Planning a trip? 5 reasons to consider travel insurance

Published September 2026 | 5 min read
Expert contributor: Rebecca Thomsen, Head of Product, Diversified Business, HCF
Words by Alana Wulff

Travelling doesn’t always go to plan, but it is best to be prepared.

With the number of Australians travelling overseas now reaching pre-pandemic levels, travel insurance remains an essential element of a holiday. Travel insurance is designed to provide cover for the unexpected.

“Medical and hospital related claims can range from accidents to more significant medical episodes like a stroke or a heart attack,” says Rebecca Thomsen, Head of Product at HCF. “It can take a long time to recover from these experiences, both financially and emotionally.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) reported more than 15,000 Aussies needed consular or crisis assistance overseas during 2023 and 2024, thanks to increases in theft, health emergencies and passport-related incidents. It’s little wonder then that eight in 10 (82%) travellers surveyed for the Allianz Partners Travel Index say they will purchase travel insurance. 

Having the right travel insurance can make a big difference to your trip – here’s how.

1. Keeping overseas medical costs down

Nearly half of Aussies say getting sick is their biggest travel fear, according to the Allianz Partners Travel Index.

“Medical emergencies are one of the most important reasons you should consider travel insurance,” says Rebecca. “Claims costs can vary greatly when something significant happens overseas and there’s no Medicare available. It can range into the hundreds of thousands.”

Not everyone will have a major medical event while on holiday, of course, but travel insurance means whether you break your ankle or catch the flu, you can focus on getting better without worrying about the cost.

Rebecca believes travellers should consider the costs of an unexpected medical event when travelling. “If you have private health cover, that may cover you for hospitals within Australia. However, private health insurance in Australia generally does not cover medical treatment overseas”

2. Replacing lost or stolen items

Covering yourself for the loss of personal belongings when travelling is especially important, given the increased rates of loss and theft experienced by travellers both internationally and domestically. “Unfortunately, it does happen a lot,” says Rebecca.

Many insurers cover the cost of replacing your valuables and luggage if they’re lost, damaged or stolen^*.

3. Protection for flight cancellations or delays

When unexpected flight cancellations or delays prevent you from reaching your destination, travel insurance may provide cover for accommodation or other additional expenses^*.

This can be particularly helpful when travelling domestically. “When the medical bill isn’t the issue, because you may have some or all coverage within Australia under Medicare, the HCF Domestic Plan is designed to provide cover for unforeseen circumstances that disrupt travel, including delayed or cancelled flights and, of course, lost or stolen luggage^*.”

4. Catering for all kinds of holidays

If you’re into active holidays and love to explore life’s wilder side, travel insurance should be a key consideration. “Skiing and snowboarding are where we see a lot of accidents and injuries. We all know someone this has happened to,” says Rebecca. For an additional premium, the optional Snow Pack may provide cover for skiing or snowboarding^*. “There are also a number of adventure activities, like abseiling, that are also covered by the optional HCF Travel Insurance Adventure Pack^*.

Even if you prefer a slower-paced holiday, travel insurance is just as important. “Cruising is another experience where we see a lot of people applying for cover,” adds Rebecca. “There are plenty of stories where travellers get sick on a cruise.”

When you travel on a cruise, private health cover doesn’t always cover your trip – even if you continue travelling within Australian waters. In this instance, you should consider getting travel insurance that’s designed to provide medical cover while cruising to cover any health costs. HCF Travel Insurance Cruise Pack^* is worth considering for these holidays.

5. Support when needed

We’ve partnered with emergency medical assistance provider, Allianz Global Assistance. “It’s really about getting support and care,” explains Rebecca. “If you need help while travelling, HCF Travel Insurance provides access to Australian-based case managers 24/7, with registered nurses and doctors available for overseas policies.”

Wherever you are in the world, assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with Australian-based case managers offering travellers support. “You can call this number +61 7 3305 7499 from overseas” says Rebecca.

 HCF Travel Insurance can also provide cover for pre-existing medical conditions subject to a medical assessment and additional premium (if applicable)^*. “You can apply to include cover under your policy for your pre-existing medical conditions, at the time of purchase,” adds Rebecca.

Planning a holiday?

Whether you’re travelling near or far, HCF Travel Insurance provides a range of cover options to suit your budget. Get cover for minor things like a delayed suitcase, right through to a more significant event, like an overseas medical emergency^*.