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

woman-going-up-the-escalator-at-the-airport

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.

Compare reward credit cards - last updated 25 July 2025

Search promoted rewards credit cards below or do a full Mozo database search. Advertiser disclosure
  • Apply By 13 Jan 2026
    American Express Qantas Ultimate Card

    Qantas Frequent Flyer

    $450

    90,000

    1.25 points up to 100,000 points/year, then
    1 point uncapped

    Earn up to 90,000 bonus Qantas Points - that’s 70,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online by 13 January 2026, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new Qantas American Express Ultimate Card within the first 3 months. Plus, an additional 20,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend min $1 on your Card within 90 days of paying your second year annual Card fee. T&Cs apply. New Amex Card Members only.

    Compare
    Details
  • Apply By 27 Jan 2026
    American Express Essential® Rewards Credit Card

    Membership Rewards

    $108

    40,000

    1 point uncapped

    Receive 40,000 Bonus Membership Rewards® Points when you apply online by 27 January 2026, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new American Express Essential® Rewards Credit Card within the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. Available to new American Express Card Members only.

    Compare
    Details
  • Coles No Annual Fee Mastercard

    flybuys

    $0

    No current offer

    0.5 points up to $5,000/month

    No annual fee for the life of the card plus collect 1 Flybuys point per $2 on eligible purchases up to $5,000 in each Statement Period (T&Cs apply). Get access to complimentary travel insurance. Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay compatible. Up to 44 days interest free on purchases when you pay your account in full by the monthly due date.

    Compare
    Details
  • Apply By 12 Aug 2025
    American Express Velocity Platinum Card

    Velocity Frequent Flyer

    $440

    60,000

    1.25 points uncapped

    Receive 60,000 bonus Velocity Points1 when you apply online by 12 August 2025, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new American Express Velocity Platinum Card within the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. Available to new American Express Card Members only.

    Compare
    Details
  • Apply By 9 Sep 2025
    American Express Velocity Escape Plus Card

    Velocity Frequent Flyer

    $95

    20,000

    1 point up to 12,000 points/year, then
    0.75 points uncapped

    Receive 20,000 bonus Velocity Points1 when you apply online by 9 September 2025, are approved, and spend $1,000 on eligible purchases on your new American Express Velocity Escape Plus Card within the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. Available to new American Express Card Members only.

    Compare
    Details
  • Apply By 2 Dec 2025
    American Express Explorer® Credit Card

    Membership Rewards

    $395

    100,000

    2 points uncapped

    Receive 100,000 Bonus Membership Rewards® Points when you apply online by 2 December 2025, are approved, and spend $4,000 on eligible purchases on your new American Express Explorer® Credit Card within the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. Available to new American Express Card Members only.

    Compare
    Details

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Rewards Credit Card 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.