Jargon Explained

Many people are baffled and befuddled by the terms and phrases employed by insurers the world over when requesting information or explaining their products. Sometimes this confusion can put some prospective customers off buying travel insurance, leaving them open to big losses, when an informed small outlay invested in the correct policy could save not just peace of mind, but potentially crippling medical costs or travel upheaval.

To help in some small way, a few of  the terms, wording or phrases that get queried the most by our office have been listed in alphabetical order and a brief (hopefully) plain English explanation or definition has been listed.

Age Limits 

Age groups, limits and age related restrictions apply to most policies and affect the price of premiums. Maximum age limits vary between policies.

Annual Multi Trip Travel Insurance

For the regular traveller Annual Multi Trip travel insurance policies provide cover for an unlimited number of trips within a 12 month period. 

Australian (Domestic) Travel Insurance

Travel insurance cover for travel within Australia. Perfect for a driving holiday, cruising the coastline or flying interstate to visit family and friends.

Benefits 

A schedule of benefits is available for all policy types and sets out in an easy to understand format the inclusions and applicable limits of cover, such as lost luggage, cancellation of travel plans or medical expenses.

Budget Travel Insurance

Low cost, limited cover insurance for the international traveller who does not require a fully comprehensive policy.

Claims

Claims can be made against travel insurance policies for events as set out in the schedule of benefits that relate to your insurance policy. Always keep your certificate of insurance with you and in a safe place.

Comprehensive Travel Insurance

Insurance cover for International travel generally with more inclusions than with a budget product. Don’t leave home without adequate cover even if you are going overseas to visit family.

Cooling Off Period

It is a legal requirement that all insurers offer a period of time within which you can change your mind about a policy you have purchased from them and receive a full refund. To qualify you must not have made a claim or started your trip.

Cruising Cover

Cruising cover is necessary if you are venturing out on a commercial seagoing vessel. If you are staying in Australian waters the Australian travel plan is sufficient, but if you are leaving Australian waters the International policy should be selected. 

Departure Date 

The departure date is the day that your trip begins from your normal place of residence.

Dependent Children

Refers to any accompanying financially dependent child or children.

Domestic (Australian) Travel Insurance

Travel insurance cover for travel within Australian territories.

Emergency Assistance 

Our emergency assistance is a team of trained medical and insurance specialists available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. This team has full authority to act in the event of a situation arising, thereby empowering them to act quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency.

Excess

The amount of contribution you are required to pay towards any claim. The excess is usually deducted from any amount payable, so if you claim $1000 and your policy has a $200 excess, the amount you will receive is $800. A lower excess can often be selected, but premiums will be more expensive.

Exclusions

Events, reasons or situations where cover will not be provided. For example scuba dives are not covered, unless you hold an open water diving licence or are under instruction by a licenced operator.

Existing policy

As soon as a certificate of insurance has been issued you now have an existing policy that can be amended or extended, you can buy additional benefits or apply for an existing medical condition.

Inbound Travel Insurance

Policies for non-residents of Australia visiting to or within Australia on a temporary basis.

International Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance policies for cover in countries all over the globe.

Product Disclosure Statement

A document that fully explains the scope of an insurance policy it covers information about the travel insurance product and detailed terms and conditions. It should always be read in conjunction with the schedule of benefits.

Pre Existing Medical Conditions

Pre-existing medical conditions are ailments that you already have identified and that could cause you to claim on any insurance policy while travelling. There are many conditions that do not require disclosure to apply for a travel insurance policy and you can find out about the full list of High Risk and Automatically Covered conditions here. 

Regions

Countries are grouped into regions for the purpose of calculating premiums. Generally the countries in a particular group are geographically close or have a similar level of risk. 

Repatriation

Assistance for your safe return to Australia in the event of a medical incident. 

Return Date

The date that you arrive back at the end of your trip to your normal place of residence. Remember you could arrive in Australia several days before you begin your final leg of the return journey, so remember to put the day you get home as your return date.  

Traveller Details

Refer to your full legal name and date of birth as recorded in your passport or other official form of identification. All details including your normal place of residence and any pre-existing medical condition should be accurately disclosed. Failure to supply correct information can void an insurance policy.

Worldwide Assistance

Medical advice, assistance or evacuation if required, rescheduling of travel plans or replacement of tickets, introduction to lawyers for advice and representation in the event of unlawful detention or urgent message relay to family or your travel insurance agent.