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Holiday Travel – Travel Insurance – Must Haves Checklist

  • Adroit Insurance and Risk
  • December 10, 2025

As the end of the year fast approaches, many Australians are dusting off their passports and planning overseas holidays to celebrate the festive season. Whether you’re heading to a white Christmas in Europe, relaxing on a Southeast Asian beach, or visiting family across the globe, travel insurance is a must-have for any international trip.

Must Haves

1. Medical expenses and Emergency Evacuation cover

This is the most important feature, as hospital bills and medical expenses can be tens of thousands, especially in the USA or Japan. Check that your policy includes:

  • High sum insured, many insurers have Unlimited cover;
  • Emergency evacuation and payment of ongoing Medicare Gap costs when back in Australia;
  • Accidental Death or major injury payments

Check Pre- existing conditions

If you have a pre-existing condition medical issue, even if it’s well-managed, the insurer will need to know the full details. In the event of a medical emergency, the insurers should pay for emergency costs arising from the condition, but will not pay the cost of regular medication for managing the condition.

Aged Over 70?

Some insurers will issue policies to travellers over 70 years old, make sure you check the age limit.

2. Trip cancellations and extended delays

Airline strikes, IT outages, weather, family illness all can derail your plans. Look for:

  • Cover for cancellation due to illness or emergencies (yours or a close family member’s, again there are exclusions related to claims for cancellation to return to Australia if the relative was over 70 or had a pre-existing illness).
  • Flight delays and missed connections;
  • Additional accommodation or transport if your plans are interrupted

3. Lost or stolen luggage or valuables

Lost or stolen luggage can ruin a trip. Most policies include personal effects cover, but:

  • Check individual item limits (often $500–$1,000 per item);
  • Look at total claim limits for electronics and jewellery;
  • You may need to specify high-value items like cameras, laptops or watches;
  • Ensure there’s cover for theft from locked hotel rooms or vehicles.

4. Adventure activities

Planning to ski, dive, ride a scooter, or go ziplining? Standard travel insurance often excludes ‘high-risk’ or adventure activities unless you add them on.

 Final tips

  • Some travellers rely on complimentary credit card travel insurance, talk with the insurer to ensure you have the right amount and type of insurance before you travel;
  • Keep a digital and printed copy of your policy while travelling;
  • Add your insurer’s emergency contact number to your phone;
  • Tell your adviser where you’re going and for how long, some insurers have limits on the length of time for each trip and exclude cover some countries.

 Before you jet off, speak with your Risk Adviser to make sure your travel policy meets your needs for a stress-free holiday.