From road trips to jet-setting, why travel insurance should be a non-negotiable
Whether you’re jetting off to a tropical paradise, road-tripping with the kids, or taking a solo trip to reclaim your sanity this summer, there’s one travel essential you don’t want to forget: travel insurance.
Sure, it’s not as exciting as packing your swimmers or planning your theme park itinerary, but it could save you from a massive holiday headache.
The safety net you need
Picture this: you’re on your dream getaway, but the universe has other plans. A bout of food poisoning, a missed flight, or a sudden travel ban could flip your plans upside down. For families, it’s especially important. Kids have an uncanny knack for finding creative ways to get into scrapes – whether it’s a tumble at the hotel pool or a sudden fever. With travel insurance, you can breathe easy knowing unexpected medical costs won’t throw your budget off course.
Cover for the things you didn’t plan
Even the most organised travellers can’t plan for everything. Flight delays, cancellations, or misplaced luggage can be as common as seagulls at the beach. And while it’s frustrating, travel insurance can cover unexpected costs like extra accommodation or buying those emergency essentials when your bags are MIA.
Protect your wallet from big risks
If you’re travelling overseas, medical bills can escalate fast. For example, treatment for gastro (Bali Belly) on average costs $1,500 according to Travel Insurer 1cover, and in its list of most expensive claims for 2024 travel insurer Southern Cross listed a $187,868 claim from someone who slipped on the ledge of the pool and needed an air ambulance back to Australia.
For solo travellers, travel insurance is your backup plan. If plans change or emergencies arise, you’ve got support. And for families, it’s peace of mind multiplied, because the only thing you should be worrying about is how many snacks to pack.
Choosing the right policy for your trip
Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. Whether you're headed on a luxury cruise or a quick domestic getaway, make sure you’re covered for activities, medical emergencies, cancellations, and even adventurous pursuits (hello, snorkelling).
In our analysis done for the Mozo Experts Choice Travel Insurance Awards and 2025 Travel Insurance Trends report, we found that there can be a big difference in price for comparable cover between travel insurers. We found a 40 year old could save as much as $191 by shopping around for cover^ on a two week ski trip to Japan.
This really highlights why it’s important to compare travel insurance quotes to meet your needs and budget. You don’t necessarily need all the bells and whistles, but even having just the basic hospital and medical cover is likely to cost less than $20 each day for someone without a pre-existing medical condition.
So, whether you’re herding the family or flying solo, don’t hit the "book now" button without sorting your travel insurance.