For Americans, Australia is might seem awfully far away (that’s because, well, it is.) This is part of the country’s appeal of course, since it really is like traveling to another world. Not only is it a trip across several time zones, it’s also a trip to a completely different season, since the Southern hemisphere is reversed from the Northern one.
Many travelers feel that travel insurance for Australia trips is a simple decision
If you choose to travel all the way to Australia, chances are you will want to stay for a minimum of two weeks, preferably longer, in order to make your plane flight worthwhile. And, of course, a lot may happen in two weeks—most of it good. However, travel insurance can come to your aid should you experience any trouble (for example, dehydration in the outback or getting a neck cramp from gazing up at the Sydney Opera House).
In addition to the usual coverage for lost or stolen luggage, and in addition to obtaining good medical travel insurance, there are some other factors to be aware of. For instance, many people travel to Australia specifically to dive at the Great Barrier Reef.
In addition to the normal hazards of scuba diving, the Great Barrier Reef is also the site of many of the world’s shark attacks. Although the chances of a shark attack or other serious injury are still minimal, it’s good to consider purchasing special travel insurance for Australia treks that covers risky activities, if available.
In Australia, drivers drive on the left side of the road as opposed to the right, so getting rental car coverage is important. In some parts of Australia, there is no speed limit, and roads can be treacherous in more isolated areas due to poor grading and graveled shoulders. Furthermore, the abundance of wildlife in Australia occasionally causes problems for drivers as well.
Should you encounter medical problems outside of Australia’s major cities, you may be very far away from healthcare personnel. Travel insurance can help you get to the appropriate medical care without additional strain on your credit card.