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.    

RELATED:  Don’t book travel insurance until you read these 5 policy quirks

Travel insurance comparisons on Mozo

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Last updated 13 December 2025 Important disclosures
  • International Comprehensive Travel Insurance
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Unlimited

    Medibank’s International Comprehensive Travel Insurance covers overseas medical expenses, trip cancellations, and up to $3,000 travel delay expenses. You’ll have 24/7 emergency medical assistance and you’ll also be protected for lost or stolen luggage, rental car excess, personal liability, loss of income and more. For an additional premium you can add cover for cruises, snow sports and high value items. (T&Cs, sub-limits, limits & exclusions apply to travel insurance. See website for details).

    Details
  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    International Travel Insurance
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    $3,000 limit per policy with option to increase limit

    Receive protection in a few simple steps, all from your mobile device, with 24/7 emergency and medical support, as well as 24/7 customer service. You can also tailor your policy, paying only for the coverage you need and adapting it in near real-time, with add-ons like car rental excess and snow sports also available. You can also get 15% off with promo code MOZO15. For groups of three or more adults traveling on the same policy Freely offers a 20% discount. T&Cs apply; visit the Freely site for full details.

    Details
  • International Comprehensive Travel Insurance
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Choose $3,000 to Unlimited

    ahm Travel Insurance covers overseas medical and hospital expenses. Comprehensive policies include $3,000 cancellation cover with the option to increase the cover up to unlimited, and up to $2,000 travel delay expenses. Also included is cover for lost or stolen luggage, rental car excess and personal liability. For an additional cost, you can also add optional cover for high-value items and motorcycle/moped riding. Kids under the age of 18 can be added to the policy at no extra cost. (T&Cs, sub-limits, limits & exclusions apply to travel insurance. See website for details).

    Details
  • Comprehensive
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    No
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Choose $0 to Unlimited

    Australia Post International Comprehensive Travel Insurance covers overseas medical expenses, cancellation costs and more (T&Cs apply). Optional extras like cover for existing medical conditions and winter sports available. 24/7 emergency support. Get a quote in minutes. Reduce your premium with variable excess. Policies may not be available to all travellers. Australian Postal Corporation ABN 28 864 970 579 (AR No 338646) is the distributor of Australia Post Travel Insurance.

    Details
  • Comprehensive
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Choose from $2,000 up to $100,000

    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.

    Details

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Travel Insurance Awards

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