Do I have to pay the bill for medical claims and then claim them back when I return home?

If you receive medical treatment overseas, you’ll generally need to pay the bill upfront, keep the receipt, and obtain a medical certificate that details your illness, injury, or sickness and the treatment provided. You can then submit a claim when you return home.

If you are hospitalised, you or someone in your travelling party must contact the Fast Cover Emergency Assistance team as soon as possible. They are available 24/7 and can:

  • Help with medical problems and liaise with treating doctors,
  • Locate the nearest appropriate medical facilities,
  • Arrange repatriation to Australia if medically necessary,
  • Keep your loved ones or workplace informed if needed.

If you do not contact Emergency Assistance when it is reasonably possible to do so, we may not pay for these expenses or for any evacuation or flights that were not approved or arranged by us (to the extent permitted by law).

If you are not hospitalised, but your outpatient treatment costs are expected to exceed $2,000, you must also contact Emergency Assistance as soon as possible. Even if the costs are less, you can still contact them anytime for support.

Please note: If you submit a claim, an excess may apply to each claimable event. This will be deducted from the total claim amount, reducing the final amount paid.

Emergency Assistance contact details:

Related Articles