Want to know which TID policy is right for you? Compare cover and get peace of mind before you leave.
Travel Insurance Direct (TID) has been providing Aussie travellers peace of mind since 2002. In fact, since TID opened its doors it has helped over one million Australians travel safer.
TID's policies cover you for a range of eventualities from medical expenses to evacuation, in over 100 countries and with a 24/7 in-house support team, help at any time or place is just a phone call away.
TID policies are underwritten by Certain Underwriters at Lloydโs and (if it's important to you) Travel Insurance Direct is proudly Australian owned and operated out of its head office in Sydney. Keep reading to find out more about cover from TID or compare your options now.
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- Travel Insurance Direct
What policies does Travel Insurance Direct offer?
You can choose from four cover options:
- The Works. This is Travel Insurance Directโs comprehensive policy and is designed for people who want the ultimate peace of mind. It provides unlimited cover for overseas medical expenses, additional expenses and cancellation costs, plus benefits for everything from luggage and personal effects to rental vehicle excess cover.
- Annual Multi-Trip. For frequent international travellers who also want a high level of cover, Travel Insurance Direct offers Annual Multi-Trip cover for all the journeys you take during a 12-month period (up to 38 days for each leisure trip and up to 90 days for each business trip). This is cheaper than purchasing a separate policy for each journey, and it offers all the same benefits as The Works policy. It also includes the option of adding business travel benefit to cover the loss, theft and damage of business equipment, plus the cost of hiring business equipment and re-creating business documents.
- The Basics. Designed for travellers on a budget, this policy features lower benefit limits and provides protection against a range of common risks. As well as $5 million overseas medical expenses cover, it also provides benefits for cancellation costs, additional expenses, personal accident, luggage and personal effects, and more.
- Domestic. Designed for travel within Australia, the Travel Insurance Direct Domestic policy covers cancellation costs, additional expenses, rental vehicle insurance excess, accidental death, luggage and personal effects, and personal liability.
What's covered?
Depending on the policy you choose, Travel Insurance Direct offers a wide range of benefits to Australian travellers, including:
- Medical expenses incurred overseas. Travel Insurance Direct will cover the cost of emergency medical, hospital, road ambulance or other treatment you receive overseas after suffering a sudden illness or serious injury.
- Cancellation costs. If unforeseen circumstances outside your control force you to cancel your trip, your policy will cover the cost of cancelling or rearranging your trip.
- Additional expenses / medical evacuation. If youโre unable to continue your trip due to specific circumstances beyond your control, such as the death of a relative or cancellation of your transport due to a natural disaster, Travel Insurance Direct can cover your additional travel and accommodation expenses. It also covers the cost of a close relative or friend travelling to you and remaining by your side when you are hospitalised overseas.
- Loss of income. If you suffer an injury during your trip and are unable to attend to your normal work or business when you return to Australia, your policy can pay a certain amount for up to six months to help replace your lost income.
- Out-of-pocket expenses. When youโre hospitalised overseas for more than 48 consecutive hours, your policy pays a daily benefit to cover your out-of-pocket hospital expenses.
- Travel delay. If your pre-paid scheduled transport is cancelled, rescheduled or delayed for a reason outside of your control, Travel Insurance Direct covers additional expenses for accommodation, meals and for transfers directly between transport terminals and accommodation. If you canโt reach your next destination on time as a result of the delay, youโre also covered for your unused travel costs (e.g. pre-paid accommodation and tours).
- Return airfare. If you suffer a sudden illness or serious injury and the treating medical practitioner decides that you need to return to Australia with a medical escort, this benefit covers the cost of your original airline ticket.
- Resumption of trip. If you have to cut your trip short to return home following the death or serious injury or illness of a close relative, youโre covered for the cost of resuming your trip at a later date.
- Special events. If unforeseeable circumstances outside of your control mean you will be unable to arrive on time at a pre-arranged event (wedding, conference, returning to work etc.), Travel Insurance Direct covers the additional cost of alternative public transport arrangements to get you there on time.
- Rental vehicle insurance excess. This benefit provides cover for the rental car insurance excess youโre liable to pay when your hire vehicle is damaged, stolen or involved in an accident.
- Withdrawal of services. This benefit covers you when certain services in your prepaid accommodation are unforeseeably withdrawn for 48 continuous hours. Services include your water and electrical facilities in your room, waiter service at meals, kitchen services so that no food is served and all chambermaid service.
- Accidental death. Your policy will pay a lump sum benefit if you die within 12 months as a result of an accidental injury sustained during your trip.
- Total permanent disability. This benefit is paid if you suffer an injury on your trip that results in your permanent total loss of sight in one or both eyes, or the permanent total loss of use of one or more limbs.
- Luggage and personal effects. Youโll be covered for the cost of repairing or replacing lost, stolen and damaged luggage and personal items.
- Personal liability. If your negligence results in damage to someone elseโs property or causes them to suffer bodily injury or death, Travel Insurance Directโs policies include cover for your personal liability.
How do the policies stack up?
To get an idea of what each policy covers, have a look at the table below:
Cover Feature | The Works/Annual Multi-trip | The Basics | Domestic |
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Medical expenses incurred overseas |
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Dental expenses |
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Cancellation costs |
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Additional expenses and medical evacuation |
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Loss of income |
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Out-of-pocket expenses |
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Travel delay |
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Return airfare |
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Resumption of trip |
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Special events |
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Rental vehicle excess cover |
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Withdrawal of services |
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Accidental death |
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Total permanent disability |
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Luggage and personal effects |
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Personal liability |
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Cover Feature | The Works/Annual Multi-trip | The Basics | Domestic |
---|---|---|---|
Medical expenses incurred overseas |
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Dental expenses |
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Cancellation costs |
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Additional expenses and medical evacuation |
|
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Loss of income |
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Out-of-pocket expenses |
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Travel delay |
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Return airfare |
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Resumption of trip |
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Special events |
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Rental vehicle excess cover |
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Withdrawal of services |
|
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Accidental death |
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Total permanent disability |
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Luggage and personal effects |
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Personal liability |
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The above benefits refer to policies for a single traveller. Information last checked December 2018. Always read the PDS before buying a policy.
What additional options does TID offer?
Travel Insurance Direct lets you tailor your policy with a range of additional options. You can add the following options to your Travel Insurance Direct cover by paying an extra premium:
Benefit | Single | Family |
---|---|---|
Winter sports option | ||
Piste Closure | $1,000 | $2,000 |
Snow Skiing Pre-paid Costs | $1,000 | $2,000 |
Snow Skiing Equipment Replacement | $1,500 | $3,000 |
Hired Snow Skiing Equipment | $2,000 | $4,000 |
Business Travel (Available with Annual Multi-trip only) | ||
Business Equipment | $5,000 | $5,000 |
Hire Business Equipment | $1,000 | $1,000 |
Re-Create Business Documents | $1,000 | $1,000 |
New for old cover for valuable items | ||
Additional cover for valuable items | Max. $4,000 per item specified up to a max of $10,000 |
The above benefits refer to policies for a single traveller. Information last checked December 2018. Always read the PDS before buying a policy.
What are the age limits for each policy type?
What isn't covered by TID policies?
TID will assess each domestic and international policy claim. But as with any travel insurance policy, there are some things that are generally excluded, such as:
- It arises due to the insolvency of any travel agent, tour operator, accommodation provider, airline or other travel services provider
- It is for consequential loss of any kind, such as loss of enjoyment
- It arises because you commit a criminal or unlawful act
- It is caused by an act of war
- You fail to obtain the relevant visa, passport or travel documents
- You fail to follow advice in the mass media or from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advising against travel to a particular country
- Your claim arises due to errors or omissions in your booking arrangements
- Your claim is for loss, theft or damage to unaccompanied or unsupervised luggage and personal effects
- It is for wear and tear or depreciation of property
- It arises because you intentionally expose yourself to a needless risk or fail to take reasonable care
- It arises due to delay, detention, seizure or confiscation by Customs or other officials
- It arises because you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered?
Yes! Travel Insurance Direct covers 43 existing medical conditions as standard. Pre-existing medical conditions are broken into three categories:
- Conditions that are automatically included. This includes conditions such as high blood pressure (if you do not suffer any cardiovascular disease or diabetes).
- Conditions that are excluded. This includes conditions like ongoing treatments for heart problems and conditions where you have been hospitalised in the last 24 months.
- Conditions that can be covered under a special pre-existing medical conditions policy. This may include conditions that are not listed in the above categories, such as a cardiomyopathy.
How do I get a policy that covers my pre-existing condition?
You will need to inform TID of your condition. If TID agrees to insure your condition, you will generally need to pay an additional premium.
What conditions are covered as standard?
- Acne
- Allergies
- Anaemia
- Asthma
- Bellโs Palsy
- Benign Positional Vertigo
- Bunions
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Cataracts
- Coeliac Disease
- Congenital Blindness
- Congenital Deafness
- Diabetes Mellitus (Types I and II)
- Dry Eye Syndrome
- Ear Grommets
- Epilepsy
- Folate Deficiency
- Gastric Reflux
- Glaucoma
- Goitre
- Graveโs Disease
- Hashimotoโs Disease
- Hiatus Hernia
- Hypercholesterolemia/Hyperlipidaemia (High Cholesterol / High Lipids)
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- Impaired Glucose Tolerance
- Incontinence
- Insulin Resistance
- Iron Deficiency
- Macular Degeneration
- Migraine
- Nocturnal Cramps
- Osteoporosis/ Osteopenia
- Pernicious Anaemia
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Raynaudโs Disease
- Sleep Apnoea
- Solar Keratosis
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Trigger Finger
- Vitamin B12
How can I contact TID in case of an emergency?
If you need urgent assistance during your trip, you can contact the worldwide emergency assistance line on +61 2 9234 3123 or +61 2 8256 1523. This line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is contactable worldwide.
If youโd like to contact Travel Insurance Direct to ask a question or discuss a claim, you can phone the insurer on 1300 843 843 from Australia or +61 2 8263 0483 from overseas. Contact hours are 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 9am-5pm Saturday.
What do I need to make a claim?
The easiest way to make a claim on your policy is online through the Travel Insurance Direct website. All you have to do is follow these steps:
- Enter your email address and Travel Insurance Direct password to log in.
- Select โClaimsโ from the menu and then click on โMake a new claimโ.
- Answer a few quick questions about whatโs happened to let the insurer know the nature of your claim, then click on โContinue to the next stepโ.
- Describe in as much detail as possible exactly what happened.
- Answer a range of questions specifically related to your claim. As you do so, youโll be advised what documents you will need to supply to support your claim.
- List all the expenses you are claiming.
- Youโll be emailed instructions for the next steps and a list of documents the insurer requires to process your claim.
- Gather your documents and then upload and submit them via the Travel Insurance Direct claims portal.
- Youโll receive a one-page summary of your claim. Review this to ensure that all details are correct before clicking โSubmitโ.
Once youโve submitted your completed claim form and all the necessary documentation, your claim will be processed within ten working days
Why should I consider TID?
- Experience. Travel Insurance Direct is underwritten by Lloyd's, one of the worldโs leading insurance brands. Over 1 million Australians have taken out travel cover with Travel Insurance Direct since 2002.
- Dedicated customer service. Travel Insurance Direct realises its success is dependent on not only its range of products but also the service it provides to customers. From the initial policy application process to dealing with policy owners in the event of a claim, Travel Insurance Direct has a dedicated team of consultants to provide support 24 hours a day, anywhere in the world.
- Giving back to the places you go. When you buy a policy, you can make a micro-donation to The Footprints Network, which helps you give back to destinations you travel to. Your donation goes towards community projects such as clean water in Cambodia or eye care for indigenous Australians.
- Money back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with the policy you have chosen with TID, you are entitled to a 14-day cooling off period during which you can cancel your policy and receive a full refund. This option is only available if the trip or policy has not already commenced and you have not made a claim.
- Kids go free. Dependent children under the age of 21 named on the policy can be covered free of charge.
Questions people have about Travel Insurance Direct
Get a quote for a policy with TID
If you like the sound of the benefits offered by Travel Insurance Direct, use the finder.com.au quote engine at the top of this page to find out how much cover will cost. All you have to do is:
- Select from Single Trip or Annual Multi-Trip cover
- Enter your travel destination(s)
- Enter your travel dates
- Enter the ages of all travellers who will be included in cover
- Click โGet quote nowโ
Youโll then be presented with one or more quotes depending on the details you have provided. After reviewing the cost of cover and the included benefits, click the green โGo to siteโ button if youโre interested in buying cover. Youโll be redirected to the Travel Insurance Direct website where you can download the PDS and apply for a policy.
Want save money on your Travel Insurance Direct travel insurance premium? Check out our selection of current Travel Insurance Direct promo codes to lower your premium or access special offers.
Can I renew the policy for a second year while in that country in this case Myanmar?
Hi Don,
Thank you for getting in touch with finder.
If you need to renew your travel insurance with Travel Insurance Direct, kindly contact them directly. Please note that there are policies that allow you to take out travel insurance if you’re already overseas.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
will be travelling to Bali. Does the insurance cover flight cancellation or delay as a result of volcanic ash?
Hi Anita,
Thanks for leaving a question on finder.
If you buy a new travel insurance policy for Bali today, you won’t be covered for any volcano-related issues. This is because travel insurance is designed to cover unforeseen issues, and the Mt Agung eruption is a known event. It’s basically like trying to get car insurance after you’ve had an accident, and expecting to be covered.
Now for the good news: you can still get travel insurance for Bali. Should you bother? Definitely, because even if you’re not covered for the volcano, you’ll still be covered for things like medical expenses, cancellation costs not related to the ash cloud, lost luggage, cover for leisure activities and more, depending on the policy you choose.
To compare providers, please click HERE.
Cheers,
Joel
Hi do you cover volcanic ash
Hello Andrea,
Thank you for reaching out to us.
Currently, no brand in our panel offers cover for the ash cloud in Bali. But this page would give you an idea which brands offered cover in the past.
Please continue to check our pages as we are continuously updating it for any new issue statements regarding the ash cloud cover from different insurance providers.
I hope this helps.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us again if you have additional questions.
Cheers,
Ash
I need to purchase medical cover for my son who just got married to an American and is living in US. What typ of cover is suitable??
Hi Megan,
Thank you for your question.
You have contacted finder.com.au, a comparison and information service and not actually TID. As a comparison and information service, we are not permitted to provide our users with personalised financial advice or product recommendations.
However, TID offers cover for Australian residents that are already overseas. You may compare TID and other travel insurance brands on our travel insurance for Australians already overseas page, in order to get the quote, please click on the green’Get quote’ button.
Cheers,
Zubair
Europe 31 May returning 28 June. Single policy, aged 69. Need pre existing condition of CLL covered. Take one pill, no other treatment, no hospitalisation, not terminal, not against doctor’s advice. No other conditions except minimal blood pressure and under active thyroid, both treated for at least past five years without change.
Can you offer a policy?
Please do not use this company. TID ripped me off big time. They do anything they can to avoid paying you, I ended up $20 worse off than if I never claimed, and thousand of dollars in medical expenses they would not pay. Go with anyone else but never TID!!! Clare
Hi Barbara,
Thanks for your question. finder.com.au is a comparison service and not an insurer. Many of the brands in our panel offer cover for pre-existing condition. Please review our travel insurance for pre-existing conditions page for more information.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard
Hi,
I’m looking for travel insurance. I am a non-resident of Australia living in Indonesia. Can you help me?
Hi M Jones,
Thanks for your question. Yes, you can find cover. Please consult our travel insurance for visitors to Australia article.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard
If I’m travelling to the USA for work & want travel insurance just for a few days to cover me while going there. Am I still covered even though I’m starting my trip in Australia but ending it while I’m overseas?
Hi Kaz,
Thanks for your question. Yes, you are able to get one-way travel insurance. For more information you may find the following page useful:
One-way Travel Insurance
I hope this was helpful,
Richard