The Australian government finally removed the “do not travel” advisory for the UK, the USA, Singapore, and Fiji – good news for Australian citizens and permanent residents who are itching to travel overseas.
In February 2020, many travel insurance providers identified the COVID-19 pandemic as a “known occurrence,” which means they no longer cover any COVID-19-related issues. This year, travel insurers have adapted to changes caused by the pandemic by offering cover for various COVID-19-related travel situations to destinations except a few that continue to carry a Level 4 “do not travel” advisory.
Now, the government is allowing international travel, but it clarified that only fully vaccinated Australian citizens and permanent residents can leave the country.
Therefore, before hopping on the plane, people need to provide proof that they have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine that the Therapeutic Goods Administration approved (Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson) or recognised (Sinovac and Covishield). Moreover, the second dose must have occurred at least seven days before the trip, according to ABC.
Some airlines and countries still require a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test at check-in before the traveller leaves Australia, while those returning to the country must have a negative PCR test within 72 hours of departure. If the flight is delayed for over 72 hours, the negative PCR test is still valid. However, if the flight is rescheduled or cancelled, the traveller must take a new test, the report added.
Aside from proving that they have received both doses of COVID-19 vaccine and have a negative PCR test, Aussies face another hindrance preventing them from travelling overseas – an increase in their travel insurance bill.
Cover-More warned that some insurers do not cover PCR tests for travellers. Therefore, they must prepare for a price hike of nearly 10% when taking out travel insurance to allow for a new type of cover.
“Travel insurance is for the unexpected and unforeseen circumstances, so if you need a PCR test to get on the plane in the first place, we don't cover that,” said Cover-More communications manager Maureen Mullins, as reported by the Australian Financial Review (AFR).
Meanwhile, Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) CEO Andrew Hall advised Australians to still take out travel insurance, describing it as “essential as a passport if they are going overseas” because it covers not only COVID-19-related issues but also other situations unrelated to the pandemic, such as medical cover and assistance, dental cover, changed or cancelled travel plans, lost luggage, and theft.
“You can't leave Australia without a passport, and you shouldn't leave Australia without travel insurance,” Hall said. “Travel insurance remains essential for all the reasons it was pre-pandemic: to provide protection when the unexpected occurs far from home. Some insurers are now offering cover for a range of COVID-related situations, providing additional protection for travellers if they want or need this as part of their travel insurance.”
