Why domestic travel insurance might be worth packing for your next Aussie adventure

When most people think of travel insurance, their minds go straight to lost passports and overseas hospital visits. But here’s the thing - even when you’re exploring your own backyard, things can still go sideways. That’s where domestic travel insurance can come in handy.

Whether your road-tripping down the Great Ocean Road, flying interstate for a wedding, or planning a much-needed getaway up the coast or to the ski slopes, domestic travel insurance can help save you from some serious headaches (and surprise costs) if plans change unexpectedly.

What is domestic travel insurance?

In simple terms, domestic travel insurance helps cover you for those unexpected “uh-oh” moments that can happen on trips within Australia. While it won’t cover overseas-style medical expenses (since most people are already covered by Medicare), it can still help protect you from a bunch of other mishaps, like:

• Trip cancellations or delays
• Lost, stolen, or damaged luggage
• Rental car excess costs
• Accommodation cancellations
• Emergency expenses (like if a family member gets sick and you need to cut your trip short)

Basically, it’s like a safety net for when your Aussie adventure doesn’t quite go to plan.

Why domestic travel insurance could come in handy

Here’s some reasons why domestic travel insurance deserves a spot on your pre-trip checklist:

• Trips can go off-script - flights get delayed, luggage gets lost, and sometimes weather-related disruptions cause delays or cancellations. Domestic travel Insurance can help soften the blow when things don’t go to plan.
• Prepaid costs add up fast - think flights, hotels, tours, and car hire - all those bookings can quickly add up. If you need to cancel unexpectedly, domestic travel insurance may help recover those costs.
• Rental car protection = peace of mind - a small bump or scratch on your rental can mean a big bill. Depending on the policy, domestic travel insurance may provide cover for your rental car excess, helping you avoid paying out of pocket.
• Family emergencies or sudden illness can pop up when you least expect them. Having domestic travel cover can mean if you need to cancel or cut your trip short, you can have some peace of mind without losing everything you’ve already paid for.

When shopping around for domestic travel cover, make sure you read the Product Disclosure Statement, so you know exactly what you’re covered for and understand the policy’s terms and conditions. 

Who is domestic travel insurance for?

Domestic travel insurance may be useful for travellers such as:

• Families heading away on holidays
• Solo travellers and couples on weekend escapes
• Business travellers who fly regularly
• Anyone booking non-refundable flights or accommodation

Sure, you might not be crossing international borders - but that doesn’t always mean your trip is risk-free. Domestic travel insurance is the easy way to help make sure unexpected hiccups don’t turn your well-earned break into an expensive one.

Thinking about a holiday close to home? Check out ahm travel insurance for your next domestic trip.