When travelling domestically throughout Australia, it is easy to neglect domestic travel insurance and deem it unworthy of consideration. However, this is a mistake for several reasons, and in this article, we will take a closer look at them.
Anyone with Medicare coverage is already reasonably well covered regarding unexpected health issues and emergencies. Any incidents of emergency hospitalisations are part of that coverage, as are consultations, procedures, and medications of all kinds. However, there are some hidden costs that Medicare will not cover, but domestic travel insurance will.
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Dental emergencies
Anyone who has ever suffered from toothache knows it can quickly ruin any trip. There is no provision in Medicare coverage for dental treatments, whereas specific domestic travel insurance policies do. Never assume that you are covered, and always check before taking out any policy if you are relying on it to cover you for dental procedures.
Ambulance services
It may come as a surprise to many people to find that ambulance services are not covered in any way by Medicare. If you require the services of paramedics and an ambulance at any time during your domestic trip, you alone will be liable for the cost, which is not insignificant. Again, domestic travel insurance often contains specific provisions for ambulance services and can be a lifesaver in more ways than one, especially if you find yourself a long way from civilisation and need an ambulance or helicopter lift to safety.
Non-medical reasons to take out domestic travel insurance
. In case of natural disasters
The extreme temperatures in Australia mean that bushfires are a genuine danger. Aside from the inconvenience and disruption to travel plans they can cause, they can also put life and limb in serious jeopardy. Australia is not without its fair share of flooding at times, too, and it is equally dangerous and disruptive. From damaged items and lost belongings to unavoidable travel, unexpected accommodation, and all manner of associated costs, a decent domestic travel insurance policy will cover any you incur due to a natural disaster.
. Cancellations
Domestic travel insurance protects you against losing the cost of your trip in case of cancellations for whatever reason, from hotels that do not refund cancelled bookings to show tickets, flights, and other pre-booked events. All of those will be irretrievably lost without sufficient protection.
. Lost/delayed luggage
Having to buy a whole new wardrobe when the airline ‘misplaces’ your luggage is not the cheapest outcome, and with the right domestic travel insurance policy, you can replace your essential items at no cost to yourself.
Conclusion: Should you consider domestic travel insurance when travelling within Australia?
Although it may seem less urgent and essential than taking out travel insurance when heading to foreign climes, the points above illustrate why protecting yourself for trips closer to home is crucial. And it pays to remember that Australia is not a tiny country. You can easily find yourself further away from home within your own country than if you were to fly to Indonesia, for example. Protecting yourself as fully as possible is always advisable, no matter the circumstances, and domestic travel insurance represents the perfect way to do so.
