Australians eager to travel overseas are being urged to check their assumptions at the airport gate. RACV is calling attention to the fine print in reciprocal health care agreements and reminding holidaymakers that pre-existing medical conditions are usually not covered—even if they’re under control.
Judith Gamble, Head of Travel Insurance at RACV, says too many Australians believe that reciprocal arrangements with countries like the UK, New Zealand, and Italy provide full protection if things go wrong abroad. “Reciprocal health agreements typically only cover essential treatment in public hospitals and may come with long waiting times,” she said.
The real concern, she adds, lies with those who have pre-existing conditions. “Something as common as asthma, high blood pressure, or managed diabetes can easily lead to complications while travelling. These conditions are often excluded entirely under reciprocal arrangements.”
While some travellers still believe Medicare’s reach extends beyond Australian borders, RACV warns that reciprocal agreements offer limited support:
- They cover only medically necessary treatment
- They’re restricted to public hospital systems
- They exclude medical evacuations or repatriation
- Most prescription medications and all dental care are out of pocket
- Pre-existing conditions are generally not included
Even travellers with minor or well-managed conditions are being caught off guard. “If you’ve had surgery before, or if you manage your health with regular medication, you must disclose it,” Ms Gamble said. “Otherwise, there’s a risk you won’t be covered—even if your condition hasn’t flared up in years.”
To simplify the process, RACV offers an online medical assessment that takes under 10 minutes and tailors the travel insurance plan accordingly. Certain conditions, such as pregnancy or cardiovascular and respiratory issues, can still be covered—but they require a transparent medical declaration.
With post-pandemic wanderlust still running high, especially among older Australians, RACV says it’s seeing a wave of travellers heading out without having updated their medical disclosures. “We’re hearing from people in their 60s and 70s finally taking long-postponed trips,” Ms Gamble said. “It’s fantastic—but skipping proper cover for the sake of convenience is a risky gamble.”
The caution comes as many Australians book their first international travel in years, possibly unaware of changes in their own health status during that time. Travel insurance policies that don’t reflect current medical conditions could leave people exposed to thousands in overseas medical costs.
To reduce that risk, RACV recommends the following:
- Buy travel insurance as soon as a trip is booked
- Declare all pre-existing conditions, even if stable
- Read the policy wording carefully
- Always travel with insurance documents and emergency contact details
- Check Smart Traveller advice before heading out—some policies won’t cover countries marked as ‘Do Not Travel’
RACV’s broader message is one of caution backed by preparation. “You wouldn’t fly without luggage—so don’t travel without the cover that suits your health,” Ms Gamble said. “It takes a few minutes now, but it could save you from weeks of stress later.”
More information is available on the RACV website, including details on eligibility, automatic inclusions, and the medical assessment process.
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