Travel insurance provider PassportCard has partnered with Dreamtime Resorts to increase awareness and uptake of domestic travel insurance in Australia.
The insurer aims to encourage more Australians to consider travel coverage within the country through a new arrangement with Dreamtime Resorts, which operates 18 properties across popular vacation spots, including the Gold Coast and Port Douglas.
The partnership will make travel insurance accessible to Dreamtime Resorts’ guests via the SQ Travel Insurance brand, covering risks such as lost or delayed luggage, trip cancellations, and rental car insurance excess.
The companies hope to raise awareness about domestic travel risks, especially as many Australians remain uninsured when traveling locally. According to PassportCard research, more than half of Australians (51%) do not take out travel insurance for domestic trips.
Bryan Fitzpatrick, managing director of Dreamtime Resorts, said that travel insurance often takes a back seat when people plan trips within Australia, but disruptions can happen anywhere.
“Whether it’s a cancelled flight, lost luggage, or an unexpected incident, it’s important to be prepared. Our partnership with PassportCard ensures that Dreamtime Resorts guests who opt for coverage can enjoy peace of mind and most importantly, their holiday, knowing they’re protected with instant payouts and comprehensive coverage,” he said.
Research by PassportCard indicates that many Australians consider Sydney (41%), Brisbane (35%), and Perth (22%) to be among the most challenging destinations domestically, citing issues such as theft, medical emergencies, and travel delays.
Many travellers remain unaware of the risks inherent in domestic travel and may assume that insurance is only necessary for international trips.
Peter Klemt, CEO of PassportCard, emphasised the company’s intention to challenge this perception.
“Our partnership with Dreamtime Resorts is just one of many steps we are taking to help change that perception, and we’re thrilled to have them on board. With instant payouts and 24/7 support, we’re ensuring that domestic travellers can explore Australia without worrying about unexpected disruptions,” he said.
Meanwhile, outside the country, younger Australians are leading the nation’s return to international travel but remain less likely to purchase travel insurance, according to 1Cover Travel Insurance.
Based on a survey of 1,000 Australians, 1Cover found that 40% of respondents had travelled abroad within the last year, with nearly half (49%) of those aged 18 to 29 taking international trips, compared to only 23% of Australians over 70.
Younger Australians have largely resumed their travel habits, with 76% of respondents under 29 saying they travel as frequently as they did before COVID-19, and 18% indicating they travel even more now than pre-pandemic.
The survey, however, showed a significant gap in insurance uptake among younger travellers. Thirty percent of respondents aged 18 to 29 reported not purchasing travel insurance for their most recent trip abroad, despite the potential financial risks associated with emergencies or cancellations.
