Will my hospital bills be covered by my travel insurance if I get sick or injured in the UK?

Australia has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with the UK, meaning you may have some cover for medical costs in the UK public health system, the National Health Service (NHS) through the agreement. Fast Cover’s travel insurance policy will not pay for the cost of medical care that is covered by the RHCA between Australia and the UK. However, the RHCA does not cover every type of medical expenses, so taking out a Fast Cover travel insurance policy for the UK with medical cover for unexpected overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses, overseas emergency dental, and overseas emergency medical evacuation and repatriation may provide you with cover if you unexpectedly fall sick or become injured while travelling in the UK, where cover is not available under the RHCA. Having cover for these unexpected medical situations during your travels can potentially save you thousands of dollars. 

The benefit of overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses provides certain protection against the financial burden of unexpected medical emergencies that can happen on your trip to the UK, from food poisoning, treatment for a broken bone or emergency surgery for appendicitis, particularly if this occurs after 6 months of your arrival to the UK. You should be aware that cover isn’t available for all medical expenses, and some of these may include (but are not limited to):   

• medical emergencies related to your existing medical conditions which aren’t listed as covered on your certificate of insurance, 
• planned medical procedures or other non-emergency medical treatments, 
• routine medical or dental check-ups,  
• injuries sustained from your participation in sport or leisure activities covered under the Adventure Pack or snow sports unless you’ve added them to your policy and paid an additional premium to include cover for them, and 
• your medical expenses once you’ve returned to Australia, 

so it’s important to review your policy to understand what is and isn't covered while you're in the UK and the terms and conditions that apply. 

You can apply for cover for your existing medical conditions and any changes in health and/or new medical conditions you may develop between the time you purchase your policy and the date you depart on your trip to the UK  through a medical screening. Find out more about what we consider to be a medical condition and how you can apply for cover in our Travel Insurance for existing Medical Conditions page. ^ 

As each individual’s circumstances are different, we will assess each claim on a case by case basis and in accordance with your specific circumstances, policy terms and Certificate of Insurance. 

Any advice is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the PDS as eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limits apply.