Introduction
Are you planning on embarking on an exciting working holiday overseas? With travel insurance for working holidays, you can ensure that you have the protection you need while exploring foreign countries and earning money along the way. In this article, we'll delve into what travel insurance for working holidays entails and why it's essential for your peace of mind.
Image: Woman on working holiday sitting with laptop on a balcony overlooking the ocean.
What is Travel Insurance for Working Holidays?
Travel insurance for working holidays is designed to provide coverage for unexpected incidents, such as injury and illness, that may occur while you work and travel overseas. Whether you're planning to work as an au pair in Korea or embark on a working holiday to the UK, this type of insurance offers you the peace of mind you need to fully immerse yourself in your adventure.
While there isn't a specific working holiday travel insurance product, many insurers include cover for working holiday makers in their regular travel insurance policies. However, it's crucial to review the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before purchasing a policy to ensure that it covers your specific occupation and needs.
Do I Need Travel Insurance When Working Overseas?
The decision to purchase travel insurance when working overseas depends on your personal circumstances and budget. However, it's highly recommended as it can be an essential component of any holiday, especially during working holidays where you may spend months or even years abroad. A comprehensive travel insurance policy can cover medical costs, trip cancellations and delays, loss of luggage due to theft or damage, and provide 24/7 emergency assistance.
Depending on your work and recreational travel plans, you may also consider purchasing extra cover for adventure activities that are not typically included in standard policies. For example, if you're planning to work on the ski slopes in Canada, snow sports cover should be considered.
Who Should Get Travel Insurance for Working Holidays?
Travel insurance is something to consider for anyone heading overseas, regardless of their circumstances. It offers the assurance that you're covered in case of unexpected events while working or traveling abroad. Here are some scenarios where travel insurance for working holidays can be especially beneficial:
- Volunteering overseas
- Backpacking and working along the way
- Interning or taking up a work placement opportunity
- Working at a summer camp in the USA
Image: Woman bartending on a working holiday.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing Travel Insurance
Finding suitable travel insurance for your working holiday may seem daunting, but here are some essential considerations to help you make an informed decision:
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Understand what assistance may be available through the Consular Services Charter: The Australian Government can provide assistance if you encounter trouble overseas, but comprehensive medical and travel insurance is still recommended.
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Does your overseas employer offer cover? Some employers may have insurance cover for their employees, but it's essential to check what is and isn't included. Taking out your own policy can ensure that you're covered for situations not necessarily covered by your employer's insurance.
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What will you do for fun overseas? While your insurance policy may cover many activities, additional cover may be required for adventure activities like base jumping, hang gliding, or scuba diving.
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How long do you need cover for? Ensure that your insurance policy covers your entire time overseas, whether you plan to work abroad for a few weeks or a couple of years. Some providers offer policies for a maximum of 12 months, so consider long-term travel insurance if needed.
Understanding Your Cover
Image: Woman bartending on a working holiday.
What Can Travel Insurance for Working Holidays Cover?
Travel insurance for working holidays can cover various types of work abroad, including guide work, manual labor, and non-manual labor. Commonly covered occupations include admin, farm work, volunteering, teaching, tourism, retail, hospitality, and childcare. However, it's essential to read the PDS before purchasing a policy, as coverage may vary, and not all manual work may be included.
Typical Exclusions for Working Holidays
While travel insurance for working holidays can be comprehensive, there are often exclusions to consider. These may vary between insurance providers but commonly include:
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Underground or offshore work: Jobs in mines or offshore oil platforms may not be covered by travel insurance, but your employer's insurance might provide coverage.
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Working from heights: If your overseas occupation involves working from great heights, your policy may not provide coverage.
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Personal liability: While many policies include personal liability cover, it may not apply while working or volunteering abroad.
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Illegal or dangerous behavior: Committing crimes or causing trouble while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs may result in denied claims.
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Theft resulting from negligence: Travel insurance can cover lost luggage and belongings, but if you were negligent in supervising or securing your items, your claim may be denied.
Am I Covered by Medicare Overseas?
Medicare is not available overseas, except in certain countries with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RCHA) equivalent to Medicare. RCHA can assist in covering emergency medical expenses in countries such as Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. However, it's crucial to have the right travel insurance policy with medical cover in place, as overseas medical care can be costly without proper coverage.
Can I Purchase Travel Insurance for a Working Holiday After an Incident?
If you've already experienced an incident that you'd like to claim for, you cannot purchase travel insurance after the fact and expect coverage for that specific loss. It's important to take out appropriate insurance before any incidents occur so that you're covered from the moment you book your trip or make any deposits. This ensures that you're protected if any unforeseen events force you to cancel your trip.
Important to Know
Image: Waiter with travel insurance for working holidays working and talking to customers.
What if I'm Traveling on Behalf of My Company?
If you're traveling for work purposes, your company may cover you under a business travel insurance policy. This type of policy can provide coverage for medical treatment, cancellations, and loss, damage, or theft of company equipment. Unlike travel insurance for working holidays, a business travel insurance policy may also cover personal liability for damage caused by you or a co-worker.
Do I Still Need Visas, Even with Travel Insurance for a Working Holiday?
Regardless of whether you have travel insurance, it's essential to obtain the appropriate working visa or have the right to work in the country you're visiting. You may also need specific licenses, qualifications, degrees, or certifications for certain occupations. Requirements vary between jobs and countries, and can usually be verified on the government website or through your overseas employer.
Can I Get a Working Holiday Visa and Travel Insurance if I'm Over 30?
While most working holiday visas are designed for younger individuals, there are opportunities for older people looking to work abroad, such as working on a cruise ship or teaching English. As long as you meet the requirements for the country you're heading to, including the appropriate visas, you can still take out travel insurance for a working holiday.
Can I Still Get Travel Insurance if I Don't Plan on Returning to Australia?
If you're planning on staying overseas indefinitely, you may want to consider one-way travel insurance. This type of policy doesn't require a return date and can provide coverage for overseas medical assistance, cancellation fees, and lost luggage. However, it's important to note that it may offer limited coverage for incidents related to paid work, so carefully review the PDS before purchasing.
Now that you understand the importance of travel insurance for working holidays, you can embark on your overseas adventure with peace of mind. Ensure that you're protected from unexpected incidents, and enjoy your working holiday to the fullest!
