Why Do You Need Travel Insurance?

Travel Insurance Is Essential for Luxury Travellers

When you’re planning a luxury escape, the last thing you want is unexpected stress; whether it’s a flight delay, a lost bag, or a medical emergency abroad. Travel insurance gives you the confidence to travel in comfort, knowing that you're covered for the unexpected.

Things Don’t Always Go to Plan

Even the most carefully curated itinerary can face disruptions. Travel insurance helps protect your investment by covering:

• Cancellations or delays

• Lost or delayed baggage

• Missed connections

• Natural disasters or pandemic-related interruptions

It’s not just about what might happen — it’s about travelling with confidence, knowing someone has your back.

Overseas Medical Bills Can Be Enormous

If you fall ill or are injured while travelling, medical care overseas can cost tens — or even hundreds — of thousands of dollars.And the reality is: the Australian Government won’t cover those expenses.

Many travellers assume the Government will pay for emergency medical care or help fly them home — but that support is very limited.

Travel insurance can help with:

• Hospital stays

• Specialist care

• Medical evacuations or air ambulances

• Emergency return to Australia with a medical escort

  
  

Some Countries Require Insurance for Entry

Many luxury travel destinations now require proof of travel insurance before entry; especially in a post-pandemic world. These include:

• Singapore

• United Arab Emirates

• All 26 countries in Europe’s Schengen Area (if applying for a visa)

To avoid any issues at the border, check your destination’s requirements on Smartraveller.gov.au.

What About Reciprocal Health Care?

Australia has reciprocal agreements with countries like the UK, New Zealand, and parts of Europe. But these agreements:

• Only cover urgent care

• Don’t always include GPs, prescriptions, or ambulance services

• Won’t cover private hospitals or VIP medical services

Plus, they offer no protection for trip disruptions, lost belongings, or emergency transport home. Travel insurance fills all of these gaps.

Tip: Bring your Medicare card and passport to access reciprocal care where eligible.

Added Benefits for Luxury Travellers

Luxury travellers often have more at stake; from premium bookings to high-value belongings. Here’s what else a quality travel insurance policy can cover:

Valuables and High-End Personal Items

Travelling with designer luggage, jewellery, or professional-grade tech? You can often specify these items on your policy to ensure they’re covered for theft, loss or damage.

Lost Baggage and Concierge Claims Support

If your luggage goes missing, insurance can cover replacement clothing and essentials — and some providers offer concierge-level claims assistance for fast, stress-free solutions.

Flight Delays and Missed Connections

Missed a connection or stuck in transit? Insurance can reimburse you for:

• Extra accommodation

• Transport

• Meals and rebooking fees

  
  

Family & Group Cover

Travelling with loved ones or as part of a group? Comprehensive policies often cover everyone under one plan — with options for children to be added at no extra cost.

Adventure or Activity Cover

Enjoying more active pursuits like skiing in Japan, yachting in Greece, or hiking in Patagonia? Make sure your policy includes cover for:

• Specialist medical care

• Activity-related injuries

• Lost or damaged equipment

  
  

24/7 Global Assistance

Access round-the-clock emergency help — from locating private medical care to arranging emergency flights or translation services.

Trip Interruption & Shopping Protection

If your trip is cut short, you may be reimbursed for unused hotel stays, excursions, or exclusive events. Some policies even cover shopping purchases gone wrong due to delays or damage.

Luxury Car Hire Excess Cover

Hiring a high-end vehicle? Travel insurance can cover car hire excess — often cheaper and more flexible than what the rental company offers.

Bonus: Domestic Travel Insurance Extras

Even when exploring Australia, it’s worth having cover — especially when you’ve booked five-star stays, private tours or exclusive experiences.

• Trip cancellation protection

• Cover for luggage and valuables

• Car hire excess

• Pet boarding and home care if your trip is delayed

  
  

The Bottom Line

Luxury travel is about ease, comfort and peace of mind — and travel insurance plays a big role in that. From premium medical support to protecting your designer luggage, it's a small investment that protects your entire experience.

Need help choosing a policy that suits your travel style?We’re happy to help find the right cover for you — so you can focus on enjoying the journey