Australia's Best Travel Insurance for December 2024

By Kylie Moss · · 8 min read
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Traveller ready with luggage for the Mozo Experts Choice Travel Insurance Awards (logo).

Whether in 2024 you’re planning a resort holiday in Fiji, voyaging on a cruise, or hopping on a plane to Europe, it’s important to consider packing travel insurance.

But how could you go about finding the best policy? What features and perks could your holiday need, and which providers stand out for amazing coverage? 

That’s where the Mozo Experts Choice Travel Insurance Awards come in. 

Every year, Mozo’s expert judges compare dozens of travel insurance providers to see which ones fly above and beyond in terms of quality and value. Providers offering the best coverage take home a Mozo Experts Choice Travel Insurance^ win. 

“Finding a policy may be a bit daunting, especially when policy features and costs can change depending on where you’re going and what you’re doing,” says Mozo Experts Choice Awards, Judge Peter Marshall. 

“We wanted to examine everything across a range of holidays, head-to-head, to help Australians find the best value cover, and award those providers offering the best travel insurance.”

So without further ado, here are the winners crowned in 2024, along with some of the latest deals for this month highlighted by our editor's – and some expert tips on how you could find the best policy for your trip.

Expert recommendations: Mozo Experts Choice Award-winning best travel insurance policies

Vacation flamingo with Mozo Experts Choice Travel Insurance Awards logo.

Each year, the Mozo Experts Choice Awards recognise travel insurance providers for having the most outstanding performance to suit the needs of different types of travellers. 

Categories include Exceptional Value and Exceptional Quality for various policy types, from comprehensive, multi-trip, cruise, ski, and basic coverage. 

Policies ranked highly for their quality are those that boast the most generous coverage (i.e. comprehensive travel insurance). Policies with great value offer a minimum level of coverage for the lowest price. 

Our expert judges look at many factors when evaluating a travel insurance policy for an award, especially:

  • Price, including any excesses and limits, and how premiums vary based on the holiday.
  • Coverage, including benefits and exclusions.

The insurance company with the most standout wins for both quality and value will receive the prestigious Travel Insurance Company of the Year^ award.

Judges also compare how well a policy travels for different popular destinations and kinds of trips so we can nail down the best picks for as many types of holidays as possible.

Check out the Mozo Experts Choice Travel Awards^ methodology report for 2024 to see how judges made their choices.

As always, every travel insurance policy will have its terms and conditions laid out in the product disclosure statement (PDS). Be sure to read the PDS properly and thoroughly before signing up!

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Important disclosures
Freely - International Travel Insurance*
  • Customisable, flexible coverage through the Freely app
  • 10% off with a Mozo exclusive discount

Why it won: For those looking for sheer convenience, it’s hard to beat Freely’s all-in-one travel app. Customise this flexible policy by adding or taking away extras and coverage as you need it to suit your holiday. Friends suddenly invite you whitewater rafting? Add adventure sports cover (with conditions).

Optional extras include gadgets, snow sports, cruise, motorcycle cover, and more. For a limited time, you could also nab 10% off your policy with the Promo Code “MOZO10” (T&Cs). Freely's travel insurance policies won two Mozo Experts Choice Travel Insurance Awards^ in 2024.

Zoom Comprehensive Travel Insurance*
  • Unlimited 24/7 emergency assistance
  • Optional extras for car rental or sports activities (T&Cs)

Why it won: Zoom’s Comprehensive Travel Insurance provides 24/7 emergency assistance to help protect you from unexpected events on your holiday. It also covers you for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, family emergencies and even more.

Zoom picked up an award for Exceptional Value Essential Travel Insurance making it a a great choice for travellers looking for a great value package.  Add optional cover for extras such as Rental Vehicle Excess if you are hiring a car or a Sports Activities Pack if you’re feeling adventurous.

Travel Insurance Company of the Year - World2Cover*
  • Multiple Mozo Experts Choice Awards^ winner in 2024
  • Unlimited emergency, cancellation, and medical cover (T&Cs)

Why it won: World2Cover’s comprehensive Top policy picked up wins for both Exceptional Value and Exceptional Quality Travel Insurance for the second year in a row, making it the obvious candidate for this prestigious crown. With unlimited emergency, cancellation, and medical cover (with conditions), World2Cover makes an extremely competitive choice for travellers hunting the most inclusions for the best value. 

Standout perks include coverage for 38 pre-existing conditions (including migraines and sleep apnea), rental car excesses, and up to $2,000 for overseas dental treatment (all with T&Cs). Plus, many amateur and outdoor sports, like bungee jumping, can be covered at no extra cost (T&Cs).

Southern Cross Travel Insurance - International Comprehensive Family*
  • Unlimited medical and evacuation cover (T&Cs)
  • Optional extras for snow sports and motorcycle cover (T&Cs)

Why it won: Whether travelling alone or with your family, this single-trip comprehensive insurance policy aims to please with some great standard features. Unlimited medical and evacuation cover headline the policy, and you have the option to increase cancellation to unlimited (though this will add to your premium).

Travelling solo overseas for less than two days? Southern Cross claims your premium could cost less than a meal. Unfortunately, pre-existing conditions aren’t automatically included, but you can apply to have them added with a medical assessment for an additional premium (with conditions). Southern Cross Travel Insurance also won two Mozo Experts Choice Travel Insurance Awards^ in 2024.

Travel Insurance Saver - Bare Essentials*
  • Unlimited overseas medical coverage (T&Cs)
  • Up to $2,500 emergency cancellation and $2,000 lost luggage and effects coverage (T&Cs)
Find out more

Why it won: This impressive essentials policy performed well in terms of Exceptional Value^.

While limits apply, eligible expenses you could claim under this policy include emergency cancellation, lost luggage, and replacement passport and travel documents coverage (T&Cs).

*Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.

Editor’s Picks: Top travel insurance policies for December 2024

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Fast Cover - Comprehensive Policy*
  • Generous and flexible optional extras
  • 43 pre-existing conditions automatically included (T&Cs)

Editor’s Pick: Looking for a solid all-rounder with amazing medical and COVID-19 benefits? Fast Cover’s comprehensive travel insurance policy makes a compelling option. Customers can select their cover based on region, activities, trip duration, and a host of optional extras like cruise, motorcycle, adventure, and rental vehicle excess insurance to tailor their plans for their holiday needs. Got any pre-existing medical conditions? Fast Cover offers cover for many pre-existing medical conditions, you just need complete a simple medical screening during the application process.

The comprehensive policy includes unlimited medical and cancellation cover, with unlimited medical cover if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 and a 5,000 limit for cancellation fees if you contract the virus and need to pull out of a leg of your journey. Keep in mind sub-limits, exclusions, and conditions apply, so make sure to read the PDS before signing up.

Australia Post Comprehensive Travel Insurance*
  • 24/7 emergency support
  • Get a quote in minutes
  • Save 10% on your policy before December 1, 2024

Editor’s Pick: If you’re looking for cover from a name you can trust, Australia Post International Comprehensive Travel Insurance covers overseas medical expenses, cancellation costs and more (T&Cs apply). You can also get optional extras like cover for existing medical conditions and winter sports to tailor cover to your needs. Plus, you can also reduce your premium with your choice of excess. Save 10% on your policy before December 1, 2024 with promo code TRAVEL10. T&Cs apply.

*Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.

5 questions to ask when choosing travel insurance

Customer favourites: Best travel insurance from Mozo People’s Choice Awards

Mozo People's Choice Awards badge

Expert recommendations are amazing, but what do real travellers think is the best insurance? Thankfully, the 2024 Mozo People’s Choice Awards have landed.

Mozo asked 1,487 of your fellow Australians which travel insurance providers they rate highly across a range of categories, from customer satisfaction and service to trustworthiness, sign-up and claims experiences, and whether they’d recommend them to a friend.

Winners were then given a Mozo People’s Choice Award, making them some of the best providers around (and in the air).

Here's a look at which categories each of this year's Mozo People's Choice Travel Insurance Award-winners won awards in:

  • Australia Post: Outstanding Customer Satisfaction, Excellent Claims Experience, Most Recommended
  • InsureandGo: Outstanding Customer Satisfaction, Excellent Customer Service, Highly Trusted, Sign-Up Experience
  • Commonwealth Bank: Excellent Customer Service, Highly Trusted, Most Recommended
  • Flight Centre: Highly Trusted
  • Medibank: Most Recommended

Mozo may receive payment if you click products on our site. Mozo does not compare the entire market.
Important information on terms, conditions and sub-limits.
Important disclosures
Australia Post - Comprehensive Travel Insurance*
  • Won 3 Mozo People’s Choice Awards for 2024
  • Flexible excess
  • 10% off discount for a limited time

Why it won: Sending yourself overseas? Australia Post has developed a first-class comprehensive international travel insurance policy that took home three Mozo People’s Choice wins in 2024. Aussies rates this provider highly for Excellent Claims Experience, Most Recommended and Outstanding Customer Satisfaction. And no wonder: Australia Post reckons you can get a quote in minutes. Tailor your policy by choosing your excess and level of coverage; the comprehensive plan comes with unlimited overseas medical and additional emergency expenses coverage, as well as benefits like money to resume your trip if cancelled for eligible reasons. You can also save 10% on your policy before December 1, 2024 with promo code TRAVEL10. (T&Cs apply)

5 most common travel insurance mistakes

More best travel insurance winners

Rainbow of thongs ready for the Mozo Experts Choice Travel Insurance Award winners.

Here’s the full list of winners for the Mozo Experts Choice Travel Insurance Awards^ for 2024, broken down by category. 

BEST VALUE TRAVEL INSURANCE

If your travel budget is tight, weighing up the value you’re getting in a policy is crucial. This year, Mozo’s expert judges wanted to highlight great value plans to make the comparison process easier.

From medical-only and essentials cover to more comprehensive and annual multi-trip policies, these providers offered a required set of inclusions at the best prices. 

  • Exceptional Medical Only coverage winners simply needed to have unlimited emergency overseas medical cover, including unlimited COVID-19 medical cover. 
  • Essential coverage winners needed to have at least $2,000 coverage per traveller for personal items and $2,500 cancellation coverage, plus unlimited medical coverage. 
  • Comprehensive, ski, cruise, and annual multi-trip coverage winners needed at least $7,500 of luggage cover per person, plus $15,000 cancellation cover per adult. Policies must also have unlimited COVID-19 coverage and at least $2,500 each for additional expenses and cancellations. Multi-trip policies were also assessed for a single traveller jet-setting for 30-day trips in a 12-month period.

Mozo’s expert judges also assessed some providers based on the value they offer vacation activities like snow sports or cruise travel. 

Check out the winners below.

Exceptional Value Medical Only Travel Insurance

These policies were the best value medical-only travel policies, based on the judges’ criteria.

  • Australia Post – Basic policy
  • Southern Cross Travel Insurance – International Medical Only policy

Exceptional Value Essential Travel Insurance

Want a little more coverage, such as lost luggage, on top of medical cover? Our expert judges thought these policies were winners.

  • Freely – International Travel Insurance policy
  • Tick Travel Insurance – Standard policy
  • Travel Insurance Saver – Bare Essentials policy
  • Travel Protect – Explorer policy
  • WAS Insurance – Discovery Ultimate policy
  • Zoom – Standard policy

Exceptional Value Comprehensive Travel Insurance

If you’re after the most coverage for the best value, these comprehensive policies are worth a look!

  • Chubb Australia – Prestige Single Trip policy
  • Freely – International Travel Insurance policy
  • InsuranceandGo – Gold policy
  • Tick Travel Insurance – Top policy
  • World2Cover – Top policy

Exceptional Value Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

Heading to a few destinations in 2024? These multi-trip policies nabbed best value crowns.

  • ahm – Annual Multi-Trip policy
  • Medibank – Annual Multi-Trip policy
  • NRMA – Comprehensive Annual Multi-Trip policy
  • Qantas – Annual Multi-Trip policy
  • Southern Cross Travel Insurance – Multi-Trip policy

Exceptional Value Cruise Travel Insurance

Cruisin’ should be breezy! Mozo’s expert judges thought these winners earned their best value cruise wins. 

  • AllClear – Gold Plus
  • Chubb Australia – Prestige Single Trip
  • Qantas – International Comprehensive policy
  • World Nomads – Explorer Plan

Exceptional Value Ski Travel Insurance

Hittin’ the slopes? Mozo's expert judges say these policies shouldn’t hit the wallet. 

  • Freely – International Travel Insurance policy
  • Medibank – Single Trip policy
  • Tick Travel Insurance – Top policy

BEST QUALITY TRAVEL INSURANCE

Some travellers want the best possible insurance, no matter the cost. That’s why Mozo’s expert judges analysed policies with the broadest and most generous cover for the Exceptional Quality travel insurance awards for comprehensive and multi-trip policies.

Exceptional Quality Travel Insurance

  • Cover-More – International Comprehensive+ policy
  • Flight Centre – YourCover Plus policy
  • Kogan – International Plus policy
  • NRMA – Comprehensive Plan policy
  • RAA – Premium policy policy
  • RAC – Comprehensive policy
  • RACQ – Premium policy
  • RACT – Comprehensive policy
  • RACV – Comprehensive policy
  • World2Cover – Top policy
  • Webjet – Top policy

Exceptional Quality Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

  • Cover-More – Multi-Trip International Comprehensive+ policy
  • Flight Centre – YourCover Plus policy
  • Kogan – International Plus policy
  • NRMA – Comprehensive Annual Multi-Trip policy
  • Webjet – Travel Safe Plus policy
Cheap travel insurance

What travel insurance do I need?

Collage of a blue suitcase surrounded by pink question marks.

When finding the best travel insurance policy for yourself, it’s important to compare as many different policies as possible. But what if you’re not sure where to start? Let’s break down the tiers and types of travel insurance on offer. 

Travel insurance policies vary based on where you’re going and for how long. For example:

  • Domestic travel insurance can be great if you’re just exploring Australia.
  • International travel insurance can be great for a once-off trip abroad.
  • Multi-trip travel insurance can be great if you’re making more than one trip, locally or abroad (usually within the same year).

Once you’ve picked the kind of travel insurance you’re after, providers will usually offer multiple tiers (or levels) of coverage, such as medical only, essentials, or comprehensive insurance.

You may also be able to get complimentary credit card travel insurance, which comes as a perk of your credit card.

Travel insurance policies can also include optional extras that tailor your coverage for specific holidays, like backpacker travel insurance or senior travel insurance.

Many clues can point to a travel insurance policy ranking among the best – exceptional price, excellent coverage, and a thumbs-up from fellow Aussie travellers. But the best indicator that a policy rocks? It’s the best for you. 

When comparing travel insurance policies, assess them like you’re giving out your own award: the win of your business! Read through the PDS, send for quotes, and ask yourself questions like:

  • Does this policy cover my holiday needs?
  • Is this within a price range I’m happy with? (Cheap travel insurance has trade-offs). 
  • Would I feel comfortable working with this provider when the worst happens?

If the answer is ‘yes’, you could be on to a winner.

Other considerations are important, too, however, especially the nitty-gritty details. For example:

Because every situation is different, not every travel insurance policy is the best for everyone. Some people want an affordable price, while others want the most coverage, no matter the price. 

Comparing what’s on offer can help you determine which travel insurances offer you the best value and quality for your holiday.

FAQs about travel insurance

Do I have to have travel insurance?

While not mandatory in Australia, travel insurance can be a useful financial tool to have in your back pocket. The right level of coverage could help your finances weather all kinds of unexpected emergencies, from medical treatment to flight cancellations.

Some overseas destinations have made basic travel insurance mandatory for entry at the border (usually to cover the costs associated with treating COVID-19). 

Is it better to have essentials-only or comprehensive travel insurance coverage?

The best travel insurance coverage for you will depend on your needs and holiday. For instance, if you’re a relatively low-risk traveller who can pay for unexpected costs like flight cancellations or lost luggage out-of-pocket, a basic or essentials-only travel insurance policy could suit you. 

However, if you’re looking for the most protection possible, or you’re doing adventurous travel activities like skiing, comprehensive travel insurance might be a better option. Comparing multiple policies can give you an idea of the coverage and value available to your situation.

How much should travel insurance cost?

Travel insurance prices depend on the policy, provider, excess, level of coverage, and destination you choose. Your price may also vary if you’ve included optional extras or expanded your limits for personal items like an expensive smartphone or to cover a pre-existing medical condition. 

Mozo found the average cost for different travel insurance policies ranges from roughly $90 to well over $1,000, depending on the needs of the trip. Most settled between $200 - $400.

What’s the best travel insurance to get if you’re already overseas?

Forgetting to buy travel insurance before leaving can be inconvenient, but there are options. Some policies may not cover trips already in progress: read the product disclosure statement (PDS) and get quotes to see what benefits, costs, and exclusions you could get. 

If you have a credit card, it’s also worthwhile investigating to see if you can get free travel insurance through your credit card company. Many will have activation requirements, like proving you’ve paid a certain amount of travel costs with your card.

Compare international travel insurance policies below.

*Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.

Compare international travel insurance

Mozo may receive payment if you click products on our site. Mozo does not compare the entire market.
Important information on terms, conditions and sub-limits.
Last updated 12 December 2024 Important disclosures
  • International Travel Insurance
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    $5,000 limit per policy with option to increase limit

    Get protection in a few simple steps with Freely travel insurance all in the palm of your hand. Freely Travel offers 24/7 emergency and medical support, 24/7 customer service. Plus, you can tailor your policy so you only pay for what you need, and adapt your cover in near real time. Add-ons such as car rental excess, snow sports or other activities also available. Receive 10% off your travel insurance policy with promo code: MOZO10. T&Cs apply, go to site for full detail.

    Go to site
    Details
  • Comprehensive
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    No
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Unlimited

    Enjoy unlimited medical cover and 24/7 emergency assistance services when you travel. Get unlimited cover for cancellation fees and prepaid travel expenses. Cover for luggage and travel documents. $5,000,000 personal liability cover.

    Go to site
    Details
  • International Comprehensive Single
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Choose $2,500 to Unlimited

    Enjoy the security of single trip cover on your next holiday with Southern Cross Travel Insurance. Get 24 hour emergency assistance, cover for cancelling or changing your journey before you leave, protection for lost, stolen or damaged goods as well as cover to replace lost or stolen cash, banks or travel documents.

    Go to site
    Details
  • Top
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Unlimited

    Be covered for international overseas and medical expenses. Emergency medical assistance 24 hours/365 days a year. Cover for cancellation fees and lost deposits. Cover for luggage and personal money. Dependents covered free of charge (conditions apply). Limited COVID cover available. Cancellation cover for COVID claims limited to $3,500.

    Go to site
    Details
  • Standard
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    No
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    $25,000

    Get the security of unlimited medical cover and 24/7 emergency assistance services when you travel. Get cover for cancellation fees and prepaid travel expenses. Cover for luggage and travel documents. $2,500,000 personal liability cover.

    Go to site
    Details

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Travel Insurance Awards

Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.

While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.