Yes, you can. If you are a non-Australian resident currently living in Australia and planning a trip overseas, you are eligible to purchase travel insurance for non-Australian residents plans from several insurers operating in Australia, provided you meet certain basic conditions.
Who Is a Non-Australian Resident?
You are considered a non-Australian resident if you are not an Australian citizen or don’t hold a permanent resident visa. You might be in Australia for:
- Study (subclass 500 and 571)
- Work (temporary skilled visas 482 and 457)
- Working holiday, bridging, or temporary visas
At any given time, a large number of people in Australia are on such temporary visas and are eligible to buy travel insurance cover for overseas trips.
Eligibility Criteria & Conditions
Travel insurers in Australia have slightly different conditions, but typical eligibility criteria for travel insurance for non-Australian residents include:
- Your trip must start and end in Australia
- You must be living in Australia for a minimum number of days before travel
- Your visa must remain valid for the duration of your journey
- You should hold one of the following:
- A valid Medicare card
- Private health insurance in Australia
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)
- or you have a reciprocal healthcare agreement between Australia and the country to which you intend to travel
- Some insurers have age limits, typically at 70 or 80 years
Can I Buy Travel Insurance From My Home Country?
No, if your trip starts and ends in Australia, you must buy travel insurance from a provider based in Australia to which you intend to return after travel. Insurance from your home country will not cover your trip correctly in most cases.
What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
Most insurers offer similar travel insurance cover for both residents and non-residents. Coverage varies by provider and plan level, but commonly includes:
- Emergency medical assistance overseas
- Unlimited overseas hospital and medical expenses
- Trip cancellation and interruptions
- Baggage delay, loss, or theft
- Travel delays or missed connections
- Personal liability
It’s essential to check the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) offered by different insurance provider to know what’s included and excluded in your chosen plan.
What Is Not Covered?
Exclusions may include:
- Pre-existing medical conditions (unless disclosed and accepted)
- Travel against government advisories
- High-risk activities or sports (unless optional cover added)
- Visa or policy expiry during travel
- Incomplete documentation (e.g., no return ticket to Australia)
Each insurer differs and hence essential to read the PDS carefully.
Popular Destinations for Non-Australian Residents Traveling From Australia
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (March 2025), the top overseas destinations for international travellers based in Australia are:
- New Zealand
- Indonesia (especially Bali)
- Japan
Why Travel Insurance Is Essential
If you are living in Australia temporarily, you are far from home. Travelling uninsured could cost you a fortune in case of emergencies. Whether you’re young or healthy, emergency medical assistance overseas can be extremely expensive.
A 2023 survey by Quantum Market Research for the Insurance Council of Australia and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller found:
- Young travellers, under 30 were most likely to travel without insurance i.e 60%
- The survey also found that even among those who do have travel insurance, many are overconfident about their coverage and have not properly read their policy documents.
Don’t risk your safety or finances travel insurance plans are a small price to pay for peace of mind.
Best Budget Travel Insurance Providers for Non-Australian Residents
Here are some travel insurance companies for non-Australian residents –
Fast Cover
Covers students and workers on temporary visas. Includes medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost baggage.
InsureandGo
Offers plans for non-residents with valid Medicare or OSHC. Wide coverage and flexible pricing.
Zoom Travel Insurance
Supports temporary visa holders and students. Good value with customisation options.
Tick Travel Insurance
Provides cover to those with Australian health access or reciprocal agreements. Known for simplicity and affordability
Go Insurance
Tailored coverage for visitors and temporary residents. Flexible with policy add-ons.
Sources
Australian Bureau of Statistics
Insurance Council of Australia
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