The #1 advice for Easter travellers
For an egg-cellent Easter holiday, remember this one thing and you’ll be ready for a long weekend adventure.
Do you disregard travel insurance when travelling locally? You’re not alone.
In fact, 70% of Australians think it is unnecessary for domestic travel, according to a new study run by Comparetravelinsurance.com.au. However, experts warn that dismissing domestic insurance over the Easter break could amount to a frightening holiday bill.
Whether you’re flying to see family, attending a sporting match in another state or taking an Easter road trip up the coast, the benefits of domestic travel insurance may be far greater than you’d expect.
The recent natural disaster, Cyclone Debbie that ripped through Northern Queensland is a prime example of the important of domestic cover.
“After Cyclone Debbie hit, thousands of Australians were left stranded or unable to travel to Queensland with flights both to and from the region cancelled. Plenty of travel operators were unable to offer direct refunds to affected customers which is where travel insurance would have kicked in,” Director at Comparetravelinsurance, Natalie Ball said.
“Insured travellers would have been reimbursed for prepaid travel expenses along with any additional costs incurred as a result of the natural disaster. On the other hand, those uninsured would have been left with a rather large dent in their wallet.”
Domestic travel insurance: cause for cover
Often overlooked by consumers, domestic travel insurance may be a saving grace when travelling locally.
Natural disasters aside, tourists should take into account the hefty costs that could come along with a short trip away. A crash in your rental car, a stolen iPhone, or a delayed flight on route to a football match could wind up costing you far more than you’d bargained for.
Ball said a comprehensive domestic policy is an affordable way to cover you for these expenses, and a wide range of travel costs including rental car excess.
“Many holidays are hassle free but a reasonable domestic policy is a small price to pay to cover your personal belongings, cancellation costs and more.”
Rental car excess: the wheel benefit
Rental car excess cover is one of the lesser known but incredibly useful benefits of travel insurance. Typically, rental car companies will charge a hefty daily fee to reduce the standard excess you would be liable for in the event of an accident. The excess can range anywhere from $3,000-$5,000 for a standard vehicle and up to $8,000 for campervans and motorhomes.
Most rental car companies will offer a collision damage waiver fee of roughly $25- $35 per day. On the other hand, domestic travel insurance would cover this fee at a much cheaper rate. One week’s worth of domestic travel insurance including rental car excess cover may be as little as $35.50.
“While it may seem more convenient to pay to reduce the excess with the car hire company directly, quite often you’ll be paying 50% more than necessary without much payoff. Buying travel insurance will also cover a host of other scenarios such as trip cancellation and luggage cover simultaneously,” Ball added.
Cover for missed events
Booked flights to see your favourite popstar or sporting team perform? If you’re travelling interstate for that long-awaited sports match or show it’s highly recommended that you invest in travel insurance for your trip.
In the event that your flight to that big event is cancelled or delayed travel insurance will help you get there on time.
“A comprehensive policy will often pay for your alternative travel expenses to reach a planned event if your scheduled transport is delayed or cancelled,” Ball said.
“And if you’re unable to make it at all due to unforeseen circumstances, you may be able to seek reimbursement of your pre-paid event tickets and travel arrangements should you be unable to get compensation elsewhere.”
To avoid an egg-ressive holiday bill this Easter, investing in domestic travel insurance will be a small price to pay for a financial peace of mind.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
-
Latest comments
Latest News
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
The jury is still out on whether spending a week on a 'floating villa' with family is a hell or a paradise.
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.
But my travel insurance would not cover a cracked windscreen….right?
and specific car rental excess insurance would, correct?