Aussie owned vs foreign-owned insurers: what’s the difference?
Fast Cover is proudly 100% Australian owned. That means:
All Fast Cover staff including customer service and claims are based in Australia
We operate under our own Australian Financial Services Licence (538708)
We don’t hide behind another company’s financial services licence
We’re bound by Australian laws and regulations
We’re aligned with Australian medical and legal expectations
Our profits stay in Australia, and we pay tax in Australia for the benefit of all Aussies
We operate here, employ here, and support Australian travellers
Travel Insurance Company | Is the travel insurer Australian owned? | Ownership |
|---|---|---|
Fast Cover | Yes | 100% Australian owned & operated (Fast Cover Pty Ltd). |
Cover-More | No | Zurich Insurance Group (Switzerland). Acquired Cover-More Group in April 2017. |
nib Travel (incl. Travel Insurance Direct, SureSave) | Yes | nib Holdings Ltd (ASX: NHF) - Australian listed health insurer. |
Allianz Partners / Allianz Global Assistance | No | Allianz SE (Germany). |
Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) | No | Southern Cross Medical Care Society (New Zealand) - 100% NZ-owned mutual. |
1Cover | No | United Kingdom owned (Coffre-Fort Pty Ltd / 1Cover Pty Ltd). Common ownership with Zoom. |
World2Cover | No | Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co. Ltd (Japan). |
InsureandGo Australia | No | Europ Assistance (subsidiary of Assicurazioni Generali, Italy) - acquired from MAPFRE (Spain) in Jan 2022. |
NRMA Insurance (travel) | Partial | Brand: Insurance Australia Group (IAG) - ASX-listed Australian general insurer. Product: Cover-More/Zurich |
Medibank | Partial | Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL) - Australian listed health insurer. Product: Cover-More/Zurich |
Bupa Travel Insurance | No | Bupa (British United Provident Association Ltd, UK) - private company limited by guarantee. |
Tick Travel Insurance | No | Europ Assistance / Generali Group (Italy). |
Qantas Travel Insurance | Partial | Brand: Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) Product: America Insurance Group (AIG) |
RAA Travel Insurance | Partial | Brand: Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) Product: America Insurance Group (AIG) |
PassportCard Australia (TravelCard) | No | PassportCard Group (Israel) - 50% owned by White Mountains Insurance Group (Bermuda, NYSE: WTM). |
Budget Direct Travel Insurance | No | Auto & General Holdings (Australia) - ultimately owned by BHL Holdings Ltd (Guernsey), founded by South African Douw Steyn (Telesure/BHL group). |
Australian Seniors Travel Insurance | No | Greenstone Financial Services Pty Ltd - owned by Hollard Group (South Africa). |
Zoom Travel Insurance | No | United Kingdom owned - common directors/shareholders with 1Cover Pty Ltd. |
American Express Travel Insurance | No | American Express Co. (USA) - ultimate parent. Chubb Insurance Australia Ltd (Chubb Ltd, Switzerland/USA) is underwriter. |
Woolworths / Everyday Insurance Travel | Yes | Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) - Australian listed retailer. |
HCF Travel Insurance | Partial | Brand: The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Ltd - Australia's largest not-for-profit health fund. Product: Allianz |
Freely | No | Brand of Cover-More Group - owned by Zurich Insurance Group (Switzerland). |
Travel Insurance Saver | Yes | Insurance Saver Pty Ltd (Victoria, Australia) |
Go Insurance | Yes | Australian-owned underwriting agency focused on travel insurance. |
World Nomads (AU) | No | International Medical Group (IMG) - subsidiary of SiriusPoint Ltd (Bermuda/USA). Sale from nib Holdings announced Feb 2026. |
This table and other figures provided are based on publicly available and third-party data believed to be accurate at the time of compilation. Ownership structures may be complex and subject to change (including mergers, acquisitions, restructures, or shareholding changes), and no representation or warranty is given as to accuracy, reliability, or currency. Some figures may be an indicative estimate derived from the insurers included in this table and the methodology applied, and are not a definitive measure of the Australian travel insurance market. This material is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Users should undertake independent verification and seek appropriate professional advice before relying on this information. To the maximum extent permitted by law, any liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this information is not applicable.
Not all travel insurers operate the same way
Here’s a simple comparison of how foreign-owned travel insurers may operate compared to Aussie-based Fast Cover:
Fast Cover – Aussie Owned | Foreign-owned insurer |
|---|---|
Designed for Australian travellers | May focus on multiple global markets |
Local Australia-based customer service | Off-shore call centres |
100% of claims are processed in-house in Australia | Off-shore claims processing by third party |
Australia-based business accountability | Operates under foreign parent company |
Clear, plain English communication | Corporate language may vary |
Understands Aussie travel habits | Less local travel nuance |
Our profits stay in Australia and we pay tax in Australia | Foreign-owned insurers send their profits back to their countrie |
Aussie owned vs foreign-owned insurers: what’s the difference?
Fast Cover is proudly 100% Australian owned. That means:
All Fast Cover staff including customer service and claims are based in Australia
We operate under our own Australian Financial Services Licence (538708)
We don’t hide behind another company’s financial services licence
We’re bound by Australian laws and regulations
We’re aligned with Australian medical and legal expectations
Our profits stay in Australia, and we pay tax in Australia for the benefit of all Aussies
We operate here, employ here, and support Australian travellers
Travel Insurance Company | Is the travel insurer Australian owned? | Ownership |
|---|---|---|
Fast Cover | Yes | 100% Australian owned & operated (Fast Cover Pty Ltd). |
Cover-More | No | Zurich Insurance Group (Switzerland). Acquired Cover-More Group in April 2017. |
nib Travel (incl. Travel Insurance Direct, SureSave) | Yes | nib Holdings Ltd (ASX: NHF) - Australian listed health insurer. |
Allianz Partners / Allianz Global Assistance | No | Allianz SE (Germany). |
Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) | No | Southern Cross Medical Care Society (New Zealand) - 100% NZ-owned mutual. |
1Cover | No | United Kingdom owned (Coffre-Fort Pty Ltd / 1Cover Pty Ltd). Common ownership with Zoom. |
World2Cover | No | Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co. Ltd (Japan). |
InsureandGo Australia | No | Europ Assistance (subsidiary of Assicurazioni Generali, Italy) - acquired from MAPFRE (Spain) in Jan 2022. |
NRMA Insurance (travel) | Partial | Brand: Insurance Australia Group (IAG) - ASX-listed Australian general insurer. Product: Cover-More/Zurich |
Medibank | Partial | Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL) - Australian listed health insurer. Product: Cover-More/Zurich |
Bupa Travel Insurance | No | Bupa (British United Provident Association Ltd, UK) - private company limited by guarantee. |
Tick Travel Insurance | No | Europ Assistance / Generali Group (Italy). |
Qantas Travel Insurance | Partial | Brand: Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) Product: America Insurance Group (AIG) |
RAA Travel Insurance | Partial | Brand: Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) Product: America Insurance Group (AIG) |
PassportCard Australia (TravelCard) | No | PassportCard Group (Israel) - 50% owned by White Mountains Insurance Group (Bermuda, NYSE: WTM). |
Budget Direct Travel Insurance | No | Auto & General Holdings (Australia) - ultimately owned by BHL Holdings Ltd (Guernsey), founded by South African Douw Steyn (Telesure/BHL group). |
Australian Seniors Travel Insurance | No | Greenstone Financial Services Pty Ltd - owned by Hollard Group (South Africa). |
Zoom Travel Insurance | No | United Kingdom owned - common directors/shareholders with 1Cover Pty Ltd. |
American Express Travel Insurance | No | American Express Co. (USA) - ultimate parent. Chubb Insurance Australia Ltd (Chubb Ltd, Switzerland/USA) is underwriter. |
Woolworths / Everyday Insurance Travel | Yes | Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) - Australian listed retailer. |
HCF Travel Insurance | Partial | Brand: The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Ltd - Australia's largest not-for-profit health fund. Product: Allianz |
Freely | No | Brand of Cover-More Group - owned by Zurich Insurance Group (Switzerland). |
Travel Insurance Saver | Yes | Insurance Saver Pty Ltd (Victoria, Australia) |
Go Insurance | Yes | Australian-owned underwriting agency focused on travel insurance. |
World Nomads (AU) | No | International Medical Group (IMG) - subsidiary of SiriusPoint Ltd (Bermuda/USA). Sale from nib Holdings announced Feb 2026. |
This table and other figures provided are based on publicly available and third-party data believed to be accurate at the time of compilation. Ownership structures may be complex and subject to change (including mergers, acquisitions, restructures, or shareholding changes), and no representation or warranty is given as to accuracy, reliability, or currency. Some figures may be an indicative estimate derived from the insurers included in this table and the methodology applied, and are not a definitive measure of the Australian travel insurance market. This material is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Users should undertake independent verification and seek appropriate professional advice before relying on this information. To the maximum extent permitted by law, any liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this information is not applicable.
Not all travel insurers operate the same way
Here’s a simple comparison of how foreign-owned travel insurers may operate compared to Aussie-based Fast Cover:
Fast Cover – Aussie Owned | Foreign-owned insurer |
|---|---|
Designed for Australian travellers | May focus on multiple global markets |
Local Australia-based customer service | Off-shore call centres |
100% of claims are processed in-house in Australia | Off-shore claims processing by third party |
Australia-based business accountability | Operates under foreign parent company |
Clear, plain English communication | Corporate language may vary |
Understands Aussie travel habits | Less local travel nuance |
Our profits stay in Australia and we pay tax in Australia | Foreign-owned insurers send their profits back to their countrie |
You’ll speak to an Aussie customer service team
Our team keep things straightforward so you can make informed decisions. No confusing corporate language. No unnecessary jargon.
Our customer service team will help you:
Get a quote for your trip details
Compare policy options and cover details
Complete a medical screening
Add optional extras to your policy
Make changes to your policy details or extend your policy
Cancel and refund your policy with our 25-day money-back guarantee if you are eligible

Of course, all policies are subject to terms, conditions, limits and exclusions. Always refer to the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for full details.
You’ll speak to an Aussie customer service team
Our team keep things straightforward so you can make informed decisions. No confusing corporate language. No unnecessary jargon.
Our customer service team will help you:
Get a quote for your trip details
Compare policy options and cover details
Complete a medical screening
Add optional extras to your policy
Make changes to your policy details or extend your policy
Cancel and refund your policy with our 25-day money-back guarantee if you are eligible

Of course, all policies are subject to terms, conditions, limits and exclusions. Always refer to the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for full details.
100% of claims are handled in Australia from start to finish
Fast Cover’s Aussie based claims team handles all claims in-house in Sydney.
When you’re dealing with unexpected events on your trip, clarity and familiarity matter.
You’ll speak to a local Aussie team member, not an offshore call centre
Our team guides travellers through the claims process step by step
No time zone confusions
Learn more about our claims process

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.
100% of claims are handled in Australia from start to finish
Fast Cover’s Aussie based claims team handles all claims in-house in Sydney.
When you’re dealing with unexpected events on your trip, clarity and familiarity matter.
You’ll speak to a local Aussie team member, not an offshore call centre
Our team guides travellers through the claims process step by step
No time zone confusions
Learn more about our claims process

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.
Access to Aussie-based 24/7 emergency medical assistance
Medical emergencies can happen anywhere, even on holidays. We’re here to help with Aussie based support when you need it most.
Depending on your situation, Fast Cover’s Australia-based Emergency Medical Assistance team may be able to assist you during unexpected medical emergencies overseas by:
Locating and arranging overseas medical treatment or hospital admission
Coordinating approved medical evacuation or repatriation
Providing guidance on accessing local medical support services
See how our 24/7 EA team can help you

Access to Aussie-based 24/7 emergency medical assistance
Medical emergencies can happen anywhere, even on holidays. We’re here to help with Aussie based support when you need it most.
Depending on your situation, Fast Cover’s Australia-based Emergency Medical Assistance team may be able to assist you during unexpected medical emergencies overseas by:
Locating and arranging overseas medical treatment or hospital admission
Coordinating approved medical evacuation or repatriation
Providing guidance on accessing local medical support services
See how our 24/7 EA team can help you

We understand how Australians travel
With over 15 years providing travel insurance for Aussie travellers, we know that Australians don’t just holiday, we explore the world through different kinds of travel.
We take long-haul flights to Europe
We head to Bali for quick getaways
We cruise through the Pacific
We ski in Japan
We backpack across continents
We tick off our adventure bucket list
Travel insurance isn’t a one-size -fits-all. We design our policy options and optional extras with a wide range of Aussie travellers in mind.
We understand how Australians travel
With over 15 years providing travel insurance for Aussie travellers, we know that Australians don’t just holiday, we explore the world through different kinds of travel.
We take long-haul flights to Europe
We head to Bali for quick getaways
We cruise through the Pacific
We ski in Japan
We backpack across continents
We tick off our adventure bucket list
Travel insurance isn’t a one-size -fits-all. We design our policy options and optional extras with a wide range of Aussie travellers in mind.
In a foreign country, it’s hard to know who to call, where to go, or who to trust. With Fast Cover’s International travel insurance policies, you get access to experienced teams who can guide you to the right care quickly. When you're injured overseas, speed and local knowledge can make all the difference.
In a foreign country, it’s hard to know who to call, where to go, or who to trust. With Fast Cover’s International travel insurance policies, you get access to experienced teams who can guide you to the right care quickly. When you're injured overseas, speed and local knowledge can make all the difference.
In a foreign country, it’s hard to know who to call, where to go, or who to trust. With Fast Cover’s International travel insurance policies, you get access to experienced teams who can guide you to the right care quickly. When you're injured overseas, speed and local knowledge can make all the difference.












