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RACV Travel Insurance
RACV has multiple plans tailored to domestic and international travel, but if you’ve got something out of the ordinary on the itinerary, you might not be covered.
By becoming an RACV member, you can access generous discounts on its insurance policies. We struggled to find another insurance provider offering similar benefits.
Enjoy free cover for dependent children under the age of 25 on any policy. This is better than the industry standard that limits dependants to those under the age of 18 or sometimes 21.
Cons
RACV doesn't have much choice of optional cover and its detailed list of exclusions could be a turn-off for some. If you're looking for cover for some adventure activities, like sky diving, you'll have to look elsewhere.
RACV travel insurance is not currently available via Finder. You can head to the RACV website or compare alternative options available below.
Summary of RACV's International Comprehensive policy
Overseas medical and hospital expenses
Unlimited
Cancellation and amendment fees
Unlimited
Luggage and personal effects
$15,000
Maximum age limit
110
Table updated January 2023
How does RACV Travel Insurance cover COVID-19?
RACV covers COVID-19 in a variety of scenarios that include medical expenses and cancellation. Here's what you can expect:
Cancellation fees and lost deposits for travel and accommodation arrangements if your trip is cancelled or cut short due to COVID-19
Medical, hospital and emergency expenses outside of Australia if you are diagnosed with COVID-19
Emergency or additional expenses including travel and accommodation costs if you are diagnosed with COVID-19
Funeral expenses if you, your children or your grandchildren die while overseas
Boarding kennel or cattery fees if you're delayed beyond your return date
Travel delay expenses if your scheduled transport is delayed due to COVID-19
However, some exclusions apply, so it's important to review RACV's product disclosure statement (PDS) to ensure you'll have enough cover when you need it the most.
RACV's COVID-19 benefits are only available under its Comprehensive and Domestic policies. Plus, there is also a combined maximum benefit of up to $3,500 for cancellation, additional and travel delay expenses. This might not be enough cover if you're planning a big trip.
If RACV's COVID-19 cover isn't quite hitting the mark, we've compared all the providers that offer cover for COVID-19.
What do Australians think of RACV travel insurance?
4.15/5 overall for Customer Satisfaction — lower than the average of 4.26
4.57/5 for Trust — equal to the average of 4.57
4.11/5 for Customer Service — lower than the average of 4.2
RACV has a wide variety of travel insurance to choose from. If you're heading overseas, you've got Comprehensive, Essentials, Basics and Annual Multi-trip policies. For travel around Australia, there are Domestic, Domestic Cancellation and Rental Car Excess policies.
International Comprehensive
International Essentials
International Basic
Annual Multi-trip
Domestic
Domestic Cancellation
Rental Car Excess
This insurance is issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd (Tokio Marine & Nichido). It comes with a 21-day cooling-off period and a choice of excess.
The cooling-off period gives you 21 days from the date of issue of your policy to make sure this is the right policy for you. You'll receive a full refund provided you have not started your trip and that you do not want to make a claim or exercise any other right under the policy.
Here's a breakdown of RACV travel insurance features
These are some of the main insured events that RACV will cover you for if something goes wrong on your trip. Some of these inclusions are only available for certain levels of cover (e.g. Comprehensive versus the Basics policy).
Even RACV's comprehensive cover doesn't include everything. If you're finding your chosen policy a bit lacking, there are some optional benefits that you can add on for an additional premium.
Cruise cover is all about loss or damage when you're exploring the high seas. It covers medical expenses and medical evacuation while on board the ship.
Ski and winter sports cover is essential if you plan on hitting the slopes. This add-on covers medical expenses, equipment hire and even prepaid ski passes, ski hire, tuition fees or lift passes if you fall ill.
Exclusions
RACV has a ton of standard inclusions, especially if you opt for its Comprehensive cover, but, as with any insurer, there are certain conditions in which your policy won't pay out. They include the following:
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issuing a "Do Not Travel" advisory to your country or region of intended travel
You drive a vehicle (including a motorcycle) without a current Australian driver's licence or a valid licence for the country you're in (even if that country doesn't require you to hold one)
Travel booked or undertaken against the advice of your doctor
Make sure you review RACV's PDS for a detailed breakdown of what you can expect to be covered for, found under its list of general exclusions.
How to make an RACV Travel Insurance claim
You can contact the RACV claims team at 1300 207 387 to start the claim process. Alternatively, the quickest way to make a claim is by using the online claim lodgement following the steps below.
Head to https://racv-onlineclaim.tmnfatravelinsurance.com.au/Account/Register
Register with the email address you used to purchase your policy
Complete your claim details by answering all sections
Upload any supporting documents relevant to your claim
Submit and your claim should be assessed within 10 working days
Here's the bottom line about RACV Travel Insurance
RACV offers one of the most varied suites of travel insurance offerings that we've seen. With 7 different levels of cover, you're likely to find something to fit both your budget and travel plans. Key benefits include free cover for dependent children under 25, no additional premium for motorcycle or scooter riding and new for old replacement of luggage.
The downside of RACV's cover is its lack of optional add-ons and long list of exclusions. Where some of the best travel insurance policies shine is the ability to tailor your insurance to make sure you're fully covered for every scenario. With RACV, if you're planning any high-risk activities or need to insure any of your belongings above the benefit limits, you're out of luck.
RACV insurance is issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd (Tokio Marine & Nichido) ABN 80 000 438 291, AFSL 246548.
Yes, RACV is a locally-owned, unlisted public company that has been operating since 1903.
Yes. You can extend your cover at no extra charge if your delay is due to a reason covered under your policy. You can apply to extend any single trip policy for any other reason by contacting RACV directly at least 5 days before your policy's expiration date.
Yes, some adventure activities are covered as standard and others are covered under certain conditions. For example, bungee jumping, jet boating and quad biking are covered provided you use a commercial operator and you don't need any special skills or a high level of fitness to participate.
RACV also has a list of high-risk activities that are excluded from cover altogether. These include motocross, canoeing grade 5 rapids and above and any kind of professional sport.
Cristal Dyer is a travel writer at Finder. She has been writing about travel for over five years and has visited over 40 countries around the world. Cristal currently travels full-time, writing about her favourite cities and food finds, and she is always on the lookout for amazing flight deals to share. See full bio
The rapid rise in the cost of living has left households doing the unthinkable, according to new research by Finder, Australia's most visited comparison site.
I need to know if we need to let you know about existing medical conditions (if any).
Finder
RichardMay 9, 2016Finder
Hi Shkeki,
Thanks for your question. finder.com.au is a comparison service and not an insurance brand. You will need to inform your insurer of any relevant conditions when you apply for cover.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard
TanyaSeptember 18, 2015
Hello,
If i travel with two children and my luggage is delayed, do you COVER MYSELF AND CHILDREN OR MYSELF WITH AN ‘ADULT ALLOWANCE’ out of which I will have to purchase needed items for my children?
Thank you
Tanya
Finder
RichardSeptember 21, 2015Finder
Hi Tanya,
Thanks for your question. finer.com.au is a comparison service and not an insurer. RACV Travel Insurance is not part of the panel of insurers we have access to. Depending on the policy, RACV provide a benefit of $500-750 for luggage delay.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard
JasperJune 19, 2015
Am I covered for sea sickness during a sea cruise?
Finder
RichardJune 19, 2015Finder
Hi Jasper,
Thanks for your question. finder.com.au is a comparison service and not an insurer, we do not have any affiliation with RACV Travel Insurance. It would depend on your policy whether or not you’re covered for medical costs while travelling. You’re best bet would be to contact RACV Travel Insurance directly, and ask them what your policy covers.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard
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I need to know if we need to let you know about existing medical conditions (if any).
Hi Shkeki,
Thanks for your question. finder.com.au is a comparison service and not an insurance brand. You will need to inform your insurer of any relevant conditions when you apply for cover.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard
Hello,
If i travel with two children and my luggage is delayed, do you COVER MYSELF AND CHILDREN OR MYSELF WITH AN ‘ADULT ALLOWANCE’ out of which I will have to purchase needed items for my children?
Thank you
Tanya
Hi Tanya,
Thanks for your question. finer.com.au is a comparison service and not an insurer. RACV Travel Insurance is not part of the panel of insurers we have access to. Depending on the policy, RACV provide a benefit of $500-750 for luggage delay.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard
Am I covered for sea sickness during a sea cruise?
Hi Jasper,
Thanks for your question. finder.com.au is a comparison service and not an insurer, we do not have any affiliation with RACV Travel Insurance. It would depend on your policy whether or not you’re covered for medical costs while travelling. You’re best bet would be to contact RACV Travel Insurance directly, and ask them what your policy covers.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard