When planning a trip, excitement often takes the lead — new destinations, culture, adventure, food, and lifelong memories. But one unexpected incident can turn a dream getaway into financial stress. That’s where RACV Travel Insurance becomes essential. Known for its comprehensive coverage, flexible policies, and strong customer support, RACV is one of the widely trusted names among travellers in Australia.
Whether you are backpacking through Europe, skiing in Queenstown, cruising in the Pacific, or holidaying with family, RACV offers insurance policies to protect you from unexpected medical expenses, cancellations, flight issues, lost luggage, and more.
This article covers everything about RACV Travel Insurance — inclusions, exclusions, costs, claim process, pros & cons, and how to choose the right plan.
What is RACV Travel Insurance?
RACV (Royal Automobile Club of Victoria) began as a motoring club, later expanding into financial, insurance, and travel services. Today, RACV Travel Insurance offers peace of mind to travellers with coverage for domestic and international trips.
Their policy options range from basic to comprehensive, suitable for:
Solo travellers
Families & couples
Business travellers
Adventure/From sports travellers
Frequent flyers
What makes RACV stand out is its reliability, medical protection range, emergency support network and customer-focused flexibility.
Types of RACV Travel Insurance Plans
RACV offers 2 broad categories, each tailored to different trip types and risk levels:
International Travel Insurance
Best for overseas travel, covering major medical emergencies and trip interruptions. Usually includes:
| Feature | Coverage |
| Overseas Medical & Hospital | Up to high limits depending on plan |
| Medical Evacuation | Emergency transport & repatriation |
| Trip Cancellation/Delays | For illness, weather, airline error |
| Lost or Damaged Luggage | Reimbursement for personal belongings |
| Travel Documents & Cash | Assistance + claimable losses |
| Rental Car Excess | Optional Add-on |
| Dental & Personal Liability | Included based on plan |
Ideal for backpacking, family holidays, study trips, business travel and multi-country vacations.
Domestic Travel Insurance
Even local trips within Australia carry risks — lost luggage, cancelled flights or car rental damage. Domestic RACV plans commonly include:
| Feature | Coverage |
| Trip Cancellation Fees | Cover for illness, accidents, emergencies |
| Accommodation/Transport Expense | If trip is interrupted |
| Luggage Loss or Theft | Bags, electronics, personal items |
| Rental Vehicle Insurance Excess | Optional add-on for road trips |
| Pet Boarding | If travel delays extend stay |
| Travel Delay Allowance | Meals + Accommodation payments |
Highly useful for road trips, interstate flights, weddings, business events or family holidays.
Optional Add-Ons for Greater Protection
RACV travel insurance offers custom add-ons so you only pay for what you need:
🔹 Adventure & Winter Sports Cover
For activities such as:
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Hiking
- Scuba diving
- Mountain trekking
(Subject to medical fitness approval)
🔹 Rental Car Excess Cover
Covers expensive car damages while travelling — especially helpful for road trippers.
🔹 Cruise Cover
Protects against:
- On-board medical emergencies
- Missed departure
- Cabin confinement due to illness
- Lost luggage in transit
🔹 High-Value Item Cover
If you carry expensive electronics, jewellery or camera gear, this add-on is essential.
What Events Does RACV Travel Insurance Cover?
A major advantage of RACV is its extensive protection range, including:
Medical Emergencies
Hospital bills overseas can be extremely expensive. RACV covers hospitalisation, ambulance, surgeries, and medical evacuation.
Trip Cancellation & Curtailment
If you can’t travel due to sickness, natural disaster, airline strikes, or emergencies — you can claim prepaid expenses.
Personal Liability
If you accidentally injure someone or damage property abroad, RACV assumes legal/financial liability within covered limits.
Delayed Flights or Travel Disruptions
Meals, hotel stays, rebooking — RACV reimburses costs depending on policy terms.
Lost, Stolen or Damaged Baggage
Luggage mishandling is common worldwide. RACV compensates for essentials & replacement items.
Travel Document Loss
Passport loss can be stressful — RACV assists with emergency documentation + refund expenses.
What’s NOT Covered? (Exclusions)
Like every travel insurance, RACV has exclusions you must know beforehand:
Pre-existing medical conditions (without disclosure)
High-risk adventure sports unless add-on included
Travelling against government advice
Alcohol/drug-related incidents
Personal negligence or illegal activity
Overseas medical treatment for routine check-ups
Understanding exclusions helps avoid claim rejections later.
How to Buy RACV Travel Insurance
Purchasing is simple and can be done online in minutes:
- Visit RACV insurance website or contact support
- Enter travel destination, dates & number of travellers
- Choose plan type (Domestic/International)
- Add optional covers if required
- Review premium & policy terms
- Pay & receive certificate instantly via email
Tip: Buy insurance as soon as you book flights for maximum cancellation protection.
Claim Process — Step By Step
If something goes wrong during your trip, claiming is easy if you follow the proper documentation steps.
1. Collect proof
Keep receipts, medical reports, police statements, boarding passes, etc.
2. Submit claim online
Fill details about incident + attach documents.
3. Assessment period
Most claims are processed within days or weeks depending on severity.
4. Receive reimbursement
Approved claims are paid to your bank electronically.
Helpful Tip: Report any loss/theft to local police within 24 hours — it improves claim success.
Cost & Premium — What Affects Price?
RACV prices depend on:
| Factor | Impact |
| Destination | Medical risk levels differ by country |
| Trip Length | Long trips cost more |
| Traveller Age | Higher age = higher premium |
| Add-ons | Adventure/cruise add-on increases cost |
| Number of People | Group/family policies available |
To reduce costs, compare plan tiers and avoid unnecessary add-ons.
Advantages of RACV Travel Insurance
Global Medical Assistance
Emergency support helps you anywhere in the world.
Wide Cancellation Cover
Covers non-refundable bookings, accommodation & tours.
Great for Families
Family plans are budget-friendly compared to individual policies.
Easy Claim Process
Online, fast, and handled professionally.
Customizable Add-ons
Only pay for coverage you genuinely need.
Drawbacks to Consider
🔸 Pre-existing conditions may require medical assessment
🔸 Some adventure sports need additional cover
🔸 Premium can be higher for seniors or risky destinations
However, the quality and coverage justify the value for most travellers.
Final Thoughts
If you want a reliable, well-structured travel insurance plan with strong emergency medical protection, RACV Travel Insurance is a great choice. It suits both casual holidaymakers and long-distance travellers seeking comprehensive safety. While premiums vary, the peace of mind you gain is worth the investment.
Travelling is unpredictable — insurance makes it stress-free.
FAQs
1. Is RACV Travel Insurance available for international trips?
Yes, RACV offers international travel insurance with medical, baggage & emergency coverage worldwide.
2. Does RACV cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Some conditions may be covered if declared during application. Hidden conditions may void claims.
3. Can I get insurance for my family under one plan?
Yes, RACV offers group & family travel policies, often cheaper than single-person plans.
4. What if my luggage is lost during flight?
You can claim compensation for lost, delayed or damaged baggage with proper reporting documents.
5. When should I buy RACV Travel Insurance?
Buy it immediately after booking flights to protect against cancellations & emergencies.
6. Does RACV cover adventure sports?
Only if you add the Adventure/Sport add-on — otherwise risky activities are excluded.
