Do you need travel insurance for Australia?
While it’s not a legal requirement, travel insurance is incredibly important for trips to Australia. Ireland has a Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement (RHCA) with Australia, but it only covers emergency hospital care under Medicare.
Visits to doctors, routine care, or after‑hours medicine aren’t included. The average ambulance call-out fee starts at $464. And, there’s an additional charge of $4.18 per kilometre. Even with RHCA, private medical bills, emergency repatriation, and travel delays aren’t covered. You can see how this can become expensive very quickly! But with Australia travel insurance, you’re covered for this and more.
What does JustCover’s Australia trip insurance cover?
Heading to Australia from Ireland is a pretty big adventure! Before you jet off, you’ll want to make sure that you're covered.
For full details of what is and isn’t included, read our Policy Wording.
What's covered
Medical expenses and repatriation - We cover a wide range of medical conditions, including high blood pressure, cancer and diabetes. We can also arrange to fly you home if medically necessary.
Cancellation - Cover for flight and accommodation costs. Ideal if an unexpected event means you have to cancel your trip before you go.
Curtailment - Cover if you need to return home early following an emergency.
Travel delays - If your flight is delayed, we’ll give you compensation to help with the disruption.
Personal belongings - You’ll be covered if your baggage or its contents are lost or stolen.
Personal liability - Cover for your legal expenses and any liability due if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property while you’re away on holiday.
Legal protection cover - Provides cover for your legal expenses if you have to claim compensation or damages due to something that happened while you were away on holiday.
What's not covered
Claims below the value of the excess - Your policy excess is the minimum amount a claim must exceed before you’re eligible for a payout.
Trips outside the region of cover - Make sure your policy includes Australia in your chosen region (usually Europe).
Known events or circumstances - Claims won’t be covered for issues you were already aware of when you booked or bought your insurance.
Medical conditions you don’t declare - You’ll need to let us know about any pre-existing conditions to make sure you're properly covered.
Choosing not to travel - Plans change, but cancellations are only covered when the reason meets the terms set out in your policy.
How much does Australia travel insurance cost?
As with any type of insurance, it depends on a few factors. The main things that will be taken into account when pricing up your policy are:
- Age: Older holidaymakers usually face higher premiums.
- Length of stay: Longer trips cost more; multi‑trip policies can reduce per‑trip costs.
- Destination and activities: Extreme sports will increase your premium, so if you’re a bit of a thrillseeker, you’ll need additional cover!
- Medical history: Declaring pre-existing conditions increases premiums but avoids denied claims.
- Add-ons: Australia is home to some incredible sites and activities. Add-ons will keep you covered with gadget cover, adventure sports, or cruise cover. This will, however, affect the cost of your policy.
Understanding healthcare in Australia
Australia and Ireland have a reciprocal healthcare agreement. This means that you'll have access to a basic level of hospital care. under the public Medicare system. This covers access to public hospitals for emergency treatment. In some cases, it also includes some subsidised prescription medications. It’s very similar to healthcare in Ireland.
However, this arrangement does not cover ambulance services, repatriation, or private medical treatment. It also won’t help if your trip is cancelled, delayed, or interrupted. This is even more important due to Australia's size. Some medical facilities may take a while to get to. It can also become very expensive, as there’s an additional charge of $4.18 per kilometre.
Australia travel health insurance covers and protects you for these factors. Medical care in Australia can be very expensive. That’s why it’s better to have a policy that can cover the costs of any accidents or injuries.
Choose the right level of cover
We offer different levels of cover to make your Travel Insurance as cost-effective as possible.
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Do I need a visa to travel to Australia from Ireland?
Yes, as an Irish citizen, you will need a visa to travel to Australia. Even for a short stay. The most common options include:
- eVisitor visa (subclass 651). Free, for short tourist or business trips up to 3 months.
- ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). Available via app or travel agent for eligible holidaymakers.
- Working holiday visa or longer stays. If you're planning to work or stay for an extended time, different visa types apply.
And remember, you must apply before travelling. Also, be aware that proof of travel insurance may be requested, especially for working holidays or study visas.
Will the EHIC cover me for my trip to Australia?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) only covers healthcare access within EU/EEA countries. This means it has no legal use or benefit for Irish holidaymakers visiting Australia.
If you fall ill or have an accident, you’ll need to rely on Australia’s healthcare system. And while the reciprocal agreement covers some emergency care, it’s no replacement for travel insurance. A good policy ensures you're covered for emergency treatment, hospital stays, cancelled flights, and more.
Find the best travel insurance for Australia
Annual multi-trip travel insurance
Planning more than one trip in a year? Annual multi-trip cover can be more cost-effective than buying separate policies.
Single trip travel insurance
Heading to Australia for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday? Single trip insurance offers cover for just that journey. You can also extend for longer durations if needed.
Why choose JustCover for your Australia holiday insurance?
When you’re heading thousands of miles away, you should make sure you’re covered. From lost luggage and safari cancellations to medical flare-ups and injuries.
With JustCover, we’ve got your back, wherever you’re heading.
- 98% of our customers rate us as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Great’²
- Get up to unlimited cover for emergency medical expenses and repatriation
- Our 24/7 emergency medical helpline is on hand when you need it
- Up to €10,000 cancellation cover available³
- 98% of our customers would recommend JustCover to family and friends⁴
When to buy Australia holiday insurance
Generally, it’s best to buy your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. This will make sure you’re protected for cancellation or other issues before you even fly. You can purchase a policy right up to the day you travel. But the sooner you’re covered, the better your protection.
You must be in Ireland when you buy your travel insurance. If you’re already in Australia, we won’t be able to insure you. For more information, please contact our team.
Specialist travel insurance for Australia
Seniors travel insurance
Tailored for holidaymakers, with no upper age limit on many policies.
Pre-existing Medical Conditions
Cover for over 1,300 pre-existing medical conditions. Including terminal asthma, heart conditions and terminal diagnoses.
Family travel insurance
One policy to protect everyone in your household. It's often cheaper than separate policies.
Cruise travel insurance
Fancy an Aussie Cruise? Cruise cover gives you protection at sea and on land.
Australia travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions
Travelling to Australia with a pre-existing medical condition? You’re not alone. The good news is that JustCover offers policies that can provide tailored cover for over 1,300 declared conditions. From heart issues and diabetes to cancer or chronic respiratory conditions. We cover these and more, so you can relax and enjoy your Aussie adventure.
- COPD
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Asthma
- Heart conditions
- Disabilities
- Arthritis
- Epilepsy
- Atrial fibrillation
A medical condition is any condition that falls within the medical warranty. To learn more, read our Policy Wording for additional information.
A simple 3-step process to book your Australia travel insurance
Get your quote in seconds
You will only need to tell us some information about yourself and your holiday plans
Select and tailor your cover
Now all you need to do is to choose the level of cover that best suits your needs
Buy your cover and relax
Purchase your cover and you’re ready to go – we’ll take care of the rest!
Expert travel insurance recommendations from our team
"Australia might feel like a home away from home for Irish holidaymakers. But its healthcare costs and vast distances can catch people off guard. Travel insurance protects you should you have a medical flare-up or an accident on your trip. No one wants to face sky-high medical bills or repatriation costs alone. That’s why our Australian travel insurance is a must."
Peter Clark - JustCover Director
What our customers say
“My wife had to visit a dentist in Melbourne, Australia, during our visit. When we got back home, we contacted JustCover and submitted receipts, etc. We got a payout very promptly!”
see full reviewAustralia travel insurance tips and recommendations
Australia is a massive continent. It plays host to some incredible sites, experiences and wildlife. However, there are a few things to be aware of when planning your trip.
- Sun and heat safety - Australia’s UV levels are among the highest in the world. Wear high-factor sun cream, stay hydrated, and cover up to prevent sunburn or heatstroke.
- Wildlife awareness - Australia is notorious for its diverse (and sometimes dangerous) wildlife. From snakes and spiders to jellyfish and crocodiles. Wildlife encounters are rare but can be dangerous. Always follow local safety signage and advice from guides.
- Bushfire risks - Wildfires can flare up quickly during the summer. Stay alert to local fire warnings. You can download relevant apps (like “Fires Near Me”) to track any threats.
- Ocean and swimming safety - Australia’s beaches are stunning, but can be dangerous due to rips and strong surf. Swim between the red and yellow flags, and follow lifeguard advice.
- Low crime rates, but stay savvy - Australia’s crime rate is similar to Ireland’s. It’s generally safe, but use common sense. Keep valuables zipped up and be careful in unfamiliar areas, especially at night.
What activities will I be covered for?
Most of our policies cover a wide range of activities. Always check your documents and consider adventure or sports add-ons. You can also choose to add the following to suit your trip:
- Water sports are included. Snorkelling (up to 10 metres), scuba diving (up to 30 metres), surfing and more are all covered as standard. No need to add extra cover unless specified in your Policy Wording.
- Plenty of adventure activities come as standard too. Enjoy bungee jumping in Cairns, zip-lining through Daintree Rainforest, or sandboarding in Lancelin Dunes. You’re covered for all of these with no upgrade required.
- Skydiving needs a hazardous activities add-on. Thinking about jumping out of a plane in Mission Beach? You’ll need to add hazardous activities cover when booking your policy.
- Golf cover is available if you need it. Planning a round at courses like Royal Melbourne or Barnbougle Dunes? You can add golf cover to protect your clubs and bookings in case of delays or cancellations.
Always check your Policy Wording carefully. Add the relevant cover type before departure to ensure you’re protected.
Frequently asked questions about travel insurance for Australia
When should your Australia travel insurance policy start?
Ideally, your travel insurance should start from the date you book your trip, not your departure date. This means you’re covered for any cancellation costs, illness, or other disruptions that might affect your plans before you even leave.
Will my travel insurance cover adventure sports in Australia?
Yes, you will be covered for adventure sports under a standard policy. This includes activities like surfing, skydiving, scuba diving, or dune buggy tours. If you’re looking to do extreme sports, however, you’ll need additional cover.
Is travel insurance to Australia expensive?
Australia is one of the more expensive destinations to insure. This is mainly due to the distance, trip length, and potential cost of medical treatment. Prices vary depending on your age, health, trip duration, and the cover options you choose.
Can I extend my Australia travel insurance?
You can’t extend an existing policy once it’s started. If you want cover beyond your current term, you’ll need to buy a new policy. With annual multi-trip cover, the maximum trip length still applies – usually 45 days – even if your policy renews while you’re away.
We’ll let you know when your cover is coming to an end, and you can buy your next policy up to 31 days before expiry. But remember, once you’ve left Ireland, you can’t start a new policy or renew an existing one – and your cover will end on the stated date.
When is the best time to visit Australia?
Australia has eight climate zones, so knowing when to jet over is pretty important! The best seasons to visit depend on what you’re planning to do. Australia's shoulder seasons are September to November and March to May. These are the times when tourist spots are still open but aren’t as busy. Plus, accommodation prices are usually cheaper.
That said, the best time to visit the north is from March to September. It’s warmest here during these times. If you want to avoid the heat, aim for March to November. Looking to head to Australia for their busiest time? This is between December to February, as this is their summer.
Can you get travel insurance for Australia if you have a pre-existing medical condition?
Yes, we provide cover for over 1,300 pre-existing medical conditions. You’ll need to declare your condition during the quote process to make sure you're properly covered.
Does Ireland's Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement with Australia provide medical cover?
Yes, but only to a limited degree. The agreement allows Irish citizens access to basic public healthcare in Australia. It won’t, however, cover private hospital costs, ambulance fees, or emergency repatriation. Travel insurance is still strongly advised.
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2. Based on 2,000+ Trustpilot responses, as of 12/05/2025.
3. Covers cancellation for certain reasons outside of your control and detailed in our Policy Wording. Amount of cover depends on the policy level you have purchased.
4. Based on 128 responses, correct as of 27/08/2025.