INSURANCE
Budget and independent travellers are strongly advised to obtain private health, luggage or other travel insurance before travelling. If you have a medical emergency or you’re involved in an accident, however, Victorian hospitals will not refuse you treatment - regardless of your financial status or health care coverage.
In general, travel insurance policies will cover you for the loss of baggage, tickets, travellers cheques and cash, and the cancellation of your trip. But if you’re planning to go skydiving, rock climbing, scuba diving, white-water rafting, surfing, hiking or any other adventure or sporting activity that involves an element of risk, you may have to pay an extra premium on your policy.
Importantly, familiarise yourself with the insurance wording, making sure the conditions of your policy cover you should you fall ill or have an accident. Some companies, such as travel publisher Rough Guides, offer a range of customised travel insurance policies, which can be supplemented by a ‘Hazardous Activities Premium’.
Lastly, keep all receipts for medicine or treatment so you can claim reimbursement from your insurance company once you’re back home. And don’t forget to get a police report if you lose anything of value.
