Australia extends travel insurance sales exemption until 2031
The extension allows travel businesses to continue selling travel insurance when customers book their trips
The Australian Government has extended an exemption allowing travel businesses to sell travel insurance at the time of booking until 5 October 2031.
The exemption, which was first introduced in 2021, was due to expire on 5 October 2026. The extension was registered on 16 September, allowing travel businesses to continue offering insurance alongside bookings for a further five years.
The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) welcomed the decision, having advocated for the exemption to remain in place.
ATIA CEO Dean Long said that offering insurance at the time of booking allows travellers to consider cover based on their destination, itinerary, and planned activities.
ATIA also highlighted that around 85% of Australians are more likely to book with an ATIA-accredited business. The association argued that without the extension, more travellers could have been exposed to medical and cancellation costs, while placing additional pressure on consular services.
ATIA said the exemption is particularly important for small and medium-sized travel businesses, which can help customers select cover based on the nature of their trip, including cruises, snow sports, adventure travel, and complex international itineraries.
Long added: “This decision brings important certainty for our members, particularly for the small and medium operators who carry the most risk when settings like this are left unclear.”
ATIA also highlighted existing consumer protections, including a 14-day cooling-off period and Design and Distribution Obligations that apply to insurance products.
In other news for the Australian market, travel insurance comparison service WAS Travel Insurance has launched a ChatGPT app allowing users in Australia to compare travel insurance policies and prices from participating providers.