If you’re travelling, it makes sense to take out travel insurance, but there are many providers! Let’s take a closer look at Qantas travel insurance; is it worth it or not?
Travel has finally resumed following Covid, and according to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)1, travel activity in December 2022 increased to the same level as it was in February 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions took a firm hold of Australia’s borders and airline industry.
For those planning a trip, it’s so important to have adequate insurance coverage so that you’re not left with an expensive bill if something unexpected happens. Qantas Travel Insurance2 is one of the most popular insurance providers in Australia. But how does it compare to other insurance companies?
The Good
- Reasonably generous claim limits – for example, up to $15,000 for baggage and personal effects.
- One of the cheapest excesses on the market, with the lowest being just $70
- The ability to earn Qantas points from the Qantas frequent flyer program6 when you purchase a policy
- Unlimited medical cover (including dental) while overseas
- Good cover for COVID-19-related costs, such as medical expenses and cancellation charges
- Free cover for children, as part of your policy
- Offers some Covid related cover
The Bad
- Relatively few optional extras compared to other providers
- A relatively low age limit, which limits policies to those aged under 70. Over 69s will need to purchase a separate policy
- Modest cancellation cover – for example, you can only claim up to $3,000 if you need to cancel a domestic holiday.
- Poor online reviews – a score of 1.1 out of 5 on Product Review7.
Verdict: Cheap excess, free cover for kids, and some Covid cover, but some poor online reviews. There are probably cheaper options out there with better cover.
CaptainFI is not a Financial Advisor and the information below is factual review information, not financial advice. This website is reader-supported, which means we may be paid by advertising on the site, or when you visit links to partner or featured sites. For more information please read my Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Financial Disclaimer.
Who Does Qantas Use for Travel Insurance? Who Is the Underwriter?
Qantas Travel Insurance policies are managed by nib travel services and are underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd3, an experienced underwriter with more than two decades of building unique insurance offerings.
How Much Does Qantas Travel Insurance Cost?
Like any other travel insurance service provider, Qantas Travel Insurance has different levels of coverage that have varying costs. The price of the policies depends on several factors, including:
● Your age
● How long you’re planning to travel for
● Where you’re travelling to
● Whether you have any pre-existing medical conditions
● What optional extras you’d like to add to your policy
● The level of coverage you require
Qantas Travel Insurance offers a range of coverage options to suit different needs and budgets. There are three levels of coverage to choose from: International Comprehensive, Australian Comprehensive, and Annual Multi-Trip.
The International and Australian Comprehensive plans are similarly priced and include cover for things like overseas medical expenses, rental car excess, travel delays and cancellations, personal liability and more.
The only difference is that the International Comprehensive plan covers travel to any international destination, while the Australian plan only covers domestic trips.
The Annual Multi-Trip plan offers more comprehensive coverage for those who are planning multiple trips within a 12-month period. This policy offers cover for any number of trips up to 45 days in duration.
To give you an idea of how much Qantas Travel Insurance might cost, here are some sample quotes obtained from their website:
● A 30-year-old travelling to Bali for two weeks with no pre-existing medical conditions and choosing the International Comprehensive plan might expect to pay around $206.
● A family of four travelling to Europe for four weeks with no pre-existing medical conditions and choosing the International Comprehensive plan might expect to pay around $846.
● A 65-year-old travelling to the USA for six weeks with a pre-existing medical condition and choosing the Annual Multi-Trip plan might expect to pay around $639.
It’s important to note that these prices are just examples – the actual cost of your policy will depend on your individual circumstances.
“Depending on where you’re travelling and your personal circumstances, you may be able to purchase Qantas Travel Insurance at the same time you buy your Qantas flight on the Qantas website.”
insurance.qantas.com/help-and-support/purchasing-travel-insurance/how-do-i-purchase-qantas-travel-insurance2
What Does Qantas Travel Insurance Cover?
The exact cover offered by Qantas Travel Insurance will depend on which policy you choose, with the International Comprehensive and Annual Multi-Trip plans offering the most comprehensive coverage. Generally speaking, these policies offer cover for:
● Unlimited overseas medical expenses – including hospital visit fees, doctor’s visits, dental and other treatments, as well as Covid-19 related costs.
● Cancellation and/or postponement of your trip due to unexpected circumstances such as illness, injury, or death of a family member.
● Loss or damage to your luggage and/or personal items while travelling.
● Personal liability in the event that you cause injury or property damage to another person while on your trip.
● Rental vehicle excess cover – so you don’t have to pay additional costs if you’re involved in an accident while driving a hired car.
● Theft of cash – up to a certain amount (e.g. $200 for the International Comprehensive plan).
● Travel delays – reimbursements for expenses such as additional accommodation and meal costs if your flight is delayed or cancelled by more than 6 hours.
“We offer automatic cover for over 40 existing medical conditions, provided that you satisfy the criteria for that condition. If you have one or more existing medical conditions that aren’t automatically covered, you must let us know at the time you buy your policy and complete a medical screening. In many cases, we can offer cover for your existing medical condition for an additional premium.”
insurance.qantas.com/help-and-support/purchasing-travel-insurance/will-i-be-covered-for-an-existing-medical-condition2
It’s worth noting that this is just a summary, and there are many other benefits included in Qantas Travel Insurance policies. To better understand the cover offered and any excesses or exclusions that might apply, you can refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement4.
Websites such as Finder offer reviews on Qantas Travel Insurance too. You can read their review HERE8.
What Does Qantas Travel Insurance Not Cover?
Some of the things that Qantas Travel Insurance policies do not cover include:
● Cancellation due to mechanical breakdown of transportation.
● Being intoxicated or addicted to drugs, alcohol, or any other controlled substance.
● Illness or death arising from a metastatic or terminal prognosis made prior to purchasing your policy.
● Pregnancy-related illness after the 26th week of pregnancy.
● Self-inflicted injuries, suicide, or attempted suicide.
● Travelling to, or choosing to stay in, an area subject of a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
● Loss arising from the use of, or the inability to use, any program, software, or application.
● Insolvency or bankruptcy of your travel supplier.
Again, it’s important to refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for a full list of what is and isn’t covered by Qantas Travel Insurance policies.
Do You Get Free, Additonal Cover for Children, as Part of Your Policy?
Yes, Qantas offers free additional cover for children travelling with their parents. This means that any accompanying children under 18 (or under 2 for the Australian Cancellation and Baggage policy) will be automatically covered at no extra cost – with the exception of certain specified medical conditions.
To be eligible for this free additional cover, your child must travel with you on the same itinerary for the entire duration of your trip and must be named on your Certificate of Insurance.
Does Qantas Travel Insurance Cover COVID?
Qantas Travel Insurance does cover some costs related to COVID-19.
If you’re diagnosed with the virus while travelling, you’ll be covered for overseas medical expenses, including any diagnostic tests and treatments (including hospitalisation). Cancellation of your trip due to a COVID-19 diagnosis is also covered by Qantas, as well as ‘reasonable’ additional expenses that you may incur due to necessary modifications to your itinerary (such as if you’re required to quarantine for a period of time).
How Do You Make a Claim on Qantas Travel Insurance?
Making a claim on Qantas Travel Insurance is straightforward. Claims can be lodged 24/7 via the Qantas website or by calling the customer service line.
To make a claim, you’ll need to download and complete a claims form with the following details:
● The type of claim you’re making
● The surrounding circumstances and relevant dates
● Any expenses that you are claiming.
Once you’ve submitted your completed claim form5, Qantas will review your application and contact you if they need additional information.
Advantages of Using Qantas Travel Insurance
Qantas Travel Insurance offers a range of advantages:
- Reasonably generous claim limits – for example, up to $15,000 for baggage and personal effects.
- One of the cheapest excesses on the market, with the lowest being just $70
- The ability to earn Qantas points from the Qantas frequent flyer program6 when you purchase a policy
- Unlimited medical cover (including dental) while overseas
- Good cover for COVID-19-related costs, such as medical expenses and cancellation charges
- Free cover for children, as part of your policy
- Offers some Covid related cover
Disadvantages of Using Qantas Travel Insurance
Despite its advantages, Qantas Travel Insurance does have some drawbacks. These include:
- Relatively few optional extras compared to other providers
- A relatively low age limit, which limits policies to those aged under 70. Over 69s will need to purchase a separate policy
- Modest cancellation cover – for example, you can only claim up to $3,000 if you need to cancel a domestic holiday.
- Poor online reviews – a score of 1.1 out of 5 on Product Review7.
Summary – Is Qantas Travel Insurance Worth It?
Overall, Qantas Insurance is a good option for those looking for a basic policy that covers the essentials. It’s reasonably priced, has generous claim limits, and offers some useful COVID-19-related cover. However, it may not be the best choice if you are looking for a more comprehensive cover or additional extras.
Make sure you keep in mind whether you need the top cover or not when it comes to travel insurance, as paying for too much insurance can also be a waste of money, so look carefully at what is/isn’t covered in your policy, and decide on what you actually need.
For more info on Insurances, you can check out my interview with Katherine on the Podcast HERE.
FAQS About Qantas Travel Insurance
Can You Use Qantas Points to Pay for Qantas Travel Insurance?
Yes, Qantas Frequent Flyer members can pay for Qantas Travel Insurance with Qantas points. However, this is only valid when the points are obtained as part of a flight you booked with Qantas.
Does Qantas Travel Insurance Cover Cruises?
Yes, Qantas Travel Insurance does cover cruises. However, you’ll need to check the terms and conditions of your policy for any exclusions that may be applicable.
Captain FI is a Retired Pilot who lives in Adelaide, South Australia. He is passionate about Financial Independence and writes about Personal Finance and his journey to reach FI at 29, allowing him to retire at 30.
