Best Travel Insurance for Australia in 2025
- The best travel insurance options for Australia
- Is it currently safe to travel to Australia?
- Is travel insurance required for an Australian visa?
- Why take out travel insurance for Australia?
- What coverage is included in travel insurance for Australia?
- What is the cost of travel insurance for Australia?
- How can you pay less for your travel insurance to Australia?
- Will my insurance cover me in Australia?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for the Australia: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Australia covers overseas emergency medical expenses, trip interruptions, and loss or theft of belongings.
2. Key protection: Travel insurance is not mandatory for US visitors, but essential due to high medical and emergency costs.
3. Healthcare cost: Hospitalization for foreign visitors in Australia averages $800 to $1,500 per night in private facilities.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Australia typically costs $30 to $70 per traveler.
5. Good to know: U.S. health insurance and Medicare generally do not provide coverage for medical expenses incurred in Australia.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international expert in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers each month. After reviewing 41 travel insurance policies available in the US, our specialists share everything you need to know to find the best travel insurance for Australia.
The best travel insurance options for Australia
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1.1M | A solid solution for US travelers to Australia. - high coverage for medical care - evacuation and early return included - strong clarity in contract |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1.1M | Reliable for short or long trips. - 24/7 helpline - cancellation protection - zero deductible on main benefits |
| Tourist Card | $0.55M | Convenient for tourist stays in Australia. - robust emergency medical cover - good value - helpful service for health incidents |
| Travel Pass Monde | $0.77M | Balanced protection for extended travel. - coverage across Australia - hospital care included - repatriation services |
| Globe Partner | $0.33M | Meets essential requirements for international stays. - treatment abroad covered - repatriation included - clear claims procedure |
| Globe Traveller | $0.55M | Affordable coverage for short, low-risk visits. - essential medical limits - fast claims - cap may be low for expensive care |
- high coverage for medical care
- evacuation and early return included
- strong clarity in contract
- 24/7 helpline
- cancellation protection
- zero deductible on main benefits
- robust emergency medical cover
- good value
- helpful service for health incidents
- coverage across Australia
- hospital care included
- repatriation services
- treatment abroad covered
- repatriation included
- clear claims procedure
- essential medical limits
- fast claims
- cap may be low for expensive care
Is it currently safe to travel to Australia?
As of June 2025, the US Department of State reports that Australia is considered a safe destination for US travelers, with a low overall security risk.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: while crime rates are low, theft and scams do occur, especially in larger cities such as Sydney and Melbourne. Use secure transport for valuables and beware of ATM fraud.
- Health risks: Australia provides high standards of healthcare, but medical expenses can be extremely high for non-residents. Mosquito-borne illnesses, especially in northern Queensland, and strong UV exposure require extra vigilance.
- Environmental hazards: bushfires and flash floods are common, as seen in New South Wales and Victoria. Check fire ratings and weather alerts, particularly when traveling during the Australian summer.
- Legal requirements: import and use of prescription medication is tightly regulated. Certain over-the-counter drugs common in the US, such as codeine products, are restricted and require special documentation.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the US Department of State, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Australia.
Is travel insurance required for an Australian visa?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for US citizens to obtain a visa or enter Australia for tourism or short stays.
Travel insurance is still strongly recommended because medical care in Australia is very expensive for non-residents. Without comprehensive coverage, travelers may face high costs in the event of injury, illness, or emergency repatriation. Insurance also covers unforeseen situations like lost baggage or flight cancellations.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Australia. This high rate is due to the country’s costly healthcare system and the risks associated with adventure activities, bushfires, and natural hazards.
Why take out travel insurance for Australia?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Australia.
Healthcare in Australia is high quality, but costs can be significant for visitors, especially at private hospitals such as St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney or Epworth Hospital in Melbourne. Foreigners are not covered by the national public health program, so even treatment at public hospitals can lead to high bills. For example, emergency room visits or simple hospitalizations can quickly amount to several thousands of Australian dollars.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalization, medication, ambulance transport, and emergency repatriation to the US if a serious incident occurs.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Australia.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at St Vincent’s Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | AUD 6,000 (USD 4,000) | Up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | AUD 2,700 (USD 1,800) | Up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | AUD 95,000 (USD 62,000) | Up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | AUD 14,000 (USD 9,200) | Up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What coverage is included in travel insurance for Australia?
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Australia.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers emergency medical care, doctor consultations, and hospital costs due to illness or accident. For Australia, a minimum reimbursement limit of USD 250,000 is recommended. |
| 🚑 Hospitalization | Pays for overnight stays, surgery, and specialized care in hospitals like St Vincent’s in Sydney or Epworth in Melbourne. Choose a policy covering at least USD 200,000 for hospitalization. |
| 💊 Medications | Reimburses the cost of prescription drugs and necessary treatments due to an accident or illness. Recommended coverage: at least USD 2,000. |
| 🚨 Repatriation | Ensures transportation back to the US in case of a major health issue or death. A reimbursement ceiling of USD 100,000 is appropriate for Australia, given the distance and medical evacuation costs. |
| 🧳 Baggage insurance | Covers loss, theft or delay of your personal items and luggage. Select coverage of USD 2,000 or more. |
| ❌ Trip cancellation | Protects prepaid costs if you need to cancel due to accident, illness, or family emergency. Recommended reimbursement limit: USD 5,000 – USD 10,000. |
| 🔗 Personal liability | Covers bodily or material harm you cause to third parties during your trip. For Australia, opt for at least USD 100,000 in protection. |
| ⛑️ Adventure coverage | Extends to activities like surfing, snorkeling, or hiking. Check that your insurer covers these specific sports, especially if planning to explore places like the Great Barrier Reef. Amount varies, but USD 20,000 or higher recommended for accidents in remote areas. |
For Australia, a minimum reimbursement limit of USD 250,000 is recommended.
Choose a policy covering at least USD 200,000 for hospitalization.
Recommended coverage: at least USD 2,000.
A reimbursement ceiling of USD 100,000 is appropriate for Australia, given the distance and medical evacuation costs.
Select coverage of USD 2,000 or more.
Recommended reimbursement limit: USD 5,000 – USD 10,000.
For Australia, opt for at least USD 100,000 in protection.
Amount varies, but USD 20,000 or higher recommended for accidents in remote areas.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards often offers limited coverage, with low maximum amounts and many exclusions. For full protection, it is safer to choose a trusted insurer with comprehensive guarantees. Compare the best options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
What is the cost of travel insurance for Australia?
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | USD 21 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | USD 40 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | USD 65 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | USD 155 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The price of travel insurance is affected by several key factors: the age of the traveler, length of the trip, destination, level of coverage, and whether cancellation protection is included. Premiums are usually higher for older travelers or longer journeys. It's important to keep these considerations in mind when selecting a plan to ensure proper coverage and a fair price.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow can you pay less for your travel insurance to Australia?
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Australia while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🕒 Trip duration | Paying only for your exact travel dates helps avoid unnecessary additional costs in Australia. | Insure only the actual length of your stay, not a longer period than required. |
| 📅 Purchase timing | Securing insurance early often locks in lower rates and provides more options for coverage. | Book your insurance right after travel booking to secure the best available price. |
| 🧒 Traveler’s age | Premiums often increase for older ages, but not with all insurers or for all destinations. | Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62, which can mean savings. |
| ⛑️ Level of coverage | Comprehensive medical coverage is crucial since healthcare costs are high in Australia. | Select coverage aligned with your needs without choosing unnecessary high limits. |
| 🚶 Activities covered | Adding adventure sports or risky activities increases rates but is not always necessary. | Omit extra activity coverage unless you plan dangerous or uncommon activities. |
| 👨👩👦 Family/group plans | Combined plans lower the per-person cost, especially for families or groups moving together. | Buy a group or family policy to take advantage of reduced rates per traveler. |
| 🏦 Deductible amount | Higher deductibles will reduce premium costs, though you will pay more out of pocket if needed. | Opt for a higher deductible to pay less up front if you are comfortable with it. |
Will my insurance cover me in Australia?
It is completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverage—such as credit card insurance or your public health insurance—can protect you during a trip to Australia. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Australia? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid) | No, never | No coverage outside the US. Medical care costs abroad are not reimbursed. | Travel insurance covers over USD 100,000 in medical expenses and emergency evacuation. |
| Private health insurance (Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare) | Yes, partly | Possible emergency reimbursement with low limits (USD 5,000–10,000), excludes repatriation. | Travel insurance offers USD 100,000+, covers evacuation and 24/7 medical assistance worldwide. |
| Classic credit card (Chase Freedom, Wells Fargo Platinum, Citi Double Cash) | Yes, partly | Covers medical emergencies below USD 5,000. No trip interruption or evacuation benefits. | Travel insurance reimburses up to USD 100,000, includes trip protection and lost luggage cover. |
| Premium credit card (Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X) | Yes, partly | Medical expenses up to USD 100,000, limited trip/baggage guarantees. Repatriation not always included. | Travel insurance covers higher medical expenses, trip cancellation, emergency repatriation, and more. |
Example
While vacationing in Australia, Lisa needed emergency dental surgery in Sydney after an accident. The procedure cost $12,000. Her premium credit card covered only $500 and her U.S. health insurance reimbursed just $700. Without comprehensive travel insurance, Lisa was forced to pay $10,800 out-of-pocket—a costly lesson in abroad medical care.
Expert advice
Always review your existing insurance’s terms, exclusions, and coverage limits. Essential events like trip interruption due to a relative’s illness or death are often excluded. Carefully read the policy conditions to avoid nasty surprises when traveling abroad. Ultimately, it’s always safer and more reassuring to get travel insurance specifically tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Australia?
US citizens need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or an eVisitor visa to enter Australia for tourism or business visits. You can apply online before departure, and the approval is typically sent by email. For short trips, the process is straightforward and does not require a physical visa stamp.
Do I need a visa to travel to Australia?
US citizens need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or an eVisitor visa to enter Australia for tourism or business visits. You can apply online before departure, and the approval is typically sent by email. For short trips, the process is straightforward and does not require a physical visa stamp.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Australia?
First, compare different policies using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, check the coverage and exclusions, especially for Australia’s high medical costs, adventure activities, and natural disaster risks. Buy your policy securely online, then receive your certificate by email for visa and entry documentation.
Does travel insurance cover medical emergencies in Australia?
Most travel insurance plans for Australia cover emergency medical care and hospitalization, often up to USD 100,000 or more. Given that Australian healthcare is expensive for visitors, ensure your plan covers both medical treatment and emergency evacuation or repatriation.
Can I get coverage for natural disasters in Australia?
Travel insurance policies often include coverage for trip delays, cancellations, or interruptions due to bushfires, floods, or cyclones, which are risks in Australia. Confirm whether natural disaster protection is standard on your chosen policy or if you need to add it as an extra feature.
Are adventure activities like diving, surfing, or hiking included in standard policies?
Standard travel insurance for Australia may not automatically cover injury or incidents from adventure sports such as scuba diving, surfing, or remote hiking. Always read the policy details and, if needed, add a sports or adventure activities rider to get full protection.
How quickly will I receive my travel insurance certificate after purchase?
After purchasing travel insurance online, you generally receive your certificate instantly by email. You can use this document for visa applications if required or show proof of insurance upon arrival in Australia or in the event of a medical emergency.
