What does medical only travel insurance cover?
When you’re planning an overseas trip, the last thing you want to think about is unexpected hospital bills. That’s why our Basics policy with medical only travel insurance focuses on the essentials: your emergency medical expenses if you are unexpectedly sick or injured while travelling overseas.
Unlike Comprehensive travel insurance, our medical only Basics policy doesn’t include cover for trip cancellation expenses or travel delay expenses, making it simpler and generally more affordable.
This is a summary only. Terms, conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Not all benefits apply to all policies. Read the PDS and TMD before buying.
Medical care overseas can be costly, and in some destinations, even a short hospital visit can result in large bills. With Fast Cover’s medical only travel insurance, you may be covered for overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses if you become unexpectedly ill or injured while on your trip.*
Fast Cover’s medical only travel insurance is designed to help with the financial impact of unexpected illness or injury while overseas. This may include reasonable medical treatment, hospitalisation costs, or related medical expenses covered under your policy that you incur during your trip and are not reimbursed elsewhere.*
If you experience a serious medical emergency while travelling, you might need to be medically transported or evacuated to the nearest hospital for emergency medical treatment or even be repatriated back to Australia for treatment with appropriate medical supervision.*
Our Basics policy with medical only travel insurance is available to provide cover for the reasonable additional accommodation and travel expenses, cost of medical transfer, evacuation or repatriation when these services are approved under your policy. All medical evacuations and repatriations must be arranged and approved by Fast Cover before they take place.*
Even the most confident and well-prepared travellers can face unexpected medical emergencies overseas. With our Basics travel insurance, you’ll have access to our Australian-based Emergency Assistance team, available 24/7, to guide and support you.*
Fast Cover’s Basics travel insurance is designed to provide round-the-clock support when unexpected illness or injury occurs. Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team may be able to help you with:
Locating and arranging overseas medical treatment or hospital admission
Coordinating emergency medical evacuation or repatriation if required and approved under your policy
Guidance on accessing local medical support services during your trip*
Sudden dental pain or an accidental tooth injury can quickly disrupt your trip. Fast Cover’s medical only travel insurance may cover some of the cost of emergency dental treatment if you suffer acute pain or damage to your sound and natural teeth while overseas.*
What does medical only travel insurance cover?
When you’re planning an overseas trip, the last thing you want to think about is unexpected hospital bills. That’s why our Basics policy with medical only travel insurance focuses on the essentials: your emergency medical expenses if you are unexpectedly sick or injured while travelling overseas.
Unlike Comprehensive travel insurance, our medical only Basics policy doesn’t include cover for trip cancellation expenses or travel delay expenses, making it simpler and generally more affordable.
This is a summary only. Terms, conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Not all benefits apply to all policies. Read the PDS and TMD before buying.
Medical care overseas can be costly, and in some destinations, even a short hospital visit can result in large bills. With Fast Cover’s medical only travel insurance, you may be covered for overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses if you become unexpectedly ill or injured while on your trip.*
Fast Cover’s medical only travel insurance is designed to help with the financial impact of unexpected illness or injury while overseas. This may include reasonable medical treatment, hospitalisation costs, or related medical expenses covered under your policy that you incur during your trip and are not reimbursed elsewhere.*
If you experience a serious medical emergency while travelling, you might need to be medically transported or evacuated to the nearest hospital for emergency medical treatment or even be repatriated back to Australia for treatment with appropriate medical supervision.*
Our Basics policy with medical only travel insurance is available to provide cover for the reasonable additional accommodation and travel expenses, cost of medical transfer, evacuation or repatriation when these services are approved under your policy. All medical evacuations and repatriations must be arranged and approved by Fast Cover before they take place.*
Even the most confident and well-prepared travellers can face unexpected medical emergencies overseas. With our Basics travel insurance, you’ll have access to our Australian-based Emergency Assistance team, available 24/7, to guide and support you.*
Fast Cover’s Basics travel insurance is designed to provide round-the-clock support when unexpected illness or injury occurs. Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team may be able to help you with:
Locating and arranging overseas medical treatment or hospital admission
Coordinating emergency medical evacuation or repatriation if required and approved under your policy
Guidance on accessing local medical support services during your trip*
Sudden dental pain or an accidental tooth injury can quickly disrupt your trip. Fast Cover’s medical only travel insurance may cover some of the cost of emergency dental treatment if you suffer acute pain or damage to your sound and natural teeth while overseas.*
Upgrade your Basics travel insurance policy with optional extras
Every trip is different, and sometimes you may want more than just basic travel insurance. While Fast Cover’s medical only travel insurance focuses on essential medical cover, you also have the flexibility to customise your policy. You can add optional extras to your Basics policy, or upgrade to our higher-tier policies for access a wider range of add-ons, even more benefits and higher cover limits. This flexibility lets you customise your policy to suit the kind of journey you’re planning.
Lost, stolen, or damaged luggage can quickly turn a dream overseas holiday into a traveller’s nightmare. That’s why Fast Cover makes it easy to add cover for the loss, theft, or accidental damage of your luggage and personal items in situations covered under your policy for an additional cost.*
You can be covered for up to $2,000 for items such as:
phone
camera
or laptop.
If you need a higher level of cover, or if you wish to add cover for your high value items, you can upgrade your policy to increase your benefit limits. Limits, sub-limits, and conditions apply to how much you can claim and when cover is provided.*
For more details visit our page on travel insurance for luggage and personal effects and read our PDS on terms and conditions of cover for luggage and personal effects.
Exploring a city or taking a scenic route on two wheels can be one of the most exciting ways to travel abroad. With Fast Cover’s Motorcycle Pack, you can add optional cover that may apply when you’re riding or travelling as a passenger on a:
Motorcycle
Moped
Scooter.*
The Motorcycle Pack is available for an additional premium to Aussie travellers aged 74 years and under at the date of policy issue, provided they have purchased an international travel insurance policy.*
For more details visit our page on travel insurance for riding a motorcycle overseas and read our PDS for terms and conditions of cover for the Motorcycle Pack.
If your holiday includes skiing, snowboarding, or other snow sports, it’s important to understand that these activities are not covered under our Basics policy with medical only travel insurance. If you’re planning to ski or snowboard overseas, answer yes to ‘Will you be doing any snowsports?’ during your quote application. This gives you the option to purchase a “Snow Sports Plus” policy which can provide cover for medical expenses as well as costs associated with covered snow sports.^
Below are some examples of things that may be covered in your snow sports benefits:
loss or theft of, or accidental damage to snow sports equipment
for hiring replacement snow sports equipment that is necessary to continue with your original itinerary if snow sports equipment owned by you has been misdirected or delayed for a period of more than 24-hours, or has been accidentally damaged, lost or stolen during your trip
if you are injured or become sick during your trip and are unable to utilise the full duration of your pre-booked and pre-paid lift passes, snow sports equipment hire, or lessons, we will reimburse you the percentage amount of the unused portion for each insured person
the cost of transport and lift passes at an alternate ski resort
in conditions and circumstances covered under your policy and as per limits and sub limits set out in our PDS.*
The Snow Sports Plus policy is available at an additional premium for Aussie travellers aged 69 and under at the date of policy issue, when they purchase an international travel insurance policy.*
For more details visit our page on travel insurance for skiing and snowboarding and read our PDS for terms and conditions of cover for Snow Sports.
The Basics policy automatically provides cover for a range of sports and leisure activities, such as bungee jumping, snorkelling, and golf. However, if you plan to take part in adventure activities you’ll need to take out the Adventure Pack add-on, which is not available under the Basics policy.
Examples of some activities that require the Adventure Pack include:
Abseiling
Outdoor rock climbing
Quad biking
Tandem parachuting and tandem skydiving
Sailing from 10-15 nm off any land mass
Scuba diving up to 30 m
Water skiing, jet skiing, and speedboating
Conditions apply for activities under our Adventure Pack so make sure to read the PDS for full T&Cs.
To be covered for these types of activities, consider upgrading your policy to a higher level of cover. The Adventure Pack is available at an additional premium as an optional cover for Aussie travellers aged 74 and under (at the date of policy issue) when they purchase a Comprehensive, Standard Saver, Snow Sports Plus or Frequent Traveller Saver policy.*
For more details, visit our page on travel insurance for adventure activities.
If your travel plans include cruising, you can choose to add cruise cover to your Basics travel insurance policy for additional cover in case of unexpected emergencies on-board the cruise ship and during onshore excursions where no support or reimbursement is provided by the cruise company for these emergencies.*
If you are travelling on a cruise ship and wish to be covered for it, you must specify cruise cover at the time of purchase based on your destination and length of your cruise trip:
If you are travelling within Australian waters, the New Zealand or the South Pacific region for 1 night or more
If you are travelling on a cruise within Asia, Europe or Worldwide regions for 4 nights or more
By adding this option, your existing Basics travel insurance benefits will extend to when you’re on a cruise. This may provide cover for unexpected emergencies on-board the cruise ship where no support or reimbursement is provided by the cruise company.*
For more details, visit our page on travel insurance for cruises and read our PDS for terms and conditions of cover for travelling on cruise ships.
If you’re planning to explore overseas at your own pace, whether it’s a road trip in a hire car or touring a new country in a rental campervan, you may want cover for the rental vehicle insurance excess charged by your car hire company.
This cover isn’t available under the Basics policy, but you can choose one of our other policies that includes it, such as Comprehensive, Standard Saver, Frequent Traveller Saver or Snow Sports Plus.
Fast Cover provides Rental Vehicle Insurance Excess as an optional add-on. This may help if your rental vehicle is accidentally damaged or stolen during your trip. Depending on the policy you choose, you can add cover for up to $8,000 towards the rental vehicle excess charged by your car hire company overseas.*
Upgrade your Basics travel insurance policy with optional extras
Every trip is different, and sometimes you may want more than just basic travel insurance. While Fast Cover’s medical only travel insurance focuses on essential medical cover, you also have the flexibility to customise your policy. You can add optional extras to your Basics policy, or upgrade to our higher-tier policies for access a wider range of add-ons, even more benefits and higher cover limits. This flexibility lets you customise your policy to suit the kind of journey you’re planning.
Lost, stolen, or damaged luggage can quickly turn a dream overseas holiday into a traveller’s nightmare. That’s why Fast Cover makes it easy to add cover for the loss, theft, or accidental damage of your luggage and personal items in situations covered under your policy for an additional cost.*
You can be covered for up to $2,000 for items such as:
phone
camera
or laptop.
If you need a higher level of cover, or if you wish to add cover for your high value items, you can upgrade your policy to increase your benefit limits. Limits, sub-limits, and conditions apply to how much you can claim and when cover is provided.*
For more details visit our page on travel insurance for luggage and personal effects and read our PDS on terms and conditions of cover for luggage and personal effects.
Exploring a city or taking a scenic route on two wheels can be one of the most exciting ways to travel abroad. With Fast Cover’s Motorcycle Pack, you can add optional cover that may apply when you’re riding or travelling as a passenger on a:
Motorcycle
Moped
Scooter.*
The Motorcycle Pack is available for an additional premium to Aussie travellers aged 74 years and under at the date of policy issue, provided they have purchased an international travel insurance policy.*
For more details visit our page on travel insurance for riding a motorcycle overseas and read our PDS for terms and conditions of cover for the Motorcycle Pack.
If your holiday includes skiing, snowboarding, or other snow sports, it’s important to understand that these activities are not covered under our Basics policy with medical only travel insurance. If you’re planning to ski or snowboard overseas, answer yes to ‘Will you be doing any snowsports?’ during your quote application. This gives you the option to purchase a “Snow Sports Plus” policy which can provide cover for medical expenses as well as costs associated with covered snow sports.^
Below are some examples of things that may be covered in your snow sports benefits:
loss or theft of, or accidental damage to snow sports equipment
for hiring replacement snow sports equipment that is necessary to continue with your original itinerary if snow sports equipment owned by you has been misdirected or delayed for a period of more than 24-hours, or has been accidentally damaged, lost or stolen during your trip
if you are injured or become sick during your trip and are unable to utilise the full duration of your pre-booked and pre-paid lift passes, snow sports equipment hire, or lessons, we will reimburse you the percentage amount of the unused portion for each insured person
the cost of transport and lift passes at an alternate ski resort
in conditions and circumstances covered under your policy and as per limits and sub limits set out in our PDS.*
The Snow Sports Plus policy is available at an additional premium for Aussie travellers aged 69 and under at the date of policy issue, when they purchase an international travel insurance policy.*
For more details visit our page on travel insurance for skiing and snowboarding and read our PDS for terms and conditions of cover for Snow Sports.
The Basics policy automatically provides cover for a range of sports and leisure activities, such as bungee jumping, snorkelling, and golf. However, if you plan to take part in adventure activities you’ll need to take out the Adventure Pack add-on, which is not available under the Basics policy.
Examples of some activities that require the Adventure Pack include:
Abseiling
Outdoor rock climbing
Quad biking
Tandem parachuting and tandem skydiving
Sailing from 10-15 nm off any land mass
Scuba diving up to 30 m
Water skiing, jet skiing, and speedboating
Conditions apply for activities under our Adventure Pack so make sure to read the PDS for full T&Cs.
To be covered for these types of activities, consider upgrading your policy to a higher level of cover. The Adventure Pack is available at an additional premium as an optional cover for Aussie travellers aged 74 and under (at the date of policy issue) when they purchase a Comprehensive, Standard Saver, Snow Sports Plus or Frequent Traveller Saver policy.*
For more details, visit our page on travel insurance for adventure activities.
If your travel plans include cruising, you can choose to add cruise cover to your Basics travel insurance policy for additional cover in case of unexpected emergencies on-board the cruise ship and during onshore excursions where no support or reimbursement is provided by the cruise company for these emergencies.*
If you are travelling on a cruise ship and wish to be covered for it, you must specify cruise cover at the time of purchase based on your destination and length of your cruise trip:
If you are travelling within Australian waters, the New Zealand or the South Pacific region for 1 night or more
If you are travelling on a cruise within Asia, Europe or Worldwide regions for 4 nights or more
By adding this option, your existing Basics travel insurance benefits will extend to when you’re on a cruise. This may provide cover for unexpected emergencies on-board the cruise ship where no support or reimbursement is provided by the cruise company.*
For more details, visit our page on travel insurance for cruises and read our PDS for terms and conditions of cover for travelling on cruise ships.
If you’re planning to explore overseas at your own pace, whether it’s a road trip in a hire car or touring a new country in a rental campervan, you may want cover for the rental vehicle insurance excess charged by your car hire company.
This cover isn’t available under the Basics policy, but you can choose one of our other policies that includes it, such as Comprehensive, Standard Saver, Frequent Traveller Saver or Snow Sports Plus.
Fast Cover provides Rental Vehicle Insurance Excess as an optional add-on. This may help if your rental vehicle is accidentally damaged or stolen during your trip. Depending on the policy you choose, you can add cover for up to $8,000 towards the rental vehicle excess charged by your car hire company overseas.*
How does medical only cover work?
Medical only travel insurance is designed to provide cover for overseas medical expenses if you become unexpectedly ill or injured while travelling. Here’s how medical only cover works in practice:
When you purchase our Basics travel insurance policy, you’ll receive a Certificate of Insurance confirming the details of your policy. You’ll also be provided with the Product Disclosure Statement, which explains the full terms and conditions, including benefit limits, sub-limits, and exclusions. Your cover begins from the start date you choose and continues for the length of your trip while you are overseas, as listed on your Certificate of Insurance.
When buying medical only travel insurance, it’s important to tell us about any existing medical conditions. You can apply for cover for your current conditions, as well as for any new conditions or changes in health that occur before your trip, by completing a medical screening. To find out more about what counts as a medical condition and how to apply for cover, take a look at our dedicated page on travel insurance for existing medical conditions.
Illnesses and injuries can happen when you least expect them, from food poisoning to a broken bone or even emergency surgery. With Fast Cover’s Basics policy with medical only travel insurance, you may be able to claim for overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses in circumstances covered under your policy.*
You should be aware that cover isn’t available for all medical expenses as it depends on the terms and conditions of your policy. Some examples of medical expenses where cover isn’t available, include (but are not limited to):
medical emergencies related to your existing medical conditions which aren’t listed as covered on your certificate of insurance
planned medical procedures or other non-emergency medical treatments
routine medical or dental check-ups
injuries sustained from your participation in sport or leisure activities covered under the Adventure Pack or snow sports unless you’ve purchased additional cover for them
your medical expenses once you’ve returned to Australia
so, it’s important to review your policy and PDS to understand what is and isn't covered while you're overseas and the terms and conditions that apply.
Some countries have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with Australia which may provide cover for some medical costs during your stay if you meet the eligibility requirements. Please check with the relevant information sources for more information. In these countries, your travel insurance medical cover may not apply to expenses already covered under the RHCA.
However, RHCA benefits are limited and won’t cover every type of medical treatment. That’s why many travellers might still choose basic travel insurance with medical only cover for added protection, helping to cover unexpected overseas medical and hospital expenses that may not fall under a reciprocal agreement.
If you’re visiting a country that does not have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia, you will usually be responsible for all your own medical costs if something happens. In these cases, having travel insurance with medical cover could help protect you from potentially very high overseas medical bills. Always check the official information on RHCA for your destination and consider your own financial and personal circumstances when deciding on cover.
If you need to make a claim, you might be asked to provide details of what happened along with supporting documents such as medical reports, hospital invoices or receipts. The claims team will then review your claim against the terms of your policy and let you know the outcome. This process ensures that your claim is being assessed consistently and in line with the cover you purchased.
How does medical only cover work?
Medical only travel insurance is designed to provide cover for overseas medical expenses if you become unexpectedly ill or injured while travelling. Here’s how medical only cover works in practice:
When you purchase our Basics travel insurance policy, you’ll receive a Certificate of Insurance confirming the details of your policy. You’ll also be provided with the Product Disclosure Statement, which explains the full terms and conditions, including benefit limits, sub-limits, and exclusions. Your cover begins from the start date you choose and continues for the length of your trip while you are overseas, as listed on your Certificate of Insurance.
When buying medical only travel insurance, it’s important to tell us about any existing medical conditions. You can apply for cover for your current conditions, as well as for any new conditions or changes in health that occur before your trip, by completing a medical screening. To find out more about what counts as a medical condition and how to apply for cover, take a look at our dedicated page on travel insurance for existing medical conditions.
Illnesses and injuries can happen when you least expect them, from food poisoning to a broken bone or even emergency surgery. With Fast Cover’s Basics policy with medical only travel insurance, you may be able to claim for overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses in circumstances covered under your policy.*
You should be aware that cover isn’t available for all medical expenses as it depends on the terms and conditions of your policy. Some examples of medical expenses where cover isn’t available, include (but are not limited to):
medical emergencies related to your existing medical conditions which aren’t listed as covered on your certificate of insurance
planned medical procedures or other non-emergency medical treatments
routine medical or dental check-ups
injuries sustained from your participation in sport or leisure activities covered under the Adventure Pack or snow sports unless you’ve purchased additional cover for them
your medical expenses once you’ve returned to Australia
so, it’s important to review your policy and PDS to understand what is and isn't covered while you're overseas and the terms and conditions that apply.
Some countries have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with Australia which may provide cover for some medical costs during your stay if you meet the eligibility requirements. Please check with the relevant information sources for more information. In these countries, your travel insurance medical cover may not apply to expenses already covered under the RHCA.
However, RHCA benefits are limited and won’t cover every type of medical treatment. That’s why many travellers might still choose basic travel insurance with medical only cover for added protection, helping to cover unexpected overseas medical and hospital expenses that may not fall under a reciprocal agreement.
If you’re visiting a country that does not have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia, you will usually be responsible for all your own medical costs if something happens. In these cases, having travel insurance with medical cover could help protect you from potentially very high overseas medical bills. Always check the official information on RHCA for your destination and consider your own financial and personal circumstances when deciding on cover.
If you need to make a claim, you might be asked to provide details of what happened along with supporting documents such as medical reports, hospital invoices or receipts. The claims team will then review your claim against the terms of your policy and let you know the outcome. This process ensures that your claim is being assessed consistently and in line with the cover you purchased.
Cover for medical conditions
Having an existing medical condition doesn’t mean you can’t get travel insurance. With Fast Cover, you may be able to purchase travel insurance that includes cover for some existing medical condition, depending on the outcome of a medical screening.
To find out if we can provide cover for your condition, you’ll need to complete a medical screening during your quote journey where you tell us about:
Any medical or pregnancy conditions you have or have had during the period of 3 years prior to your policy issue date
Any new medical or pregnancy conditions that develop, or changes to your health, after your policy issue date and before you depart on your trip.
It’s important that you declare all relevant medical or pregnancy conditions when you apply for a quote. If your condition is approved through the medical screening process, it will be listed on your Certificate of Insurance and will then be included under your cover. Any relevant medical or pregnancy condition that is not declared or not listed on your Certificate of Insurance will not be covered.
Please keep in mind that some existing medical conditions may require you to pay an additional cost for them to be included under your cover. You have the choice to either pay for this additional cost or not. If you choose to pay, the condition will be added to your policy and shown on your Certificate of Insurance. If you choose not to pay, that condition will not be covered.
If your health changes after purchasing your policy but before you travel, you will need to contact Fast Cover for a medical re-screening. This process may adjust your premium and will determine whether your condition can continue to be covered.
Cover for medical conditions
Having an existing medical condition doesn’t mean you can’t get travel insurance. With Fast Cover, you may be able to purchase travel insurance that includes cover for some existing medical condition, depending on the outcome of a medical screening.
To find out if we can provide cover for your condition, you’ll need to complete a medical screening during your quote journey where you tell us about:
Any medical or pregnancy conditions you have or have had during the period of 3 years prior to your policy issue date
Any new medical or pregnancy conditions that develop, or changes to your health, after your policy issue date and before you depart on your trip.
It’s important that you declare all relevant medical or pregnancy conditions when you apply for a quote. If your condition is approved through the medical screening process, it will be listed on your Certificate of Insurance and will then be included under your cover. Any relevant medical or pregnancy condition that is not declared or not listed on your Certificate of Insurance will not be covered.
Please keep in mind that some existing medical conditions may require you to pay an additional cost for them to be included under your cover. You have the choice to either pay for this additional cost or not. If you choose to pay, the condition will be added to your policy and shown on your Certificate of Insurance. If you choose not to pay, that condition will not be covered.
If your health changes after purchasing your policy but before you travel, you will need to contact Fast Cover for a medical re-screening. This process may adjust your premium and will determine whether your condition can continue to be covered.
Cover for existing medical conditions
If you have any existing medical conditions, you may be able to apply to include cover for them. Our simple medical screening process can be completed online or over the phone to help you find out if your condition can be covered.
Select who needs cover
Once you've added all travellers, to your policy, you can select those who wish to add cover for any existing medical conditions.
Take a medical screening
Answer a few questions online or over the phone about your health history. This helps us determine if your condition can be covered.
Choose to add cover
We'll let you know if we can provide cover for any existing medical conditions. You can then choose to add it to your policy.
Who should get medical only travel insurance?
Not every traveller needs all the benefits that come with a Comprehensive policy such as trip cancellation or trip disruption cover. If your main concern is having cover for overseas medical and hospital expenses, then medical only travel insurance may be the right choice for you. Travellers who often consider purchasing our Basics travel insurance policy may include:
Solo travellers looking for a more affordable option while still being covered for overseas medical emergencies
Couples and families prioritizing everyone’s health and safety, especially when travelling with children
Backpackers and students travelling light, without many valuables, and not needing cover for trip cancellation
Seniors who may have existing medical conditions and prefer a policy that focuses on health cover while exploring
Cruise travellers wanting medical cover on for cruising, knowing evacuation costs could be covered if the unexpected happens at sea
Budget-conscious travellers preferring simple, essential cover without paying for extras they don’t need
Who should get medical only travel insurance?
Not every traveller needs all the benefits that come with a Comprehensive policy such as trip cancellation or trip disruption cover. If your main concern is having cover for overseas medical and hospital expenses, then medical only travel insurance may be the right choice for you. Travellers who often consider purchasing our Basics travel insurance policy may include:
Solo travellers looking for a more affordable option while still being covered for overseas medical emergencies
Couples and families prioritizing everyone’s health and safety, especially when travelling with children
Backpackers and students travelling light, without many valuables, and not needing cover for trip cancellation
Seniors who may have existing medical conditions and prefer a policy that focuses on health cover while exploring
Cruise travellers wanting medical cover on for cruising, knowing evacuation costs could be covered if the unexpected happens at sea
Budget-conscious travellers preferring simple, essential cover without paying for extras they don’t need
How much does medical only travel insurance cost?
The cost of a policy with medical only travel insurance is generally lower than a comprehensive policy. However, the cost of a medical only policy depends on several factors including:
Some countries have much higher medical costs than others. For example, the United States is one of the most expensive places in the world for healthcare, so policies for travelling to the US are usually more expensive than for trips to nearby destinations like Bali or Thailand.
Longer trips usually increase the premium, because the longer you’re away, the higher the chance of something unexpected happening overseas like a medical emergency.
As age increases, so does the likelihood of experiencing a medical emergency or needing medical treatment while overseas. That’s why your age may impact the cost of your medical only policy.
Some existing medical conditions may require you to pay an additional cost for it to be covered under your policy which may affect your premium.
While the Basics policy focuses on medical cover, you can choose to add optional extras such as cover for luggage and personal effects or the Motorcycle Pack for an additional premium. Adding these options will increase the cost of your Basics policy.
How much does medical only travel insurance cost?
The cost of a policy with medical only travel insurance is generally lower than a comprehensive policy. However, the cost of a medical only policy depends on several factors including:
Some countries have much higher medical costs than others. For example, the United States is one of the most expensive places in the world for healthcare, so policies for travelling to the US are usually more expensive than for trips to nearby destinations like Bali or Thailand.
Longer trips usually increase the premium, because the longer you’re away, the higher the chance of something unexpected happening overseas like a medical emergency.
As age increases, so does the likelihood of experiencing a medical emergency or needing medical treatment while overseas. That’s why your age may impact the cost of your medical only policy.
Some existing medical conditions may require you to pay an additional cost for it to be covered under your policy which may affect your premium.
While the Basics policy focuses on medical cover, you can choose to add optional extras such as cover for luggage and personal effects or the Motorcycle Pack for an additional premium. Adding these options will increase the cost of your Basics policy.
Do I need medical only travel insurance?
Deciding on the right travel insurance can feel complicated. The right choice depends on the type of trip you’re taking and what risks you want to be covered for. When deciding if medical only travel insurance is right for you, it helps to understand some of your needs and concerns.
Here are some situations to consider when deciding if you need basic travel insurance with medical only cover for your next trip overseas and whether your travel insurance policy can provide cover for these situations:
One of the biggest concerns for travellers is what would happen if they became unexpectedly ill or injured overseas. Medical and hospital expenses can be very expensive, and in some countries, even basic care requires upfront payment. Medical only travel insurance is designed to cover reasonable overseas medical and hospital expenses, and in some cases emergency medical evacuation or repatriation if approved under your policy.
If your main concern is how you would manage unexpected healthcare costs abroad, depending on your situation, medical only travel insurance may provide cover specifically for this. Always check your Certificate of Insurance and the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand exactly what is and isn’t included.*
If you’re heading on a trip with just a backpack or essentials, protecting your belongings may not be your top concern. Medical only travel insurance keeps your cover simple, focusing on medical expenses without including cover for luggage. However, if you decide that you’d like cover for your luggage, Fast Cover allows you to add cover for your luggage and personal effects for an additional cost.*
Some travellers such as seniors and students, or those on a budget may find Comprehensive travel insurance more costly than they expected, especially if they don’t feel they need all of the benefits. By excluding benefits such as trip cancellation and trip disruption, a basic travel insurance policy with medical only cover may be more affordable while still providing cover for overseas medical expenses, which can be the most expensive part of travel.*
It’s common for Australians to wonder whether travel insurance will cover their health conditions while travelling overseas. Not having clarity can be stressful. With Fast Cover, you can apply for cover for existing medical conditions through a medical screening. In some cases, there may be an additional cost if you want your condition covered under your policy. This process helps ensure you know exactly what you’re covered for before you travel. Check if your medical only travel insurance can provide cover for your existing medical conditions.
Travelling overseas also brings the possibility of accidents that affect others. If you unintentionally cause injury to another person or damage someone else’s property, you may be held legally responsible. Some medical travel insurance policies include personal liability cover, which can help with some legal costs or compensation payments depending on the situation. This type of cover doesn’t apply in every case, so it’s important to read the PDS to understand the limits, sub-limits, and exclusions that apply to your policy.
Do I need medical only travel insurance?
Deciding on the right travel insurance can feel complicated. The right choice depends on the type of trip you’re taking and what risks you want to be covered for. When deciding if medical only travel insurance is right for you, it helps to understand some of your needs and concerns.
Here are some situations to consider when deciding if you need basic travel insurance with medical only cover for your next trip overseas and whether your travel insurance policy can provide cover for these situations:
One of the biggest concerns for travellers is what would happen if they became unexpectedly ill or injured overseas. Medical and hospital expenses can be very expensive, and in some countries, even basic care requires upfront payment. Medical only travel insurance is designed to cover reasonable overseas medical and hospital expenses, and in some cases emergency medical evacuation or repatriation if approved under your policy.
If your main concern is how you would manage unexpected healthcare costs abroad, depending on your situation, medical only travel insurance may provide cover specifically for this. Always check your Certificate of Insurance and the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand exactly what is and isn’t included.*
If you’re heading on a trip with just a backpack or essentials, protecting your belongings may not be your top concern. Medical only travel insurance keeps your cover simple, focusing on medical expenses without including cover for luggage. However, if you decide that you’d like cover for your luggage, Fast Cover allows you to add cover for your luggage and personal effects for an additional cost.*
Some travellers such as seniors and students, or those on a budget may find Comprehensive travel insurance more costly than they expected, especially if they don’t feel they need all of the benefits. By excluding benefits such as trip cancellation and trip disruption, a basic travel insurance policy with medical only cover may be more affordable while still providing cover for overseas medical expenses, which can be the most expensive part of travel.*
It’s common for Australians to wonder whether travel insurance will cover their health conditions while travelling overseas. Not having clarity can be stressful. With Fast Cover, you can apply for cover for existing medical conditions through a medical screening. In some cases, there may be an additional cost if you want your condition covered under your policy. This process helps ensure you know exactly what you’re covered for before you travel. Check if your medical only travel insurance can provide cover for your existing medical conditions.
Travelling overseas also brings the possibility of accidents that affect others. If you unintentionally cause injury to another person or damage someone else’s property, you may be held legally responsible. Some medical travel insurance policies include personal liability cover, which can help with some legal costs or compensation payments depending on the situation. This type of cover doesn’t apply in every case, so it’s important to read the PDS to understand the limits, sub-limits, and exclusions that apply to your policy.
What is the best medical only travel insurance?
When travellers ask what the “best” medical only travel insurance is, they are usually trying to work out which policy will give them the right type of cover for their trip. The answer depends on your personal circumstances, your destination, and what matters most to you when travelling.
Here are some important things you may want to consider when comparing medical only travel insurance policies:
What if you get sick or injured overseas and require medical assistance? Medical costs overseas can be much higher than at home, and even a short hospital stay may become expensive. Medical only travel insurance can include cover for medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation if required and approved.
Looking at how medical cover applies to your trip can help you compare policies and decide whether basic travel insurance is the right level of cover for your destination and plans.
Even if your main focus is on medical cover, you may later decide that you’d like cover for your luggage, or activities such as motorcycle riding. Some insurers allow you to add these extras for an additional premium.
When comparing the “best” medical only travel insurance, think about whether you want the option to customise your policy.
In some cases, natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, or volcanic eruptions may create serious medical emergencies. Not all medical only travel insurance policies provide cover in these situations.
With Fast Cover’s Basics policy with medical only travel insurance, you may have cover for overseas medical and hospital expenses if you are injured or become ill as a direct result of an unexpected natural disaster while travelling.*
Looking closely at how a policy treats natural disasters can give you a clearer picture of whether it meets the needs of your trip.
Whether you’re travelling solo, heading away with your partner, or organising a family holiday, it’s important to check how cover applies to everyone listed on your Certificate of Insurance. A medical only travel insurance policy may apply benefits and limits differently depending on whether you’re a single traveller, couple, or family.
Are you planning to do any adventurous activities while overseas?
You may wish to check whether your basic travel insurance policy provides cover for the types of adventure activities you plan to do in your destination. Cover for adventure activities may require an additional cover to be added and may incur an additional premium and may have different age limits to standard terms.
What is the best medical only travel insurance?
When travellers ask what the “best” medical only travel insurance is, they are usually trying to work out which policy will give them the right type of cover for their trip. The answer depends on your personal circumstances, your destination, and what matters most to you when travelling.
Here are some important things you may want to consider when comparing medical only travel insurance policies:
What if you get sick or injured overseas and require medical assistance? Medical costs overseas can be much higher than at home, and even a short hospital stay may become expensive. Medical only travel insurance can include cover for medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation if required and approved.
Looking at how medical cover applies to your trip can help you compare policies and decide whether basic travel insurance is the right level of cover for your destination and plans.
Even if your main focus is on medical cover, you may later decide that you’d like cover for your luggage, or activities such as motorcycle riding. Some insurers allow you to add these extras for an additional premium.
When comparing the “best” medical only travel insurance, think about whether you want the option to customise your policy.
In some cases, natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, or volcanic eruptions may create serious medical emergencies. Not all medical only travel insurance policies provide cover in these situations.
With Fast Cover’s Basics policy with medical only travel insurance, you may have cover for overseas medical and hospital expenses if you are injured or become ill as a direct result of an unexpected natural disaster while travelling.*
Looking closely at how a policy treats natural disasters can give you a clearer picture of whether it meets the needs of your trip.
Whether you’re travelling solo, heading away with your partner, or organising a family holiday, it’s important to check how cover applies to everyone listed on your Certificate of Insurance. A medical only travel insurance policy may apply benefits and limits differently depending on whether you’re a single traveller, couple, or family.
Are you planning to do any adventurous activities while overseas?
You may wish to check whether your basic travel insurance policy provides cover for the types of adventure activities you plan to do in your destination. Cover for adventure activities may require an additional cover to be added and may incur an additional premium and may have different age limits to standard terms.
What is not covered by our basics policy with medical only travel insurance?
It’s just as important to understand what your Basics policy with medical only travel insurance doesn’t cover as it is to know what it does. This can help you decide whether a Basics travel insurance policy is enough for your trip, or if you should consider upgrading to a Standard Saver or Comprehensive policy.
These are examples only. Read the PDS and TMD before buying. Claims are assessed individually in accordance with your policy, PDS and Certificate of Insurance.
Fast Cover’s travel insurance policies are designed to cover unexpected overseas emergency medical situations such as overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses, emergency overseas dental, and overseas emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.
None of our policies provide cover for non-emergency or elective medical care, including planned medical procedures, cosmetic treatments, routine check-ups, or ongoing treatment for conditions that existed before you left Australia, or any complications or other claims arising from such procedures or treatment.
Unlike our Standard Saver and Comprehensive policies, our Basics policy provides medical only travel insurance and does not include cover for trip cancellation expenses, trip disruption expenses, or travel delay expenses. If you would like cover for prepaid trip bookings, cancellations, or travel interruptions, consider upgrading your policy to a different level of cover.
If you’re injured while taking part in activities not automatically covered by your policy, such as extreme adventure sports or riding a motorcycle without the appropriate add-on, your medical travel insurance coverage may not apply. If you’re injured in an accident while, for example, riding a motorcycle, and you didn’t add the Motorcycle Pack to your Basics policy, you may be responsible for paying your medical and hospital expenses because you did not choose to include cover for that under your policy.
It is important to think about what activities you will be participating in so that you have the right cover for the activities you plan to do overseas. Always check the PDS to understand which activities are included and which require additional cover.
The Basics policy does not automatically include luggage or personal effects cover. Even if you add this optional extra, you may not be covered if belongings are left unattended in public areas, for example, leaving your bag on the beach while swimming.
Make sure you keep your belongings with you at all times or keep them in a secure location or take reasonable measures to secure them at all times and at all places.
Should the Australian Government release a warning on official government Smartraveller website that certain areas overseas are no longer safe to travel to and you still choose to travel there anyway, there may be exclusions that will apply such as if you do not follow advice in the mass media where a travel advisory risk rating of Do Not Travel was issued after policy purchase.
Note: We are unable to offer travel insurance to international destinations that have a Do Not Travel warning on official government Smartraveller website. To check which countries we may cover, enter your destination country in the quote box on our website.
Certain large-scale events, such as natural disasters or disease outbreaks, may be declared as known events. If you purchase your policy after a known event has been announced, your Basics policy with medical only travel insurance will not cover overseas medical or hospital expenses related to that event. For example, if there is a declared outbreak of a particular illness before you buy your policy, treatment for that illness during your trip will not be included.
Always check the latest Travel Alerts and updates on the Smartraveller website before purchasing a policy, so you understand how a known event could affect your international travel medical insurance.
As each individual’s circumstances are different, we will assess each claim on a case by case basis and in accordance with your specific circumstances, policy terms and Certificate of Insurance.
What is not covered by our basics policy with medical only travel insurance?
It’s just as important to understand what your Basics policy with medical only travel insurance doesn’t cover as it is to know what it does. This can help you decide whether a Basics travel insurance policy is enough for your trip, or if you should consider upgrading to a Standard Saver or Comprehensive policy.
These are examples only. Read the PDS and TMD before buying. Claims are assessed individually in accordance with your policy, PDS and Certificate of Insurance.
Fast Cover’s travel insurance policies are designed to cover unexpected overseas emergency medical situations such as overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses, emergency overseas dental, and overseas emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.
None of our policies provide cover for non-emergency or elective medical care, including planned medical procedures, cosmetic treatments, routine check-ups, or ongoing treatment for conditions that existed before you left Australia, or any complications or other claims arising from such procedures or treatment.
Unlike our Standard Saver and Comprehensive policies, our Basics policy provides medical only travel insurance and does not include cover for trip cancellation expenses, trip disruption expenses, or travel delay expenses. If you would like cover for prepaid trip bookings, cancellations, or travel interruptions, consider upgrading your policy to a different level of cover.
If you’re injured while taking part in activities not automatically covered by your policy, such as extreme adventure sports or riding a motorcycle without the appropriate add-on, your medical travel insurance coverage may not apply. If you’re injured in an accident while, for example, riding a motorcycle, and you didn’t add the Motorcycle Pack to your Basics policy, you may be responsible for paying your medical and hospital expenses because you did not choose to include cover for that under your policy.
It is important to think about what activities you will be participating in so that you have the right cover for the activities you plan to do overseas. Always check the PDS to understand which activities are included and which require additional cover.
The Basics policy does not automatically include luggage or personal effects cover. Even if you add this optional extra, you may not be covered if belongings are left unattended in public areas, for example, leaving your bag on the beach while swimming.
Make sure you keep your belongings with you at all times or keep them in a secure location or take reasonable measures to secure them at all times and at all places.
Should the Australian Government release a warning on official government Smartraveller website that certain areas overseas are no longer safe to travel to and you still choose to travel there anyway, there may be exclusions that will apply such as if you do not follow advice in the mass media where a travel advisory risk rating of Do Not Travel was issued after policy purchase.
Note: We are unable to offer travel insurance to international destinations that have a Do Not Travel warning on official government Smartraveller website. To check which countries we may cover, enter your destination country in the quote box on our website.
Certain large-scale events, such as natural disasters or disease outbreaks, may be declared as known events. If you purchase your policy after a known event has been announced, your Basics policy with medical only travel insurance will not cover overseas medical or hospital expenses related to that event. For example, if there is a declared outbreak of a particular illness before you buy your policy, treatment for that illness during your trip will not be included.
Always check the latest Travel Alerts and updates on the Smartraveller website before purchasing a policy, so you understand how a known event could affect your international travel medical insurance.
As each individual’s circumstances are different, we will assess each claim on a case by case basis and in accordance with your specific circumstances, policy terms and Certificate of Insurance.








