2 in 3 travellers want a COVID-19 cover option with their travel insurance

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For a year-and-a-half overseas travel has been little more than a pipe dream for most Australians, but that dream might soon become a reality in the coming months as our borders reopen for fully vaccinated travellers.

But as would-be jetsetters start tentatively coming up with itineraries and re-familiarising themselves with the idea of packing, many travellers will also be thinking about their options when it comes to securing COVID-19 cover through their travel insurance.

According to a recent survey of 1,670 Australians commissioned by Mozo, 69% of respondents said that they would be willing to pay for ‘COVID cover’ if it came as an option with their travel insurance.

“After almost two years of rolling lockdowns and border closures, many Australians are eager to take off on an international adventure but with COVID still running wild, taking the time to find the right travel insurance policy could really pay off,” says Mozo spokesperson, Tom Godfrey.

At present, COVID cover options differ considerably between travel insurance providers though. For instance, while some travel insurance policies state that they will cover medical, quarantine and cancellation costs for travellers who catch the disease, COVID-related impacts such as border closures or government travel bans are often excluded.

“Even though COVID has been with us for some time, there are currently very few COVID cover options available. It’s clear travel insurance providers will be pedalling hard to offer consumers some level of cover as the pandemic continues to create challenges for the travel industry around the globe,” says Godfrey.

COVID cover isn’t the be all and end all for travellers though, as the survey found that 59% of people would still consider getting travel insurance even if it didn’t cover cancellations caused by an outbreak.

Cashed up and ready to fly

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the survey revealed a real pent up demand for international travel among Australians, with 55% of people saying that they were looking to head overseas when the borders open up again.

It also appears that travellers aiming to get away have been bulking up their savings accounts to do so, as the research found that those planning on travelling internationally in the next 12 months are intending to spend $5,861 on average. In fact, 16% said that they are likely to spend $10,000 or more.

How much do international travellers intend to spend in the next year?

AmountTravellers (%)
Up to $5,00051%
$5,001 - $10,00035%
$10,001 - $15,00013%
More than $15,0003%

According to the Department of Home Affairs , international travel could recommence again as soon as November for fully vaccinated citizens and permanent residents.

The exact reopening date is yet to be determined though, and states and territories will only be able to re-open to international travellers once they have hit the double dose vaccination threshold of 80%.

RELATED: Looking at international travel in 2022: What are my best credit card options?

Thinking about organising a trip abroad but not sure what type of payment option you want to take with you? Check out our dedicated travel money hub for a rundown of the options available, as well as a number of handy guides.

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Last updated 14 October 2024Important disclosures
  • American Express Qantas Ultimate Card

    Receive 50,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online by 14 January 2025, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new Qantas American Express Ultimate Card within the first 3 months of your approval date. T&Cs apply. Available for new American Express Card Members only.

    Rewards program
    Annual fee
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    Earn rate per $1
    Qantas Frequent Flyer
    $450
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    Details
  • G&C Mutual Bank Platinum Visa Credit Card

    Receive 50,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply, are approved, and spend $5,000 on eligible purchases on your new G&C Mutual Bank Platinum Visa Credit Card within 90 days. T&Cs apply. Available to new G&C Mutual Bank Card Members only. Earn 10,000 bonus Qantas Points annually. T&Cs apply. Access Platinum Visa Concierge. Add an additional cardholder at no extra cost.

    Rewards program
    Annual fee
    Bonus points
    Earn rate per $1
    Qantas Frequent Flyer
    $299
    30,000
    1 point up to 20,000 points/month
  • NAB Qantas Rewards Premium Card

    70,000 Bonus Qantas Points. Offer applies to a new NAB Qantas Rewards Premium Card when you spend $2,000 on everyday purchases within 60 days.

    Rewards program
    Annual fee
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    Earn rate per $1
    Qantas Frequent Flyer
    $295 $195 in the first year
    70,000
    0.66 points up to $3,000/month, then
    0.33 points up to $6,000/month
  • American Express Qantas Premium Card

    Receive 20,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new Qantas American Express Premium Card within 3 months of Card Membership. T&C’s apply. Available to new American Express Card Members only.

    Rewards program
    Annual fee
    Bonus points
    Earn rate per $1
    Qantas Frequent Flyer
    $249
    20,000
    1 point uncapped
  • NAB Rewards Signature Card

    Earn 100,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 on everyday purchases within the first 60 days of account opening and 40,000 bonus points when you keep your card for over 12 months (T&Cs apply). Enjoy a reduced annual card fee (from $295 to $195) for the first year. Up to 44 Interest free days on purchases (T&Cs apply). $15,000 minimum credit limit. 0% p.a. on standard balance transfer (BT) rate for 12 months (3% BT fee applies).

    Rewards program
    Annual fee
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    Earn rate per $1
    NAB Rewards
    $295 $145 in the first year
    180,000
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  • American Express Qantas Discovery Card

    Earn 1.75 Qantas Points on eligible Qantas products and services per $1 spent (T&Cs apply). Enjoy $0 Annual Card Fee. Get the security of Card Refund and Purchase Cover. Up to four additional Cards at no extra fee. Redeem your points for Classic Flight Rewards (T&Cs apply).

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    Qantas Frequent Flyer
    $0
    No current offer
    0.75 points uncapped

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