Most Australians assume COVID-19 cover either disappeared when the pandemic “ended,” or that it still needs a special add-on policy. Neither is quite right. Now most major insurers treat a COVID-19 diagnosis like any other unexpected illness – medical cover overseas is standard on most policies, no special add-on required. But cancellation cover, cruise-specific exclusions, and how a destination’s Smartraveller advisory interacts with your claim are where people still get caught out. Here’s what’s actually included, what isn’t, and the documentation you’ll need if you do get sick.
- Overseas medical cover for COVID is standard on most policies now – not a special add-on like it was in 2021-2022.
- Cancellation cover for a pre-departure COVID diagnosis is more variable – some insurers only include it on Comprehensive or higher tiers.
- Being a close contact isn’t enough to claim – you need an actual positive diagnosis, confirmed in writing by a medical adviser.
- A “Do Not Travel” Smartraveller advisory on your destination can void a COVID claim – except for trips to Australia or New Zealand, where this exclusion is typically waived.
- Cruises often need separate Cruise Cover for COVID claims to apply – a standard COVID benefit alone may not cover you at sea.
Why This Confuses So Many Travellers
During the pandemic, COVID cover was a genuine add-on question – plenty of standard policies excluded it entirely, and buying “COVID cover” meant something specific and separate. That’s mostly changed. Insurers now say they treat a COVID-19 diagnosis the same as any other unexpected medical illness, built into the policy as standard rather than sold separately.
What hasn’t fully caught up with that shift is cancellation cover – the benefit that reimburses you if you’re diagnosed before you even leave and have to cancel the trip. That’s still tier-dependent at some insurers. Many insurers, for example, only includes COVID cancellation cover on Comprehensive, Multi-Trip and Domestic plans, not their entry-level tier. Read your policy tier carefully rather than assuming “COVID cover” means the same thing at every level.
Covers more than medical – quarantine costs too.
Tick’s Standard and Top tiers include unlimited overseas medical expenses for COVID-19 as standard – but the real standout is that Tick may also cover additional accommodation and travel costs if you’re forced into quarantine mid-trip, a benefit most competitors don’t offer.
The Exclusions That Actually Catch People Out
Diagnosed before you bought the policy. Like any pre-existing condition, a COVID diagnosis that predates your policy purchase generally isn’t covered – including any cancellation or interruption that flows from it. Buy your policy as early as possible, ideally right when you book.
Close contact isn’t a diagnosis. Many insurers are explicit that being a close contact without an actual positive diagnosis doesn’t trigger a claim. You’ll need written confirmation from a medical adviser, not just a rapid test at home.
Destination “Do Not Travel” advisories can void the claim. If Smartraveller has your destination under a “Do Not Travel” warning at the time you enter, a COVID claim can be excluded. The one common carve-out: this exclusion is typically waived for trips within Australia or to New Zealand.
Cruises often need their own add-on. A standard COVID benefit doesn’t automatically extend to cruise-specific scenarios. If a cruise is part of your trip, check our cruise travel insurance guide alongside this one.
What You’ll Need If You Do Get Sick
- See a doctor and get it in writing. Most insurers require a letter or certificate from a qualified medical adviser confirming your diagnosis and that you’re unfit to travel – not just a positive test result on its own.
- Isolate and seek the medical attention advised. Follow the documented medical advice you’re given; this becomes part of your claim evidence.
- Contact your insurer’s emergency assistance line promptly. Especially if hospital treatment or quarantine accommodation is involved – delaying contact can complicate a claim.
- Keep every receipt. Medical costs, extended accommodation, amended flights – anything COVID-related you’re paying for should be documented and kept.
How the Major Insurers Compare on COVID Cover
| Insurer | Medical Cover | Notable Detail | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tick Travel Insurance | Unlimited on Standard/Top tiers | May cover extra accommodation/travel costs if you’re forced into quarantine | Travellers wanting quarantine-cost cover, not just medical |
| Cover-More | Included as standard on eligible plans | Backed by Zurich, one of the largest Australian travel insurers | Broad, well-established cover |
| Freely | Included for overseas COVID illness | Also covers cancelling if a relative back home is hospitalised with COVID | Travellers wanting flexible, app-based cover |
| Zoom | Check at quote stage by tier | Family-friendly structure alongside standard COVID benefits | Families wanting COVID cover plus free-kids perks |
| WAS | Included on eligible plans | Straightforward online purchasing | Simple, no-frills international cover |
Table compiled 31 August 2026 from insurer information. COVID benefit inclusions, tiers and sub-limits change by insurer and policy level – always confirm current COVID-19 cover on the insurer’s own quote page and read the PDS before buying.
What Else Should You Sort Before You Go?
- Full travel insurance comparison – all providers
- Best travel insurance for cruises – if a COVID diagnosis at sea is a concern
- Travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions
- Travel insurnce for seniors
- How to make a successful claim
Frequently Asked Questions
Does travel insurance still cover COVID-19 in 2026?
Yes, generally. Most major Australian insurers now treat a COVID-19 diagnosis like any other unexpected illness, with overseas medical cover included as standard rather than sold as a separate add-on. Cancellation cover for a pre-departure diagnosis is more variable and sometimes tier-dependent, so check your specific policy.
Am I covered if I’m a close contact but don’t test positive?
Generally, no. Insurers typically require an actual positive diagnosis, confirmed in writing by a medical adviser, before a COVID-related claim applies. Being a close contact or self-isolating as a precaution usually isn’t enough on its own.
Will travel insurance cover me if I get COVID on a cruise?
Not always automatically. Some insurers exclude COVID claims connected to multi-night ocean or sea cruises unless you’ve purchased a separate Cruise Cover add-on. If a cruise is part of your trip, check this specifically rather than assuming your standard COVID benefit extends to it.
What if my destination has a “Do Not Travel” warning because of COVID?
A “Do Not Travel” advisory on Smartraveller at the time you enter a destination can void a COVID-related claim at some insurers. This exclusion is typically waived for trips within Australia or to New Zealand, but check the specific policy wording for any other destination.
Can I buy travel insurance after I’ve already been diagnosed with COVID-19?
You can generally still buy a policy, but it’s unlikely to cover any expenses related to that existing diagnosis, or any cancellation or interruption caused by it – the same way a pre-existing condition is treated. Buy your policy as early as possible, ideally at the time you book your trip.
What documentation do I need to claim for COVID-19?
Most insurers require written confirmation from a qualified medical adviser of your diagnosis and, for cancellation claims, that you’re certified unfit to travel. Keep every receipt for medical costs, extended accommodation, or amended travel related to the diagnosis.
Michael is a contributor to The Champagne Mile – Deals. No fancy credentials – just a genuine obsession with finding ways to travel better for less, and sharing those finds with anyone who’ll listen. Michael figures there are plenty of other Australians who’d rather spend five seconds clicking a link than five hours searching for a working code. When he’s not buried in promo codes, Michael is probably planning his next trip overseas or dirtbike adventure.
