Australian Politics Forum - Travel Insurance

Vic

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Travel Insurance
Dec 9^th, 2023 at 9:52am

I am looking at travel insurance for our Sept 2024 trip which includes a cruise component. As we all know, the older we get the higher the risk therefore the higher the policy cost! I have looked at most of the major insurance companies and those underwritten by the majors and for a reasonable policy that covers pre-exisiting conditions the price ranged from $3500 to $1320!

I ended up going with Kogan Insurance which is underwritten by Zurich. I declared my pre-existing conditions and the medication quantities I took fgor those conditions. Just playing around on the website, I found that it wasn’t so much the type of pre-exisiting condition, but the amount of medication taken.

For a relatively straight forward blood pressure condition requiring one tablet daily, it was $50 added to the policy, but for two tablets it went to $350! I did read through the policy and spent time with a fine tooth comb deciphering what I could and it all seemed OK. So, I went with it and hope I haven’t missed anything!

I have 30 days to cancel it so, I have posted on a few social media forums to see what other’s opinions of it are

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Sophia

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Re: Travel Insurance
Reply #1 - Dec 9^th, 2023 at 9:59am

Vic wrote on Dec 9^th, 2023 at 9:52am:

I am looking at travel insurance for our Sept 2024 trip which includes a cruise component. As we all know, the older we get the higher the risk therefore the higher the policy cost! I have looked at most of the major insurance companies and those underwritten by the majors and for a reasonable policy that covers pre-exisiting conditions the price ranged from $3500 to $1320!

I ended up going with Kogan Insurance which is underwritten by Zurich. I declared my pre-existing conditions and the medication quantities I took fgor those conditions. Just playing around on the website, I found that it wasn’t so much the type of pre-exisiting condition, but the amount of medication taken.

For a relatively straight forward blood pressure condition requiring one tablet daily, it was $50 added to the policy, but for two tablets it went to $350! I did read through the policy and spent time with a fine tooth comb deciphering what I could and it all seemed OK. So, I went with it and hope I haven’t missed anything!

I have 30 days to cancel it so, I have posted on a few social media forums to see what other’s opinions of it are

Good topic to discuss!

It was on a tv report recently about some insurances won’t cover for many things.
The report said 2 good insurances were Covermore and Australia Post.
You might want to look up their rules/conditions etc and compare.

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John Smith Gold Member Offline Australian Politics Posts: 75005 Gender:	Re: Travel Insurance Reply #2 - Dec 9^th, 2023 at 10:23am Ask your local post office for a quote. You just give them your email address and AP will email you all the information. Not sure how prices compare but it can't hurt to get an extra quote
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Vic

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Re: Travel Insurance
Reply #3 - Dec 9^th, 2023 at 10:26am

John Smith wrote on Dec 9^th, 2023 at 10:23am:

Ask your local post office for a quote. You just give them your email address and AP will email you all the information. Not sure how prices compare but it can't hurt to get an extra quote

I didn’t know that John - I will give it a go when next down the street. I tried a few of those “Compare The Market” type websites, but they only show a limited selection and all heavily geared towards the majors! Lot’s more research to do.

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Vic

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Re: Travel Insurance
Reply #4 - Dec 9^th, 2023 at 10:31am

Sophia wrote on Dec 9^th, 2023 at 9:59am:

Vic wrote on Dec 9^th, 2023 at 9:52am:

I am looking at travel insurance for our Sept 2024 trip which includes a cruise component. As we all know, the older we get the higher the risk therefore the higher the policy cost! I have looked at most of the major insurance companies and those underwritten by the majors and for a reasonable policy that covers pre-exisiting conditions the price ranged from $3500 to $1320!

I ended up going with Kogan Insurance which is underwritten by Zurich. I declared my pre-existing conditions and the medication quantities I took fgor those conditions. Just playing around on the website, I found that it wasn’t so much the type of pre-exisiting condition, but the amount of medication taken.

For a relatively straight forward blood pressure condition requiring one tablet daily, it was $50 added to the policy, but for two tablets it went to $350! I did read through the policy and spent time with a fine tooth comb deciphering what I could and it all seemed OK. So, I went with it and hope I haven’t missed anything!

I have 30 days to cancel it so, I have posted on a few social media forums to see what other’s opinions of it are

Good topic to discuss!

It was on a tv report recently about some insurances won’t cover for many things.
The report said 2 good insurances were Covermore and Australia Post.
You might want to look up their rules/conditions etc and compare.

I tried Covermore, Seniors Insurance and a few others - the amount wanted was through the roof! I know the old adage “if it looks too good to be true - it probably is” so I am being very cautious with this. The last thing you need to worry about is being airlifted off a cruise ship and taken to a foreign hospital for treatment. It can cost hundreds of thousands! I will make sure everything is OK before we go but so far Kogan (underwritten by Zurich) seems legit. I always declare our pre-exisiting conditions for travel - it is foolish not to, you may as well not have any insurance at all!

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Sophia

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Re: Travel Insurance
Reply #5 - Dec 9^th, 2023 at 11:38am

Vic wrote on Dec 9^th, 2023 at 10:31am:

Sophia wrote on Dec 9^th, 2023 at 9:59am:

Vic wrote on Dec 9^th, 2023 at 9:52am:

I am looking at travel insurance for our Sept 2024 trip which includes a cruise component. As we all know, the older we get the higher the risk therefore the higher the policy cost! I have looked at most of the major insurance companies and those underwritten by the majors and for a reasonable policy that covers pre-exisiting conditions the price ranged from $3500 to $1320!

I ended up going with Kogan Insurance which is underwritten by Zurich. I declared my pre-existing conditions and the medication quantities I took for those conditions. Just playing around on the website, I found that it wasn’t so much the type of pre-exisiting condition, but the amount of medication taken.
For a relatively straight forward blood pressure condition requiring one tablet daily, it was $50 added to the policy, but for two tablets it went to $350! I did read through the policy and spent time with a fine tooth comb deciphering what I could and it all seemed OK. So, I went with it and hope I haven’t missed anything!

I have 30 days to cancel it so, I have posted on a few social media forums to see what other’s opinions of it are

Good topic to discuss!

It was on a tv report recently about some insurances won’t cover for many things.
The report said 2 good insurances were Covermore and Australia Post.
You might want to look up their rules/conditions etc and compare.

I tried Covermore, Seniors Insurance and a few others - the amount wanted was through the roof! I know the old adage “if it looks too good to be true - it probably is” so I am being very cautious with this. The last thing you need to worry about is being airlifted off a cruise ship and taken to a foreign hospital for treatment. It can cost hundreds of thousands! I will make sure everything is OK before we go but so far Kogan (underwritten by Zurich) seems legit. I always declare our pre-exisiting conditions for travel - it is foolish not to, you may as well not have any insurance at all!

Okay… re: Covermore but probably costs more because they cover more? That was the report about being fully covered etc
With some travel insurance, if an accident happens and you have alcohol in your blood, you are not covered anymore!
And let’s face it… who goes on holidays and not relax with a drink or cocktail.

The other thing mentioned was getting an insurance cover even in a cruise ship in Australian waters.
Now I learnt that one a few years ago when we flew to Brisbane to then board a P&O cursed ship (forgot the name) we went just to Morton Island, thinking I’m covered with Medicare and private health insurance being in Australian waters…. No so apparently! I went to the medic centre on board, and was told I’m not covered even though it’s on Australian waters…it’s an International ship!
With prices being quoted for doctor fee, X-ray etc I decided I will look after myself.
Even crutches were expensive and not for hire! Angry

So I limped back to my staresroom, took anti inflammatory pills I brought along, strapped my ankle with tape, got some ice, lay on bed with foot raised on pillow with ice pack (lucky I did first aid and knew r.i.c.e) and after a while I was okay!

But hey, pays to be covered and as we age, I think they start to refuse very elderly so I guess very elderly don’t bother travelling anymore.

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Aussie

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Re: Travel Insurance
Reply #6 - Dec 9^th, 2023 at 11:45am

Sophia wrote on Dec 9^th, 2023 at 11:38am:

Vic wrote on Dec 9^th, 2023 at 10:31am:

Sophia wrote on Dec 9^th, 2023 at 9:59am:

Vic wrote on Dec 9^th, 2023 at 9:52am:

I am looking at travel insurance for our Sept 2024 trip which includes a cruise component. As we all know, the older we get the higher the risk therefore the higher the policy cost! I have looked at most of the major insurance companies and those underwritten by the majors and for a reasonable policy that covers pre-exisiting conditions the price ranged from $3500 to $1320!

I ended up going with Kogan Insurance which is underwritten by Zurich. I declared my pre-existing conditions and the medication quantities I took for those conditions. Just playing around on the website, I found that it wasn’t so much the type of pre-exisiting condition, but the amount of medication taken.
For a relatively straight forward blood pressure condition requiring one tablet daily, it was $50 added to the policy, but for two tablets it went to $350! I did read through the policy and spent time with a fine tooth comb deciphering what I could and it all seemed OK. So, I went with it and hope I haven’t missed anything!

I have 30 days to cancel it so, I have posted on a few social media forums to see what other’s opinions of it are

Good topic to discuss!

It was on a tv report recently about some insurances won’t cover for many things.
The report said 2 good insurances were Covermore and Australia Post.
You might want to look up their rules/conditions etc and compare.

I tried Covermore, Seniors Insurance and a few others - the amount wanted was through the roof! I know the old adage “if it looks too good to be true - it probably is” so I am being very cautious with this. The last thing you need to worry about is being airlifted off a cruise ship and taken to a foreign hospital for treatment. It can cost hundreds of thousands! I will make sure everything is OK before we go but so far Kogan (underwritten by Zurich) seems legit. I always declare our pre-exisiting conditions for travel - it is foolish not to, you may as well not have any insurance at all!

Okay… re: Covermore but probably costs more because they cover more? That was the report about being fully covered etc
With some travel insurance, if an accident happens and you have alcohol in your blood, you are not covered anymore!
And let’s face it… who goes on holidays and not relax with a drink or cocktail.

The other thing mentioned was getting an insurance cover even in a cruise ship in Australian waters.
Now I learnt that one a few years ago when we flew to Brisbane to then board a P&O cursed ship (forgot the name) we went just to Morton Island, thinking I’m covered with Medicare and private health insurance being in Australian waters…. No so apparently! I went to the medic centre on board, and was told I’m not covered even though it’s on Australian waters…it’s an International ship!
With prices being quoted for doctor fee, X-ray etc I decided I will look after myself.
Even crutches were expensive and not for hire! Angry

So I limped back to my staresroom, took anti inflammatory pills I brought along, strapped my ankle with tape, got some ice, lay on bed with foot raised on pillow with ice pack (lucky I did first aid and knew r.i.c.e) and after a while I was okay!

But hey, pays to be covered and as we age, I think they start to refuse very elderly so I guess very elderly don’t bother travelling anymore.

That is crap and a blatant attempt to gouge/rip off. You should have reported it to authorities.

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Sophia

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Re: Travel Insurance
Reply #7 - Dec 9^th, 2023 at 12:15pm

Aussie wrote on Dec 9^th, 2023 at 11:45am:

Sophia wrote on Dec 9^th, 2023 at 11:38am:

Vic wrote on Dec 9^th, 2023 at 10:31am:

Sophia wrote on Dec 9^th, 2023 at 9:59am:

Vic wrote on Dec 9^th, 2023 at 9:52am:

I am looking at travel insurance for our Sept 2024 trip which includes a cruise component. As we all know, the older we get the higher the risk therefore the higher the policy cost! I have looked at most of the major insurance companies and those underwritten by the majors and for a reasonable policy that covers pre-exisiting conditions the price ranged from $3500 to $1320!

I ended up going with Kogan Insurance which is underwritten by Zurich. I declared my pre-existing conditions and the medication quantities I took for those conditions. Just playing around on the website, I found that it wasn’t so much the type of pre-exisiting condition, but the amount of medication taken.
For a relatively straight forward blood pressure condition requiring one tablet daily, it was $50 added to the policy, but for two tablets it went to $350! I did read through the policy and spent time with a fine tooth comb deciphering what I could and it all seemed OK. So, I went with it and hope I haven’t missed anything!

I have 30 days to cancel it so, I have posted on a few social media forums to see what other’s opinions of it are

Good topic to discuss!

It was on a tv report recently about some insurances won’t cover for many things.
The report said 2 good insurances were Covermore and Australia Post.
You might want to look up their rules/conditions etc and compare.

I tried Covermore, Seniors Insurance and a few others - the amount wanted was through the roof! I know the old adage “if it looks too good to be true - it probably is” so I am being very cautious with this. The last thing you need to worry about is being airlifted off a cruise ship and taken to a foreign hospital for treatment. It can cost hundreds of thousands! I will make sure everything is OK before we go but so far Kogan (underwritten by Zurich) seems legit. I always declare our pre-exisiting conditions for travel - it is foolish not to, you may as well not have any insurance at all!

Okay… re: Covermore but probably costs more because they cover more? That was the report about being fully covered etc
With some travel insurance, if an accident happens and you have alcohol in your blood, you are not covered anymore!
And let’s face it… who goes on holidays and not relax with a drink or cocktail.

The other thing mentioned was getting an insurance cover even in a cruise ship in Australian waters.
Now I learnt that one a few years ago when we flew to Brisbane to then board a P&O cursed ship (forgot the name) we went just to Morton Island, thinking I’m covered with Medicare and private health insurance being in Australian waters…. No so apparently! I went to the medic centre on board, and was told I’m not covered even though it’s on Australian waters…it’s an International ship!
With prices being quoted for doctor fee, X-ray etc I decided I will look after myself.
Even crutches were expensive and not for hire! Angry

So I limped back to my staresroom, took anti inflammatory pills I brought along, strapped my ankle with tape, got some ice, lay on bed with foot raised on pillow with ice pack (lucky I did first aid and knew r.i.c.e) and after a while I was okay!

But hey, pays to be covered and as we age, I think they start to refuse very elderly so I guess very elderly don’t bother travelling anymore.

That is crap and a blatant attempt to gouge/rip off. You should have reported it to authorities.

Yer darn tootin it’s a rip off/price gouging.
Yet I bet many mistakenly thought as I did etc

Here is an article from a legal point.

https://www.victorytravelcruiselawyers.com.au/am-i-covered-by-medicare-on-a-dome...

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Black Orchid Gold Member Offline Posts: 5813 Gender:	Re: Travel Insurance Reply #8 - Dec 9^th, 2023 at 12:36pm They did a story on the news the other night about not being covered by Medicare or private health insurance whilst on a cruise (even if in Australian waters). It was something I didn't know and must admit I was a bit shocked.
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Sophia

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Re: Travel Insurance
Reply #9 - Dec 9^th, 2023 at 12:58pm

Black Orchid wrote on Dec 9^th, 2023 at 12:36pm:

They did a story on the news the other night about not being covered by Medicare or private health insurance whilst on a cruise (even if in Australian waters). It was something I didn't know and must admit I was a bit shocked.

Exactly!
How do you think I felt when I found out whilst on a cruise ship Shocked

Erroneous thinking Undecided

It seems information about it is not very forthright as I saw nothing of it 5 years ago… and even to this day many are still unaware of it.

It just seemed so ridiculous… the excuse we are on an international ship yet on Australian shores hence no Medicare or private health fund cover.

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Gordon Gold Member Offline Australian Politics Posts: 20716 Gordon Gender:	Re: Travel Insurance Reply #10 - Dec 9^th, 2023 at 1:08pm I've used several companies but have only made one claim amd it was a biggen, about $7k of DLSR gear and Covermore paid it no questions, so I will continue to use them.
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Aussie

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Re: Travel Insurance
Reply #11 - Dec 9^th, 2023 at 2:40pm

Sophia wrote on Dec 9^th, 2023 at 12:58pm:

Black Orchid wrote on Dec 9^th, 2023 at 12:36pm:

They did a story on the news the other night about not being covered by Medicare or private health insurance whilst on a cruise (even if in Australian waters). It was something I didn't know and must admit I was a bit shocked.

Exactly!
How do you think I felt when I found out whilst on a cruise ship Shocked

Erroneous thinking Undecided

It seems information about it is not very forthright as I saw nothing of it 5 years ago… and even to this day many are still unaware of it.

It just seemed so ridiculous… the excuse we are on an international ship yet on Australian shores hence no Medicare or private health fund cover.

I dunno how this logically works. Say I am on a small cruise boat...I mean a thing you can moor in a canal.....my cousin has one. If I were on that thing no more than say for argument's sake a klm off shore, and I get badly injured requiring urgent medical help via say helicopter, what is the deal??

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Sophia

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Re: Travel Insurance
Reply #12 - Dec 9^th, 2023 at 4:25pm

Aussie wrote on Dec 9^th, 2023 at 2:40pm:

Sophia wrote on Dec 9^th, 2023 at 12:58pm:

Black Orchid wrote on Dec 9^th, 2023 at 12:36pm:

They did a story on the news the other night about not being covered by Medicare or private health insurance whilst on a cruise (even if in Australian waters). It was something I didn't know and must admit I was a bit shocked.

Exactly!
How do you think I felt when I found out whilst on a cruise ship Shocked

Erroneous thinking Undecided

It seems information about it is not very forthright as I saw nothing of it 5 years ago… and even to this day many are still unaware of it.

It just seemed so ridiculous… the excuse we are on an international ship yet on Australian shores hence no Medicare or private health fund cover.

I dunno how this logically works. Say I am on a small cruise boat...I mean a thing you can moor in a canal.....my cousin has one. If I were on that thing no more than say for argument's sake a klm off shore, and I get badly injured requiring urgent medical help via say helicopter, what is the deal??

Okay, I’ll try to use my common sense … we’ve all got our boats/jet ski licences and our boat/jet ski or runabout is registered in our name/s.
I would say we would be covered as these boats are not internationally owned, they are Vic Regos and personally owned.

If any of us are in trouble, we call for help, or use a PBL for distress signalling and coast guard/helicopters will come … like we often see on the news.

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Gordon

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Gordon
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Re: Travel Insurance
Reply #13 - Dec 9^th, 2023 at 6:45pm

Vic wrote on Dec 9^th, 2023 at 9:52am:

I am looking at travel insurance for our Sept 2024 trip which includes a cruise component. As we all know, the older we get the higher the risk therefore the higher the policy cost! I have looked at most of the major insurance companies and those underwritten by the majors and for a reasonable policy that covers pre-exisiting conditions the price ranged from $3500 to $1320!

I ended up going with Kogan Insurance which is underwritten by Zurich. I declared my pre-existing conditions and the medication quantities I took fgor those conditions. Just playing around on the website, I found that it wasn’t so much the type of pre-exisiting condition, but the amount of medication taken.

For a relatively straight forward blood pressure condition requiring one tablet daily, it was $50 added to the policy, but for two tablets it went to $350! I did read through the policy and spent time with a fine tooth comb deciphering what I could and it all seemed OK. So, I went with it and hope I haven’t missed anything!

I have 30 days to cancel it so, I have posted on a few social media forums to see what other’s opinions of it are

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Aussie

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Re: Travel Insurance
Reply #14 - Dec 10^th, 2023 at 1:17pm

Sophia wrote on Dec 9^th, 2023 at 4:25pm:

Aussie wrote on Dec 9^th, 2023 at 2:40pm:

Sophia wrote on Dec 9^th, 2023 at 12:58pm:

Black Orchid wrote on Dec 9^th, 2023 at 12:36pm:

They did a story on the news the other night about not being covered by Medicare or private health insurance whilst on a cruise (even if in Australian waters). It was something I didn't know and must admit I was a bit shocked.

Exactly!
How do you think I felt when I found out whilst on a cruise ship Shocked

Erroneous thinking Undecided

It seems information about it is not very forthright as I saw nothing of it 5 years ago… and even to this day many are still unaware of it.

It just seemed so ridiculous… the excuse we are on an international ship yet on Australian shores hence no Medicare or private health fund cover.

I dunno how this logically works. Say I am on a small cruise boat...I mean a thing you can moor in a canal.....my cousin has one. If I were on that thing no more than say for argument's sake a klm off shore, and I get badly injured requiring urgent medical help via say helicopter, what is the deal??

Okay, I’ll try to use my common sense … we’ve all got our boats/jet ski licences and our boat/jet ski or runabout is registered in our name/s.
I would say we would be covered as these boats are not internationally owned, they are Vic Regos and personally owned.

If any of us are in trouble, we call for help, or use a PBL for distress signalling and coast guard/helicopters will come … like we often see on the news.

Internationally owned or not. If you have an Australian passport and need medical attention in Australian waters, you get treated according to Australian conditions. QED.

This needs fixing along those lines.

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