Compare Essentials Travel Insurance

What is Essentials Travel Insurance?

Essentials travel insurance tends to have limited cover compared to comprehensive but costs less, the key being that you need to decide what cover you really need. Embarking on a journey is not just about tossing toothbrushes and swimwear into your suitcase — there is much more to consider, such as finding the right travel insurance. This guide offers an in-depth exploration of Essentials Travel Insurance. We take you through the features, pros and cons, and equip you with a thorough checklist to make an informed decision as you venture into the world of travel insurance.

Potential Benefits Included in Essential Travel Insurance

COVID-19 Benefits

In the current global landscape, many travellers like to have coverage for COVID-19-related expenses. Essentials Travel Insurance may potentially cover overseas medical expenses related to a COVID-19 diagnosis, including hospitalisation and additional expenses for self-isolation. Depending on the insurers, there may be an option to add COVID-19 Amendment or Cancellation Costs coverage, but it’s essential to note that this may come at an additional cost.

Overseas Medical and Dental Expenses

Essentials Travel Insurance typically offers coverage for emergency overseas hospital and medical treatment. Additionally, it may cover emergency dental treatment expenses up to a specified limit. 

Existing Medical Conditions

For individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, Essentials Travel Insurance may provide automatic coverage for certain conditions, subject to predefined criteria. Alternatively, there may be an option to complete a health assessment during the quoting process, with an additional premium if approved.

Rental Vehicle Insurance Excess

When renting a vehicle during your travels, Essentials Travel Insurance may cover the lower of the rental vehicle excess or the repair costs, offering financial protection in case of damage or theft.

Luggage and Personal Effects

Coverage may include repairing, replacing, or reimbursing your belongings if they’re lost, stolen, or damaged during your trip. However, it’s essential to be aware of limits and sub-limits that may apply, and depreciation may be considered for items over two years old.

Personal Liability

Essentials Travel Insurance usually includes coverage for the costs of accidental damage to someone else’s property or legal liability as a result of injury to another person. However, it’s crucial to review the policy’s fine print for specific details.

Adventure Activities

For the adventure enthusiasts, Essentials Travel Insurance may cover a range of activities, such as surfing and zip-lining. Some activities might require additional coverage, so it’s advisable to check the list of covered activities.

Cruise Cover

Tailored for cruise holidays, this coverage may include medical and dental expenses, emergency transportation, seasickness, missed ports, and cabin confinement. It helps mitigate the financial burden of risks associated with cruise travel.

And More

Depending on the insurance provider, Essentials Travel Insurance may include additional benefits, features, and limits, offering a level of flexibility and customisation.

Pros and Cons of Essentials Travel Insurance

Pros:

1. Affordability: Generally more budget-friendly than comprehensive travel insurance options.
2. COVID-19 Coverage: A COVID-19 diagnosis potentially has the power to ruin an entire trip. This is why many travellers consider protection for COVID-19-related expenses a significant advantage.
3. Flexibility for Existing Conditions: Automatic coverage for certain existing medical conditions and the option for a health assessment provides flexibility for travellers with pre-existing health concerns.
4. Adventure Activities Coverage: The inclusion of various adventure activities provides more choice of travel experiences, allowing individuals to partake in their favourite activities.
5. Cruise Cover: Tailored protection for cruise holidays addresses specific needs during the cruise, providing peace of mind for cruise enthusiasts.

Cons:

1. Limited Coverage: While more affordable, it may not provide as extensive coverage as comprehensive travel insurance options.
2. Additional Cost for COVID-19 Cover: It’s important to note that the COVID-19 Amendment or Cancellation Costs cover may not be automatically included and might come with an extra cost.
3. Health Assessment Premium: For individuals with certain existing medical conditions opting for a health assessment, additional premiums may apply, impacting the overall cost of the insurance. However, this is to be expected across all types of travel insurance if you’re seeking to be covered for existing conditions. 

Checklist for Essentials Travel Insurance

1. Coverage Comparison: Compare coverage with other travel insurance options available on the market. Assess the comprehensiveness and suitability of Essentials Travel Insurance for your specific needs.
2. COVID-19 Cover: Evaluate your travel circumstances and decide whether to include COVID-19 Amendment or Cancellation Costs cover. Consider the potential risks and benefits associated with this additional coverage.
3. Medical and Dental Coverage: Assess the adequacy of coverage for overseas medical and dental expenses. Consider your health needs and potential expenses in different travel scenarios.
4. Existing Medical Conditions: Understand the automatic coverage for certain existing medical conditions. If applicable, assess whether a health assessment is needed for specific conditions and consider the associated premium implications.
5. Adventure Activities: Check the list of covered adventure activities. If your travel plans include specific adventurous activities, evaluate whether additional coverage is necessary for enhanced protection.
6. Cruise Cover: If planning a cruise, decide whether you need specific cruise-related coverage. Review the details of coverage for medical and dental expenses, emergency transportation, sea sickness, missed ports, and cabin confinement.
7. Additional Benefits: Explore the full spectrum of additional benefits, features, and limits offered by Essentials Travel Insurance. Ensure they align with your travel needs.

As you plan your trip, securing the right type of travel insurance coverage could end up being as crucial as packing your essentials. We hope this guide allows you to make informed decisions and travel with confidence.