What is included in a CommInsure international travel insurance policy?
CommInsure offers a single-trip international policy and an international multi-trip insurance policy on their Comprehensive plan. However, only single-trip is available on their Essentials, Medical Only, Non-Medical, and Cancellation Only plans. They also offer multi-trip domestic travel insurance.
But remember: check Mozo’s data fields or the CommInsure product disclosure statement (PDS) for details on pay-out limits and general exclusions for specific parts of their travel insurance policy across the range.
Here’s what you can expect from the international Essentials policy:
Amendment or cancellation costs
Prepaid festival or gig cover so that you get there on time
Personal luggage and travel documents
Personal liability
If you opt for the Comprehensive tier of coverage, you can also expect the following insurance cover on top of what’s listed under the Essentials plan:
Hospital incidentals
Travel delay expenses
Special events cover (like weddings and funerals)
Resumption of journey
Delayed luggage allowance
Personal money cover
Rental vehicle insurance excess cover
Hijacking
Loss of income
Accidental death and disability
CommInsure’s Medical Only policy will cover you for:
CommInsure’s Cancellation Only policy will cover you for:
CommInsure’s Non-Medical policy will cover you for:
Additional expenses
Amendment or cancellation costs
Travel delays
Special events
Festivals and gigs
Luggage and travel documents
Luggage delay expenses
Personal money
Rental vehicle insurance excess
Accidental death and disability
Personal liability
Does CommInsure travel insurance have COVID-19 cover?
No, a CommInsure travel insurance policy does not cover COVID-19 related claims.
What other optional extras can I add to my CommInsure policy?
They offer a few extras which you can add to your policy, if you need to tailor your insurance to cover the kinds of activities you’ll be participating in, or the purpose of your trip. These include, increased luggage item limits, an adventure activities pack, motorcycle and moped riding cover, snow sports cover, and rental vehicle insurance excess increase. These add-ons will increase the premium you pay, but without them you may not be covered for anything that happens related to these sorts of activities. Always be sure to check out the PDS to find details regarding limits on cover amounts and general exclusions.
Snow sports cover
Snow insurance cover is vital if you’re hitting the ski fields. CommInsure offers two versions of their snow insurance cover: Snow Sports and Snow Sports+. These are not available on Cancellation Only or Non-Medical policy options.
The standard snow insurance, Snow Sports, includes coverage for:
However, they won’t cover you if you are competing in a professional capacity, or if you’re racing.
One level up, Snow Sports+ will include coverage for:
Once again, you won’t be covered if you’re competing in a professional capacity or racing, and you won’t be covered if you’re going off-piste against local advice or warnings.
An important thing to note is that when it comes to snow sports, you won’t be covered under the personal liability benefit of your policy. This means that if you are responsible for costs associated with damage to vehicles or property, or another person’s injury, while participating in snow sports, then your insurance will not cover you for personal liability.
Cruise cover
If you are travelling two or more nights on a cruise ship, then you may need cruise travel insurance for any cover related to that portion of your journey. However, if you’re not leaving Australian waters (e.g. you’re cruising the Murray River, or doing the Kimberly Cruise) then you won’t need to add cruise insurance to your policy.
Cruise cover includes:
Cancellation of your cruise
On-board medical and dental cover
Ship to shore medical cover
Sea sickness cover
Cabin confinement (if you’re unwell)
Missed port
Missed shore excursions
Formal wear
Marine rescue diversion
Unfortunately, COVID-19 is not covered if you’re on a multi-night cruise, meaning that you could be liable for any medical expenses if you contract the virus.
Adventure activities cover
Arguably, the most important part of travelling is the experiences you have. With CommInsure, there are many activities automatically included across all policy plans. But for those who are a little more adventurous, some activities require you to purchase the Adventure and Adventure+ optional add-ons.
If you’re planning on participating in adventure activities, then you may want to add this optional-extra to your CommInsure policy. But note, if you’re engaging in these activities in a professional capacity, you may not receive the benefits of your policy on any claims you make.
CommInsure automatically covers activities such as:
You will need the Adventure add-on if you plan on participating in activities like:
Closed circuit triathlons
Outdoor rock climbing (with ropes and/or guides, or bolted) less than 2,000 metres above sea level
Scuba diving (between depths of 30 to 50m, with an accredited instructor)
You will need the Adventure+ add-on if you plan on participating in activities like:
Parachuting or skydiving (not including BASE jumping)
Trekking Everest base camp (fully organised tours only)
Trekking the Kokoda Track
If you think you might be participating in an activity that is particularly risky, then it’s always best to double-check the PDS, in case your activity isn’t covered, or if there are conditions.
Motorcycle and moped riding cover
If you plan on riding a motorcycle or moped on your trip, then purchasing extra cover for these activities can cover you in case something goes wrong. You have two cover levels for this sort of activity: Motorcycle/Moped Riding cover or Motorcycle/Moped Riding+ cover.
The engine capacity of your motorcycle or moped is capped at 200cc if you go with the Motorcycle/Moped Riding policy add-on. You will only receive cover if:
You hold a valid Australian motorcycle or moped licence
If you’re the passenger, the driver holds a valid Australian motorcycle or moped licence
You are wearing a helmet
You’re not participating in a professional capacity
You’re not racing
You’re not participating in motocross
On the Motorcycle/Moped Riding+ cover level, your engine capacity is unlimited. You will only receive cover if:
The motorcycle/moped is hired
You have held an Australian motorcycle rider’s licence for the last 5 years
You currently hold a valid Australian motorcycle rider’s licence
You are a registered owner of a motorcycle/moped in Australia with an engine capacity equal to or less than the hired motorcycle/moped
If you’re the passenger, the driver holds a valid Australian motorcycle or moped licence
You are wearing a helmet
You’re not participating in a professional capacity
You’re not racing
You’re not participating in motocross
An important thing to note is that when it comes to motorcycle and moped riding, you won’t be covered under the personal liability benefit of your policy. This means that if you are responsible for costs associated with damage to vehicles or property, or another person’s injury, while participating in motorcycle and moped riding, then your insurance will not cover you for personal liability.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered under CommInsure’s travel insurance?
CommInsure provides cover for travelling with pre-existing conditions, however they must be approved after completing a medical health assessment.
There are some pre-existing conditions which are automatically covered under CommInsure’s policies, but they may have additional criteria relating to your eligibility for cover. These include:
If your pre-existing condition isn’t listed among the automatically covered ones, then you may still be able to apply to cover them. This includes automatically included conditions for which you do not meet the eligibility requirements. To get your pre-existing condition covered, you can complete an online health assessment through CommInsure.
What exclusions are there to look out for in a CommInsure travel insurance policy?
Unless you have already had your pre-existing medical condition approved for coverage with CommInsure, they will not cover you for claims related to a pre-existing medical condition. This includes trip cancellations prior to departure due to your medical condition, and medical expenses incurred.
If the country you are travelling to, or choose to remain in, has a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning issued by the Australian government’s Smartraveller website, then you will not be covered under CommInsure’s policies regarding any COVID-19 claims.
A brief list of general exclusions also include claims relating to:
Deliberately putting yourself, or if any covered person puts themself, in danger
Not taking reasonable care to protect your belongings in the case that they are stolen
The consumption of alcohol or drugs
Biological or chemical warfare
The use of a motor vehicle by an unlicensed driver, or not following local safety laws
Any involvement in illegal acts
Always make sure to check the PDS for details relating to general exclusions.
What do I do if there’s an emergency during my trip?
If there’s an emergency during your overseas trip, call CommInsure on their emergency assistance line. Depending on where you’re calling from, the number will vary. See below for the numbers you can call, toll free.
The emergency assistance line is available 24/7 if you need it. CommInsure’s team will be able to help you out with things like finding medical facilities and emergency hospital expenses, among other things. When you call, make sure you have your policy number and a phone number which they can call you back on if need be.
How do I make a claim with CommInsure travel insurance?
You can submit your claim online at www.commbank.com.au/cbatravelclaims. To register a claim with CommInsure, you will need to have all the relevant documentation to support your claim, like receipts for valuables, or invoices from hospitals and doctors if you incurred medical costs.
Follow the prompts and complete the checklist, then upload your scanned documents to their claims portal.
You can also post your supporting documents to CommInsure, if need be. Make sure to make copies of the originals though, in case they get lost along the way. CommInsure’s postal address is:
Commonwealth Bank Travel Insurance
C/o Cover-More
PO Box 2027
North Sydney NSW 2059
Australia
Is it possible to cancel my CommInsure travel insurance policy?
You can cancel your policy and receive a full-refund within 21 days of purchasing it, provided you haven’t started your journey or intend to make a claim.