Travel Insurance Dilemma

[roger1956]

Hi Guys,
We have two trips planned next year and not sure how to handle the insurance…. Jan 8 - Jan 25 in Bangkok / Singapore / coughet …. then in the USA for 2 months July / August. Used to rely on the credit card insurance but with a mix of point travel and paid it all gets damn confusing ! Any comments would be most appreciated...

Roger

 

[Hvr]

How about an annual policy? Usually cheaper than individual policies and you're covered for any unplanned trips.

 

[roger1956]

How about an annual policy? Usually cheaper than individual policies and you're covered for any unplanned trips.

That could be a good way to go. Anyone you would recommend ?

 

[trentusjuventus]

That could be a good way to go. Anyone you would recommend ?

I've used Travel Insurance Direct and 1Cover before, and they do offer quite good value for annual policies, especially if you plan to take one or more extended trips. Quick dummy search found worldwide for 2 adults at $499 on 1 cover. The only stipulation being that no one trip can be longer than 90 days, but you appear to be within this limitation.
Of course, you will need to check that the policies on offer a suitable for your needs.

 

[Pushka]

Definitely Annual Policy - they are excellent value. If you are into risky things like paragliding, then use Covermore. If you are a more sedate kind of traveller, then I can recommend TID.

 

[joyvee]

i have just set up an excel spread sheet so that I can compare apples with apples.
will be overseas 3 times in next 7 months so decided to look at annual policy.

It is really important to check that you get the same amount of cover for items and that you know what the excess payment will be. If an individual policy for 8 days costs you $273 and you lose your camera, your laptop and need to see a doctor for a tummy upset and you have to pay first $300 for each incident it will be costly.
you will be better off paying a higher initial premium with nil excess.

Remember that insurance is a must when you travel but insurance companies are not benevolent societies, they are there to make a profit. The older you are the greater the risk and the greater the premium.

Covermore's annual travel insurance also covers you for domestic travel that is more than 250 kms from home. CGU only offer annual travel insurance to business clients. You also get a 14 or 21 day cooling off period in which you can switch your travel insurance if you find another insurer that better meets your needs. Have fun finding your way through the maze. JoyV

 

[Cynicor]

Before I start the search, anyone have suggestions on decent annual coverage to replace TID; who now have a snow sports supplement?

 

[Chimpy]

I've used Travel Insurance Direct and 1Cover before, and they do offer quite good value for annual policies, especially if you plan to take one or more extended trips. Quick dummy search found worldwide for 2 adults at $499 on 1 cover. The only stipulation being that no one trip can be longer than 90 days, but you appear to be within this limitation.
Of course, you will need to check that the policies on offer a suitable for your needs.

Not long ago Groupon had the 1 Cover for $229.00 and "Cover includes partner or spouse and dependent children under 21 at no extra cost". A shame that it has expired.
1 Year of Travel Insurance

 

[JMFK]

I too used to rely on CC insurance...but it's not great.

I would definitely suggest an annual policy. Do you have an insurance broker you use?

FWIW I was strongly considering Medibank Private for travel insurance as it seemed to be a good deal. But that was including a discount for having health insurance through them. There were many extras you could add if you wanted too. Snow sports etc. Scooter riding in Asia seemed a strange exclusion, but was available for an additional $10 a year.

It definitely pays to read the PDS thoroughly!

My insurance broker ended up organising an annual Business Travel Policy through Zurich Australia. Slightly different to your situation as I run my own business, but for around $550 it covers Directors (myself and my business partner) as well as our spouse/partner for any business and leisure travel we take (though no single trip can exceed 60 days) $100 excess.

Great limits, particularly the unlimited cancellation and curltailment. Hire care excess was also a good one!

Plenty of options out there, just takes a day of searching and reading - if you can be bothered - to find the sweet spot of cost vs benefit. I had cheap quotes and really expensive ones. I went middle of the road. Small price to pay for piece of mind I think.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Hi Guys,
Used to rely on the credit card insurance but with a mix of point travel and paid it all gets damn confusing ! Any comments would be most appreciated...

Roger

ANZ Plat...or Westpac Black will both cover trips where you have used points and/or have paid for your flight tickets.

ANZ Activates at $250 travel expense spent on the card before you go .

Westpac Black with $500 travel expense per person spent on the card before you go ....with a valid return ticket before you go (can be two one ways).

Remember too that pre-trip cancellation insurance cover will not commence till you have met that cards activation requirements.

CC insurance can be more limited than some policies, and so check if what is covered suits you or not.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

ANZ Plat...or Westpac Black will both cover trips where you have used points and/or have paid for your flight tickets.

ANZ Activates at $250 travel expense spent on the card before you go .

Westpac Black with $500 travel expense per person spent on the card before you go ....with a valid return ticket before you go (can be two one ways).

Remember too that pre-trip cancellation insurance cover will not commence till you have met that cards activation requirements.

CC insurance can be more limited than some policies, and so check if what is covered suits you or not.

this.

My recommendation for anyone who can would be to apply for an ANZ platinum card. $250 single payment of any expenses before departure and you're covered (usual exclusions for pre-existing) but it covers up to 80 years of age and includes spouse. Any expenses can include ticket taxes (great if you are flying on an award ticket), connecting flights (so if you have an easyjet or jetstar ticket for short fligts in Europe/Asia for example, or are using a paid DJ/QF ticket to get to your gateway city), or even just a couple of night's pre-paid hotel.

Annual fee of $79. No CC points, but you can accrue those by buying the ticket etc.

Cover is for a maximum of 6 months per trip.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

this.

My recommendation for anyone who can would be to apply for an ANZ platinum card. $250 single payment of any expenses before departure and you're covered (usual exclusions for pre-existing) but it covers up to 80 years of age and includes spouse. Any expenses can include ticket taxes (great if you are flying on an award ticket), connecting flights (so if you have an easyjet or jetstar ticket for short fligts in Europe/Asia for example, or are using a paid DJ/QF ticket to get to your gateway city), or even just a couple of night's pre-paid hotel.

Annual fee of $79. No CC points, but you can accrue those by buying the ticket etc.

Cover is for a maximum of 6 months per trip.

Fee is now a massive $87 BUT first year is $0 is free at present for the first 12 months if you have not had the card before...

1. The ANZ Platinum Annual Account Fee ("Annual Fee") will be waived in the first year.

But why not go better than free....

If you do not yet have an ANZ Card….Join by Jan 31 and pay $295 for QFF rewards Plat…but gain 40,000 QFF Points ( worth say at least $400…but if you use them well $800-1600 (= Oneworld redemption in economy or Business Class redemption))

40000 Qantas Points

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Fee is now a massive $87 BUT first year is $0 is free at present for the first 12 months if you have not had the card before...

1. The ANZ Platinum Annual Account Fee ("Annual Fee") will be waived in the first year.

But why not go better than free....

If you do not yet have an ANZ Card….Join by Jan 31 and pay $295 for QFF rewards Plat…but gain 40,000 QFF Points ( worth say at least $400…but if you use them well $800-1600 (= Oneworld redemption in economy or Business Class redemption))

40000 Qantas Points

does the QFF rewards have the same travel insurance? $295 for a credit card irks me

 

[lovetravellingoz]

does the QFF rewards have the same travel insurance?

Yes.

$295 for a credit card irks me

Yes...but if I get 40K of QFF points (even though I prefer MR or KF much more) it is better than free ....and certainly better than $87