Sadhana D, Expert Author, Platinum status. For more information on temporary insurance: Temporary Car Insurance
Information on short term insurance: Short Term Car Insurance
Temporary Car Insurance!
Auto insurance is quite popular with people. This kind of cover provides protection against any kind of risk that you may be exposed to while driving. The prime reason to have this kind of cover is the replacement of an expensive asset. Generally, auto covers are expensive. The cover provides protection to a driver for bodily injury or death of another person in an incident that you are legally responsible. It also pays for medical expenses with regard to the accident covering legal defense costs. Moreover, one can also find medical payment coverage. This will cover the expenses for medical treatment for you and your passengers during an accident. This is irrespective of the fact whether you were at fault or not. If you have been finding it difficult to get one day insurance, you can also look online. There are innumerable advisers online who can help get cover quickly. You could also choose from a wide variety of cheap car policies. It will help you save a substantial amount of money too. As they are of short term in nature, they are quick to avail. If you have suddenly planned a drive out with your friends or family, you must get hold of this kind of cover. If you have used somebody elses car and wish to get covered with an insurance, you can make use of this cover. Temporary car insurance comes in handy while travelling short distance and planning an outing urgently. If you need cover for a short period of time, you can benefit from this cover. You may feel the need to cover an additional driver for your car, or cover yourself if you need to drive an alternative vehicle. You can use short term insurance for this purpose. This cover is comprehensive and can be taken out for a day or up to 28 days. To be eligible for this kind of cover, you must fulfill certain criteria: If you are a policyholder or an additional driver, you must: Have a current full drivers licence (for a minimum of 1 year) (Australian or USA/Canadian licences are unacceptable) Be aged 21 - 75 years (and age 21 - 75 as an additional driver) Have no more than 6 penalty points on your licence in the last 3 years Have not been disqualified from driving in the last 5 years Have not had more than one fault claim in the last 3 years These are some of the measures that you need to follow to get a temporary car insurance. It is advisable to have a short term cover than suffer for no fault of yours.
Nature's Fury - Time to Check Your Insurance
The communities of Exmouth and Moora in Western Australia don't have a lot in common with Sydney.But this year there is a uniting bond. All have felt the full force of Mother Nature.Flooding in the Wheatbelt town of Moora caused an estimated $10 million dollars worth of damage to homes and property. Cyclone Vance ripped through Exmouth in the North West of the State costing the community millions more. Sydney's hailstorm bill has topped $1 billion and is still rising.All this is a timely reminder about insurance to protect your assets from acts of nature over which we have no control.Insurance is one of those intangible things - you pay out the money but you never see anything tangible in return - except in the event of some misfortune.Insurance companies try hard to position themselves as being reputable and fair and spend millions in advertising trying to get this message across. The benefits they are selling include timeliness and ease of making claims and trustworthiness when it comes to paying claims.Even banks are now are now becoming more sympathetic when it comes to natural disasters. Westpac has offered a special relief program to assist customers seriously affected by the Sydney hailstorm. Customers with home loans may now apply to suspend repayments for up to three months and may defer credit card payments for a month.Despite all the goodwill, you need to do your homework when considering the best options for insurance. Here are 10 tips when considering insurance for your hard-earned assets.Insure with a reputable company. All companies must be licensed under the Insurance Act 1973 and comply with its regulations. The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) oversees this. Their role is to see that companies have the ability to meet future claims. If there is a dispute between an insurer and a domestic claimant, the matter may be referred to the Claims Review Panel of Insurance Inquiries and Complaints Limited for an independent decision.Ask around. Talk to your neighbors, friends and contacts that have made a claim. Word of mouth travels quickly during a natural disaster. Check out what the company's attitude is when it comes to paying out. It's when the chips are down, like in Exmouth, Moora and Sydney that insurance companies have to perform.Ensure you are adequately insured. Don't try and save a small amount of money on your policy and find out later that you've under insured.Revalue your assets annually. Prices change, houses appreciate and cars generally depreciate. Maintain the sum insured at current day values.Cover all your assets. The major insurance categories are houses, cars, personal valuables and home contents. Make sure some form of insurance covers all your personal assets.Check the speed of claims payments. The quicker you get paid the quicker life gets back to normal. The time value of money means that any delays will actually be leaving you out of pocket.Shop around. There are a range of products on the market. Ring around and find the policy that best suits your needs - both from a value perspective based on price and premiums and also breadth of cover.Check the details. Remember to always check the details and don't be afraid to ask questions so you know exactly what you are and aren't covered for.Store your policy in a safe place. Set up a system so you know where your policy is if you need to refer to it at any stage. It's amazing how frustrating it can be looking for those misplaced important documents during a time of crisis.Seek help. If you require help, seek out a professional insurance broker who can provide you with advice and options. Stick to these tips and you'll have peace of mind next time a natural disaster hits your home.Thomas Murrell MBA CSP is an international business speaker, consultant and award-winning broadcaster. Media Motivators is his regular electronic magazine read by 7,000 professionals in 15 different countries.You can subscribe by visiting http://www.8mmedia.com. Thomas can be contacted directly at +6189388 6888 and is available to speak to your conference, seminar or event. Visit Tom's blog at http://www.8mmedia.blogspot.com.
Nature's Fury - Time to Check Your Insurance
The communities of Exmouth and Moora in Western Australia don't have a lot in common with Sydney.But this year there is a uniting bond. All have felt the full force of Mother Nature.Flooding in the Wheatbelt town of Moora caused an estimated $10 million dollars worth of damage to homes and property. Cyclone Vance ripped through Exmouth in the North West of the State costing the community millions more. Sydney's hailstorm bill has topped $1 billion and is still rising.All this is a timely reminder about insurance to protect your assets from acts of nature over which we have no control.Insurance is one of those intangible things - you pay out the money but you never see anything tangible in return - except in the event of some misfortune.Insurance companies try hard to position themselves as being reputable and fair and spend millions in advertising trying to get this message across. The benefits they are selling include timeliness and ease of making claims and trustworthiness when it comes to paying claims.Even banks are now are now becoming more sympathetic when it comes to natural disasters. Westpac has offered a special relief program to assist customers seriously affected by the Sydney hailstorm. Customers with home loans may now apply to suspend repayments for up to three months and may defer credit card payments for a month.Despite all the goodwill, you need to do your homework when considering the best options for insurance. Here are 10 tips when considering insurance for your hard-earned assets.Insure with a reputable company. All companies must be licensed under the Insurance Act 1973 and comply with its regulations. The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) oversees this. Their role is to see that companies have the ability to meet future claims. If there is a dispute between an insurer and a domestic claimant, the matter may be referred to the Claims Review Panel of Insurance Inquiries and Complaints Limited for an independent decision.Ask around. Talk to your neighbors, friends and contacts that have made a claim. Word of mouth travels quickly during a natural disaster. Check out what the company's attitude is when it comes to paying out. It's when the chips are down, like in Exmouth, Moora and Sydney that insurance companies have to perform.Ensure you are adequately insured. Don't try and save a small amount of money on your policy and find out later that you've under insured.Revalue your assets annually. Prices change, houses appreciate and cars generally depreciate. Maintain the sum insured at current day values.Cover all your assets. The major insurance categories are houses, cars, personal valuables and home contents. Make sure some form of insurance covers all your personal assets.Check the speed of claims payments. The quicker you get paid the quicker life gets back to normal. The time value of money means that any delays will actually be leaving you out of pocket.Shop around. There are a range of products on the market. Ring around and find the policy that best suits your needs - both from a value perspective based on price and premiums and also breadth of cover.Check the details. Remember to always check the details and don't be afraid to ask questions so you know exactly what you are and aren't covered for.Store your policy in a safe place. Set up a system so you know where your policy is if you need to refer to it at any stage. It's amazing how frustrating it can be looking for those misplaced important documents during a time of crisis.Seek help. If you require help, seek out a professional insurance broker who can provide you with advice and options.Stick to these tips and you'll have peace of mind next time a natural disaster hits your home.Thomas Murrell MBA CSP is an international business speaker, consultant and award-winning broadcaster. Media Motivators is his regular electronic magazine read by 7,000 professionals in 15 different countries.You can subscribe by visiting http://www.8mmedia.com. Thomas can be contacted directly at +6189388 6888 and is available to speak to your conference, seminar or event. Visit Tom's blog at http://www.8mmedia.blogspot.com.
Travelling by Caravan? Make Sure You Are Insured
Being retired is the perfect time to travel. Over thirty-four percent of travellers staying in holiday parks are retirees. There is much to see in Australia, and retirees have the leisure time to enjoy as many sights as possible. One-third of over-fifty Australians are planning a low-cost caravan trip instead of spending money on overseas travel. However, many of these travellers believe that their caravan is covered under their car insurance. That is not the case. Separate caravan insurance ensures protection in the event of unforeseen problems or accidents. Before leaving on your trip, check your caravan insurance policy carefully. Since most policies offer 24 hour emergency service, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that there is someone you can call any time you need assistance. Anything can happen on the road. Over 500 caravans are reported stolen each year in Australia. Not only is a caravan an expensive investment, unlike an automobile, it contains personal items, including all of your cash, making such a loss extremely inconvenient. A caravan insurance policy provides emergency cash when you most need it. Vandalism is a serious problem while on the road. Window glass can get shattered and a good insurance policy will cover such occurrences. If you choose, coverage for your annexe can also be provided. If your caravan is stolen or damaged or sustains total loss, a caravan insurance policy covers emergency accommodation and travel. It will also pay to have your caravan towed to the nearest repairer. In the event of a theft, the contents of your caravan are covered under your caravan insurance policy, making it easy for you to replace the necessary belongings you have brought on your trip. Travellers can encounter any number of hazards. Your caravan insurance policy will protect your vehicle in the event of fire, floods or storms. Your <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href="http://www.apia.com.au/apia/caravan-insurance">caravan insurance</a> policy should also over liability insurance in the event of injury or death caused by the use of your caravan. Payment on your caravan insurance policy can be made in easy monthly payments or by phone. People over 50 usually qualify for a discount. It will be easier to enjoy your travels knowing that you are fully protected in case of accidents or other emergencies.
If you are buying a caravan, rather than opting for caravan hire, to travel around Australia it is imperative you obtain appropriate caravan insurance. Get peace of mind knowing you'll be looked after.
Temporary Car Insurance!
Auto insurance is quite popular with people. This kind of cover provides protection against any kind of risk that you may be exposed to while driving. The prime reason to have this kind of cover is the replacement of an expensive asset. Generally, auto covers are expensive.The cover provides protection to a driver for bodily injury or death of another person in an incident that you are legally responsible. It also pays for medical expenses with regard to the accident covering legal defense costs. Moreover, one can also find medical payment coverage. This will cover the expenses for medical treatment for you and your passengers during an accident. This is irrespective of the fact whether you were at fault or not.If you have been finding it difficult to get one day insurance, you can also look online. There are innumerable advisers online who can help get cover quickly. You could also choose from a wide variety of cheap car policies. It will help you save a substantial amount of money too. As they are of short term in nature, they are quick to avail. If you have suddenly planned a drive out with your friends or family, you must get hold of this kind of cover. If you have used somebody else's car and wish to get covered with an insurance, you can make use of this cover.Temporary car insurance comes in handy while travelling short distance and planning an outing urgently. If you need cover for a short period of time, you can benefit from this cover. You may feel the need to cover an additional driver for your car, or cover yourself if you need to drive an alternative vehicle. You can use short term insurance for this purpose. This cover is comprehensive and can be taken out for a day or up to 28 days. To be eligible for this kind of cover, you must fulfill certain criteria:If you are a policyholder or an additional driver, you must:Have a current full driver's licence (for a minimum of 1 year) (Australian or USA/Canadian licences are unacceptable) Be aged 21 - 75 years (and age 21 - 75 as an additional driver) Have no more than 6 penalty points on your licence in the last 3 years Have not been disqualified from driving in the last 5 years Have not had more than one fault claim in the last 3 yearsThese are some of the measures that you need to follow to get a temporary car insurance. It is advisable to have a short term cover than suffer for no fault of yours.
Sadhna D, Expert Author, Platinum author
For more information on Temporary Car Insurance:
Information on Short Term Car Insurance:
Australian's Under Cover
Are you under insured?A recent NRMA survey found that while most people thought they had adequate insurance, only about 20% of people actually had enough to cover all of their possessions. Two in five renters had no contents insurance at all, and one in four people did not have their cars adequately insured.Only about 20% of Australians have life insurance, and even when they do, they are often insured for much less than is really needed. On average, full-time workers in their mid-thirties with young children need insurance cover to provide for at least 10 times their taxable earnings. Recent research for IFSA found that only 4% of this group have this level of cover. The research estimated that about 60% of those with dependent children do not have enough cover to look after their loved ones for more than a year if they were to die. Only about one in fifteen Australians have income protection insurance, and again, are generally insured for much less than required.One of the reasons for this chronic under-insurance appears to be consumers lack of confidence in insurance and financial advice, and lack of understanding of insurance products. We don't read our policy renewal forms thoroughly, and we don't report new large purchases to our insurer. Also, we tend to think that these things will "never happen to us". While it's clear too, that affording premiums is an issue for many people, it's a cost that needs to be weighed against the consequences of not having insurance.For more information on insurance options or to get a no-obligation quote, go to www.insuranceonline.net.auTiffany Boys. Tiffany lives and works in Sydney, Australia. http://www.insuranceonline.net.au
Best Australian For Life Balance Transfer Cards
Interest rates on cards and loans have increased rapidly over the years in Australia and the search for a good balance transfer card has never been more important. The credit cards are similar to the other Visas, American Express and MasterCard. The only difference is that you can transfer the balance from your old cards to a new one which reduces the number of payments you have to make. With these cards, you are able to consolidate your credit card debt while saving thousands of shillings on the interest you pay on the cards. In Australia, there are several t cards that can help you do exactly this including:1. Citibank Gold Credit CardIt is a high-end card which has a 2.9% interest rate per year for 12 months. Its rewards program is extensive and also offers you free international travel insurance. If you want to give this card a try, you can apply for it online and get a response in less than a minute. With this card, when you make other purchases you get up to 55 days interest free therefore it will be a great card to have.2. Wizard Clear Advantage MasterCardThis credit card has no annual fee as long as you hold the account and you will receive 4.99% interest per year for six months on your balance transfers. The best feature about this card is that you are not charged for your ATM withdrawals, overseas transactions and cash advances. The regular interest paid is 18.49 per year but you get 55 days interest free.3. Commonwealth Bank No Annual Fee Credit CardWith this card, you are issued with a MasterCard if you are eligible and get 5.99% for 5 months on your balance transfers. The card allows you to add another additional cardholder for free with a regular interest of 18.39% per year.4. Commonwealth Bank Awards CardThe card is also a MasterCard that comes with a 5.99% interest charged per year for 5 months on the balance transfers. The annual fee paid is $59 while another cardholder is charged $15. Its awards program is among the best and includes airfare, appliances and cash back. The regular interest rate on the card is 20.14% per year.5. Macquarie Bank Platinum Credit CardIt offers you the opportunity to have a Visa card with zero interest for six months. The annual fee for the card is $200 including four complimentary additional cardholders. An incentive program issues you 1.25 points for each dollar that you spend. The regular interest is 19.95% per year with 55 days interest free.
For more information on for life balance transfer cards, check out CreditCardCompare.com.au where Mark Brown writes about personal finance and strategies for growing your business.
How To Find Cheap Australian Flights
Australia is a great country to visit but getting there especially in a plane can be very expensive for you. The air ticket to Australia may be the most expensive thing that you spend your money on during the entire trip. Remember that you should also have travel insurance. Contact companies that will offer you travel insurance before booking your flight. For you to find a cheap flight to Australia it will not be an easy task and will depend on how long your stay will be, flexibility when it comes to your plans and the activities that you will take part in when you are there.Find a return flight that is heading to Sidney or Melbourne because the tickets will be the cheapest. These flights are also flexible in terms of their schedules and the connections that they make. If you are taking any domestic flights, you will have to be aware of the miles that are covered because this can make it very expensive for you. Avoid booking any return flights that are to or from Sydney or Melbourne because not only are they expensive but they also waste a lot of your time as they cover some extra miles.If you only want to visit the East Coast of the country, make use of the domestic flights because they are more and will cost you less than the international ones. Before you start your travel, start looking for cheap flight early enough to avoid any disappointments. The fight that you book at the last minute will not be cheap at all. The season from October to February is the tourist season in the country and this is when the flights are most expensive. Avoid this time of the year if you want to take a cheap flight to Australia. During the Christmas period, this is the busiest so avoid it unless you have made your booking very early in the year. The months of September to November are the best to get cheap flights so take advantage then. The domestic flights in Australia are fully booked during June to August so you may be required to get alternative means to get to the outback regions.The Flying Kangaroo by Qantas. This is because they offer you both domestic and international flights in the country. They are also very flexible when it comes to their schedules so you will be spoil for choice. Some of the other airlines that can offer you a good deal include Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Air New Zealand. Some people also prefer Malaysian airlines when it comes to cheap flight to Australia. If you cannot get a flight on any of these airlines, you can settle for Royal Brunei that also gives you quality service during the flight. Take note that they do not have daily flights, do not allow alcohol and usually sell out very fast. Make sure you have holiday insurance and enjoy yourself.
If you are going on holiday make sure you have Travel Insurance also know as Holiday Insurance because you never know what might happen!
If you are going on holiday make sure you have Travel Insurance also know as Holiday Insurance because you never know what might happen!
Best Australian Credit Cards
In Australia there are many credit cards to choose from. Finding the best Australian credit card for you can be a bit confusing. Some cards have lower interest rates but higher annual fees and other cards offer you low interest rates but only for a limited time. Keep in mind that even the best cards have interest rates and annual fees that are subject to change.The NAB Visa card is one of the best Australian credit cards you can sign up for. While many products offer their introductory low interest rate for six months, the NAB Visa card gives you twelve. Their low introductory interest rate is 3.99%. The NAB Visa card also offers a low annual fee of $49.The ANZ Low Rate MasterCard is also one of the best Australian credit cards in the market today. They are offering a twelve month introductory interest rate of 4.9%, with an annual fee of $58. This option is great for families because you can add up to three additional cardholders for free.If you are an avid online shopper the Aussie MasterCard is one of the best for you because they offer the MasterCard SecureCode. Their low twelve month introductory rate is only 4.99% and you do not have to be an Aussie customer to apply.If you qualify financially, the best Australian credit cards are the gold or platinum cards. These Australian credit cards offer their customers a lot more benefits than regular cards. The Citibank Gold Card offers perks like upgrades at your favorite hotels and travel insurance. The Citibank Gold Card is offering only 2.9% as their twelve month introductory rate, credit limits up to $25,000 and a free rewards program.
Travelling to Australia - Make Sure You Get Insured
Travel Insurance Policies When Travelling To AustraliaTravel insurance is often neglected when planning a holiday or business trip. In Britain we are used to a free healthcare system and often forget that in many countries this is not the case. We tend to not realise that luggage can be lost at an airport and that pick-pockets operate in Lisbon as well as London. Most of the time, travel insurance acts as a peace of mind...right up to the time you need it and then it can be the most important article in your suitcase.Why Do I Need Travel Insurance?As we are all aware, accidents can happen at any time and in any place to anybody In the worst of circumstances, this can cause significant injury as well as ruining a holiday or business trip. Unfortunately no-one can predict when these accidents will occur or the severity of them when they do. The only thing to do is to have a high quality travel insurance policy. It may feel like you are gambling against yourself when arranging such a policy, however, nothing could be further from the truth.Luggage can be easily lost at airport, this in normally sufficient to ruin a holiday, having to endure a flight and then to traipse around a shopping centre to buy clean socks and shirts. Travel insurance can't make this impossible to happen, but can help pay for your new clothes, which will ease the pain a little.Something as innocent as a wet floor or trip down a flight of stairs could lead to a hospital trip, for example, to administer to a broken wrist or ankle. Medical insurance will usually cover the cost but if you need to return early your travel insurance policy may have a clause to allow this to be claimed for.When in a foreign country and hiring a car try to know the local traffic laws. We drive on the left in the UK, not too many countries follow suit on this. In Australia they drive on the left hand side, and driving laws are similar to that in the UK. If you cause an accident, personal liability may be an issue. A good travel insurance policy will also have a clause that allows travel back to the UK if a medical emergency arises.What Should I Look For In Travel InsuranceTravel insurance is a safety net when abroad. A good travel insurance policy should cover you for medical and health cover for an injury or sudden illness abroad, 24 hour emergency service and assistance and personal liability cover in case you are sued for causing injury or damaging property.Other things to consider when purchasing travel insurance are, what is the value of your lost and stolen possessions cover? What's the maximum you can claim on a single piece of your inventory? Are you covered for cancellation and/or curtailment of your flight or ferry? Does your policy have extra cover for activities that are usually not included standard policies, such as jet skiing or adventure activities? Are there any financial insurances in case your carrier airline becomes bankrupt before or during your excursion abroad?Socio-Political IssuesAustralia has a seasonal weather system of extreme weather conditions. There are seasonal flash floods and long periods of intense heat. There are occasional cyclone systems in the summer months November to April. These tropical storms can cause small creeks to become engorged and the strong winds can cause some damage to buildings.During the summer months there is also the possibility of bush fires. These can cause large volumes of smoke to be blown from the source into population centres such as the Victoria bush fire in February 2009.Australia has a general threat of terrorism, similar to the UK. Common sense is required in high density tourist location's. But no more than would be used in the UK.Driving in Australia is permitted on a valid UK driving Licence and similar road rules apply, seatbelt must be worn, similar speed limits etc.Specific InsurancesAustralia has a fabulous reputation as a holiday destination. The sun, sea and sand formula is exceptionally powerful draw for visitors. Care must be taken however at beach destinations. Crime rates are similar to the UK, therefore do not leave articles alone on a beach. Travel Insurance will replace lost goods and monies but it's better to have not had them stolen. Before embarking on a holiday activity, check that it is covered within your travel insurance policy. An accident resulting from a non-covered activity is not going to be paid out for by the insurance company. Some activities will be covered and these will be detailed within the policy.There is the obvious risks at Australian beaches of improper equipment so check all materials and vehicles to the best of your ability. Don't be afraid to ask any instructors to show their qualifications if appropriate.As you travel further to the centre of Australia, you enter the Outback. The dangers here are from heat and wildlife. Its advised to have a satellite phone as mobile signal is very sparse in the desert. It is important to know your travel insurance contact number should any mishap occur as well as the phone number of the territory police number.If you decide to go on a more adventurous holiday such as skiing, make sure you have winter sports cover. There are places to ski in Australia, though for many visitors from the UK, its not the first thing they think to do when disembarking at Sydney airport.If you partake in a helicopter tour of the local area, be aware that baggage and belonging are carries at your own risk. Therefore travel insurance is recommended to cover your effects.Should you run into difficulties and they exceed the level of cover supplied by your travel insurance policy the British consulate is located atBritish High Commission in AustraliaCommonwealth AvenueYarralumlaACT 2600AustraliaCanberra Telephone: (+61) (0) 2 6270 6666 This number is NOT for passport or visa enquiries Fax: (+61) (0)2 6273 3236Visa & passport contacts:1300 858 472 Visa enquiries1300 367 066 Passport enquiries1902 941 555 General info
Andy Harcombe is a freelance marketer who writes for a number of companies and magazines.
This article was written for Insure Your Trip. Experts in insurance worldwide travel insurance.
Preparing For Travel to Australia
There are several types of Australian visas that would allow you entry to the country. For short-term visits, your best option would either be an Australian ETA visa, eVisitors visa or a visitor/tourist visa.ETA is short for Electronic Travel Authority, it is the easiest to acquire compared to any other Australian visa for travel. The application is fairly simple and can be done online. For eligible visa holders, there is no need to visit consulates or go through long lines. It lets you spend up to three months in Australia.An Australian Tourist Visa, on the other hand, can let you stay up to three, six or twelve months. The Tourist visa can be lodged online, within Australia or outside of the country. There is also the Sponsored Family Visitor visa, which is up to a stay period of 12 months.Getting the right visa for your travel needs is only the first step, the following are tips to help you prepare for your travel to Australia.1. Check on the validity of your passport - Generally, if you are traveling for a visit, it is recommended that the validity of your passport should have at least six months left.2. Get the appropriate medical insurance - Medical treatment in Australia can be costly. As a tourist, you are not covered by Australia's health benefits unless there is an agreement between your country and Australia. If you are planning to get a travel visa to Australia, consider your options for medical insurance as well.3. Prepare proof of funds - As an applicant for an Australian travel visa, you are expected to have the appropriate funds to cover your trip and your stay. Prepare to show your personal bank statements, pay slips, audited accounts, tax records, statement of credit card limit and other evidence that you can cover for all costs for the duration of your stay.4. Find out what you can't take into Australia - The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service is responsible for minimizing the risk of exotic pests and diseases that may enter the country and damage the agriculture. Before you make that trip, find out what you can and can't bring into the country.5. Do your research - Once all the necessary preparations are out of the way, its time for the fun part. Find out about must-see places, book your accommodation and find out about the weather. Don't forget to get Australian dollars to avoid the hassle of looking for currency changers when you get there. When you're all done researching, it's time to pack your things and prepare for a great adventure.
About National Visas - National Visas is a world leader in Australian immigration services. It is a privately held company that provides assistance and advice to people who want to travel or migrate to Australia.
Check Your Travel Insurance Before You Zorb
What!? I can't voluntarily roll down a hill at break-neck speeds in an enormous ball and expect my cheap travel insurance to pay for my injuries? Absolute madness! While you may think Zorbing is a perfectly reasonable thing to do, it's actually a rather bizarre idea when you think about it.Zorbing is the latest craze in extreme sports, and is rapidly becoming a popular activity for tourists and holidaymakers in search of a bit of fun. It involves rolling and bouncing down a hill in an enormous inflatable ball, causing adrenaline rushes and excitement for the rider. While it is largely a safe activity, it may be worth checking the fine print on your holiday insurance, as some companies may have reservations about covering such activities. Perhaps one can't really expect cheap travel insurance to cover voluntarily hurling oneself down a hill!The Case of the Fractured BackPerhaps the Australian journalist Rebekah Meltzer should have considered holiday insurance before she set off barreling down a hill. She was unfortunate enough to bounce off a hay-encased post on her downward journey. Her ride turned into something of a flight, as her Zorb became airborne, coming down with a thud after a short air trip.Unluckily for Meltzer, her flight resulted in a fractured back. She was admitted into hospital later that evening, and remained there for a few days. It is highly unlikely that cheap travel insurance, or even more expensive travel insurance for that matter, would feel particularly inclined to cover any costs incurred as a result of this unwanted little flight.An Unlikely but Deadly ScenarioIt must be iterated that Zorbing is a fairly safe sport, and travel insurance companies are just being cautious by not covering it in standard holiday insurance policies. But the fact remains that you are essentially hurling yourself head-first down a hill in a plastic bubble, which makes most insurance brokers a little nervous to say the least.And dreadful scenarios do happen. A Czech teacher and pupil made sad Zorbing history in a fateful accident. After receiving the necessary precautionary training, the pair set off on their bubble ride. A safety net was in place to catch them at the bottom of the hill, and all seemed to be going well with safety measures in place. But the net burst on impact, and the Zorb rolled on. Sadly, the teacher was killed and the pupil seriously injured.Of course, taking out a travel insurance policy to cover this extreme sport would not have saved the teacher, but it would help alleviate some of the resultant costs for the teacher's family and for the injured pupil.Three Irishmen in a Hydro-ZorbHydro-Zorbing takes this sport to yet another level. It involves a couple of bucketfuls of water being emptied into the Zorb with you, where you slip and side in the water as the Zorb rolls around you. Three young Irishmen were after a bit of fun, and decided to try out the experience on their holiday. But unfortunately the unlikely did happen, and their cheap travel insurance policy probably wasn't convinced that their actions fell within the realm of reasonable holiday activities.One young man's foot pierced through a weak point in the plastic, and he slipped into the outer part of the Zorb. He suffered cuts to his face, a black eye, and had to endure several collisions with his friends. While this was certainly an unlucky encounter, but if you're planning to attempt Zorbing on your next trip away, you might want to consider upgrading your travel insurance policy to cover it.r
Patrick Chong is the Managing Director of Journey's Travel. Their commercial travel insurance website, Insuremore, offers cheap travel insurance for families, couples and singles with a quick and easy online claims feature.
5 Benefits Offered by Annual Travel Insurance
If you're an Australian considering foreign travel, or even someone who travels regularly, travel insurance is a product that can help take some of the worry out of your trip. It's not uncommon for travellers to experience medical emergencies, accidents, or thefts while abroad. If you are one of the unfortunate ones, such things could end up being quite costly.Protection against liabilityTravel insurance is specifically designed to protect the traveler against personal liability in such cases. For example, if you were visiting the United States and were involved in a serious car accident, your medical costs could climb into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Without travel insurance you may be forced to liquidate other assets to pay the bills. Imagine the pain and suffering of bodily injury compounded by the knowledge that you'll have to sell the family home to pay the debt!Cover for valuablesMedical emergencies are not the only reason to purchase travel insurance. You will have valuables with you on your trip, as well as cash assets and credit cards. If these are lost or stolen, you may be stranded in a foreign land with no financial means. You would also face the cost of replacing the stolen camera, the lost watch, or the company mobile phone when you finally make it home.Think about annual travel coverFor those who travel frequently, an annual policy could be the best option. Most have reasonable premiums in relation to the amount of coverage, and they will be valid for a full one-year period. Of course, there are policies for shorter terms and individual trips, but the annual policy makes more financial sense if you'll be traveling more than once or twice in a year. Some companies even offer customized insurance products for those going on a cruise, for backpackers and campers, and even those participating in extreme sports. If you're leaving the country for a visit elsewhere, a policy can be found to suit your needs.Comparison reaps rewardsAs with any insurance product, make sure you do the research so you get appropriate coverage at the best price. Compare companies, coverage limits, rates, and conditions. And by all means, seek the advice of trusted friends or relatives who may have already purchased travel insurance. They may have personal experience that would be helpful in steering you to a specific company or policy.The best deals are onlineTo find a good travel insurance policy, all you need is internet access and a telephone. You can search the internet for annual travel insurance and compare what individual companies are offering. Once you find a few that appeal to you, call them and get all the details. When you find the right policy, you'll be able to travel abroad with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you're protected.
Tom Becker is a personal finance expert, but he has spent as much time as financially possible travelling around the world to his favourite cities. He is a writer for a popular Australian insurance comparison website which compares everything from single trip insurance to travel insurance for families and annual insurance for business travellers online.
What Everyone Needs to Know About Domestic Travel Insurance
One of the first things we consider when travelling overseas is travel insurance. But why don't we consider the same for domestic journeys? Domestic travel insurance is something that is frequently neglected by Australians. The risk of complications arising is not minimised, so there is no conceivable logic behind not covering yourself for trips within Australia.Of course, a large amount of people hold health insurance and life insurance policies, which eliminates the need to cover yourself for medical treatments and the elements covered by your life insurance policy. However, there are many other travel mishaps that can ruin a trip and put you out of pocket.What does domestic travel insurance cover?Domestic travel insurance does not typically include medical expenses, but policies are packed with a bunch of other useful levels of coverage. Some things a domestic travel insurance policy should cover include:Cancellation costs - This reimburses you for any pre-booked travel arrangements, such as accommodation, that have been cancelled. Personal liability - This is a very important element of the policy. It covers you if you accidentally damage another person's property. Luggage cover - This covers loss, damage and theft of luggage and other personal items. It also covers losses due to credit card theft. Additional expenses - In the event of illness of one of your travelling group or delayed pre-booked travel arrangements, this will cover you for extra accommodation costs and any other costs you may incur. Rental vehicle insurance excess - Covers the excess if you have an accident in or damage a rental car. Skiing piste closure - Cover if the skiing resort is closed due to weather or other complications when you have pre-booked. Skiing/golfing equipment - Covers you for loss, theft or damage of hired ski or golf equipment.Good reasons to purchase domestic travel insuranceApart from the peace of mind that travel insurance offers, there are common scenarios that people don't consider before travelling without insurance. Not all claims on travel insurance are rare occurrences. Some very real situations you may encounter that your travel insurance will cover include:You're on a family holiday and one of the kids gets sick. Due to this you must book an extra few nights accommodation for the whole family and miss your non-refundable flights. You've packed your whole wardrobe in your suitcase and your luggage gets lost in transit. You've pre-paid for a ski trip with your friends and the site is closed due to extreme weather conditions.
This article has been provided to you by Ian d. Jackson General Manager of Travel Insurance Direct. For more information on Domestic travel Insurance cover, Travel Insurance in Australia & Cheap Travel Insurance click the links & visit the TID site
An Introduction to Travel Insurance For Students
If you're about to take the great leap into the unknown and study overseas for a time, one arrangement that shouldn't be overlooked is your insurance. Accidents do happen, and it's always better to be prepared, so that if something does go wrong, you come through it a bit easier.What cover do students normally need?The most important items to be covered for are medical expenses, dental emergencies, return flights home and personal liability. Other items that are also important are cover for your equipment (because if your laptop isn't covered it might be hard to study without one should it get stolen) and the cost to replace travel documents. As an Australian student travelling overseas which countries provide reciprocal health care? Some countries do have reciprocal health care with Australia, and these include: New Zealand The United Kingdom The Republic of Ireland Sweden The Netherlands Finland Italy Malta NorwayYou will need to show them your passport and Medicare card to receive health care, so make sure your Medicare card goes with you and is valid for the whole time you are away.For other countries, you will need to have travel insurance to cover medical costs, particularly if they are expensive, such as the USA, or below par, in which case you might need to be evacuated to another country to receive adequate care.What are the main considerations when buying student travel insuranceWhile the most obvious consideration may be budget, be careful not to choose the cheapest policy over the more comprehensive one.While the most obvious consideration may be budget, be careful not to choose the cheapest policy over the more comprehensive one.First, make sure that you have unlimited medical cover. This is important because medical bills can be a lot more expensive than you think, and unlimited cover means you are not stuck with bills that run into the tens of thousands (it's quite enough to have a student debt as it is, let alone medical bills on top!).Second, make sure that the personal liability in the policy is adequate. Some policies cap this at $1million, while others will offer up to $5million. This may or may not include legal fees, so be sure on this point also. Some policies will list legal fees as a separate item, and if this is the case, make sure they will cover at least $50,000.While it may not seem important at the time of signing up, it's good to check on the policy's cover for accidental death, repatriation of remains and permanent disability. One policy reviewed offered only $5000 for accidental death, which would hardly be enough for repatriation and funeral expenses. Another policy offered well over $75,000 for permanent disability and unlimited expenses for repatriation of remains. It's not nice to think about, but nonetheless it's an important point to consider.Your time overseas will no doubt be filled with plenty of good times you will remember for the rest of your life. But it pays to be secure in the knowledge that if something does go awry you are not working for the next 20 years to pay it off.
This article has been provided by Ian d. Jackson General Manager of Travel Insurance Direct. For more information on Students Travel Insurance & other travel cover products including International Travel Insurance & Cheap Travel Insurance simply click the links & visit the TID site.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)