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Travel insurance for families: how travel insurance can help when things go off script 

Travel Tips
16.12.25 | 4 min read
Family at the beach

Travelling with kids usually means big plans - and a few surprises along the way. This article looks at how ahm travel insurance can help when things don’t go to plan, from medical emergencies and trip cancellations to useful add-ons and real-life family scenarios.

Family holidays are full of plans...and a few surprises. From packed snacks to carefully mapped-out itineraries, travelling with kids often comes with some extra moving parts. That’s where ahm travel insurance comes in helping taking care of the unexpected, so you and your loved ones can focus on the fun stuff. 

Whether you’re heading overseas or staying closer to home, ahm has flexible options designed for all kinds of family adventures.

From baby bags to boarding passes: what changes when you travel with kids

Even small hiccups can throw off your plans when little ones are involved. With ahm's travel insurance for families, you can cover for things like:

  • Medical cover for children - $Unlimited^ overseas medical and hospital expenses.
  • Trip cancellations or delays* - because plans don’t always stick.
  • Lost or stolen belongings± - from favourite toys to essential gear.
  • Extra accommodation or transport costs- - if travel hiccups require a change of plan.

Bonus tip: ahm’s travel insurance policies can cover kids at no extra cost~ - a handy perk whether you’ve got one little traveller in tow or more.

Types of travel insurance that might suit your family holiday plans

Every family trip is different, and the type of travel insurance you choose might depend on where you're going, how often you travel, and what kind of cover you need. Here’s a quick look at some of ahm’s flexible options:

International comprehensive travel insurance 
Planning a big overseas holiday with the kids? This option can include $Unlimited^ overseas medical and hospital expense cover^, trip cancellations*, and lost or stolen belongings± - handy if someone gets sick before the trip or a bag goes missing in transit.

International medical only travel insurance
Travelling overseas but only want cover for medical emergencies? This simpler option focuses on $Unlimited^ overseas medical and hospital expense cover - useful if you're travelling light and have flexible plans.

International annual multi-trip travel insurance 
If your family takes multiple overseas trips each year - like school holidays, long weekends, or visiting relatives - this option can cover multiple journeys over 12 months, so you don’t need to take out a new policy for every trip you take.

Domestic travel insurance
Even local getaways can have surprises. This cover can help with things like cancellations*, delays, lost belongings ±, or rental car excess - handy for road trips, regional flights, or that long-awaited family beach break.

Suitcase overflowing
Handy add-ons to consider when travelling with kids

Sometimes the basics might not be enough - especially when you’re travelling with little ones. ahm's travel insurance add-ons can help tailor your cover to suit your family’s needs:

  • Increased luggage limit: Packing for multiple kids often means more bags (and more essentials). This add-on increases the insured amount for valuables if they’re lost, stolen, or damaged.
  • Cancellation cover upgrade: School holidays usually mean booking early and paying upfront. This upgrade lets you increase your cancellation cover amount for higher cost holidays, giving you a little extra protection for those prepaid costs in case of unknown events.
  • Rental vehicle excess cover: Hiring a car or van for the family road trip? This add-on can help cover the insurance excess charges if the vehicle is damaged or stolen on international trips, while domestic travel already includes some cover.
  • High-value item cover: Travelling with tablets, cameras or other tech to keep the kids entertained? This add-on can help with theft or accidental damage.

Bonus tip: Some add-ons have conditions (like listing items or wearing helmets), so check the fine print before you go.

Planning around school holidays? A few things to keep in mind

School holidays are usually a peak travel time - busier airports, tighter schedules, and sometimes higher costs. If plans change due to illness, weather, or other disruptions, travel insurance with cancellation cover could help recover some of those costs.

With ahm travel insurance, you can choose a level of cover that suits your travel style and budget - so you’re not caught off guard.

Bonus tip: Keeping travel bookings and receipts in one place can make things easier if you need to make a claim.

Wrapping it up: travel insurance that supports family adventures

Travelling with kids can be a mix of excitement, unpredictability, and a little chaos (in the best way). Having travel insurance in place can offer peace of mind when plans shift, helping you handle the unexpected and get back to enjoying the adventure.

Explore ahm travel insurance options, to find a cover that first your next family trip. 

Things you should know

Limits, sub-limits, conditions and exclusions apply.

This is general advice only. This product is distributed by Australian Health Management Group Pty Limited (ABN 96 003 683 298, AR 266711) and administered by Travel Insurance Partners Pty Limited (ABN 73 144 049 230, AFSL 360138). Travel insurance is underwritten by Zurich Australian Insurance Limited (ABN 13 000 296 640, AFSL 232507). Please consider your own needs and the Combined FSG/PDS to decide if this product is right for you. For information on the Target Market and Target Market Determinations, visit ahm.com.au/travel-insurance/forms-and-guides.

~

If they're travelling with you, identified on the certificate of insurance and under 18.

^

Unlimited overseas medical and hospital expense cover
Medical cover will not exceed 12 months from the onset of the illness or injury. Only applies to international policies.

±

Cover for lost, stolen or damaged items and travel documents
Comprehensive plans only. Item and aggregate limits apply. Depreciation applies to items more than two years old.

*

Cancellation coverage 
If you need to make a claim for trip cancellations, ensure you meet the specific criteria outlined in the Combined PDS/FSG(opens in a new tab).

Cancellation cover applies on a per-policy basis.​

For international comprehensive plans we include a $3,000 benefit per policy. If you need more, you can select an amount of cancellation cover from the options available to you at the time of applying for cover.

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Cover for extra accommodation (if you’re forced to stay overnight) may apply only when your travel is delayed due to a covered event, you hold a valid policy at the time, you provide the required evidence (including receipts and any provider delay confirmation), and you comply with all policy conditions.

Refer to the Combined PDS/FSG(opens in a new tab) for all the details, including what is not covered and how much you might receive.