a helicopter around this huge red monolith. At night you can dine under the stars, enjoy a meal prepared using native ingredients and take in the incredible glowing art installation - Field of Light. 
• Sydney – the city that never sleeps and home to many must-see Aussie icons. Tour the famous Sydney Opera House, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, hop on a ferry at Circular Quay to visit Taronga Zoo or swim at iconic Bondi Beach.
• Great Barrier Reef – world-famous and stretching over 2,300 kilometres along the Queensland coast, it is the largest coral reef in the world and truly spectacular. Cairns is a great base for exploration, although there are many islands in the region which offer secluded tropical beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. Explore by snorkelling or scuba diving, as well as helicopter and boat tours.
• Melbourne – the home of art, music, and coffee in Australia. You will find intriguing street art as you explore the city's laneways and allies. From hidden speakeasies to rooftop bars, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to places to wine and dine. Take a road trip along the Great Ocean Road - impressive rock formations, like the famous 12 Apostles’ and dramatic views of the coastline await.
• Kakadu – this World Heritage-listed national park offers a first-hand glimpse at the pristine wilderness of the Northern Territory. Only 3 hours by car from Darwin you will find vast landscapes ranging from thundering waterfalls and rocky gorges to floodplains, tidal mud flats and monsoon forests. Take a scenic flight to capture these breath-taking sights from above.
• Perth and Margaret River – go bushwalking at Kings Park, the largest city park in the world. Visit Perth's beaches - perfect for a swim, snorkel, or surf. Cruise the swan river to Freemantle for a day wandering the historic streets or ferry to Rottnest Island to meet a quokka. Just outside of Perth, you will discover the Swan Valley and further to the south, Margaret River. Both known for idyllic wineries, culinary delights, and a laid-back lifestyle.
• Tasmania – natural beauty abounds, from snow-capped Cradle Mountain to the calm clear waters of Wineglass Bay. There is plenty of wildlife to spot, such as wombats, pademelons or the infamous Tasmanian devil. Delite your taste buds with fresh apple cider in the Huon Valley, homemade lavender ice cream at Bridestowe Estate or wine, cheese, and oysters at the Salamanca Markets.
• Gold Coast and Northern NSW – The Gold Coast is known as theme park central, promising endless days of action and adventure. But if you leave the glitz of the busy surf strip behind, you will find many hidden gems across the hinterland and northern NSW region – sparkling beaches with laid-back locals, tropical rainforests for bushwalking, lifestyle retreats to restore mind and body, or the relaxed hippy-chic vibes of Byron Bay.