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mental health And Travel Insurance

We are supportive of all types of conditions and do not make any distinction between physical and mental conditions. We cover mental health conditions, unless your condition is considered a pre-existing medical condition.

Please see the definition of pre-existing medical condition in the PDS to see what needs to be disclosed.

If you have a pre-existing mental condition, you can still get travel insurance* it might just mean that:
  • you can obtain travel insurance and we will cover your pre-existing medical condition for no additional premium; or
     
  • you can obtain travel insurance, but if you want your pre-existing mental health condition to be covered, you'll have the option to pay an additional premium; or 
     
  • you can obtain travel insurance but it will be mandatory to purchase coverage for your mental health condition for an additional premium; or
     
  • your condition won’t be covered at all, but you can still purchase travel insurance.

 

We might not able to cover you at all, but we will tell you this after you have disclosed your pre-existing medical condition and we have made an assessment.

 

How do I let you know about my mental health condition?

The process is simple and quick. You don’t need to call us (though you can if you wish) and you don’t need to provide doctor’s certificates or other documents. All you need to do is fill out a simple questionnaire when you’re purchasing a policy online.

You’ll be asked about your pre-existing medical conditions during your online purchase and if you select ‘yes”, you’ll fill out the questionnaire. This is where we’ll ask you everything we need to know about your mental health condition.

Once you’ve filled out this questionnaire, you’ll immediately find out your travel insurance options.

 

Get A Quote & medical Assessment

 

travelling with mental health conditions

What is a mental health condition/illness?

About one in five Australians experience symptoms of a mental illness every year. Mental illness includes a range of conditions including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, panic disorders, stress, prenatal depression and PTSD.

Here’s a few common mental health conditions:

  • Depression - Clinical depression expresses itself in many psychological and physical symptoms, including extreme sadness or feeling completely numb.
  • Anxiety - Feeling anxious at times is common. Someone who experiences an anxiety disorder struggles with anxiousness during day to day activities.
  • Bipolar disorder - This is a type of mood disorder in which people have episodes of low mood and mania ‘high’ mood.
  • Prenatal and postnatal depression - Many new or expecting parents experience anxiety and depression related to either or all of the stages of pregnancy

Travelling means being away from your routine, so you should make sure you’ve taken all the necessary steps to keep yourself safe and healthy on your trip. Please note, the below is general advice only is not intended to replace the advice or information from a registered body or your doctor.
 

before You Travel
  • Speak to your health professional/s about your travel plans.  Book an appointment with your doctor before you go to inform them about your travel plans. Your doctor will be able to advise you on a range of travel tips from medication and coping strategies. They’ll also be able to provide you with a letter in case you are queried about your medication or anything else during airport security.
  • Make sure family and friends at home are in the loop. Informing loved ones of your travel schedule can help maintain healthy stress levels during your holiday.
  • Do your research. Talk to your doctor about coping with common travel issues such as motion sickness and jet lag. Understanding what to expect and how to deal with common travel issues might alleviate symptoms.
During your Trip
  • Align your body with new time zones. Sleep is important to everyone, and lack of sleep can be very noticeable when trying to manage your mental health. Talk to your doctor about strategies to overcome jet-lag.
  • Think about your alcohol intake. Drinking alcohol is common on holiday, but if you are on regular medication it is important that you stay well-hydrated and have your doctor's advice. 
  • Massage, stretch and move around regularly. This is especially important on a long flight. During a long journey, get up and walk around every 45 minutes. Be sure to massage your muscles with something like a tennis ball to promote circulation.
  • Maintain healthy habits. When you’re in new surroundings, it’s easy overindulge and not eat or drink as you normally would. Try to maintain consistent habits as you would at home to take care of your body and mind.
  • Take note of experiences. A long awaited holiday can be very excited however travel can also introduce various stresses and anxieties. These can derive from simply leaving familiar places to navigating around with a foreign language. After your trip, follow up with your doctor if you experienced a mental health event during your trip.

Mental Health Related FAQs

  • Do you cover bipolar disorder?
  • We’re supportive of mental health, and offer cover for a different range of conditions. What we do is assess your individual circumstances when you disclose your condition.

  • Do you cover depression and anxiety?
  • Depression and anxiety are very common conditions. That’s why we assess your individual circumstances when you disclose your condition.

  • Do you cover Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?  
  • PTSD is difficult to go through and is a highly individual condition. We’re here to support your travel, and we may be able to offer cover once we know the full details of your condition.

  • Do you cover pre and post natal depression?
  • Pre and post-natal depression affect a wide range of women. After you give birth, you may need to travel to be close to loved ones or for other reasons. When you let us know about your individual circumstances so we can make an accurate assessment about your insurance options.

    See here for more information about pregnancy and travel insurance.

  • What should I do if I have a panic attack during my trip?
  • If you are prone to panic attacks, you might need to speak to your doctor before you leave to figure out a strategy for this situation.

    If you are overseas and your panic attack is severe, you or someone you’re travelling with might need to call our medical assistance team for advice.

  • If I’m not covered for mental health condition, is there any point in travel insurance?
  • If we are unable to provide cover for your mental health condition, you could still obtain a policy that covers other events that aren’t related to your condition,  including medical cover for other unforeseen injuries or illnesses, cancellation fees, lost deposits, lost luggage, theft, and more.

  • What if the person i’m travelling with has a mental health condition?
  • If you’re travelling with someone and they’re named on the policy, you will need to make sure that, where necessary, their medical conditions are declared. As a parent or guardian you can do this on your child's behalf. For adult travel companions, you’ll need to declare their condition if you have their permission to do so and are aware of their health and medical conditions. If you don’t have permission, they will need to do it themselves.

  • I think my mental health condition is covered automatically. Do i still have to disclose my condition?
  • We are unable to provide cover for mental health conditions automatically, but we provide you with an instant outcome once you have complete your assessment either online or over the phone.

  • Why could a Mental illness be considered A Pre-Existing Medical Condition?
  • A mental condition could come within the definition of a pre-existing medical condition for a number of reasons including but not limited to chronic or ongoing conditions, or if there are ongoing implications. It could also be something that you take regular medication for (or not). Please see the PDS for the full definition to determine whether your mental condition is pre-existing and needs to be disclosed to us.

  • what if i have a mental health condition, but i don't get travel insurance?
  • Travel insurance provides cover for a wide range of benefits. Although in some cases we may not be able to provide cover for your condition we may still offer cover things like unforeseen injury or illness (not related to your mental health), personal effects, cancellation fees & lost deposits, and family emergency.

    If you don’t take out travel insurance you will be liable to pay all expenses that you incur if something happens while you’re away.

  • What should I do if i need help overseas?
  • If you’re sick or injured, we advise that you or a member of your travelling party call our medical assistance team as soon as possible. Our medical team will liaise with the treating hospital, and if you are covered, may provide written guarantees of payment for reasonable expenses (subject to your claim being approved). If you are covered and approved for medical evacuation, they will arrange this, if it’s deemed necessary.

    For minor ailments, such as those that only require a GP visit, you may choose to visit a doctor, pay for your visit upfront, and then submit your claim either from overseas or once you return home. Make sure that you keep all receipts and reports from your treating doctor, including the diagnosis and treatment notes and any other documents.

    If your total cost of treatment will exceed $1,000 you MUST contact our medical assistance team as soon as possible. If you are still uncertain about what to do in relation to an injury or illness, please contact our medical assistance team for further advice.

  • How does a mental health condition affect my Frequent Traveller policy?
  • Cover for mental health conditions on a Frequent Traveller policy works in the same way as single trip policies. You will need to complete a medical assessment to determine if we can offer the cover for your mental health condition when you apply for a quote.

    If you’re diagnosed with a mental health condition part way through your Frequent Traveller policy, we ask that you contact us to tell us about your condition as soon as you become aware

  • What if i have a mental health condition as well as other pre-existing medical conditions?
  • If you have other pre-existing medical conditions that are not on our automatically covered list or they do not meet auto-criteria you will need to disclose them by completing a medical assessment.

  • What if i forgot to tell you about my mental health condition?
  • If you forgot to disclose your condition and your policy has not started we may be able to add it. You can call our Customer Care Team to carry out an assessment for your condition.

    Please be aware that depending on the outcome of the assessment you may need to pay an additional premium. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to cover your condition even after you have declared it on an existing policy.

    All terms, conditions and limitations will apply in the same way as if you had disclosed the condition when you purchased the policy.

  • Are the first episodes of a mental health condition covered?
  • You may have a provision to claim for travel events related to the first episodes of a mental health condition, if it is not a pre-existing medical condition. Additionally, you would have had to have been deemed fit to travel by your doctor.

    After these initial episodes, however, the condition becomes a pre-existing medical condition for all future policies with us.

 

READ ALL FAQS

 

Do you need to know About...

 

pre-existing Conditions

A pre-existing medical condition is something that must be disclosed when you’re purchasing travel insurance. Find out what they are and how they affect your travel insurance.

Pregnancy

You or someone you’re travelling with is going to have a baby…so you’ll need to find out how travel insurance works for pregnant women.

Repatriation

Repatriation is the process of returning a person home after a medical emergency or at worst case death. Being covered for repatriation is important so read the ins and outs.

Vaccinations

It’s important that you have all the right vaccinations before you travel. From malaria to meningococcal, find out what you need to know about vaccinations and travel insurance.

 

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One Last Thing: Handy resources For travellers with mental Health


Mental Health Australia is the peak, national non-government organisation representing and promoting the interests of the Australian mental health sector. If you have specific questions about travelling with your condition, they may be able to help.

 

Millions of Australians are living with anxiety or depression. Beyondblue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.

 


 

 

 

 

visit beyondblue


IAMAT are a non-profit organization who help travellers plan a healthy trip,  and connect travellers with reputable English-speaking doctors. They are a useful point of contact for anyone travelling with a health condition.


Mental illness is real. But you’re not alone. There is much that can be done, and SANE helps you figure out what that is. A useful resource before you travel and are away from your routine.