When does my travel insurance cover start - on the policy start date or when I board the plane?

The start of your travel insurance cover depends on the type of policy you have and whether your policy was purchased before or after you departed Australia. 

If you have purchased your policy before departing Australia: 

For Comprehensive, Snow Sports Plus, Standard Saver, and Domestic Plus policies: 

• The cover for Benefit 5: Trip Cancellation Expenses begins from the time the policy is issued.  
• Cover for all other benefits begins on the date of departure as stated on your Certificate of Insurance. 

For Basics policy: 

• Cover for all benefits begins on the date of departure as stated on your Certificate of Insurance. 

For Frequent Traveller Saver policy: 

• The cover for Benefit 5: Trip Cancellation Expenses begins from the start date as specified on your Certificate of insurance. 
• Cover for all other benefits begins on the date of departure for each trip. 

If you purchased your policy while already overseas: 

• There is no cover under any benefit for the first 48 hours from the time the policy is issued. This is your “no-cover period”. This means there is no cover arising from events that happen within the 48 hour no-cover period for all benefits under the policy. 
• COVID-19 cover begins after a 72-hour waiting period from the time of issue. 
• Cover for all benefits begins immediately following your no-cover period.  

Fast Cover is unable to provide cover for travel to all countries, even under the Worldwide region. Restrictions apply to certain destinations due to factors such as government travel advisories, sanctions, or underwriting criteria. 

Please note that sections of the policy relating to COVID-19 such as COVID-19 Overseas Emergency Medical, Hospital and Medical Evacuation Expenses and COVID-19 Trip Cancellation and Disruption does not provide cover for any claims where the COVID-19 diagnosis is made or tested positive to COVID-19 within 72 hours of the Policy being purchased. 

Eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub limits apply. Consider the PDS prior to deciding on which policy is right for you and your needs. 

Any advice is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation, or needs. Please consider the PDS before making any decisions regarding the purchase of travel insurance. 

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