Travel Insurance Australia
Regardless of what stage you're at in your holiday preparations, it's never too early to start thinking about taking out a travel insurance policy. Depending on what your plans are, finding the best travel insurance that caters towards your personal needs is a fantastic security precaution to safeguard you against any insurable, unforeseeable incidents.
After you've booked and paid for your holiday, you will end up having invested a lot of money in your trip to Australia; from flights, parking, hotels and transfers, not to mention pre-booked day trips and spending money. With the right cover in place for you, you can rest-assured against unwanted circumstances like cancellation, repatriation, if you lose your luggage or need emergency medical care. With these precautions in place you can enjoy your holiday to the maximum, soaking in everything Australia has to offer!
With wonders both natural and man-made, bustling cities and a colourful, vibrant culture, there's no doubt that a trip Down Under will be a trip of a lifetime. Whether you're fleeing the cold, British winter months for some well-earned (and Brexit-free) winter sun, or visiting Australia's cities in their cooler season, you won't fall short of finding incredible things to do.
Compare travel insurance for Australia
The efficient Holiday Extras booking process means you can have reliable worldwide travel insurance in just a few clicks. Depending on how much cover you need, you can choose one of the following policies:
Health insurance Australia
You may be surprised to know that for British citizens residing in the UK and travelling under a British passport, limited subsidies for medical treatment are available under Australia's healthcare system Medicare.
However, it's not wise to expect the same level of cover as a dedicated travel insurance policy. The subsidy is not intended as a replacement for travel insurance, as it doesn't cover emergency costs like medical evacuations or the use of ambulance services. Additionally, you could find that you are refused the subsidy if you have a pre-existing medical condition.
Vaccinations
Although there are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter the country, it's always wise to make sure you are up to date with your vaccinations. If you haven't had a tetanus/diphtheria shot in the last ten years, it is worth getting re-treated. Be sure to consult your GP four to six weeks in advance of your trip, should you be considering any vaccinations.
Sports cover
The allure of Australia's natural landscape is pretty unbeatable. From its sun-kissed beaches, to the burning amber hue of Ululu, you're really pressed to find a more breathtaking and diverse country. If, however, you're the type who wants more from their Aussie holiday and seeks adventure, you will not struggle to find a plethora of adrenaline-fuelled activities to occupy yourself with.
It goes without saying that when in Aus, surfing is an absolute must if you love the water. So if you plan on surfing you will need to take out surfing insurance which you can add on top of your policy. Simply add-on Extra Activity Pack 2 after you've selected your cover level and you're good to go.
From activities like scuba diving, caving and bungee jumping, you won't struggle to find a blood-pumping sport that suits you. For a full list of activities we cover, please check out our sports page to work out which activity pack you require for your holiday.
Working holiday visa
Working whilst travelling abroad is becoming increasingly popular, and if this is something that interests you, there are a host of opportunities for working holidays in Australia. Here are a few things you should be aware of when applying for a working holiday visa:
You will need:
- to be aged between 18 and 30, and unaccompanied by dependant children.
- an eligible passport valid for at least another six months.
- to provide evidence of sufficient funds for a return or onward flight, and an adequate amount of funds for the first part of the stay.
- have a clean criminal record.
At a glance: Australia
- How long does it take to fly from the UK to Australia? Fastest one-stop flight is 22 hours, but it can take up to 55 hours with multiple stop-overs and lengthy waiting durations.
- What is the time zone in Australia? Australia uses three main time zones: Australian Western Standard Time (AWST; UTC+08:00), Australian Central Standard Time (ACST; UTC+09:30), and Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST; UTC+10:00).
- Which airlines fly to Australia from UK? Qantas, British Airways, KLM, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airlines, Virgin Australia, and AirFrance.
- What is the currency in Australia? Australia's national currency is the Australian dollar (AUD).
- What language do they speak in Australia? The most commonly spoken language is English. Other dialects include indigenous Aboriginal, Tasmanian and Torres Trait languages.
- What is the emergency number in Australia? Australia's emergency service number is 000 (triple zero).
- What plug sockets are used in Australia? Australia uses type I power plugs and sockets.
Natural disasters
Bushfires
If you plan on trekking (or bush walking as the Aussies call it) then you'll need to be mindful of the risk of bushfires. These most commonly occur during the height of the Australian summer (November to February) and can spring up without warning. Be sure to get local advice if you are travelling in areas with a high risk of bushfires.
Tropical Cyclones
Tropical cyclone season usually runs from November to April, often occurring in Queensland, Northern Territory and western Australia. Heavy rainfall and tropical cyclones can often lead to an increased risk of flooding in these areas, so be sure to remain up-to-date with the latest weather warnings.
Dust Storms
If you are journeying through the outback, be prepared to weather a few dust storms, as these frequently occur in outlying areas.
Transport in Australia
Planes: For a jam-packed trip where time is of the essence, travel by plane is by far the best option. Flights are affordable and frequent with efficient connections between major centres.
Cars: Perhaps you have a little more time, and wish to experience Australia at your own comfortable pace? In this case, road tripping with a hire car is a great way to travel.
Buses: Though not as quick as flying, and often considerably more expensive, getting around Australia by bus is a great way to see the sights and immerse yourself in the landscape. It may not be worth the expense if you simply want to get from A to B without any hassle, but if you're backpacking with friends and are looking for a flexible, affordable means of transport, getting an explorers bus pass may be a good idea. Passes typically range from £140-£300 for 3 months travel along selected bus routes.
Trains: Travelling by train another novel way of seeing the country and getting around, however, if you are simply looking for a cheap, reliable method of transport, then the trains definitely aren't the best option.
Places to visit in Australia
The Great Barrier Reef
Larger than the Great Wall of China and the only living thing visible from space, this wonder of the natural world is an absolute must-see for any trip to Australia.
Uluru (Ayers Rock)
This iconic 600 million year old monolith is considered sacred by the Aboriginals. Take a cultural tour at Uluru, and delve into the rich and ancient heritage of the original settlers.
Sydney Opera House
Visit this landmark cultural centre for world class opera, theatre, music and dance.
Melbourne City
Considered the cultural capital of Australia, there's plenty to do in this bustling coastal city, with plazas, bars, restaurants and cultural events all along the Yarra river.
Holiday Extras Travel Insurance is sold and administered by Holiday Extras Cover Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under registration number 828848.
Holiday Extras™ is a Trading Name of Holiday Extras Cover Limited
Holiday Extras Travel Insurance is provided by Taurus Insurance Services, an insurance intermediary licenced and authorised in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission under Permission Number 5566 and authorised to passport general insurance intermediary services into the UK and registered with the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK under registration number 444830.
The insurance is underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited. Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is a company incorporated in England and Wales with company number 13436330 and whose registered office address is 10 Fenchurch Avenue, London, United Kingdom, EC3M 5BN. Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Firm Reference Number 955859. You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting; register.fca.org.uk or by contacting the Financial Conduct Authority on 0800 111 6768.