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Travel Insurance for Existing Medical Conditions

Travelling with an existing medical condition? Learn how to complete Fast Cover’s medical screening to find out if we can provide some cover for your existing medical conditions.

Travelling with Existing Medical Conditions?

Having an existing medical condition does not mean you can’t get travel insurance. In fact, some people may consider it  even more important to  have travel insurance that is able to cover many unexpected situations arising from your existing medical conditions that may occur before and during your trip. At Fast Cover, our simple medical screening process is available online and over the phone to help you find out whether our range of travel insurance policies can provide cover for your existing medical condition.

To check if we can provide cover for your existing medical condition/s, you will need to complete a medical screening to tell us about:

  • any medical or pregnancy condition/s you have or have had during the period of 3 years prior to your policy issue date, and
  • any changes to your health including developing any new medical or pregnancy condition/s after your policy issue date and before the date of departure of your trip.

We refer to these as ‘existing medical conditions’ on our website, but other travel insurers may refer to these as ‘pre existing medical conditions’. Read on to learn more about our medical screening process.

doctor typing on laptop

Every traveller’s needs are different, so check the PDS to find the right policy for you. Any advice is general advice only and doesn't consider your personal and financial circumstances.

What Does Travel Insurance for Existing Medical Conditions Cover?

Fast Cover’s travel insurance policies are available to provide some cover under a range of benefits to help you deal with and take steps to be prepared for many unexpected and unforeseen circumstances arising from your existing medical conditions that may occur before and during your trip.

This page provides only a summary of some of the benefits available to provide cover for existing medical conditions at Fast Cover and does not replace the PDS which sets out the full terms and conditions of cover including benefit limits, sub-limits and exclusions that apply. Please note we can only provide cover for the circumstances and situations covered by your travel insurance policy and listed in your Certificate of Insurance, including your existing medical conditions listed as covered, so always review the PDS before deciding whether you need travel insurance and which policy is right for you.

If you’re no longer able to travel to your destination due to unexpected circumstances covered under your policy that relate to your existing medical condition listed as covered on your Certificate of Insurance, Fast Cover’s travel insurance policy may help protect the non-refundable bookings you've already paid for. You can buy travel insurance for your holiday up to 12 months prior to your departure date. Please note cancellation cover is only available with our Standard Saver, Comprehensive, Domestic Plus, Snow Sports Plus and Frequent Traveller Saver policies. ^

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In case you are seriously injured or sick while on your trip overseas, including as a result of your covered existing medical condition, Fast Cover’s International travel insurance policies are available to provide cover for your reasonable additional accommodation and travel expenses, medical transfer, evacuation or repatriation if you must be transported to the nearest hospital for emergency medical treatment or be brought back to Australia with appropriate medical supervision. The medical transfer, evacuation or repatriation must first be approved by Fast Cover. ^ 

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Medical Conditions and Changes in Health Explained

When taking out travel insurance with Fast Cover, it is important that you understand our definition of the following terms: 

  • medical conditions 
  • pregnancy conditions 
  • changes in health 

Understanding how we define these terms may help you complete our medical screening which determines if our policies are able to provide cover for your existing medical conditions. It may also help you to better understand how cover under your policy may apply for medical conditions including existing medical conditions.

What is a Medical Condition?

What is a Medical Condition?

We consider a medical condition to mean any bodily or physical injury, physical defect, illness, disease or other medical or dental condition or sign or symptom of these things that you: 

  • required prescription medication for or has been prescribed medication from a medical practitioner in writing for, 
  • sought or received medical advice from a medical practitioner or other health care professional for, 
  • had tests, investigations, care, treatment or medical attention including surgery for, 
  • been admitted to hospital for (including emergency department or day surgery procedure), or 
  • became aware of or which a reasonable person in the circumstances would have been aware of. 

Examples of Medical Conditions

Medical conditions include but are not limited to: 

  • the suffering or treatment of mental illness,  
  • a brain, heart (such as any cardiovascular or coronary heart disease or any condition related to a heart or blood vessels), kidney, liver, respiratory, circulatory (such as high blood pressure, stroke, or transient ischaemic attack), cancer or cancerous condition,  
  • reduced or deficient immune system,  
  • a sign or symptom of the above matters,  
  • an allergy or food intolerance,  
  • a persistent and lasting health condition such as constant pain or long-suffering pain or pain with a pattern of relapse and remission, or  
  • any conditions related to previous and current pregnancy (as detailed below in “What is a Pregnancy Condition?”)

What is a Pregnancy Condition?

What is a Pregnancy Condition?

A pregnancy condition means you are pregnant and any of the following circumstances apply to you: 

  • you are experiencing complications with the pregnancy that fall within the definition of complications of pregnancy and childbirth (explained below) 
  • you experienced complications with any previous pregnancy that fall within the definition of complications of pregnancy and childbirth (explained below) 
  • you are having multiple children (e.g. twins, triplets or more), or  
  • your conception was medically assisted (e.g. hormone therapy or IVF) 

Complications of Pregnancy and Childbirth 

To understand how cover may apply for pregnancy conditions and complications of pregnancy and childbirth, it is important that you understand what we may consider complications of pregnancy and childbirth.

As per Fast Cover's PDS, complications of pregnancy and childbirth means any condition you have been diagnosed with or treated for in the past or any secondary diagnosis, occurring prior to, during the course of, concurrent with, or as a result of the pregnancy, which may adversely affect the pregnancy outcome including but not limited to the following:

  • Toxemia (toxins in the blood) 
  • Gestational diabetes (diabetes arising because of pregnancy)  
  • Gestational hypertension (high blood pressure arising because of pregnancy) 
  • Pre-eclampsia (where you develop high blood pressure, carry abnormal fluid and have protein in your urine during the second half of pregnancy)  
  • Ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that develops outside of the uterus)  
  • Molar pregnancy or hydatidiform mole (a pregnancy in which a tumour develops from the placental tissue)  
  • Post-partum haemorrhage (excessive bleeding following childbirth)  
  • Retained placenta membrane (part or all the placenta is left behind in the uterus after delivery)  
  • Placental abruption (part or all the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus)  
  • Hyperemesis gravidarum (excessive vomiting because of pregnancy)  
  • Placenta previa (when the placenta is in the lower part of the uterus and covers part or all of the cervix)  
  • Stillbirth  
  • Miscarriage 
  • Emergency caesarean section  
  • A termination needed for medical reasons 

What Does ‘Change in Health’ Mean?

What Does ‘Change in Health’ Mean?

It is important that you understand what change in health means so that you can accurately inform us of any changes in health that may impact the cover your policy is able to provide for your medical condition/s, including any existing medical conditions. 

As per  Fast Cover's PDS, changes in health means: 

  • the occurrence of any new medical condition after your policy issue date and before the date of departure for your trip, 
  • advice from a medical practitioner that you are not fit to travel, including on your trip, 
  • the stated answers in the certificate of insurance regarding any listed medical condition are no longer correct or up to date, 
  • any change in the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment or medication (including dose) of a listed medical condition, 
  • any change in the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment or medication (including dose) of a medical condition which you had more than 3 years prior to the policy purchase date, or  
  • any unexpected admissions to hospital or surgery for any listed medical condition. 

Before the date of departure for your trip, you must have written confirmation from your medical practitioner that you are fit to travel for any changes in health listed as covered on your Certificate of Insurance. The written confirmation does not need to be sent to us, however it may be required in the event of a claim.

How Does Existing Medical Conditions Cover Work?

At Fast Cover, we want you to understand how existing medical conditions and pregnancy conditions may be covered under our policies.

Medical Screening for Medical Conditions

By way of basic overview, we don’t cover any claims that arise from any medical condition or pregnancy condition that existed during: 

  • the period of 3 years prior to your policy issue date, or 
  • the period between the time of your policy issue date and the date of departure for your trip (except for Trip Cancellation Expenses, if your trip needs to be cancelled or rescheduled during this period) 

unless we agree to list the relevant medical condition or pregnancy condition as covered on your Certificate of Insurance. This is done through a medical screening process.

Changes in Health Before You Depart

Changes in Health Before You Depart

If any changes in health occur: 

  • after we have listed any medical condition or pregnancy condition as covered, and 
  • before the date of departure for your trip, 

the cover for those listed conditions are automatically excluded from the time the changes in health occurred, unless you undertake an additional medical screening and we agree to list them as covered.

Screening for Changes in Health

Screening for Changes in Health

If any changes in health occur (as defined in our PDS) after your policy issue date and before the date of departure for your trip, you need to contact Fast Cover and undertake a further screening to determine what premium adjustment may be required.

This is because we automatically exclude cover for:

  • any new medical conditions or pregnancy conditions that occur after your policy issue date and before the date of departure for your trip, and  
  • all conditions we have listed as covered on the Certificate of Insurance where changes in health have occurred after your policy issue date and before the date of departure for your trip (other than for a claim under Trip Cancellation Expenses, relating to the cancellation or rescheduling of your trip between the time of your policy issue date and the date of departure for your trip). 

If further changes in health occur before the date of departure for your trip, you may need to undertake this screening process more than once as the changes in health exclusion would automatically apply again from the time any further changes in health occur.

Rescreening Outcomes

Rescreening Outcomes

Based on the rescreening we may (to the extent permitted by applicable law): 

  • agree to provide cover for the existing listed conditions and add the new listed conditions as covered. You may choose to accept this cover or not. If you do not, you will not be covered in relation to the conditions not listed as covered, or 
  • not agree to provide cover, where based on the changes, our underwriting rules require us to do so.  

On being advised of the changes, we will adjust the premium payable (up or down) to reflect the premium that is payable by reason of the changes in accordance with our underwriting rules. 

In all of the above cases, if you are not happy with our decision you may exercise your cooling off rights where applicable or cancel the policy before the date of departure for your trip and obtain a refund in accordance with the policy terms. 

How Does Medical Screening for Existing Medical Conditions Work?

We understand that all travellers are different and may have some existing medical conditions. Following a medical screening, Fast Cover may be able to provide travel insurance with cover for existing medical conditions affecting travellers in case the unexpected happens before, or during your trip. Below is some useful information to help you prepare to complete our medical screening.

Having a full picture of your health before you travel allows Fast Cover to determine whether our travel insurance policies can provide cover for your existing medical condition/s. If an unexpected situation happens before or during your trip arising from your existing medical condition that you didn’t tell us about, you may not be covered and your policy general exclusions would apply. 

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You will need to complete a medical screening if you would like cover for any existing medical conditions. You can complete a medical screening for: 

  • Any medical conditions that you have or have had, during the period of 3 years prior to your policy purchase date 
  • Any changes to your health that occur after your policy purchase date and before the date of departure for your trip 
  • Any new medical conditions you experience or develop after you buy your policy and before the date of departure for your trip
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You will need to complete our simple medical screening online or over the phone with our Australian based customer service team who can help guide you through the questions you need to answer. See our simplified steps on how to complete the medical screening process below. 

Disclosing Medical Conditions When You Apply for Cover

If you have or have had any medical conditions during the period of 3 years prior to your policy issue date, you need to complete Fast Cover’s online or over the phone medical screening process as part of your application for cover.

Disclosing Changes in Health After Purchasing

If you experience any changes in health (as defined in our PDS) after your policy issue date and before the date of departure for your trip, you need to contact Fast Cover and undertake a further medical screening to determine if we can still provide cover for your medical condition and what premium adjustment may be required.

Keep in mind, if you experience any changes in health before the date of departure for your trip, you must have written confirmation from your medical practitioner that you are fit to travel for any changes in health listed as covered on your Certificate of Insurance. You may need to provide this in the event of a claim.

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Once you have completed the initial medical screening as part of your policy application online or over the phone with the help of our Aussie based team, we will tell you whether or not we are able to provide cover in relation to the existing medical conditions you disclose. 

If you would like the cover for the approved conditions to be added to your policy you will need to pay the additional premium we apply for the cover, by the time required. We will then list the conditions as covered on your Certificate of Insurance. If we do not list any such conditions as covered, or you do not disclose any such conditions, there is no cover provided in relation to them. 

If we are not able to provide you with cover for your medical conditions or we are able to provide you with cover for your medical conditions but you choose to not pay the additional premium to have cover for the medical conditions, they will be listed on the Certificate of Insurance as declared, but not covered.

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You will need reasonable knowledge of all of your medical conditions, pregnancy conditions and/or changes in health, which include but are not limited to, the names of your medical conditions or pregnancy conditions. Check with your medical practitioner if you are unsure of the name because you will not be able to complete the medical screening if you only know the medication you are taking or the treatment you are receiving.

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Some medical conditions may be interconnected, you must declare all of your medical conditions, pregnancy conditions or changes in health, regardless of whether or not you: 

  • want cover for them, or  
  • consider them treated, dormant or under control, or  
  • do not consider them important or related to any of your other conditions.  

If you do not declare all of your medical conditions or pregnancy conditions, you may not have cover for your medical conditions or pregnancy conditions that are listed as covered on your Certificate of Insurance.

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Medical conditions or pregnancy conditions that are approved for cover by Fast Cover will be listed on the certificate of insurance as a covered condition, whilst those that are not approved for cover or which you choose to decline cover for, will be listed on the certificate of insurance as an excluded medical or pregnancy condition.  

Depending on the policy you choose, you may still have access to other benefits that are unrelated to your existing medical condition that is excluded, such as cover for unexpected emergency medical and hospital expenses. However, cover for any situations arising from or relating to the existing medical condition that is excluded would not be covered by the policy.  

If you require cover for an existing medical condition that we are unable to cover, you may wish to contact the Insurance Council of Australia to assist you in finding a specialist travel insurer who may be able to cover your condition.

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Any medical conditions that you have which fall within the 3 years prior to policy issue date and for any changes in health, between the time of policy issue and the date of departure for your trip, that you have not declared and are not listed on your certificate of insurance will not be covered under your policy.

This means that if you do not declare any medical conditions, including new medical or pregnancy conditions or changes in health that occur after your policy is issued and before you leave for your trip, there will be no cover unless you contact us to complete a new medical screening and we agree to provide cover for an adjusted premium.

You do not need to declare and complete a medical screening for any changes to your listed, covered existing medical conditions or new medical conditions that arise during your trip, as these will be considered as unexpected circumstances which are covered under the benefits available on your policy, subject to policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations. However, if you have a Frequent Traveller Saver policy, you must declare any changes in health that occur after your policy purchase date, including changes in health that happen during or after your first trip and before your following trips commence. For Frequent Traveller Saver policies cover for Trip Cancellation Expenses begins from the start date as specified on your Certificate of Insurance.

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How to Apply for Cover for Existing Medical Conditions

If you have any existing medical conditions, you may be able to apply to include cover for them during your trip. Our simple medical screening process can be completed online or over the phone to help you find out if your existing medical or pregnancy condition can be covered.

Select Who Needs Cover

Once you've added all travellers, to your policy, you can select those who wish to add cover for any existing medical conditions. 

Take a Medical Screening

Answer a few questions online or over the phone about your health history. This helps us determine if your condition can be covered.

Choose to Add Cover

We'll let you know if we can provide cover for any existing medical conditions. You can then choose to add it to your policy.

To find out more about our medical screening process, and how the policy will apply in relation to an existing medical condition, please read and consider the PDS for eligibility criteria, terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub limits that apply.

Examples of Cover for Medical Conditions and Situations

Depending on the policy you take out with Fast Cover and your circumstances, different benefits may apply to you regarding your medical conditions.

Overseas Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Expenses for an Existing Medical Condition

Overseas Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Expenses for an Existing Medical Condition

Example: A 30-year-old traveller bought a Comprehensive international travel insurance policy to cover herself on a solo holiday to Vietnam. She completed a medical screening and applied to include cover for her existing medical condition. Fast Cover was able to include cover for her existing medical condition, and it was listed as ‘Covered’ on her Certificate of Insurance. During her overseas trip in Vietnam, she experienced a medical emergency as a result of her covered existing medical condition, resulting in the need for her to be medically evacuated to the nearest hospital for emergency medical treatment. The medical evacuation was first approved by Fast Cover.

Claims Assessment: Under the Overseas Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Expenses benefit, the traveller can submit a claim for the cost of the medical evacuation to transport her to the nearest hospital for emergency medical treatment for the claims team to assess further under the policy terms and conditions. 

Please Note: This example is purely fictional and is for illustrative purposes only. As each individual's circumstances are different, our Claims team will assess each claim on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with your specific circumstances, policy terms and conditions, and Certificate of Insurance.

Domestic Trip Cancellation Due to a Covered Existing Medical Condition

Domestic Trip Cancellation Due to a Covered Existing Medical Condition

Example: A 70-year-old senior traveller bought a Domestic Plus policy to cover herself and her husband on a couple’s holiday to visit their grandchildren in the Gold Coast during the September school holidays with activities including theme parks, going to the beach and hiking. She completed a medical screening and applied to include cover for her existing medical condition. Fast Cover was able to include cover for her existing medical condition, and it was listed as ‘Covered’ on her Certificate of Insurance. Two days before the couple was due to depart on a flight from Sydney to the Gold Coast, the wife experienced a medical situation as a result of her covered existing medical condition, resulting in the need to cancel the couple’s holiday.

No Cover: Fast Cover is unable to provide cover for medical emergencies and medical expenses incurred within Australia because medical expenses are covered by Medicare and/or your private health insurance. In this instance, the costs of the surgery would likely be covered by Medicare and possibly their private health insurance policy, but not their domestic travel insurance policy.

Claims Assessment: However, under the Trip Cancellation Expenses benefit of the Domestic Plus policy, the wife can submit a claim for the cost of the flights, hotel or theme park tickets that cannot be refunded or credited for the claims team to assess further under the policy terms and conditions as the trip was cancelled due to a covered existing medical condition.

Please Note: This example is purely fictional and is for illustrative purposes only. As each individual's circumstances are different, our Claims team will assess each claim on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with your specific circumstances, policy terms and conditions, and Certificate of Insurance.

Domestic Trip Cancellation Due to an Unexpected Injury

Domestic Trip Cancellation Due to an Unexpected Injury

Example: A 70-year-old senior traveller bought a Domestic Plus policy to cover herself and her husband on a couple’s holiday to visit their grandchildren in the Gold Coast during the September school holidays with activities including theme parks, going to the beach and hiking. Two days before the couple was due to depart on a flight from Sydney to the Gold Coast, the wife fell and broke her leg, requiring surgery, and resulting in the need to cancel the couple’s holiday.

No Cover: Fast Cover is unable to provide cover for medical emergencies and medical expenses incurred within Australia because medical expenses are covered by Medicare and/or your private health insurance. In this instance, the costs of the surgery would likely be covered by Medicare and possibly their private health insurance policy, but not their domestic travel insurance policy.

Claims Assessment: However, under the Trip Cancellation Expenses benefit of the Domestic Plus policy, the wife can submit a claim for the cost of the flights, hotel or theme park tickets that cannot be refunded or credited for the claims team to assess further under the policy terms and conditions as the trip was cancelled due to an unexpected injury. 

Please Note: This example is purely fictional and is for illustrative purposes only. As each individual's circumstances are different, our Claims team will assess each claim on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with your specific circumstances, policy terms and conditions, and Certificate of Insurance.

Any advice is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the PDS as eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limits apply.

Cover Options for your Overseas Trip

At Fast Cover, we have a range of international policy options that are available to provide cover for a variety of unexpected medical situations for your overseas trip. The options below are a summary of some of the benefits available under the various policies, please see the PDS for full details.

Comprehensive Travel Insurance

Comprehensive Travel Insurance is considered as Fast Cover's most popular policy option. It provides the highest level of cover amongst our existing products for the widest range of unexpected situations like overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses, overseas emergency medical assistance, accidental death and loss of income. ^

Standard Saver Travel Insurance

The Standard Saver Travel Insurance policy provides many benefits similar to our Comprehensive policy, such as benefits relating to your health as well as many similar benefits with lower limits like trip cancellation, trip disruption and luggage and personal effects when you travel. ^

Basic (Medical Only) Travel Insurance

Our Basics Travel Insurance policy type is a simple way of taking steps to obtain cover for one of the most important things in life - your health. You can also apply to customise your policy and include cover under the luggage and personal effects benefit up to $2000. ^

Need Cover for Your Existing Medical Conditions?

Planning your next holiday? Complete our simple medical screening for your existing medical conditions and get a travel insurance quote for your next holiday.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for My Existing Medical Conditions?

We understand that unexpected medical situations and factors outside of your control could change your travel plans and leave you with out-of-pocket expenses. Travel insurance can help to better prepare you to deal with unexpected and unforeseen situations that could impact your travel plans should the unexpected happen. Please consider your personal and financial circumstances and T&Cs of our PDS before you decide to get travel insurance. 

Here are some medical situations which you might consider when deciding if you need travel insurance for your existing medical conditions and whether your travel insurance policy can provide cover for these situations:

Cancellation Cover for Existing Medical Conditions

Cancellation Cover for Existing Medical Conditions

If you need to cancel your trip due to an existing medical condition, you could be left out-of-pocket for non-refundable pre-paid trip bookings. You may wish to check if your travel insurance policy can provide cover for trip cancellation expenses if you need to cancel your trip due to your existing medical condition/s.

Access to Overseas 24/7 Emergency Assistance for Existing Medical Conditions

Access to Overseas 24/7 Emergency Assistance for Existing Medical Conditions

If you experience an unexpected emergency with your existing medical condition on your overseas trip, access to an Aussie-based team of experts that provide 24/7 support for overseas medical emergencies could make a huge difference. Consider if your policy includes access to a 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team to help arrange experienced medical support services in the event of unexpected circumstances. ^

Overseas Emergency Medical and Hospital Expenses for Existing Medical Conditions

Overseas Emergency Medical and Hospital Expenses for Existing Medical Conditions

Consider if your travel insurance policy can provide cover for emergency medical and hospital expenses if you experience an emergency related to your existing medical condition while overseas. Make sure to read the PDS to see the terms and conditions of cover.

Overseas Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Expenses for Existing Medical Conditions

Overseas Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Expenses for Existing Medical Conditions

Consider if your travel insurance policy can provide cover for your reasonable additional accommodation and travel expenses, medical transfer, evacuation or repatriation if you experience a medical emergency related to your existing medical condition and need to be transported to the nearest hospital for emergency medical treatment or be brought back to Australia with appropriate medical supervision.

These are only some of the situations that you might wish to consider when deciding if you need travel insurance for your existing medical conditions.  

Before you decide whether you need travel insurance for your existing medical conditions, you should read the PDS to check what our travel insurance policies will and won’t cover you for, any conditions and exclusions that might apply to you and whether the policy provides the cover that you’re looking for. Any advice is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs.

Tips for Travel Insurance

Dean Van Es
Dean Van Es
Chief Executive Officer – Fast Cover Travel Insurance

Choose a Travel Insurance Provider with Emergency Assistance Support

“Our job is to get you back to Australia, to your family, safe and sound as soon as possible. Firstly, to get you healthy and stable, and then to get you home as soon as possible and there’s a whole team that works behind the scenes to do that.”  

Travel insurance isn’t just about money, it’s about having a reliable team with real emergency support and a trusted network of hospitals and doctors to help in a crisis. Fast Cover’s Aussie based Emergency Assistance team is available 24/7.

When Things Get Serious, You Need the Right Help

“If you get injured, you need help, and you need it quick. You need the right help and someone like us to guide you through that.”  

"Which hospital are you going to go to in Bangladesh? That’s a really good question. We know."

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.

Choose a Travel Insurance Provider Who Cares

"We have values, the first one is help first, that’s why we exist, and it all flows from there.”

Buying travel insurance should never be about just ticking a box. From your first quote to your final claim, Fast Cover focuses on making your experience smooth, supportive, and human. It's not just what’s covered, it’s how you're looked after when things go wrong.

Multi Award-Winning Travel Insurance

The Fast Cover team always strives to deliver the best travel insurance we can for all our travellers. We're very thankful for the Travel Insurance Awards we've received recognising our efforts.

Winner Travel Insurance Award

2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025 ProductReview.com.au Travel Insurance Award†

Winner Outstanding Value

2024 Canstar Outstanding Value Winner for International and Seniors Travel Insurance†

Value for Money

2024 Finder Customer Service Satisfaction Awards†

The Benefits of Travel Insurance for International Travel

Depending on the level of cover you take out with our international travel insurance policy, Fast Cover can provide you with different benefits to suit your travel plans, helping you to better prepare for and deal with unexpected medical and financial circumstances. Compare our international travel insurance policies below. 

The table below is only a summary of benefits. Each level of cover is subject to full policy terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits, and exclusions as per our PDS available on our website. Benefit limits shown apply per person for both Singles and Duo policies. # These benefit limits are shared between Duo policy holders. ~ These benefit limits are shared between travellers under a Family policy. This means the benefit amount is for the whole family to be used together, not for each person separately. ^ Cover under these benefits are excluded while travelling within Australia. If you hold a Frequent Traveller Saver policy, the benefit limits apply to the combined total of all claims made by all covered travellers (including an accompanying spouse/partner and dependants) listed on the Certificate of Insurance.


Medical Benefits

 Basics Domestic Plus Standard Saver Comprehensive Snow Sports Plus Frequent Traveller Saver

Overseas 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance^

sub-limits:

 Unlimited ––– Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited

Funeral/cremation Overseas and/or bringing your remains back to Australia (per person)

 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000

Repatriation of your mortal remains from a Schengen listed country back to Australia (only if you have an approved and valid Schengen visa)(per person)

 $60,000 ––– $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000

Overseas Emergency Medical & Hospital Expenses^

 Unlimited ––– Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited

Overseas Emergency Dental^

 $500 ––– $750 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000

Overseas Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation^

 Unlimited ––– Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited

Overseas Hospital Cash Payment^

sub-limits:

 ––– ––– ––– $5,000 $5,000 $5,000

Daily Limit (per person)

 $50 $50 $50

Accidental Death

Travellers Aged 80 to 89:
 ––– $25,000
$20,000		 ––– $25,000
$20,000		 $25,000
$20,000		 $25,000
$20,000

Accidental Death for travellers up to age 79

 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000

Accidental Death for travellers aged 80 - 89

 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000

Accidental Death of a Dependant (per Dependant)

 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000

Permanent Disability^

Travellers Aged 80 to 89:
 ––– ––– ––– $50,000
$20,000		 $50,000
$20,000		 $25,000
$20,000

Permanent Disability for travellers up to age 79

 $50,000 $50,000 $25,000

Permanent Disability for travellers aged 80 - 89

 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000

Permanent Disability of a Dependant (per Dependant)

 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000

Loss of Income^

sub-limits:

 ––– ––– ––– $10,400 $10,400 $10,400

Weekly Limit (per person) - up to 26 weeks

 $400 $400 $400

Financial Benefits

 Basics Domestic Plus Standard Saver Comprehensive Snow Sports Plus Frequent Traveller Saver

Trip Cancellation Expenses

sub-limits:

 ––– Unlimited $25,000 Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited

Travel Agents Cancellation Fees

 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500

Close Relatives that do not meet Close relative conditions

 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000

Personal Liability~

 $1,000,000 $5,000,000 $2,500,000 $5,000,000 $5,000,000 $5,000,000

Trip Disruption Expenses

sub-limits:

 ––– $50,000 $30,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000

Close Relatives with a Pre-existing Medical Condition

 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000

Trip Resumption Expenses

 ––– $3,000 $2,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000

Luggage & Personal Effects

sub-limits:

 Optional
up to $2,000		 $7,500 $5,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000

Stand-alone personal computers, cameras and video recorders (excluding devices with integrated cameras or recording functions, such as mobile phones, Drones or similar devices) (per item)

 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000

Mobile phones (per item)

 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500

Tablets (per item)

 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000

All other unspecified items (per item)

 $750 $750 $750 $750 $750 $750

Luggage and Personal Effects stolen from a Locked Storage Compartment of an unattended vehicle during daylight hours. We will pay up to $200 for each item and $2,000 in total for all stolen items.

$2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000

Passports, Credit Cards & Credit Card Fraud^

 ––– ––– $2,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000

Special Event Transport Expenses

 ––– $5,000 ––– $5,000 $5,000 $5,000

Rental Vehicle Excess#~

sub-limits:

 ––– $5,000 Optional
up to $8,000		 Optional
up to $8,000		 Optional Optional

Return of Rental Vehicle

 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500

Travel Delay Expenses

sub-limits:

 ––– $2,000 ––– $2,000 $2,000 $2,000

Daily Limit (per person)

(we will pay up to $200 for each full 24 hours beyond the initial 6 hour delay)

 $200 $200 $200 $200

Delay of Luggage and Personal Effects^

 ––– ––– ––– $750 $750 $750

Theft of Cash^~

 ––– ––– ––– $250 $250 $250

Snow Sports Benefits

 Basics Domestic Plus Standard Saver Comprehensive Snow Sports Plus Frequent Traveller Saver

Snow Sport Equipment

 ––– $1,500 ––– ––– $1,500 –––

Snow Equipment Replacement Hire

 ––– $1,500 ––– ––– $1,500 –––

Snow Prepaid Expenses

 ––– $750 ––– ––– $750 –––

Snow Resort Closure~

sub-limits:

 ––– $1,000 ––– ––– $1,000 –––

Daily Limit (per person)

 $100 $100

COVID-19 Benefits

 Basics Domestic Plus Standard Saver Comprehensive Snow Sports Plus Frequent Traveller Saver

COVID-19 Overseas Emergency Medical, Hospital & Medical Evacuation Expenses^

 Unlimited ––– Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited

Funeral/cremation Overseas and/or bringing your remains back to Australia (per person)

 $20,000 ––– $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000

Repatriation of your mortal remains from a Schengen listed country back to Australia (only if you have an approved and valid Schengen visa)(per person)

 $60,000 ––– $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000

COVID-19 Trip Cancellation & Disruption

––– $3,500 $3,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000

What Medical Conditions or Situations Are Not Covered by Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance cannot cover every type of medical condition and situation. You should also be aware of other exclusions relating to medical conditions that may impact the policy you purchase. It’s important to know not just what your travel insurance covers, but also what it doesn’t, so you can choose the right policy for your needs. As with all policies, many medical conditions, situations and activities will have terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub limits that you need to be aware of and consider before buying travel insurance.

Here are some examples of medical conditions and situations for which a medical screening and cover may not be available. Always check the PDS and TMD to understand the policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub limits before making your decision to buy.

General Exclusions

General Exclusions

At Fast Cover, we do not cover any claims under our policy benefits arising from any: 

1. Medical condition or pregnancy condition that existed during the period of 3 years prior to your policy issue date which is: 

  • not listed as a covered condition on your Certificate of Insurance, or 
  • listed as an excluded condition on your Certificate of Insurance. 

2. Medical condition or pregnancy condition which was listed as a covered condition on your Certificate of Insurance on the issue date of the policy, but changes in health have occurred after the issue date of the policy and before the date of departure of your trip, unless: 

  • Before the date of departure for your trip, you complete a new medical screening after the changes in health occur, and 
  • We have agreed to list the changes in health as a covered medical condition or pregnancy condition on your Certificate of Insurance (and you have paid the applicable premiums).

Please note, point 2 does not apply to claims under our Trip Cancellation Expenses benefit, relating to the cancellation or rescheduling of your trip between the time of your policy issue date and the date of departure for your trip.

Regular medical and dental check-ups

Regular medical and dental check-ups

There are exclusions that may apply for routine medical, dental, chiropractor, physiotherapist or prenatal check-ups and visits, even if your medical condition is approved for cover by us following a medical screening.

Cosmetic treatments

Cosmetic treatments

Cover is not available for cosmetic treatments, or for any complications or other claims arising from such procedures or treatments, even if your medical condition is approved for cover by us following a medical screening.

Medical treatment undertaken against the advice of any medical practitioner

Medical treatment undertaken against the advice of any medical practitioner

Cover is not available for medical treatment undertaken against the advice of any medical practitioner.

Travel undertaken to seek medical advice, treatment, review or clinical trials

Travel undertaken to seek medical advice, treatment, review or clinical trials

Cover is not available for you to travel to seek medical advice, treatment, review or clinical trials.

Planned medical procedures and non-emergency medical treatments

Planned medical procedures and non-emergency medical treatments

Cover is not available for planned medical procedures or other non-emergency medical treatments or for any complications or other claims arising from such procedures or treatments, even if your medical condition is approved for cover by us following a medical screening.

Undiagnosed conditions

Undiagnosed conditions

Cover is not available for undiagnosed conditions where you were aware of, or a reasonable person in your circumstances reasonably should have been aware of: 

  • the change, signs or symptoms (including but not limited to: pain or discomfort anywhere on your body, persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath or unexplained bleeding), or  
  • the change and had not sought medical opinion, or 
  • was advised by your medical practitioner that the cause cannot be defined and/or it is still under investigation. 

If any of the above examples or situations apply to you, and you require cover for your trip, you may wish to contact the Insurance Council of Australia to assist you in finding a specialist travel insurer who may be able to cover your condition.

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.

Why Choose Fast Cover for your Trip?

Australian-Based Customer Service

24/7 Emergency Assistance

25 Day Cooling Off Period#

Fast and Simple Claims Process

Chosen by over 1 million travellers

4.6
From over 2,527 reviews°
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4.6
From over 2,291 reviews°
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What Our Travellers Are Saying

See what our travellers have to say about Fast Cover travel insurance.°

How Can We Help, Mate?

Fast Cover’s Aussie based Emergency Assistance Team are available to provide support when you need it, wherever you are, under applicable terms and conditions. ^

Overseas 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Emergency Assistance Team: +61 2 8320 7999

Emergency Consular Services

Travel Alerts and Advisories

Fast Cover Travel Alerts

Official Smartraveller Government Website

Travel Advisories Explained

Customer Service

Customer Service: +61 2 8215 7239

9am-5pm AEST Monday - Saturday

Manage Your Policy

Login to Update Policy Details

Find a Policy Document

Make a Claim Online

FAQs About International Travel Insurance for Existing Medical Conditions

Travel Health Hub

Discover travel health resources, advice and tips for your next holiday.

man and woman holding ultrasound image

Pregnancy Health and Safety Guide

Fast Cover’s tips for travel during pregnancy can help you plan your trip, consult your doctor and know what to watch out for when travelling while pregnant. ~

Things you need to know

^ Price as at 27/10/2024 compared to the price calculated today for this policy.

* See Product Disclosure Statement for full terms and conditions and exclusions and limits that apply.

^ Eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub limits apply to all policies. Make sure you consider the PDS and TMD at fastcover.com.au prior to deciding whether travel insurance is right for you and which policy is right for you and your individual needs.

† Fast Cover has a referral arrangement with this company. Awards are only one factor to be taken into account when deciding whether this product is right for you. The awards are accurate as at 01/09/25. Check Product Review, Canstar and Finder for current awards.

# We offer a money back guarantee up to 25 days if you have not started your trip and have not used any of your rights under the Policy (e.g. you have not made a claim or used your policy to obtain a visa). You have a full 25 days from the purchase date of the Policy (as set out in the Certificate of insurance) to make sure you are happy with every aspect of your Fast Cover Travel Insurance Policy and in accordance with our regulatory obligations. This is known as the “cooling off” period. During this time, you may cancel the Policy simply by contacting us and we will give you a full refund. If you decide to cancel your policy outside of this cooling off period, you may be eligible for a partial refund as described in PDS.

° Ratings are only one factor to be taken into account when deciding whether this product is right for you. The star rating is accurate as of 13/08/25. Check Product Review and Google for current ratings.

~ These are only some of the resources, please do your own research to find out more information as per your specific needs and circumstances and whether the information provided in these resources is correct and current.