Travel insurance policies are painful to sift through and mind numbingly boring, reason why families have been caught out on the fine print. Don’t make the same mistakes we have done by assuming you’re insured for something you are not (who knew you cannot claim trip cancellation and emergency accommodation expenses together!?).
We have found out the hard way how sneaking travel insurance policies don’t pay out so we’ve combed through pages of family insurance polices to find some of the best family travel insurance policies both annual multi-trip and single-trip for your next family holiday. Updated June 2019!
Notes
Insurance policy info based on the following- This is written independent of insurance providers and not a sponsored post, all opinions our own, although we’ve tried our best to cut through the insurance jargon, it is by no means exhaustive. Our aim is to help families narrow down their search for the best policy. Unlike search comparison websites like iSelect or Compare The Market we don’t get paid to list insurance providers, so it’s really important to please read the latest Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before purchasing your next family travel insurance policy.
- Insurance providers like to be tricky and change policies without notification, always refer to the latest PDS for the most appropriate and up to date cover.
- All estimated costs are based on two adults and two children travelling worldwide with snow travel and our favourite NIL or $0 excess, this often increases the insurance premium. Generally if you stay out of the USA and not skiing or taking any ‘adventure sports’ i.e. moped riding the premiums are less.
- Always go for a nil excess to maximise travel claims).
- For all policies, most policies allow you to increase the vehicle excess cover, by paying extra which varies with each provider. Check your hire car company to see what their excess is. Sometimes $3,000 which is normally the minimum may not be enough.
- Kindly note, the Cover-More and Columbus policy links below, are affiliate links. This means, if you purchase a policy using this link, we receive a small commission. You are not charged a fee or any out of pocket expense and there is no obligation to purchase. Rest assured the listed policies have been scrutinised and reviewed.
For more tips on travel insurance policies, including all the ‘gotchas’ when it comes to how insurance policies try to get out of paying. Check out our 31 Tips to Finding The Best Family Travel Insurance Policy.
Annual or Multi-Trip family insurance policies
Annual family insurance policies are the best option for a family planning to take more than one holiday per year, and often cheaper than taking out a single cover for each individual trip. However if you’re only going on the one big overseas holiday then the multi-trip or annual travel insurance policy for your family may not work out as economical.
Pros of annual family insurance policies
- Annual policies cover multiple trips taken both internationally and domestically. Note that benefits are reduced when travelling domestically as in Australia we have Medicare and often car insurance or home insurance policies that can help in unfortunate situations such as loss, car accident or medical related incident.
- Multi-trip or annual insurance policies can cover that quick or sour of the moment interstate holiday to visit relatives or take a weekend break. Often families wouldn’t necessarily purchase travel insurance for but a annual family travel insurance policy has you covered for these trips.
- Annual policies are more convenient and flexible than having to buy a policy each time you travel.
- Generally, if families are travelling at least a couple of times overseas an annual policy works our more economical.
- As seasoned travellers we prefer annual family insurance policies, like other insurance polices for your car or home, it’s set and forget and all your travel is covered.
Cons of annual family insurance policies
- Some family travel insurance annual policies have low durations of cover, watch out for a set a limit of travel days which can be as short as 15 days and up to 60 days (most average 30 days).
- As travel insurance polices change over time, so do benefits and levels of cover which isn’t ideal if holidays are spread throughout the year, read the PDS often and carefully to check your level of cover each time your go on a trip to see if the policy protects your family for the trip you’re embarking on.
- Annual policies are expensive if only intending to go on one family holiday per year, in which case a single trip policy makes more sense.
- We are contemplating taking several single trip family insurance polices rather than a multi-trip family travel insurance policy as it works out a bit cheaper because of where we are going and what we are doing. Activities such as family cruise, adventure holidays including family ski trips and holidaying in the USA increases the premium by a great deal. If all your trips in the year isn’t in the USA or ski / adventure related then it’s not worth paying for an entire year at a higher premium.
- There is a limited range of multi-trip or annual insurance products on offer, with more competition and therefore better priced single trip family travel insurance policies available.
1. Cover-More Travel Insurance – International Premium Multi-Trip Policy
Cover-More is raved by Australian holiday-makers and applauded in the industry for its good customer support (NTIA 2016 Winner for Best Agency Support Service). You’re in good hands with this large and well known insurance provider. The Cover-More Annual Multi Trip Insurance is a good option for families and is underwritten by Great Lakes Australia.
A Cover-More International Premium Multi-Trip policy costs aproximately $1056, with zero excess, vehicle rental excess and ski sports coverage (added as an extra), for a 30-day trip (each trip is limited to 30, 45 or 60 consecutive travel days, if you nominate more days the premium increases.)
Pros: Free cover for accompanying kids (21 years and below), nil excess available, good benefits and smooth claims process. Provides excellent rental vehicle excess ($10,000). Covers cruise travel and ski travel can be covered at an extra cost. We like the 6 hour limit to claim for Travel Delay. The great thing about Cover-More is that it provides the same benefits for both domestic and international travel.
Cons: Cancellation cover is not automatically covered, cancellation benefits depends on amount specified, ensure that you nominate an amount that covers the most expensive holiday you will take for your entire family. There are limitations on pregnancy and pre-existing medical cover. Medical costs within Australia are not covered. Benefits can change, I’ve seen them reduce each year and always read the most recent Cover-More PDS prior to travel to ensure adequate coverage. The 24 hour travel delay before emergency expenses can be purchased rather than 12 hours is a bit disappointing. Though widely accepted and well regarded, it could be skewered because Flight Centre are affiliate resellers of this insurance policy and push it quite strongly i.e. automatically part of all their holiday quotes.
Bottom line: An Australian favourite and an all-round insurance policy, that offers very good benefits, good coverage and customer service. Ideal for multiple family trips. Get a quote on Cover-More International Premium Multi-Trip policy.
Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)
The following summary does not cover all areas of the policy, always read the Cover-More International Premium Multi-Trip PDS to make sure the insurance policy is suitable for your family.
Cover-More International Premium Multi-Trip Policy Summary

Cancellation cover is not automatically provided for in this policy. Choose to pay an extra premium at a nominated price to have cancellation covered. The higher cover selected, the more the premium. Cover should apply to the cost of all family prepaid travel tickets like airfare or car hire, hotels, tours and other pre-booked travel e.g. theme park tickets, transfers and food and beverage packages. For a multi-trip nominate an amount that would cover all the possible costs incurred if a trip was cancelled and had to be rebooked at a higher price.
Read the cancellation inclusion cover to see if this suits your family travel needs. Among other things, Cover-more does not cover cancellation caused by transport provider i.e. mechanical fault or overbooking but other aspects like strikes or weather applies, change of mind, cancellation due to work i.e. if you are made redundant or leave has been revoked.
NOTE: There is a questionable section that is not covering ‘any costs or expenses incurred prior to you being certified by a medical practitioner as unfit to travel’. If unwell and cannot fly, seek medical help and make sure you get a written letter stating that you are unfit to fly in that specific term ASAP.
If luggage is delayed by a transport provider for more than twelve hours, the cost of essential emergency items of clothing and toiletries purchase are reimbursed.
Cover-More have recently downgraded this benefit to $375 per adult or $750 per family (it use to be $1000). The limit is doubled if the luggage is not received after 72 hours. The original receipts for the items and written confirmation of the delay from the transport provider must be produced when making the claim. In case the luggage is not found, the amount paid for this claim will be deducted from the total amount subsequently paid. Maximum benefit is $1500 for a family.
- Pre-existing medical conditions involving the back or neck are not covered.
- No cover is provided for childbirth or the health of a newborn child, or unexpected complications that occur after the 26th week of pregnancy. If pregnant I would advise shopping around for better coverage.
- If hospitalized, this policy pays for a shared room, unless doctors advise that a single room is needed.
- The cost of the medical cover is unlimited.
- Medical treatment, dental treatment and ambulance transportation provided in Australia will not be covered, except if it occurs on a ship on Australian territorial waters. However, if the ship is tied up in Australian port, no treatment given on the ship is covered.
- In the case of death, a maximum amount of $20,000 is paid for either overseas funeral/cremation, or returning of the body home.
- For those with existing medical conditions, read carefully as the policy has a small list of automatic medical conditions that are covered. It’s advisable that Existing Medical Conditions be assessed for coverage before purchasing insurance. Those that have ailments like heart or lung disease, cholesterol, osteoporosis or those aged over 60 provide specific conditions for a medical assessment (there are other policies that provide a better pre-existing medical condition coverage).
If unforeseeable circumstances lead to a delay for at least 6 hours, you will be reimbursed up to $200 per adult for reasonable additional hotel accommodation expenses. You will be reimbursed for each additional 24 hours of the delay. However, you should first claim from the transport provider, and provide a written explanation from the provider on the cause and length of the delay to the insurance provider. The maximum benefit is $1,000 per adult or $2000 for a family. Therefore, emergency accommodation should not exceed $400 per night.
NOTE: Cover-More have said that ‘You are able lodge a claim for consideration under both the cancellation and travel delay sections of their policy. However, if the expense is incurred during the same period of time, we will pay for the higher of the two expenses. The whole premise of insurance is designed to cover financial losses, not for a customer to profit a claim situation”.
It’s one or the other, which they do not tell you nor clearly state in the PDS. This is similar on most travel insurance policies. What they fail to see is that it’s not trying to profit on the situation but be fully covered and not out of pocket.
If you are worried about missed flights and have a tight turnaround to connect to a flight or cruise there are other policies that better cover missed connections and the cost to recommence the journey or cancel the trip due to missed departure.
For international cover, families must specify all the regions they will be travelling to as the premium differs according to region and claims will only be valid if the region was seleced. As an example, if USA was excluded in your selection, then you cannot claim on an incident that occurred in the USA.
Kids are covered however the benefits are per adult per policy and will have to be shared amongst the kids in the family.
GET QUOTE for Cover-More Travel Insurance International Premium Multi-Trip Policy
For more details and to get a quote on this family travel insurance here: Cover-More Travel Insurance policy.
2. American Express Annual Comprehensive Multi-Trip Policy
American Express Annual Comprehensive Multi Trip Insurance policy is underwritten by ACE Insurance Limited and good multi-trip option for families.
An American Express Annual Comprehensive Multi Trip Insurance policy costs approximately $702, with zero excess, vehicle rental excess and ski sports coverage (added as an extra) for a 45-day trip (each trip is limited to a maximum of 45 consecutive travel days.)
Read more about American Express Annual Comprehensive Multi Trip Insurance policy here.
Pros: Free cover for accompanying kids (18 years and below), nil excess available, excellent luggage, delay benefits and smooth claims process. Provides good rental vehicle excess. Covers cruise travel and ski travel can be covered at an extra cost. We like the 6 hour limit to claim Travel Delay expenses such emergency accommodation and the generous family benefit limit. There’s also a nice touch of having cash reimbursed in hospital for incidentals of $100 ($200 per family) per day.
Cons: Medical costs incurred in Australia are not covered, and some existing medical conditions are also not covered. Low payout for death and not very a comprehensive coverage for pregnant women. Medical expenses are not covered when travelling in Australia.
Bottom line: A very good and competitively priced all-round insurance policy that provides good coverage for multiple family trips.
Read Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)
The following summary does not cover all areas of the policy, always read The American Express Annual Comprehensive Multi-Trip PDS or full coverage details, to make sure the insurance policy is suitable for your family.
American Express Annual Comprehensive Multi-Trip Policy Summary

In the case of an overseas emergency, medical assistance is available wherever the insured is to organise medical treatment, advise and have costs transferred over to the team (on approval).
The downside of that is you must seek and use medical professional advised by the emergency assistance team prior to seeking medical attention, trusting in their judgement from a call centre far removed from your exact location.
NOTE: Additional hotel, accommodation and transport expenses are not paid if claiming cancellation and travel delay, it’s one or the other not both.
The original receipts for the items and written confirmation of the delay from the transport provider must be produced when making the claim. In case the luggage is not found, the amount paid for this claim will be deducted from the total amount subsequently paid.
Covers any medical treatment, emergency dental treatment to natural teeth and ambulance transportation costs that are incurred outside Australia. Any medical cost incurred in Australia is not covered
Any expenses incurred after the medical advice arranged by ACE Assistance is declined is not covered.
No cover is provided for childbirth or the health of a newborn child, or for any medically-assisted pregnancy, or a pregnancy that has had prior complications, or a pregnancy past its 24th week.
Any medical costs incurred in Australia are not covered.
Emergency medical supervised evacuation and repatriation is covered, together with emergency travel assistance (reasonable additional hotel accommodation and transport expenses) incurred by a relative who travels to and remains with an in-patient person.
The cost of the medical cover is unlimited.
Claims that arise directly or indirectly due to a Pre-Existing Medical Condition, such as cardiovascular disease, are not covered. For those with existing medical conditions, read carefully as the policy has a list of automatic medical conditions that are not covered. It’s advisable that existing medical conditions be assessed for coverage before purchasing insurance.
In the case of the death, $25,000 will be paid for an adult, and $5,000 for a child.
You should first claim from the transport provider, and provide a written explanation from the provider on the cause and length of the delay to the insurance provider, together with any amount paid by them (this will be deducted from the total payable under this claim.) Any receipts for the accommodation and meals should also be presented.
3. Columbus Direct Annual Standard Multi-Trip Policy
Columbus Direct is less known in the Aussie market, being purely online and based out of the UK. However, more and more insurance products are coming into Australia underwritten by Llyod’s which is the same underwriter for Columbus. Products include TID, NIB and Zoom are some that have a similar product.
Columbus Direct’s Australian family multi trip product the ‘Columbus Direct Annual Standard Multi Trip Insurance is a one of the best family insurance policies and underwritten by reputable Lloyd’s of London. Their model of offering a mandatory excess keeps the overall premium quite low comparatively.
A Columbus Direct Annual Standard Multi-Trip policy costs aproximately $531.00, with $250 excess, vehicle rental excess and ski sports coverage (added as an extra), for a 60-day trip (each trip is limited to a maximum of 60 consecutive travel days.) Less without snow sports coverage. There are options to decrease it to $100 excess for a higher premiu.
For a little extra you can upgrade benefits to the “Premier” policy with increased benefits.
Pros: Excellent coverage where benefits are applied per person including each child in the family rather than having to share the benefits across the entire family (which might not be enough for larger families). The kids are also covered for free. Free cover for accompanying kids (18 years and below). The policy also provides good rental vehicle excess and covers cruise travel and ski travel as well as extra pregnancy cover at an extra cost. One of the only travel insurance policies that provides a safety net for missed departure or missed connection and trip abandonment due to delays of 12 hours or more.
Cons: Medical costs incurred in Australia are not covered, and some existing medical conditions are also not covered. No excess buyout option is offered.
Bottom line: A very good comprehensive family travel insurance policy, that is competitively priced and with good benefits and excellent coverage in of missed departure and missed connection. If it only offered a nil excess it would be be higher on this list of best family travel insurance policies multi-trip.
Read Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)
The following summary does not cover all areas of the policy, always read the latest Columbus Direct Annual Standard Multi-Trip Policy PDS for full coverage details, to make sure the insurance policy is suitable for your family.
Columbus Direct Annual Standard Multi-Trip Policy Summary

If you choose the Premium policy upgrade, then all excesses are at $125.
Cancellation if employer has made insured redundant with a proper redundancy notice has been supplied by your employer in respect of permanent employment, and which qualifiesfor payment under current legislation of your Country of Residence
You are not covered for your disinclination to travel or if employer cancels pre-arranged annual leave.
Curtailment:
Curtailment is also offered when the insured is already on a journey and have to cut the trip short due to unavoidable circumstances.
Columbus Direct have confirmed that it is possible to claim both Medical emergency accommodation and cancellation. A great feature as it means that any pre-booked un-used accommodation can also be claimed, not one or the other like most policies.
Any existing medical conditions that are not declared during the purchase of the policy (and the insurer agreed to cover them via a written endorsement on the policy) are not covered.
Pregnancy cover:
- Multiple pregnancies, a pregnancy past the 26th week, childbirth (at any stage of pregnancy) and care of a newborn are not covered. However, upon payment of an additional premium, childbirth and care of a newborn is covered (as long as the other conditions are fulfilled) for a trip that does not extend beyond the 30th week of pregnancy.
- A Pregnancy Extension Option is available to provide certain cover for unexpected medical complications with a pregnancy (including childbirth and care of a newborn born during a Trip) providing all the following conditions are met:
- Your trip does not extend beyond the 30th week of pregnancy;
- You are not travelling against doctor’s advice;
- No complications exist with the pregnancy at the time the insurance is purchased or the Trip is booked, whichever is the later;
- It is not a multiple pregnancy.
The cost of the medical cover is up to $12.5 million.
In the case of death, or an injury that leads to death within 12 months, $50,000 per person is paid.
The maximum amount that can be paid for dental expenses only, for each insured person, is $1,000.
Any treatment costs incurred in Australia, and any In‐Patient hospital, clinic or repatriation costs not authorized by the Medical Emergency Assistance Company are not covered.
Travel Delay: Any delay in travel by at least 6 hours due to strike, riots, hijack or a natural disaster is covered, and up to $500 for cash expenses paid per person, includes each child ($2000 per family of four).
The amount paid is calculated at 25% of the amount shown in the Schedule (Travel Delay) for the first full 6 hour delay and 25% for each full 6 hour delay thereafter up to the total limit shown. Therefore for a family of four it’s $500 for the first 6 hours and for every 6 hour delay it’s $500 per family of four up to $2000 per family of four. Bear in mind that when claiming for the additional expenses,
Trip abandonment: This is also an excellent clause, where families can abandon their trip after at least 12 hours delay from time of departure and claim un-used accommodation costs up to $10,000 per person including a child ($40,000 for a family of four). Not many policies offer this cover.
However, this will not be paid if you can claim your meals and accommodation from anyone else. You should first claim from the transport provider, and provide a written explanation from the provider on the cause and length of the delay to the insurance provider, together with any amount paid by them (this will be deducted from the total payable under this claim.) Any receipts for the accommodation and meals should also be presented.
The conditions include, note that you can only claim Missed departure / connection OR Travel delay section not both, one or the other:
- The failure of public transport services due to strike, industrial action, riot, hijack, civil unrest, adverse weather conditions, a natural disaster in your Country of Residence, traffic flow congestion or mechanical breakdown
- The mechanical breakdown of the vehicle in which you were travelling to reach your scheduled departure point, or an accident involving that vehicle.
The policy will cover up to three dependent children (aged 2-18) and up to two dependent infants (aged 0-1) FREE when they travel with their parent or grandparent. Cover for up to 5 children is included with any adult travel insurance policy. And each child receives a benefit not just the adults.
You are covered up to $2000 per person ($500 cash limit per member of the family), though this is not as beneficial in the cash limit as kids don’t carry around the cash. In the event of theft of Personal Money and the loss, theft or damage to your Travel Documents; during the Trip whilst on your person or whilst in a locked safe or safety deposit box.
Get a quote – Columbus Direct Annual Standard Multi-Trip Policy Summary
For more details and to get a quote on this family travel insurance here: Columbus Direct Annual Standard Multi-Trip policy
4. QBE Annual Multi-Trip Summary
There are different resellers branding a QBE Travel Insurance policy under different names but offering essentially the same product. Places like Qantas, Police Health, Easy Travel, Travel Insurance Saver and TIDD just to name a few. Perform a good search and quote as each outlet may offer small savings of between 10-40%.
Underwritten by QBE Insurance Group, one of the largest insurance groups in Australia.
A QBE Annual Multi-Trip policy costs approximately $1067.30, with zero excess, vehicle rental excess and ski sports coverage (added as an extra), for a 60-day trip. (each trip is limited to a maximum of 60 consecutive travel days)
Pros: A comprehensive policy that provides additional cover like Home and Contents insurance excess, Cancellation if insured has been made redundant from full-time employment and Missed Connection within Australia.
One of the only policies available to all residents of Australia regardless of age. It also has nil excess available, good benefit amounts and a smooth claims process. The rental vehicle excess is generious and covers cruise travel automatically (must specify regions travelling t0) and ski travel can be covered at an extra cost. It’s one of the better pregnancy covers though only up to 26 weeks gestation.
Cons: Medical costs incurred in Australia are not covered, and there are many medical conditions that are not covered or requires pre-approval. Although the benefits are good, the benefits are per adult where children share the parents total benefits.
Bottom line: A good and competitively priced policy that provides comprehensive coverage for multiple family trips, though be mindful of the fine print provided in a very detailed PDS
Read Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)
The following summary does not cover all areas of the policy, always read QBE Annual Multi-Trip policy PDS for full coverage details, to make sure the insurance policy is suitable for your family.
QBE Annual Multi-Trip Summary

This is paid for an unlimited amount per adult (includes any accompanying children). If you’re claiming for prepaid theme park and event tickets, golf green fees or tuition fees, the applicable limit is $500 per adult ($1000 for a family for four).
QBE will not pay for additional accommodation where you have claimed for cancelled accommodation expenses covering the same period of time or for additional transport costs in excess of the distance of the cancelled travel arrangements. It’s either emergency accommodation or cover for cancelled accommodation not both.
Claims can be made via post, fax and online and a smooth claim process with clear instructions and feedback i.e awaiting statutory declaration.
This limit will be doubled ($2000 per family) if the luggage has not been received in 72 hours. A generous benefit.
In case the luggage is not found, the amount paid for the claim will be deducted from the total amount subsequently paid. Loss or theft not reported to the transport provider within 24 hours will not be paid.
- There is no cover for any medical costs incurred in Australia.
- Any medical, hospital, ambulance and dental expenses incurred as a result of an illness, injury or death have an unlimited amount to benefits.
- There is also no cover for some pre-existing medical conditions unless an extra premium has been paid for it and subject to approval. A straightforward process and has a wide list of medical conditions they approve.
- The maximum amount that can be paid for dental expenses only, for each adult (including the accompanying children) is $1,000. dental treatment expenses you incur as a result of an injury to healthy natural teeth (no cover on the Inbound Travel Plan);
– If a relative/friend is needed to take care of you as an in-patient, their travel and accommodation expenses, up to $20,000 per adult ((including the accompanying children).
– Multiple pregnancies, a pregnancy past the 26th week, childbirth (at any stage of pregnancy) and care of a newborn are not covered.
– In the case of death, a maximum amount of $25,000 is paid, and $1,000 for each accompanying dependent child.
If due to unforeseen circumstances beyond your control you are not able to arrive on time for a wedding, funeral, conference, 25th or 50th Wedding Anniversary, concert or ticketed sporting event which cannot be delayed as a consequence of your late arrival, reasonable costs for using other means of transport to get there will be paid, up to $4,000 per adult, including accompanying child or children.
We will cover you if your trip is interrupted because you miss your onward connection within Australia due to the late arrival of your flight caused by circumstances outside of your control, for the reasonable additional costs of using alternative transport to continue to your intended 63 destination within Australia. However, cover only applies where the missed onward connection is booked with at least 90 minutes published connecting time.
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The policy covers both international and Australian travel. Accompanying kids aged 24 years and below are covered free a high age limit for kids compared to the market, although kids share the combined adult benefits in the policy.
Be mindful that travel domestically officially means travel that includes pre-paid scheduled public transport or rental vehicle hire for travel for a minimum of 200 km either from workplace or home (read PDS for specific conditions). Therefore road trip in the family vehicle are not covered unless a flight is involved or a rental vehicle.
Trip extensions are available provided the current policy hasn’t expired and policies be extend up to 24 months provided the insured are 70 years or younger. Theft
Up to $250 per adult is payable for stolen cash that was either carried or secured in a locked safe, provided that you reported the loss to the police within 12 hours of becoming aware of the loss and obtained a written police report.
QBE will pay for the cost to reissue or replace travel documents that have been stolen, accidentally lost or damaged during your trip as well as the reasonable cost of you travelling to the nearest location where the documents can be replaced.
QBE International Premier Plus Extras Travel Plan Single-Trip
A QBE International Premier Plus Extras Travel Plan costs $729.90 with zero excess, vehicle excess cover and ski sports coverage. The policy offers the same benefits as the QBE Annual Multi-Trip, but a reduced premium is paid for a once-off trip.
5. AusPost Comprehensive International Annual Multi-Trip Policy
One of the cheaper family insurance polices that still offers comprehensive annual multi-trip family cover. As it’s underwritten by Great Lakes Australia (same underwriters of Cover-More) the policy is similar and they share the same emergency support and claims process. The key differences are the smaller benefits in each policy section.
AusPost Annual Comprehensive Multi Trip Insurance costs $606.00, with zero excess, vehicle rental excess and ski sports coverage, for a 30-day trip (each trip is limited to either 30, 45 or 60 consecutive travel days).
Pros: Free cover for accompanying kids (21 years and below), nil excess available, good benefits and smooth claims process. Provides good rental vehicle excess. Covers cruise travel and ski travel can be covered at an extra cost.
Cons: Medical costs incurred in Australia are not covered, and some existing medical conditions are also not covered. Some benefits are basic and lower to other on the market, with some sections not covered on a domestic journey.
Bottom line: This a good budget family friendly annual multi-trip policy and provides adequate cover, from experience they are better at processing small claims such as loss of items or damage to property rather than large complex claims. Competitively priced policy that shares many similarities to Cover-More with reasonable benefits for multiple family trips. Read the PDS carefully to see if the smaller benefits offer enough coverage.
Read Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)
The following summary does not cover all areas of the policy, always read AusPost Annual Comprehensive Multi-Trip PDS for full coverage details, to make sure the insurance policy is suitable for your family.
AusPost Comprehensive International Annual Multi Trip Policy Summary

This limit will be doubled if the luggage has not been received in 72 hours. In case the luggage is not found, the amount paid for this claim will be deducted from the total amount subsequently paid. Loss or theft not reported to the transport provider within 24 hours will not be paid.
- Pre-existing medical conditions involving the back or neck are not covered.
- No cover is provided for childbirth or the health of a newborn child, irrespective of the stage of pregnancy at which the child is born, or for a pregnancy past it’s 26th week, or one that was medically assisted (including hormone therapy and IVF).
- Medical cover for any illness/injury while travelling is unlimited. However, medical treatment provided in Australia is not covered.
- Emergency travel assistance (reasonable additional hotel accommodation and transport expenses) incurred by a relative who travels to and remains with an in-patient person is covered, until they are able to continue with the journey, or return home.
- In the case of death, a maximum amount of $25,000 is paid per adult, and $1,000 for each accompanying child.
If the pre-booked transport is delayed by 6 hours due to unforeseen circumstances, up to $200 per adult ($400 per family) and will be reimbursed for additional hotel accommodation.
Families will be reimbursed up to these limits again for each full 24-hour period that the delay continues beyond the initial 6-hour delay.
However, you should first claim from the transport provider, and provide a written explanation from the provider on the cause and length of the delay to the insurance provider. The maximum benefit is $2,000 ($4000 per family).
Lost, stolen or damaged luggage, personal effects and travel documents will be paid, to a maximum of $7,500. However, items stolen while unattended (such as unattended items in a motor vehicle (unless stored in the boot)), or left in a vehicle’s boot overnight, or securely stored, or a loss not reported to the police or responsible transport provider within twenty-four hours of an occurrence are not covered.
Any necessary additional hotel accommodation and transport expenses incurred due to disruption of transport caused by riots, strikes or hijacks, loss of travel documents or natural disasters will be reimbursed, for an unlimited amount. Claims arising from Avian Influenza, or any derivative or mutation of such viruses, will not be paid for.
Single-trip policies for once-off family holidays
Single-trip family travel insurance policies are great for insuring families on a once-off holiday, covering families from when they depart to when they return on the dates and regions specified.
Pros of single-trip family insurance policies
- More flexibility with insurance policies, tailor making a insurance plan to suit the family holiday i.e. snow coverage, water sports and a specific region. Rather than a blanket or general region required in multi-trip insurance policies.
- Cheaper than multi-trip family holidays, particularly with short trips of 1-2 weeks typical of family holidays.
- Broader insurance policies and more providers to select from, making it more competitive. Companies like Insure and Go, Bupa, SCIT and NRMA only offer single-trip coverage.
Cons of single-trip family insurance policies
- If travelling often single-trip insurance policies prove more expensive.
- Some single-trip insurance policies are almost as expensive multi-trip insurance polices.
- Time consuming to purchase a single-trip family insurance policy each family holiday (we have enough to worry about).

Notes
Insurance policy info based on the following- The costs are based on two adults and two children travelling to the United States for eight days.
- Fares may be a little lower depending on region travelling to i.e. US trips seem to have higher premiums than Pacific Islands
- Premiums will vary depending length, we’ve selected a standard 8 day family holiday however 21 days (3 weeks) is more expensive.
- It maybe worthwhile a little extra for a international multi-trip policy rather than a single trip as prices are comparative.
- Snow sports has been quoted in the below prices and charged an extra premium.
- All single trip has been quoted with a nil extra where available. Always go for a nil excess to get maximum returns on claims. The premium is lower if opting for a higher excess.
1. Cover-More Travel Insurance – International Premium Single-Trip Policy
As well as being a stand out multi-trip family insurance policy, the Cover-More International Premium Single-Trip Policy costs approximately $520 with zero excess, vehicle excess cover, cruise cover and ski sports cover, for a single trip, once-off family holiday.
It costs less at approximately $258 without cruise and ski cover with a nil excess.
The policy offers the same benefits as the a Cover-More Annual Multi-Trip, but a reduced premium is paid for a once-off trip.
Get a quote Cover-More International Premium Single-Trip policy & PDS
For more information and to get quote: Cover-More International Premium Single-Trip Policy or read the PDS here.
2. Virgin Money Comprehensive International Travel Policy
This single-trip family insurance policy is underwritten by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited.
A Virgin Money Comprehensive International Travel Policy costs $331.67, with zero excess, ski pack and vehicle rental excess covered. Cruise cover is additional.
Pros: Free cover for accompanying kids (25 years and below), nil excess available, good benefits with unlimited medical and cancellation fees as well as decent limits for luggage and travel delay. and online claims process and a calls are routed to Australian based Allianz insurance. Covers cruise travel automatically and ski travel can be covered at an extra cost. Most benefits can be increased for an extra premium like personal valuables. Pregnancy cover is sound but limited to coverage to 23 weeks of a healthy pregnancy. We like that the benefits are listed as ‘per family’ to avoid confusion between dependents and adults.
Cons: Medical costs incurred in Australia are not covered, existing medical conditions are also not covered, unless the insurer agrees to cover them and require approval process and increased premium. Extra premium for Cruise Cover, Snow Cover and Rental Vehicle Excess excess and not standard.
Bottom line: An affordable budget friendly family policy that provides good coverage without breaking the bank, a solid option for a family on a single-trip holiday.
Read Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)
The following summary does not cover all areas of the policy, always read Virgin Money Comprehensive International Travel Policy PDS for full coverage details, to make sure this family insurance policy is suitable for your family.
Virgin Money Comprehensive International Travel Policy Summary

Cancellations caused by delays or rescheduling by a bus line, airline, shipping line or rail authority, or by the financial collapse of the transport provider, or mechanical breakdown of the transport means, or cancelling of plans by you or your travel partner, are not covered.
Be mindful of whether cancellations can be claimed along with travel delay or additional expenses. Although it reads like it does, it’s not if the event occurred during the same time frame.
- Overseas Emergency Hospital and Medical expenses is unlimited.
- Medical costs incurred in Australia are not covered.
- You can choose your own medical advisor, or allow Allianz Global Assistance to choose one for you, unless you are under a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement.
- Any medical, hospital, ambulance and dental expenses incurred as a result of an illness or injury are paid for an unlimited amount.
- Childbirth and care of the newborn, ante-natal care, multiple pregnancies and any pregnancy past the 23rd week are not covered.
- Existing medical conditions are not covered unless the insurer agrees to cover them, at an extra premium.
- In the case of death, a maximum amount of $30,000 per adult is paid, and $5,000 for accompanying dependents.
- Allianz / Virgin Travel Insurance only approves ‘additional expenses’ occurred if unfit to fly or hospitalisation if it is approved by an Allianz Emergency Assistance team.
You are not covered if the delay is due to the financial collapse of the transport provider, or due to a threat or an act of terrorism, or if you can claim the additional accommodation and expenses from anyone else.
There does not appear to be a requirement of what constitutes a journey within Australia.
Snow Pack and Cruise Pack can be purchased and covered in addition, however it increases the premium and does not come standards. Unless purchased, families are not insured.
There are limits for some items: laptops and tablet computers up to $3,000, camera and video camera up to $3,000, mobile phones up to 1,000, and other items up to $750.
The costs incurred when replacing the travel documents and credit cards, and any liability arising from their illegal use, are covered, up to $100,000. You must however comply with all the conditions of the issue of the travel documents and/or credit cards prior to and after their loss or theft.
4. Budget Direct Comprehensive International Travel Policy
The Budget Direct Comprehensive policy is underwritten by Auto & General Insurance Company Limited.
The family insurance policy costs $390.52, with zero excess, ski pack and vehicle rental excess covered. Premiums reduced without ski pack and with a higher excess.

Pros: Free cover for accompanying kids (18 years and below), nil excess available, good benefits and smooth claims process. Covers cruise travel and ski travel can be covered at an extra cost. Provides good rental vehicle excess and good coverage for healthy pregnancies, including multiple pregnancies.
Cons: The comprehensive international plan does not cover any Australian based travel. Medical costs incurred in Australia are not covered (unless on a cruise in Australian waters), existing medical conditions are also not covered, unless the insurer agrees to cover them.
Bottom line: Although branded budget, the benefits are generous (unlimited medical, $6K rental vehicle excess and $15K luggage and personal effects limit). Ideal for families wanting cover at a low cost, for a single-trip overseas holiday.
Read Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)
The following summary does not cover all areas of the policy, always read Budget Direct Comprehensive International Travel Policy for full coverage details, to make sure this family insurance policy is suitable for your family.
Budget Direct Comprehensive International Travel Policy Summary
There are some situations where cancellations are not covered, such as your sudden, unforeseen death before the trip starts, cancellations due to government restrictions after an epidemic, and others.
- Emergency overseas medical is unlimited.
- Medical costs incurred in Australia are not covered, unless they occur during a cruise on Australian territorial waters.
- Any medical, hospital, ambulance and dental expenses incurred as a result of an illness or injury are paid for an unlimited amount.
- Multiple pregnancies past their 26th week or single pregnancies past their 32nd week are not covered.
- $500 is paid for emergency dental treatment as long as it is for the immediate relief of pain only.
- In the case of death, $20,000 (for either adult or child) is paid for the cost of returning your body or ashes to Australia or up to $10,000 for the cost of the funeral and burial expenses in the country in which you die if this is outside Australia.
- Emergency dental expenses up to $1000 per family.
Provided theft of cash up to $800.
5. Woolworths Comprehensive International Travel Insurance
This family insurance policy is underwritten by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd.
The Woolworths Comprehensive International Travel Insurance plan costs $327.62, with zero excess, ski pack and vehicle rental excess covered. Less without snow sports.

Pros: Free cover for accompanying kids (21 years and below), nil excess available, good benefits and online claims process. Covers cruise travel and ski travel can be covered at an extra cost. Provides good rental vehicle excess as standard good at $5000. Sound pregnancy cover though only to 19th week if carrying multiple babies.
Cons: Medical costs incurred in Australia are not covered, existing medical conditions are also not covered, unless the insurer pre-approved condition at a higher premium. Benefits are per adult and means any accompanied children will share costs with adult’s insured.
Bottom line: Don’t let the Woolworths brand fool you to think that this is a supermarket budget policy. It’s cost-effective family insurance travel policy provides good comprehensive coverage with decent benefits and a nil excess option.
Read Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)
The following summary does not cover all areas of the policy, always read Woolworths International Travel Policy PDS for full coverage details, to make sure this family insurance policy is suitable for your family.
Woolworths Comprehensive International Travel Insurance Summary

- Emergency overseas Medical expenses are unlimited.
- Pregnancies are covered up to the 26th week for a single pregnancy, and up to the 19th week for a multiple pregnancies. The family travel insurance policy offers very good coverage for pregnant women.
- Any medical, hospital, ambulance and dental expenses incurred as a result of an illness or injury are paid for an unlimited amount.
- $500 is paid for emergency dental treatment as long as it is for the immediate relief of pain only.
- In the case of death, $12,000 for each insured person is paid, and $5,000 for each accompanying dependent.
- Medical costs incurred in Australia are not covered.
- One of the only ones providing unlimited emergency dental expenses.
Pet kennel fees are covered if travel is delayed of $25 per day up to $500.
This policy covers both international and domestic travel with limitations on travel within Australia.
Cruise Travel must be nominated and appear on your insurance Certificate of Insurance to be covered.
Australian / Domestic Travel: As long as the destination is at least 200km from home, families are covered for:
- Section 3: Cancellation fees and lost deposits
- Section 4: Additional expenses
- Section 6: Accidental death
- Section 11: Luggage and Personal Effects
- Section 13: Travel delay expenses
- Section 15: Personal liability
- Section 16: Rental Vehicle excess
Theft of cash up to $1000 per family
Have you got a great insurance plan to be added to the Best family travel insurance policies? Any questions or tips? Please leave a reply below:
Thanks for the great summary of travel insurance. I have just been looking at many policies and discovered many family policies have the requirement of the family being together 100% of the time. Do you know what that really means? Does it mean if I went to the supermarket without my husband and kids then the policy would be invalid (if something happened to 1 of us) or if the kids went into a kids club the policy would be invalid?