What is included in a Medibank international travel insurance policy?
Medibank has two international travel insurance policies. These are the Medical Only and International Comprehensive policies.
But remember: check Mozo’s data fields or the Medibank product disclosure statement (PDS), found near the bottom of their travel insurance page, for details on pay-out limits and general exclusions for specific parts of their travel insurance policy across the range.
If you only want medical cover on your travels, then the Medical Only policy may cover you for:
If you opt for the International Comprehensive travel insurance policy, then you can be covered for:
Overseas medical expenses
Overseas dental expenses
Additional expenses (like emergency accommodation and transport if there’s a natural disaster)
Personal liability
Cancellation and amendment fees
Missed connections
Luggage and personal belongings
Travel documents (like passports)
Credit cards and travellers cheques
Delayed luggage allowance
Alternative travel expenses
Resumption of journey
Hospital cash allowance
Loss of income
Permanent disability
Accidental death
Does Medibank travel insurance have COVID-19 cover?
Medibank does provide some cover for COVID-19, however it may be subject to certain conditions. Some COVID-19 related claims only apply if you’re travelling in Australia and New Zealand, if the Smartraveller advice level is below a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning, and you are not claiming in relation to a multi-night cruise. Your cover will also depend on the policy you choose, so before you buy one make sure you read through the PDS to make sure you’re getting coverage which suits your needs.
COVID-19 related benefits may include:
Overseas medical and hospital expenses if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19
Cancellation and amendment fees (excludes Medical Only plan)
Additional expenses (for example, if you need to return home because a relative or business partner is diagnosed with life-threatening COVID-19)
COVID-19 benefits that may only apply to travel in Australia or New Zealand:
Alternative accommodation expenses if your prepaid accommodation is shut down due to an outbreak, or the person you were meant to be staying with is diagnosed with COVID-19
If your prepaid holiday activity is closed due to COVID-19
Quarantine as a result of being a close contact with COVID-19
Missed connections and temporary travel delays
What other optional extras can I add to my Medibank policy?
Extra luggage and personal effects cover
If you wish to increase the cover limit for specific personal items, like a camera or jewellery, you can pay an extra premium. You’ll need to have receipts or a recent valuation (less than 24 months old) when you ask for a quote.
Cruise cover
If you’re travelling for 2 or more nights on a cruise ship, then you’ll need to purchase cruise travel insurance on top of your policy. If you do not get this optional extra, then any claims related to any part of your journey on a cruise ship will not be covered. However, if your cruise doesn’t leave Australian waters, you won’t need to apply for this add-on.
Medibank’s cruise cover offers the following benefits:
Snow sports
Snow travel insurance is important if you’re hitting the slopes, and without it you may not be covered for any claims relating to snow sports. Medibank’s snow sports cover only applies if you’re skiing or snowboarding on-piste (meaning within the boundaries of the ski field), you are not competing in a race, or participating in a professional capacity.
Motorcycle/Moped riding
If you’re planning on riding a motorcycle or moped, as a driver or passenger, then you will need to add this optional extra to your policy.
Medibank may only cover you in relation to motorcycle and moped riding if:
The engine capacity is less than 250cc
The driver holds a valid licence
You are wearing a helmet
You are not racing or participating in a professional capacity
You are not participating in motocross
Medibank will, however, exclude motorcycle and moped riding from the personal liability benefit, so if you’re responsible for damage to the vehicle or the injuries of another person, you may be liable for costs.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered under Medibank’s travel insurance?
Medibank automatically includes cover for many pre-existing medical conditions, although some have criteria which must be met in order to receive the policy benefits. You must notify them of any pre-existing conditions that you have in order to receive cover for them. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it’s always good to read the PDS to see if you’ll be covered in the case of your condition causing you trouble on your travels.
A few examples of the conditions which Medibank automatically covers include:
You will need to declare your pre-existing condition and complete a health assessment by visiting a Medibank store, using their website (www.medibank.com.au/travel), or calling them on 132 331.
What exclusions are there to look out for in a Medibank travel insurance policy?
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 Medibank’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
What do I do if there’s an emergency during my trip?
If there’s an emergency, contact Medibank’s 24 hour emergency assistance and claims line on:
Medibank has a team of doctors, nurses, case managers, and travel agents who can help in an emergency. Examples of emergency situations may include:
Help finding a medical facility
Paying hospital bills
Getting you home safely
Lost passports or travel documents
Help changing your travel plans
How do I make a claim with Medibank travel insurance?
To make a claim, head online to Medibank’s website and follow the prompts, or download a claim form from their site. You will need to have supporting documents which are relevant to your claim, like receipts, police reports, or hospital invoices. You can either scan these for online upload, or post them to Medibank in the mail.
Medibank’s postal address is:
Medibank Travel Insurance Team
c/o Travel Insurance Partners Claims Dept
PO Box 168
North Sydney NSW 2060
Australia
Medibank will aim to notify you of the success of your claim within 10 working days.
Is it possible to cancel my Medibank travel insurance policy?
You can cancel your policy and receive a full-refund within 21 days of purchasing it, provided that you have not started your journey or intend to make a claim.