Travel Insurance Tips for Students Flying to Australia

Pune, 26 March 2025: When you plan to study abroad, especially in a faraway country like Australia, the excitement is beyond words. To ensure your stay in the “Land of Kangaroos” is smooth, you pay close attention to your paperwork, clothing and budget. However, amidst all of this, make sure you don’t overlook travel insurance.

Let’s discuss some key considerations related to travel insurance before you catch your flight to Australia.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Travel Insurance for Australia

Here are the eight tips to consider when reviewing, buying or managing student travel insurance:

1. Compare Plans

Review travel insurance plans from different insurers. Compare the coverage and exclusions outlined in the policy documents. Additionally, read online reviews of each insurer to assess their reliability when it comes to claim processing.

The claim settlement ratio is another key factor to consider. This ratio indicates the number of claims settled by the travel insurer out of the total claims received in a financial year.

2. Understand Deductibles

A deductible in international travel insurance is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket before your insurance provider covers the remaining expenses. It acts as a shared cost between you and the insurer and applies to claims under your travel insurance policy.

Knowing the deductible clause can protect you from last-minute surprises.

3. Start Early

Don’t wait until the last minute to buy travel insurance. Purchase your policy as soon as your travel dates are confirmed. Early coverage ensures protection, even if your trip is cancelled before departure.

4. Understand Personal Liability Cover

Before flying to Australia, connect with your insurer to understand the clauses associated with personal liability coverage. Suppose one day, while riding on the highways of Australia, you unintentionally hit a pedestrian, leaving him severely injured. When you take him to the hospital, the billing counter hands you a bill of 3500 Australian dollars, which translates to around ₹1.8 lakhs.

If you do not have student travel insurance, you will be responsible for the cost of treatment, which will leave you with a major cash crunch.

5. Know the Trip Delay Clause

If your flight has multiple layovers, it may be delayed due to unforeseen events like bad weather, political turmoil or airplane breakdown. In such instances, the insurer will reimburse you for the expenses incurred on necessities.

However, keep in mind that the trip delay clause applies only if the flight is delayed by 12 hours or more from the scheduled arrival.

6. Review Coverage for Study-Related Issues

Your primary purpose in Australia as a student is to pursue education. Ensuring that your travel insurance covers study-related issues.

For example, suppose the person who sponsored your education passes away after you arrive in Australia. In this case, if your insurer does not extend coverage for tuition fee reimbursement and other academic-related expenses, you might be unable to manage the finances on your own. Hence, reviewing study-related clauses in travel insurance is crucial.

7. Check Coverage for Adventurous Sports

Australia is a land of adventure. From surfing at Bondi Beach to snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, there is no shortage of exciting activities to try. However, engaging in adventure sports can increase your risk of injury, and not all travel insurance policies cover these activities.

If you plan to participate in hiking, bungee jumping, or skiing, ensure your policy covers these adventure sports. Some policies provide optional add-ons for high-risk activities.

8. Keep Documents Handy

Always keep a copy of your travel insurance document and emergency contact details with you during your travels. Save them digitally on your phone or email them to yourself so you can access them when needed. This could make the difference in quickly getting the help you need if something goes wrong.

Conclusion

Travel insurance is your safety net in Australia for higher education. It allows you to enjoy your studies and experiences in Australia without worrying about the “what ifs”. By carefully considering your coverage, comparing policies, and ensuring the right protection, you will be prepared for any unforeseen event that comes your way.