The Australian Government on 18 March 2020 upgraded all travel warnings to a level 4: Do not travel overseas at this time based on the outbreak of COVID-19. There are also some restrictions and conditions for travel within Australia.
As a result, you’re probably wondering how the current situation affects your Bupa Travel Insurance – and what it covers you for. We’ve included some information below, which we’ll regularly update.
I took out a policy before 23 January 2020
You’re covered for medical expenses related to the coronavirus, however the extent of your cover will depend on the policy you purchased.
You’re also covered for cancellation and rescheduling expenses for planned travel to destinations that coincides with the Australian Government upgrading its travel advice to “Do Not Travel”. This applies to claims for travel prior to 31 December 2020 for international and domestic policies. For anything booked further in advance, we will assess travel restrictions closer to the travel period.
Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for policies started before 23 January 2020.
I took out a policy on or after 23 January 2020
As COVID-19 was considered a known event at this time – following DFAT advice regarding the emergence of the coronavirus in Wuhan, China – you’re not covered for any related losses or expenses.
Our travel policies exclude cover if your certificate of insurance was issued after an alert or warning was made regarding an outbreak or possible outbreak of a human pandemic, epidemic or any other outbreak of infectious disease.
All other coverage applies as per the terms and conditions of the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for policies started between 23 January and 8 October 2020.
Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for policies started on or after 9 October 2020.
What if I want to cancel?
If you haven’t commenced your travel, haven’t already made a claim and don’t intend to make a claim, you can cancel your international travel policy until 31 January 2022.
We will waive the administration fee and provide a full refund of your premium to the credit card it was purchased from within 10 business days of receipt of the email.
Refunds on domestic travel policies will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Cancellations can be requested online at cgu.com.au/cancel-travel.
Do you offer an emergency travel hotline?
Our 24-hour emergency assistance hotline is a great first step if you experience difficulties while travelling. Call from anywhere in the world to speak with a highly trained, multilingual consultant (reverse charges for overseas calls are accepted) from the team at CGU, our insurance issuer:
Within Australia: (02) 8895 0698
While overseas: +61 2 8895 0698
Via email: help@faops.com
What if I need to make a Bupa Travel Insurance claim?
Simply call our insurance issuer, CGU Insurance, on 13 24 80.
Once your claim is lodged with CGU, a case manager will get in touch to talk you through next steps and keep you up to date about the progress of your claim.
CGU will assess any claims for travel cancellation and luggage damage, and let you know if there’s any excess payable when you lodge your claim.
Stay in the know
It’s worth getting in touch with your travel provider before cancelling any upcoming travel arrangements. It may be possible they can help you rearrange your travel, or even provide credits or refunds depending on when you are due to depart.
For full information relating to the COVID-19 outbreak please visit the Australian Government's Smart Traveller website.
This information must be considered in conjunction with the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) available at bupa.com.au/travel-insurance and is subject to terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions. These terms, conditions, limits and exclusions are detailed in the PDS.
