Travel alert

Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.

Travel insurance and COVID-19

Learn what you can get cover for if you get sick with COVID-19 while travelling.

15% off travel insurance for nib Health members*

What to do if you get COVID-19 and need to make a claim

Travellers may catch COVID-19 before travelling, or while overseas. Depending on your policy, you may be required to provide documentation to support the circumstances of your COVID-19 claim. The type of documentation requested may vary and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Cover is subject to the terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions outlined in the PDS. Consider the PDS & TMD and if the product is right for you. Insurance issued by nib Travel Services (Australia) on behalf of Pacific International Insurance.

International Comprehensive

Annual Multi Trip

International Essentials

Australian Travel Plan

Cancellation and Additional Expenses Plan

Medical Expenses Overseas^ Unlimited

Medical Expenses Overseas^ Unlimited

Medical Expenses Overseas^ Unlimited

Medical Expenses Overseas^ Not Applicable

Medical Expenses Overseas^ Not Insured

Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Unlimited#

Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Unlimited#

Medical Evacuation and Repatriation $500,000

Medical Evacuation and Repatriation $50,000

Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Not Insured

Coronavirus Travel Costs $10,000

Coronavirus Travel Costs $7,500

Coronavirus Travel Costs Not Insured

Coronavirus Travel Costs $2,500

Coronavirus Travel Costs Not Insured

^ Medical/evacuation benefits provided for up to 12 months from the date on illness or injury; medical expenses incurred in Australia are not covered.

# Sub-limits apply.

This is a summary of cover only and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions as outlined in the Product Disclosure Statement.

Get a travel insurance quote, or an annual multi trip quote.

Supporting documents for claiming

To support your claim, you will need the following:

  • A PCR, RAT, or similar medical test confirming an active case of COVID-19 at the time you were scheduled to travel.

  • A letter from a medical practitioner stating you are medically unfit to travel due to COVID-19.

Important reminder:

If you can't travel due to COVID-19, reach out to your travel service providers as soon as possible. You must show that you requested a refund or rescheduled your bookings and provide proof of any out-of-pocket costs. If you're unsure about the next steps, contact us for guidance.

Additional considerations:

  • Gather as much supporting information as possible, including records of your attempts to seek medical assistance.

  • Follow government travel and health advisories relevant to your destination.

A woman wearing a widebrimmed hat uses her smartphone boarding the train to Machu Picchu

COVID-19 travel tips

Check government travel requirements: Most countries no longer require COVID-19 testing, but some still enforce rules, especially for unvaccinated travellers or those from high-risk regions. Stay updated on possible changes, especially with new variants.

Understand your travel insurance policy

Review the terms, conditions, benefit limits, and exclusions to determine if the coverage suits your needs.

During your trip

Contact your airline or travel provider immediately if you need to change your plans: If a positive COVID-19 test prevents you from travelling, notify them as soon as possible. Waiting too long could result in forfeited bookings or additional fees. Airlines and accommodations often allow changes at little to no extra cost. If you booked through a travel agent, they might assist with rebooking.

Stay informed and prepared

  1. Check official sources: Visit government travel websites such as Smartraveller for the latest entry and quarantine requirements.

  2. Review airline policies: Airlines frequently update their travel restrictions and passenger requirements, so check their official websites before your flight.

  3. Know the rules for transit countries: If you have a layover, research any transit-specific regulations that may impact your journey.

What travel insurance doesn’t cover

Your travel insurance won't cover COVID-19-related claims if:

  • You travel to or remain in a country with an active DFAT ‘Do Not Travel’ warning due to COVID-19. Even if you purchased the policy before the warning, any claims related to COVID-19 in that country won’t be covered.

  • Your losses result from government intervention, such as border closures or travel bans.

  • You knowingly put yourself at risk by ignoring travel safety recommendations.

  • You purchase a policy after becoming aware of a situation that could lead to a claim.

  • You travel against medical advice from your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Coronavirus cover

Getting a COVID-19 test

Being diagnosed with COVID-19 before or on trip

Vaccinations

Making a claim

Need more information?

If you need more information or are unsure about what to do, the nib Emergency Assistance team is just a call or click away.

As always, our priority at nib is to help you travel confidently, knowing exactly where you stand with your coverage.

The above features and benefits are a summary of cover only. Cover is subject to the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions outlined in the Product Disclosure Statement.

nib Travel Insurance Distribution Pty Limited, ABN 40 129 262 175, AR 336467 is an authorised representative of nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd (nib), ABN 81 115 932 173, AFSL 308461 and act as nib's agent and not as your agent. This is general advice only. Before you buy, you should consider your needs, the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Financial Services Guide (FSG) and Target Market Determination (TMD) available from us. This insurance is underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 311 193.

We are a signatory to the General Insurance Code of Practice developed by the Insurance Council of Australia and enforced by the Code Governance Committee, an independent body whose purpose is to drive better Code compliance and help the insurance industry improve its service to consumers. The Code is designed to promote good relations and insurance practice between insurers, authorised representatives and consumers. The Code sets out what we must do when dealing with you. You can obtain a copy of the Code from codeofpractice.com.au.

*The discount applies to the total nib travel insurance premium and is for customers that currently hold an Australian health insurance product, or an Overseas Student Health Cover product with nib. The discount is not available to customers who hold an Overseas Visitors Health Cover product. Discounts do not apply to the rate of GST and stamp duty or any changes you make to the policy. nib has the discretion to withdraw or amend this discount offer at any time. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offer or discount.