Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
If you are taking a short trip then it is important to do a little preparation. Trying to be as prepared and efficient as possible will enable you to really get the most out of your break. It may seem like a hassle organising things in the week before you go away but it will feel much nicer when you can relax whilst on your break.
After all, you aren’t going away for a long weekend only to spend hours in line for concert tickets, so buy them before you leave! Also you don’t want to have to purchase any clothes...
Managing your travel insurance claim is now easier than ever with the introduction of our new Travel Claims website.
The website gives you access to policy documents and claims information stored in one handy location that can be accessed wherever you are around the world.
Travel claims was launched in July 2010 and features:
steps for lodging an insurance claim
downloadable product disclosure statements and claim forms
frequently asked questions
a new ‘myclaimstatus’ tool.
The ‘myclaimstatus’ functionality is the...
We’ve all forgotten something when going away on holiday. Maybe it’s the mosquito repellent or a pair of sunglasses, perhaps you forgot to ask your neighbour to tape the match for you whilst you’re away. Maybe you forgot your best pink and acid yellow flowery shirt, which was sure to be a hit on the beach. Or maybe you’ve forgotten to arrange travel insurance.
Travel insurance can effectively provide financial cover for every element of your holiday. Your luggage, accommodation, travel arrangements, even your health, are all backed up by that insurance policy. Travel insurance helps to provide you with peace...
Internet shopping has changed the way we consume almost every commodity. From groceries to houses, we hardly purchase anything in the same way anymore; the online marketplace has revolutionised everything for the better.
Travel insurance is no different, the market has expanded and diversified with multitudes of companies offering all kinds of policies, it may seem a little overwhelming. But how can you be sure you are getting the best deal? Well, as with many things, the devil is in the detail.
The true value of a travel insurance policy is not in how much it costs but how much it covers...
Here at Worldcare we are not only experienced insurance providers, we are also seasoned travellers. Our ability to offer premium quality international travel insurance is reliant upon our extensive knowledge of the countries our customers visit.
In no location is this more true than in Great Britain and we’ve put together a short list of things to consider when travelling to the UK based on our collective knowledge and experience.
Weather – Hopefully this won’t be as bad as you may be expecting. Here in Australia we have a tendency to completely write off British...
Whatever country you are travelling to and whatever you intend to do when you arrive - it’s a good idea to take out the right travel insurance. Accidents can happen at any time, anywhere and to anyone regardless of how much you prepare and how careful you try to be. From a pickpocket theft to a car crash, safety is never guaranteed and even the smallest accident or incident can end up costing you hundreds or thousands of dollars.
International travel will expose you to different climates, customs and diets that may have an impact on your health. However, the enjoyment...
Getting there
The national carrier of Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines, the capital of Malaysia. Air Asia, the low cost carrier, also flies from the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Perth to KL and frequently has cheap flight deals. You can also travel to Malaysia by train or bus from Thailand or Singapore, or bus from Brunei or Indonesia.
Culture and customs
The official language of Malaysia is Malay, though English is spoken in the main cities. In some rural areas more obscure dialects are spoken. Sometimes you might hear ‘Manglish’ - a cross between the two! According to Wikipedia, Manglish some key phrases in Manglish...
Mountain trekking in Nepal. Heli-skiing in the Andes. Cheese rolling in Canada. Any of these appeal as a holiday activity? Whether you’re planning an adventure holiday like these, or thinking about trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Piccu, cruising Antarctica, or zip-lining in Thailand, you’re in the right place to find out what’s covered with an Adventure Holiday Travel Insurance Policy – and what’s not.
Before deciding on your holiday, it’s wise to research what Travel Insurance covers and what it doesn’t. If you are unlucky enough to be injured while on your adventure of a lifetime, medical costs can mount...
Nadi International Airport is the main airport for Fiji, and Pacific Blue, Air New Zealand and Air Pacific all have regular flights between Fiji and Australia.
Culture and customs
Bula! (Hello or greeting) is heard everywhere in Fiji. Almost everyone in Fiji speaks English, but they will be delighted if you can say a few words in their language, such as :
Please yalo vinaka (yalo vee naka)
excuse me tulou (too low)
yes io(ee-o)
thank you vinaka (vee naka)
no seqa (senga)
For a full list of phrases in Fijian, visit Tropical Fiji.com.
You can also find information here about Fijian festivals, Fijian culture, and much more.
Practicalities...
Culture and customs
Blonde Traveler has some insider tips for safety and to help you get along:
For women, always carry a sarong – they are light and cheap, and you may need to cover up if you find yourself near a temple or mosque.
No prices are fixed, even if the vendor says it is. You can always bargain.
Learn how to say ‘no’ to the hawkers politely; a simple but strong “Tidak, termia kasi” (Tee-dak, ter-ee-ma ka-see) will do the trick.
The dogs in Indonesia (particularly Bali) are known to be rabid. And they’re everywhere. If you find one following...
New Zealand is a well known backpacker’s destination, with spectacular views, outdoor activities and cheap accommodation. Our travellers tips will give you some great ideas for your next trip.
Getting there and getting around
Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Qantas, Pacific Blue and Emirates are the major airlines flying between Australia and New Zealand.
Buses and taxis run in every major town in New Zealand.
You can also hire a car or campervan to get around, and you don't have to have car insurance, even if you hire a car. However, if you do have an accident you'll probably be liable for any damage....
The married couple
Alison and Manny are a married couple in their mid 30s, who took frequent trips to New Zealand, where they were building an investment property with plans to move there to have a family (Manny’s family were based in Wellington). As well as flying about four times a year from Melbourne to Wellington, they also enjoyed weekend shopping trips to Sydney and a once a year holiday skiing in Italy. Alison was also a chronic asthmatic.
The family
Steve and Leanne Porter are married with two young girls aged 7 and 9. They both loved island holidays and would head...
You’re lying in an Emergency Ward in a Croatian hospital, with a high fever and rasping cough. It’s been like this for three days and you’re too weak to move. People are rushing around you but you can’t understand anything that’s being said – they don’t speak English and you can only say a few words of Croatian. Ordering a beer or asking for directions is not what’s needed right now. You know your condition is serious by your partner’s worried expression and silence.
Over 1200 Australians are hospitalised while travelling overseas each year (source: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/travel_insurance.html)
Your son is headed...
New to backpacking? Whether you’re heading off on your first –ever overseas trip or just considering backpacker accommodation for a couple of nights, our tips can help make your trip safe, fun and comfortable.
Tip 1: Prepare and plan your backpacking tour
How much should you plan? Opinions are divided on this one!
Kirsty Henderson of Brave New Traveller suggests you should plan the first few days and book accommodation in advance, but leave enough unplanned time to follow spontaneous ideas. Others such as SmartTraveller suggest you plan the whole trip and book your accommodation in advance – for safety and to...
Where’s your favourite spot for a family holiday in Australia? Do you have a regular place that you visit every year? Or maybe you’re looking for somewhere new. Whatever your preference, our suggestions will give you some ideas for where to go, what to do and how to keep the kids entertained on that long journey to your family holiday.
Getting there
With so many sales and flight deals going for domestic flights within Australia, it’s possible now to fly the family somewhere for a long weekend or short break – or even a long holiday. Qantas, Virgin Blue and Jetstar ...
If you’re planning to travel while you’re expecting, it’s wise to plan for your comfort and safety, both for your sake and your baby’s. We’ve put together some tips and links to help you make sure your trip goes smoothly from beginning to end.
Places to avoid
The Travel Doctor pregnancy fact sheet suggests it’s best to avoid places where the standard of medical care may be not as high as Australia. If anything goes wrong with the pregnancy while you are overseas, or you become ill or injured, you’ll want the best care possible.
Travel Doctor also suggests you avoid places where...
Planning a holiday overseas? There are just a couple of things you might want to consider when preparing for your trip, to make sure your holiday is safe and low-stress.
Tip: Make sure people know where you are
Consider leaving copies of your travel itinerary and passport ID with a friend at home. If you’re driving or hiking in a remote area, tell someone where you expect to arrive and what time you’ll probably get there. Also, it doesn’t hurt to let the concierge of your hotel know when you’ll be back, if you’re alone and heading out for the day.
Tip:...
Getting there
Many international airlines fly into Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi from all major Australian cities. You can compare cheap flights to Vietnam on Travel.com.au, STA Travel or FlightCentre. You can also travel between Vietnam and China by train. There are road crossings between Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, however these are not always recommended, as there are reports of travellers being attacked. It’s best to check current conditions before setting out by road.
Getting around
There are buses, taxis, motorcycles and bikes to get you to your destination – the drivers in blue Taxis speak English. You will need a licence...
If you’re travelling domestically within Australia or New Zealand, its unlikely you would need any more than up to date childhood vaccinations; the same applies for the United Kingdom or the United States of America. But in other parts of the world, especially developing countries, vaccinations against other diseases are required.
The Better Health website recommends all travellers to every destination be vaccinated against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), varicella (chicken pox), measles, mumps, rubella and polio. These are covered in your childhood vaccination series, but check with your GP to make sure that yours are up to date – in...
Planning
Before you go, it’s a good idea to talk things through with your GP. Let him or her know where you are going and if the climate or other conditions are likely to affect you.
Research the emergency numbers and procedures of the places you’ll be visiting so that you know what to do if needed.
Check if the countries you will be visiting require vaccinations and if so, how far in advance you need to have them done. The World Health Organisation has this information available on their website, while the Centre for Disease Control Guide, which is updated every two...
It’s the time of year when many of us are planning a break – or even just a week or two away for the school holidays. There are some fantastic travel deals and packages available at the moment and its easy to find something within any the budget to suit you.
No matter where, when or why you’re travelling, it’s wise to consider taking out comprehensive Travel Insurance to cover you if the unexpected happens.
Why Travel Insurance?
The right Travel Insurance policy can mean the difference between a positive experience and disaster.
Frank and Joy were headed on the trip of a...
Travel insurance is a great way to protect your investment in your holiday. You never know what may happen before or during your trip, and you’ll want to be prepared for accidents, emergencies or cancellations.
However, not all policies are the same and it pays to shop around and read the fine print. Our top tips on selecting the right travel insurance can help travellers make the right decision.
Buy direct
Worldcare Travel Insurance offers both online purchase and call centre purchase options – you can even tailor your own policy to save money.
Shop around
Compare prices and make sure you’re getting the best...
Travelling with your children is an opportunity to give them experiences they’ll remember for a lifetime. With a little care and planning, you can ensure that their memories are great ones, and instil in them a lifelong love of travel and understanding of what the world has to offer them.
Planning
Many websites recommend involving the children in planning the trip. That way you get to see the Louvre and they get to do Eurodisney! Seriously, making sure that your itinerary includes a major stop for everyone can make for a much happier trip.
If you’re up for an adventure, Intrepid Travel has...
Size and weight – restrictions
If you’re flying, check the size and weight restrictions for your checked and carry-on baggage and make sure you stay within these. Many airlines now enforce an excess baggage charge, especially if the plane is full, which can end up being quite expensive.
Tip: if you’re buying a new suitcase, check the weight before you purchase – it can often add extra kilos that you’d rather have for your clothes.
How much to take?
Can you get by with just hand luggage? Many airlines (for example Jetstar, RyanAir or Easyjet) charge extra for checked baggage – so if you...
Worldcare Travel Insurance scored a 5-star rating in three out of three categories in the recent Canstar Cannex Travel Insurance star rating awards.
Worldcare Travel Insurance won in all three categories:
International Travel Insurance
Domestic Travel Insurance
Medical Travel Insurance
Canstar Cannex provides data and ratings to Australian consumer and financial institutions. They collect, research and analyse over 20,000 products in the Insurance and Banking sectors. Its Canstar Cannex star ratings system is highly regarded as influencing consumers in decisions to buy.
Worldcare was rated against 43 other travel insurance brands,...