Protect your trip, health, and wallet — whether you’re heading interstate, overseas, or backpacking around the world.
Travel insurance isn’t just nice to have — it’s essential. From unexpected medical bills to lost luggage, missed flights, natural disasters, or trip cancellations, good cover can save you thousands of dollars and stress. Recent data shows that many Australians are still unprepared for real travel mishaps, especially medical emergencies overseas. News.com.au
This guide breaks down the top travel insurance choices for Australians in 2026, how to choose the right one, and what to watch out for when buying cover.
Top Travel Insurance Providers for Australians (2026)
Here are the leading providers based on 2025–26 industry awards and expert rankings.
1. Travel Insurance Saver — Best All-Round Cover
Awarded Australia’s Best Travel Insurer by Mozo’s Experts Choice Awards. Its policies scored exceptionally across comprehensive, annual multi-trip, and cruise insurance categories. Mozo+1
Why consider it:
- Unlimited medical and hospital cover
- Strong cancellation and luggage benefits
- 24/7 worldwide emergency support
Great for travellers who want high overall protection — from short holidays to longer trips.
2. Zoom Travel Insurance — Best Value Option
Zoom was crowned Best Value Travel Insurance in Finder’s 2025 awards for delivering strong coverage at competitive prices. Zoom Travel Insurance
Highlights:
- Flexible options with add-ons you only pay for if you need them
- Tailored cover for adventure activities (e.g., scooters/motorbikes)
- Unlimited trip cancellation options
Perfect for budget-savvy travellers or those who want solid medical cover without overpaying.
3. Southern Cross Travel Insurance — Best Comprehensive Cover
Recognised for excellent international comprehensive travel insurance with generous coverage limits and no restrictive age caps. finder.com.au
Standout features:
- High luggage and personal items cover
- Strong medical and emergency benefits
- No age restrictions on many plans
Ideal for older travellers or family groups who want extensive protections.
4. InsureandGo — Domestic Trip Specialist
InsureandGo stands out for domestic travel and flexible cover levels, with options that suit both basic and more comprehensive needs. InsureandGo
Good choice for:
- Short trips within Australia
- Different levels of cover (Bare Essentials to Gold)
- Add-ons like winter sports or business travel
5. Other Highly Rated Providers
A few others worth considering for specific needs:
- 1Cover – Excellent value, especially for seniors and international trips, with Canstar awards for value. Canstar
- Tick Travel Insurance – Strong domestic option with kid-free travel under 18 on some plans. finder.com.au
- World2Cover – Great claims experience and recognised for easy claims. finder.com.au
- Australia Post – Highly rated by travellers for customer satisfaction and solid service. Mozo
How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance
Here’s what to look for when selecting cover:
🧾 1. Coverage vs Price
Cheap isn’t always better. A low premium doesn’t guarantee comprehensive protection. Always compare what’s covered — medical, cancellation, luggage, rental car excess, and emergency evacuation are key sections. Smartraveller
2. Medical & Evacuation Cover
Medical costs overseas — especially in places like the US — can exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars. Make sure your policy includes unlimited medical and evacuation where possible.
3. Trip Cancellation & Disruption
Unexpected illness, weather events, or family emergencies can derail plans. A good policy should reimburse prepaid expenses if you cancel or cut short your trip.
4. Adventure & Sports Add-Ons
If you plan on skiing, diving, hiking, or riding scooters abroad, check if the insurer covers adventure activities. Some policies require paid add-ons for these.
5. Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
If you have a health condition, read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) carefully or get medical screening. Each insurer has different rules about what’s covered. Smartraveller
6. Understand Exclusions
Common exclusions include alcohol-related incidents, certain adventure sports, and insolvency of travel providers. Understanding these before you commit prevents nasty surprises. Smartraveller
Tips Before You Buy
✔ Compare multiple insurers rather than just one quote
✔ Buy insurance as soon as you book your trip — this extends cancellation cover benefits
✔ Check if your credit card offers supplementary travel insurance (some premium cards include it, but terms vary widely)
✔ Always read the PDS — the devil is in the details
Final Thought
There’s no single “best” travel insurance for everyone — it depends on your destination, age, trip length, activities, and personal health needs. But with the right policy in hand, Aussies can travel with confidence knowing they’re covered for life’s unexpected moments abroad.
