Hidden costs Australians will face when travelling overseas

Hidden costs Australians face travelling abroad

Words: Adella Beaini Producer: Louise Starkey

Australians could be forking out extra for dirt-cheap flight and holiday packages when booking trips overseas.

The Covid pandemic is changing the way we travel, with pre-flight testing, beefed-up travel insurance policies and quarantining on arrival in certain countries adding thousands to the bill.

"There is a possibility an outbreak could occur while you are overseas and Australia may close its borders again. You may also need to cut your trip short or have to extend your overseas stay, so it’s a good idea to set aside additional funds." Natalie Ball Compare Travel Insurance director

Here is what you need to know before even considering setting foot on a plane.

Insurance

Select one that will cover Covid-related medical expenses overseas and cancellations for those who contract the virus; Not all policies cover Covid — some may or may not include it, while others may offer it as an added extra; Only some cover additional expenses, such as meals and accommodation, should you need to extend your stay or quarantine because of Covid.

What isn't covered?

Quarantine and isolation expenses, as well as additional costs due to sudden border closures or government imposed restrictions, PCR tests and vaccinations. Those traveling to a county with a Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ warning, and sometimes Level 3 ‘Reconsider Your Need To Travel’ depending on the insurer.

A negative Covid-19 PCR test at check-in is required by some countries and airlines to leave Australia, which can cost from $150 to $300. This is also necessary when returning to Australia — 72 hours ahead of departure.

Countries fully-vaccinated and negative PCR test result Australians can travel to without having to quarantine: Australians can also travel to Fiji, as long as they abide by the country’s request of quarantining for the first three nights upon arrival. United Kingdom United States Canada Singapore Thailand

However, passengers won’t be allowed on the plane home without a negative PCR test, which must be taken three days before travel. Fully vaccinated Australians returning to the country will not be required to quarantine in hotels or at home on arrival into NSW, Victoria and the ACT. Children under 12 will not be treated as unvaccinated.

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