Guest author: PassportCard Travel Insurance

Whether you’re planning a beach escape in Bali, a ski trip in Japan, or a family holiday up the coast, travel is something many of us live for. But before you pack your bags and set that out-of-office message, there’s one thing that deserves a spot on your checklist: travel insurance. You want peace of mind while you’re away, not a financial blow that could’ve been avoided.

Here’s why travel insurance matters and what to consider when choosing the right cover.

1. Medical emergencies can be costly
Healthcare overseas isn’t always cheap - or accessible. A broken bone or a hospital visit in the US, Europe, or Asia can cost thousands (and that's before you consider medical evacuations). Travel insurance covers unexpected medical expenses, so you’re not left footing the bill.

2. Cancellations and delays happen
Flight delays, cancellations, or a last-minute illness that stops you from going - these things happen more often than you'd think. Good travel insurance helps recover the costs of flights, accommodation, and pre-paid bookings when plans suddenly change.

What to consider when choosing travel insurance

Not all policies are created equal - here's what to keep in mind:

✔️What’s covered (and what’s not)
Read the fine print. Does it cover medical costs, cancellations, lost items, and adventure activities? Are there exclusions (e.g. pre-existing medical conditions, riding scooters, or snow sports)? Don’t assume - check.

✔️Level of cover vs price
Cheaper doesn’t always mean better. Look for value rather than just the lowest price. A few extra dollars upfront could save you thousands later.

✔️24/7 assistance
Make sure your provider offers 24/7 emergency help. If something goes wrong in a different time zone, you’ll want support when you need it.

✔️Claims process
Is it simple? Can you claim while travelling? Some providers offer instant payouts which can make things way less stressful when you’re on the go.

Bonus tip - don’t wait
Get travel insurance as soon as you book your trip - not the night before you fly. That way, you’re protected if something happens before you even leave (like getting sick or needing to cancel).

Travel insurance isn’t just for worst-case scenarios. It’s for everyday disruptions too. It's about protecting your time, your money, and your ability to enjoy the adventure ahead.

So next time you’re planning a getaway, don’t just think about where you’re going - think about how you’re going to protect the trip too.

Travelling soon? As a Grow Community member, you can travel with even greater peace of mind, thanks to exclusive member-only 10% discount* on PassportCard’s award-winning travel insurance, Australia’s only travel insurance with instant payouts on common claims using the PassportCard. Medical issue overseas, delayed luggage or stolen cash? The team can load funds onto the card to cover unexpected expenses, so travellers are not left out of pocket.

DISCLAIMER: The Grow Community is operated by Grow Management Pty Ltd ABN [55617707212] (“Grow”), a subsidiary of the Credabl Group. Neither Grow nor Credabl accept any responsibility or liability for goods or services supplied by Grow Community network partners. The information provided is general in nature and we have not taken into account your personal objectives or financial circumstances or needs when preparing it. Before acting on this information you should consider if it is suitable for your personal circumstances. Please seek your own independent legal, financial, tax or other advice before deciding to use any goods or services supplied by a Grow Community network partner.

PassportCard Australia Pty Ltd (PassportCard) ABN 76 621 476 220 (AFSL 551 057) is an Underwriting Agency acting under Binder from Guild Insurance Limited (Guild) ABN 55 004 538 863 (AFSL 233 791). Any advice provided by PassportCard in relation to PassportCard products and the PassportCard is general advice only. Please consider the Combined Financial Services Guide & Product Disclosure Statement and the PassportCard Terms and Conditions (available at www.passportcard.com.au) before deciding whether they are suitable for you.

*Access to PassportCard Travel Insurance is available exclusively to Grow Community members. Please visit Passport Card’s Privacy Notice for detailed information on how your data is handled and protected. This offer is available for a limited time only. The Grow Community is operated by Grow Management Pty Ltd ABN [55617707212] (“Grow”), a subsidiary of the Credabl Group. Neither Grow nor Credabl accept any responsibility or liability for goods or services supplied by Grow Community network partners. Goods and services supplied by Grow Community network partners will be subject to the relevant supplier’s terms and conditions. You should seek your own independent legal, financial, tax or other advice before deciding to use any goods or services supplied by a Grow Community network partner. To ensure our Grow members can access this benefit, we accept a reduced commission from PassportCard under our arrangement with them. If you decide to purchase, Grow receives up to 20% commission. A commission may also apply to any variations or repeat purchases.