BB Fact Sheet – Travel – Insurance

Covering yourself in case something happens  

• Your holiday is important and so is travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances.

• Take a moment to consider how your Insurance Cover may impact your trip, and take into consideration factors that may occur, such as Health issues, luggage and personal belongings lost or stolen, accommodation loss, or being stranded by transport/accommodation issues.

• Discuss your insurance needs with your Insurance Broker, or seek information about specific products available via phone or the internet. Enquire about updating your personal insurance if required, and what is covered if you travel here or Overseas.

• Find out what you can do to improve your chances of limiting loss due to theft or ill health while on holiday, or at home while you are away.

• Consider making a checklist of things to do before you go and in the event of loss, and make sure you carry your Insurers international Contact details.

Baby Boomers and Travel Insurance 

• The number of Baby boomers travelling is exploding as children leave home, or become more independent, giving people the freedom and spare money to travel.

• Over 180,000 cases of Australians provided with consular assistance occurred in 2007-2008, and over 20,000 cases of medical emergencies are dealt with by the Australian Dept. of Foreign Affairs and Trade each year. Without adequate travel insurance Baby Boomers put themselves at serious risk of financial or physical hardship if they have difficulties while travelling, so think seriously about checking what you are covered for before you go.  

What can I do? 

• Take out adequate Travel Insurance, and be aware that uninsured travellers are held personally liable for covering any medical and associated costs they incur. Overseas medical costs are not covered by Medicare.

• Check your current Home & Contents policies to check whether you are already covered for some things, and to ensure you are adequately covered at home.

• Register your travel & contact details with the Australian Government Dept. Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) https://www.orao.dfat.gov.au/orao/weborao.nsf/homepage

• Make a checklist so that you are prepared, and can enjoy your holiday.

Contact your Travel Insurer first.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre   - 61 2 6261 3305 or

                                                            - 1300 555 135 (local call cost within Australia).

Australia  -  http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/travel_insurance.html

                 - http://www.fido.gov.au/fido/fido.nsf/byHeadline/Insurance%20checklist

Travel Insurance Tips  - http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/travel_insurance

                                    - http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/travel_insurance_consumer_guide.pdf  

DFAT Registration Homepage - https://www.orao.dfat.gov.au/orao/weborao.nsf/homepage

Destination Fact Sheets            - http://www.traveldoctor.com.au/dfactsheets

Health Alerts (by destination)   - http://www.traveldoctor.com.au/healthalerts

Australians Hospitalised/Missing Overseas - http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/hospitalisedmissing

Please contact your Travel Insurer first

Insurance Ombudsman National Dispute resolution Service: 1300 78 08 08 Toll Free 

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This article was created by Elisabeth Watkins for babyboomers.com.au - Australia's leading website for Baby Boomers. Sources include the Australian Government  Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade & www.smarttraveller.gov.au. Babyboomers.com.au is a resource to help people find information and services on Health, Money, Travel and recreation.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this section should not be used for individual medical advice. Please see your doctor if you have concerns or specific questions relating to your health. The information contained in this section should not be used for individual insurance advice. Please contact your insurer if you have concerns or specific questions relating to your insurance.

Copyright 2009 Babyboomers Pty Ltd. All rights Reserved.