Your Guide to 5 Common Travel Insurance Myths

Travel insurance helps millions of travellers every year, yet many still believe it’s not necessary.

Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation or a sudden illness abroad, a policy may make a difference, depending on your individual needs and circumstances. 

Let’s clear up five of the most common myths. 

Many travellers, especially younger ones, feel they don’t need insurance if they’re careful. They plan ahead, avoid risky activities, and assume that’s enough.

Reality: Travel insurance can be an important consideration for many travellers. Whether it’s suitable depends on individual needs and circumstances. Before purchasing, consider the Combined Financial Service Guide (FSG), Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), and Target Market Determination (TMD) to determine whether the cover suits your travel needs.

Accidents can happen to anyone, no matter how careful you are. Whether it’s a broken leg while hiking, food poisoning, insurance helps cover costs and reduce stress. It’s an added layer of protection that may protect you from the unexpected—so you can enjoy your trip with added peace of mind.

It’s true that trip cancellations are a common claim, but that’s only one part of the story.

Reality: Travel insurance covers much more than cancellations. It may include cover for medical treatment, emergency evacuation, lost or delayed baggage, travel delays, and cover for many activities. It may help when things go wrong, before and during your trip. Always read your policy so you understand what’s included and any limitations that might apply.

People often view short holidays as safe because they involve less time and likely fewer activities. After all, less time travelling equates to a reduced risk of situations like illness, injury, or travel delays, and the perceived risk is simply too low to justify the cost of purchasing insurance. 

Reality: Things can go wrong even during a two-day weekend getaway.

Some people think that short or local trips don’t justify buying insurance. After all, what could go wrong in just a few days?

Reality: Even on a quick weekend away, bags can go missing, weather can delay flights, or emergencies can pop up. Travel insurance may help cover costs for cancellations, delays, or lost bookings. For domestic travel, it can be especially useful if you’ve booked non-refundable hotels, flights, or tours.   
If you're going on a cruise that departs from and returns to Australia, you may still need international cruise cover, especially if your itinerary includes overseas ports. Tick’s cruise cover includes onboard medical expenses and evacuation, but does not cover medical treatment provided in Australia (including when the ship is docked at an Australian port) - so always check your itinerary. 

It’s a common belief that your private health fund or Medicare will take care of overseas medical costs.

Reality: Most health insurance policies don’t cover you outside Australia.

Even with reciprocal agreements in place, cover is usually limited and doesn’t include things like ambulance transport, evacuation, or returning to Australia if needed. Travel insurance can help fill those gaps and may help in serious situations that may occur abroad.

Some people think it’s too hard to make a claim or that insurers look for ways to avoid paying.

Reality: The claims process can be straightforward, especially when you provide the right documents. Keep receipts, police reports, or medical records handy if something goes wrong. Reading the policy carefully before you buy helps avoid surprises later. Many insurers also offer 24/7 assistance and online claims to make the process easier.

You don’t have to buy travel insurance the moment you book your trip.

Reality: You can usually buy insurance right up until you commence your trip and depart Australia, as long as your trip hasn’t started. However, some benefits, such as cancellation cover, may only apply from the time the policy is issued.

Tick Travel Insurance offers great value and coverage for Australian travellers, with options to suit a variety of trip types and travel needs.

What you can expect from Tick Travel Insurance:

• Choose between 3 levels of cover

• Competitive premiums

• Tick considers all pre-existing medical conditions (available on Standard & Top levels of cover only)

• Tick Insurance can be purchased up until you commence your trip

• Family-friendly coverage options with free cover for kids travelling with parent(s)¹

• Medical emergency expertise with 24/7 emergency assistance

• 90 sports and activities automatically covered in all international policies

• Up to $20,000 cover for cancellation, depending on the plan selected

It is important to check the appropriate authority for the most up-to-date travel requirements.