Travel insurance for families

When travelling with loved ones, especially children, unexpected situations can arise—from medical emergencies to travel disruptions. That’s why it’s important to consider travel insurance for families, which may cover many of these unforeseen circumstances.

What does family travel insurance cover?

Family travel insurance is an inclusive option within a standard travel insurance policy that covers you, your partner and your accompanied children (as defined in the PDS) under a single plan. This unified approach simplifies the insurance process, providing comprehensive coverage for the entire family without the need for separate policies. It's designed to cater to the collective needs of a family, encompassing a range of potential scenarios that could affect a family member during travel.

Sickness

Should you or a family member get sick during your holiday, our Virtual Care Service offers the option to consult with an Australian-based GP, provided our medical assistance team assesses it as the most suitable course of action for your child's wellbeing. Make sure you’re aware of any exclusions, especially for pre-existing medical conditions.

Cancellations and lost deposits

Our international comprehensive plan lets you choose the amount of cover for cancellation fees and lost deposits, while our domestic plan covers up to $10,000. In case you need to rearrange or cancel your journey due to unforeseen events beyond your control, like a natural disaster impacting your destination.

Lost items

Every parent knows that children are bound to lose things, especially on a holiday. Our international comprehensive plan addresses this by covering luggage and personal items, extending to electronics like laptops, smartphones, cameras and even your children's tablets. Be aware that there are limits on the coverage for each item (up to $12,000 total), but you have the option to increase these limits for an additional premium at the time of purchasing your policy.

Be sure to read the Combined FSG/PDS (PDF 696kB) to understand exactly what you’re covered for.

How much is travel insurance for families?

Particularly for large families, holiday expenses can add up quickly. However, our travel insurance offerings are designed to be budget-friendly while still maintaining high-quality coverage. We encourage you to compare our basic and comprehensive international plans to determine which one best suits your family's needs.

Travel agents and airlines can charge high commissions, making your trip more expensive. Australia Post offers a cost-effective solution for families, reducing the financial burden of excessive fees.

Are kids covered for free on family travel insurance policies?

With an Australia Post family travel insurance policy, children under 21 years of age who are travelling with you, are not working full-time and are financially dependent on you are covered for free. This means that you can include your children or grandchildren in your travel plans without any of the extra administrative stress.

Do you need family travel insurance for holidays in Australia?

Even on domestic holidays within Australia, family travel insurance might be a good idea. It's not just about medical cover, —which you're mostly sorted with thanks to our healthcare system. It's about those other 'just in case' moments, such as having to cancel your family trip suddenly, your bags going missing or needing emergency assistance.

Travel insurance can also cover you from having to rush back home because of an emergency, avoiding those last-minute travel costs. With nearly half of domestic claims resulting from cancellations or travel delays, you can save yourself a potential organisational nightmare when travelling with kids.

Tips for travelling with children

Early planning

Begin your travel planning well in advance. This gives you ample time to research destinations, book accommodations, and find the best deals on flights. Early planning also allows you to request time off work and school without any last-minute hassles. Consider destinations that are family-friendly, with activities and attractions that cater to all ages.

Packing smart

Make a checklist of everything you need, including clothes, toiletries, medications and entertainment for the kids. Remember to pack according to the weather and activities planned. It’s also wise to pack a first-aid kit for unexpected injuries.

Flexible itinerary

While it’s good to have an itinerary, be flexible with your travel plans. Travelling with children often includes impromptu plan changes, like needing more rest days or altering activities based on their interests and energy levels. Be prepared to slow down and not pack too many activities in one day.

Engaging the kids

Get your children involved in the planning process. Let them pick some activities or places they would like to visit. This helps build their excitement and makes them feel included in the trip. Also, bring games, books and devices to keep them entertained during long flights or car rides.

Safety precautions

Safety is paramount, especially in unfamiliar places. Teach your children about staying safe and not wandering off while having a plan in place so they know what to do if they get lost. It's a good idea to have a meeting point in case anyone gets separated from the group.

Family holidays create lasting memories, but it's important to prioritise safety. Family travel insurance could offer a safety net for unexpected situations like medical emergencies or travel disruptions, allowing you to focus on creating joyful moments without worrying about uncertainties.

Taking the family on a trip? Make sure you read the Combined FSG/PDS (PDF 696kB) for more information on our family insurance policies.