Urgently need a new annual travel insurance policy

[Gotogate]

My current annual business travel policy is about to expire 31st August and I'm about to retire. I can renew for 1 more year but at a cost of $1500, almost double what it was last year because we planned a couple of o/seas trips including a long one for next year. I'm having trouble finding a new policy to fit the case so any advice is appreciated.
Facts: We are both 64, will travel both in Aus and overseas, 1 big trip of 68 days to US and Europe which includes cruises. Some of the problems I'm finding are: Length of the big trip, having to nominate every country we might visit and if you don't include somewhere and decide to go later you can't add it, policy that won't be able to renew once 65, having to take out additional cruise coverage.
I purchase everything with Citi Prestige visa and am about to have a fun read of their 74 page document to see if I can get away with credit card coverage unless I can find a better alternative.

 

[rginoz]

In the past 10 to 15 years, I've used annual policies with Ace Travel Insurance, which then became Chubb Travel Insurance. The cost was reasonable (about $700 per annum for two travellers), and our two relatively small claims in that period were paid quickly and without question. But I've now decided to rely on my Mastercard insurance, which has higher claimable amounts and will be able to cover me for many more years of travel. No need to preregister the trips, and only $500 of travel or related costs to be placed on the credit card.

Credit card travel insurance conditions vary from card to card, so it's very important to read the PDS and understand what it says.

 

[Nukie]

We have always used our ANZ cc travel insurance with no issues. Have had one claim for a hospital visit in France which was paid (minus the excess) without any problems. The only problem was not having any proof of having spent the qualifying $250 to activate the policy,; now we carry a copy of our cc statement. The last trip I had to pay $75 after a phone "consult" as I have had a cancer, even though I've passed my 5 years and am fine.

 

[Buzzard]

Choice magazine has reviewed annual policies. The link should take you to the summary.

Compare International Travel Insurance 2025 | CHOICE

Compare travel insurance policies from almost 30 insurers like Cover-more, NRMA, Flight Centre and Travel Insurance Direct. Our price rating will help you find the cheapest policies in the market that offer cover for seniors, cruising, skiing, scuba diving, existing medical conditions, car...

www.choice.com.au

 

[mrsterryn]

Thanks for that Buzz. Interesting I couldn't see AllClear which is the insurer who will insure my husband

 

[get me outta here]

Was just looking at the Bankwest PDS. It seems to be well considered by FF : https://www.bankwest.com.au/content/dam/bankwest/documents/legal-library/PDS_20180807-120721.pdf

 

[VPS]

Choice magazine has reviewed annual policies. The link should take you to the summary.

Compare International Travel Insurance 2025 | CHOICE

Compare travel insurance policies from almost 30 insurers like Cover-more, NRMA, Flight Centre and Travel Insurance Direct. Our price rating will help you find the cheapest policies in the market that offer cover for seniors, cruising, skiing, scuba diving, existing medical conditions, car...

www.choice.com.au

I just redid mine with Good2Go and about to make a minor claim so will so how it pans out

 

[sinophile888]

I have just been denied coverage by insureandgo for an annual policy, not including America.

 

[Buzzard]

I have just been denied coverage by insureandgo for an annual policy, not including America.

I appreciate it could be personal as to why but may I suggest you give 1Cover a try. They insured me but with a medical exclusion.

 

[sinophile888]

I appreciate it could be personal as to why but may I suggest you give 1Cover a try. They insured me but with a medical exclusion.

1Cover's response: Unable to issue a policy.

 

[mrsterryn]

@sinophile888 my husband has coverage from allclear , albeit expensive, and they did offer coverage for USA

 

[sinophile888]

@sinophile888 my husband has coverage from allclear , albeit expensive, and they did offer coverage for USA

The quote from allclear came in at $1342.43 for 13 days. Insureandgo was around $1550 from memory for the same dates.

I will try for a quote for an annual policy with allclear as that could be better with 3 cruises and two trips interstate in the next 12 months.

 

[sinophile888]

Annual policy came in at $4391.34 which is better than I thought it would be. I will ring them tomorrow to make sure about cover whilst on cruises in Australian waters. Fingers crossed and thanks to mrsterryn.

 

[equus]

Has anyone found an annual multi trip policy for a family where everyone is covered even if not travelling with the main policy holder

Travel Insurance Direct covers this - either adult can travel independently and be covered - children must be with one or other of the adults.

 

[Pele]

Thanks Equus. Just last week I shelled out for two seperate annual multi trip family policies so this time next year I will seek a quote from travel insurance direct.

Pele.

 

[mrsterryn]

I just redid mine with Good2Go and about to make a minor claim so will so how it pans out

How did it go ?

 

[mrsterryn]

I guess the issue is whether or not the tumor itself will lead to complications that require medical assistance while you are away. If not, standard insurance will cover everything else. Also worth considering the need for specific cover if travelling to a country where there is reciprocal cover with medicare - which I think is about 11 countries in Europe.

The issue with the tumour is that very very occasionally the message from his right leg misfires and he hits the deck
So my concern was if he did a regular trip over something and broke a bone they could (would ) attribute it back to his tumour
He is loathe to travel without insurance .
He has decided to not bother with USA this travel year
Now all my old age lol check ups are back and now clear , off to do my travel insurance for the next year with a cruise component

 

[VPS]

How did it go ?

mmm not done it yet - need to extract the digit

 

[theblank]

We have always used our ANZ cc travel insurance with no issues. Have had one claim for a hospital visit in France which was paid (minus the excess) without any problems. The only problem was not having any proof of having spent the qualifying $250 to activate the policy,; now we carry a copy of our cc statement.

I am curious why was there a problem and why would you have to carrry a copy of your CC statement? the hospital you went to doesnt need to see it (and wouldnt know what to do with that anyway), and the ANZ insurer make it absolutely clear during their claims process to NOT send them your CC statement. (becuase it has your private info on it)

When I made claims to the ANZ insurer which they paid with no fuss, they asked for no proof at all of the credit card qualifiying spend. Just wanted a copy of my itinerary so I sent them the return tickets.