Travel Insurance for Australia

Whether you’re looking for sandy beaches, coral reefs, the rustic outdoors, or bustling cities, Australia must be on your travel bucket list because it has it all. The ‘land down under’ is one of the most fabulous tourist destinations in the world, and not only because of its abundant natural beauty but also because of the locals' amiable and warm nature.

Another feature that makes this country an excellent destination is the myriad activities it offers adventure lovers. Whether you want to bungee-jump, swim with sharks, climb mountains, or camp in the outback, Australia provides all the thrills you need. But before you start booking tickets and activities, it is important that you have information to things such as travel insurance Australia from India and the visa process of the country. Here's all you need to know!

For a holiday to Australia, you need to apply for a visitor visa (subclass 600). This visa also works if you wish to visit family or friends, or for business visitor activities (such as attending a conference or negotiation). As part of the visa process, you will need to submit a valid passport (that expires six months after you land there), two photographs, and your itinerary (including places you intend to visit and stay at).

You will also have to furnish your employment and financial details as part of the visa process. This includes proof of employment (from the employer if salaried, or business registration if self-employed), bank statements for the past six months or year, and IT returns for the previous three years. You may also be asked to furnish proof of assets you own and undergo certain medical tests as part of the visa process if there is a public health concern on the country from where you are travelling.

A tourist visa will cost you about INR 7,400 and is usually processed within 15 working days. The visa process may take longer if you are subject to medical tests.

Holidaying in Australia can be a costly affair. Other than the strong currency exchange rate for the Australian dollar, goods and services are generally more expensive than that in India. And if you don’t budget your travel money carefully, you could end up blowing through your finances long before your trip ends.

One of the most important aspects of international travel is exchanging currency before you embark on your trip. It is advisable that you do this from a reputable exchange agent or your bank. However, avoid currency exchange at airports or small shops as you could end up paying a hefty commission or get higher rates. Alternatively, you can also get your currency exchange done at Australia Post, in case of an emergency, while travelling within the country.

Remember that your actual budget will vary depending on how many places you intend to visit, where you eat and stay, and what activities you participate in. However, it is safe to budget AUD 100-150 per person per day for a leisurely holiday in Australia, excluding any adventure activities.

Australia Visa Information

Indians travelling to Australia for tourist puposes should apply for the Visitor visa (subclass 600) Tourist Stream.

Documents required:

• Form 1419 Application for a Visitor Visa – Tourist Visitor Stream
• Notarised copy of all pages of current passport, including the bio data page, alterations page and back page of the passport (Please note, VFS Global can witness a copy of your passport at their office at the time of lodgement).
• If you are going for tourism then details of bookings.
• Itinerary giving travel details, accommodation and activities within Australia.
• Copies of bank statements (personal and business) over a period of time showing a consistent savings history.
• Copies of documents which show any other funds or assets held.
• Taxation documents for the last three years
• If a friend/relative in Australia is paying for your visit then a Statutory Declaration stating the relative or friend’s support and evidence of their financial capacity to do so – for example a letter of invitation, bank statements and tax documents.
• It is important to provide evidence of your own financial status even if your travel is being funded by a friend or a relative. Your own financial status is a factor we consider in assessing whether your personal circumstances would encourage you to return to your home country.
• If you are employed: Letter from your employer – stating your position and salary, length of employment, confirming your leave of absence and the name and contact details of the person providing the letter.
• If you are self-employed: Business registration
• If you are retired: Evidence of your retirement – for example a letter from your employer.
• If you are a student: Evidence of your enrolment such as letter from your education institute.
• All applicants must meet character requirements
• You may be asked to undergo medical and x-ray examinations.
• Applicants over 75 years of age and any applicant requesting a stay of 12 months must provide evidence of Overseas Health Insurance.

While Australia is a relatively safe country for tourists, if you do find yourself in a predicament during your trip, you can get in touch with the Indian embassy in Australia. There are Indian embassy offices in six Australian cities - Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. The embassy can provide help in case of lost documents, health issues, or other problems you may face. So, ensure you keep contact numbers for the Indian embassy handy for each (closest) location you intend to visit in Australia.

A top priority before setting out on your trip is getting travel insurance Australia, which can reduce the financial and mental stress that comes with situations such as flight delays or cancelled bookings. For example, the recent bush fires in Australia have caused major disruptions to thousands of travel plans. Other than that, if you fall ill or get injured during your trip, your travel insurance Australia will make it financially possible to get medical help. You can compare travel insurance plans online on our website and select the one most suited to your travel insurance requirements.

For your absolute peace of mind, ensure you secure your trip with a travel insurance plan like Tata AIG’s Travel Guard, which reimburses you if your flight is cancelled or delayed on account of an emergency. You will also receive a policy extension in case of delay or unavailability of return flights. With this plan, your travel insurance Australia from India also covers bounced hotel or airline bookings, lost baggage, and unforeseen medical expenses.

Now that you know about travel insurance Australia from India, make sure you #ThinkAhead and get the basics in place, before having a blast of a vacation Down Under!