racv travel insurance emergency number

RACV Travel Insurance

Racv has multiple plans tailored to domestic and international travel, but if you’ve got something out of the ordinary on the itinerary, you might not be covered..

In this guide

Summary of RACV's International Comprehensive policy

How does racv travel insurance cover covid-19, what policies does racv offer, here's a breakdown of racv travel insurance features, standard features, optional add-on, how to make an racv travel insurance claim, here's the bottom line about racv travel insurance, frequently asked questions, compare your travel insurance quotes.

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• By becoming an RACV member, you can access generous discounts on its insurance policies. We struggled to find another insurance provider offering similar benefits.
• Enjoy free cover for dependent children under the age of 25 on any policy. This is better than the industry standard that limits dependants to those under the age of 18 or sometimes 21.
• RACV doesn't have much choice of optional cover and its detailed list of exclusions could be a turn-off for some. If you're looking for cover for some adventure activities, like sky diving , you'll have to look elsewhere.

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Table updated January 2023

RACV covers COVID-19 in a variety of scenarios that include medical expenses and cancellation. Here's what you can expect:

• Cancellation fees and lost deposits for travel and accommodation arrangements if your trip is cancelled or cut short due to COVID-19
• Medical, hospital and emergency expenses outside of Australia if you are diagnosed with COVID-19
• Emergency or additional expenses including travel and accommodation costs if you are diagnosed with COVID-19
• Funeral expenses if you, your children or your grandchildren die while overseas
• Boarding kennel or cattery fees if you're delayed beyond your return date
• Travel delay expenses if your scheduled transport is delayed due to COVID-19

However, some exclusions apply, so it's important to review RACV's product disclosure statement (PDS) to ensure you'll have enough cover when you need it the most.

RACV's COVID-19 benefits are only available under its Comprehensive and Domestic policies. Plus, there is also a combined maximum benefit of up to $3,500 for cancellation, additional and travel delay expenses. This might not be enough cover if you're planning a big trip.

If RACV's COVID-19 cover isn't quite hitting the mark, we've compared all the providers that offer cover for COVID-19 .

RACV has a wide variety of travel insurance to choose from. If you're heading overseas, you've got Comprehensive, Essentials, Basics and Annual Multi-trip policies. For travel around Australia, there are Domestic, Domestic Cancellation and Rental Car Excess policies.

International Comprehensive

International Essentials

International Basic

Annual Multi-trip

Domestic Cancellation

Rental Car Excess

This insurance is issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd (Tokio Marine & Nichido). It comes with a 21-day cooling-off period and a choice of excess .

The cooling-off period gives you 21 days from the date of issue of your policy to make sure this is the right policy for you. You'll receive a full refund provided you have not started your trip and that you do not want to make a claim or exercise any other right under the policy.

These are some of the main insured events that RACV will cover you for if something goes wrong on your trip. Some of these inclusions are only available for certain levels of cover (e.g. Comprehensive versus the Basics policy ).

• Accidental death and disability
• Cancellation fees and lost deposit
• Financial default
• Funeral expenses overseas
• Loss of income
• Overseas medical, dental and hospital
• Rental car excess
• Special events
• Travel delay

Even RACV's comprehensive cover doesn't include everything. If you're finding your chosen policy a bit lacking, there are some optional benefits that you can add on for an additional premium.

• Cruise cover is all about loss or damage when you're exploring the high seas . It covers medical expenses and medical evacuation while on board the ship.
• Ski and winter sports cover is essential if you plan on hitting the slopes . This add-on covers medical expenses, equipment hire and even prepaid ski passes, ski hire, tuition fees or lift passes if you fall ill.

RACV has a ton of standard inclusions, especially if you opt for its Comprehensive cover , but, as with any insurer, there are certain conditions in which your policy won't pay out. They include the following:

• The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issuing a "Do Not Travel" advisory to your country or region of intended travel
• Errors, omissions or failure to obtain the relevant visa , passport or travel documents
• You drive a vehicle ( including a motorcycle ) without a current Australian driver's licence or a valid licence for the country you're in (even if that country doesn't require you to hold one)
• Travel booked or undertaken against the advice of your doctor
• Travel booked or undertaken to seek medical treatment or review
• Being under the influence or addicted to intoxicating liquor or drugs except a drug prescribed to you
• Elective surgery including cosmetic treatment, body piercing or tattooing
• Some adventure activities, including engaging in open water sailing , going rock climbing using ropes or climbing equipment and sky diving
• Diving underwater using an artificial breathing apparatus
• Unexpected pregnancy complications after the 26th week or childbirth after the 26th week that is accelerated by accidental injury

Make sure you review RACV's PDS for a detailed breakdown of what you can expect to be covered for, found under its list of general exclusions .

You can contact the RACV claims team at 1300 207 387 to start the claim process. Alternatively, the quickest way to make a claim is by using the online claim lodgement following the steps below.

• Head to https://racv-onlineclaim.tmnfatravelinsurance.com.au/Account/Register
• Register with the email address you used to purchase your policy
• Complete your claim details by answering all sections
• Upload any supporting documents relevant to your claim
• Submit and your claim should be assessed within 10 working days

RACV offers one of the most varied suites of travel insurance offerings that we've seen. With 7 different levels of cover, you're likely to find something to fit both your budget and travel plans. Key benefits include free cover for dependent children under 25, no additional premium for motorcycle or scooter riding and new for old replacement of luggage.

The downside of RACV's cover is its lack of optional add-ons and long list of exclusions. Where some of the best travel insurance policies shine is the ability to tailor your insurance to make sure you're fully covered for every scenario. With RACV, if you're planning any high-risk activities or need to insure any of your belongings above the benefit limits , you're out of luck.

RACV not quite hitting the mark? You can compare it to other travel insurance companies here to find a better fit.

What company is the underwriter for RACV insurance?

RACV insurance is issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd (Tokio Marine & Nichido) ABN 80 000 438 291, AFSL 246548.

Is RACV Australia owned?

Yes, RACV is a locally-owned, unlisted public company that has been operating since 1903.

Can I make changes to my policies?

Yes. You can extend your cover at no extra charge if your delay is due to a reason covered under your policy. You can apply to extend any single trip policy for any other reason by contacting RACV directly at least 5 days before your policy's expiration date.

Does RACV travel insurance cover adventure activities?

Yes, some adventure activities are covered as standard and others are covered under certain conditions. For example, bungee jumping , jet boating and quad biking are covered provided you use a commercial operator and you don't need any special skills or a high level of fitness to participate.

RACV also has a list of high-risk activities that are excluded from cover altogether. These include motocross, canoeing grade 5 rapids and above and any kind of professional sport.

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Cristal Dyer

Cristal Dyer is a travel writer at Finder. She has been writing about travel for over five years and has visited over 40 countries around the world. Cristal currently travels full-time, writing about her favourite cities and food finds, and she is always on the lookout for amazing flight deals to share.

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16 Responses

Going on a cruise and plan to have a few drinks, not excessive though, wondering if we are covered if we have had a drink and anything happens.

Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.

Normally insurers will have a general exclusion that prohibits claims where alcohol was the root cause. You can learn more about how travel insurers treat alcohol and drug use. To know the level of your travel insurance cover, please contact your provider directly.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and have a wonderful day!

Cheers, Jeni

does RACV travel insurance cover being picked up from a cruise ship at sea

Thank you for leaving a question.

Upon verifying in the terms and conditions for RACV. If you take out any of the international travel insurance policies, you’re covered with cruise travel insurance which covers the following:

Overseas medical expenses and medical evacuation Cancellations Luggage and personal items 24-hour emergency assistance Emergency expenses overseas Pre-existing medical conditions and pregnancy

Hope this helps! Reggie

Does RACV Travel Insurance cover cost of repatriation to home should I have a serious accident or contract a serious disease or medical condition where I am required to return home on a special stretcher etc. and/or require in flight and travel assistance and/or medical assistance?

Thanks for getting in touch.

Basically, RACV Travel insurance includes “Amendment or Cancellation Costs”. They will cover your trip amendments or cancellation due to circumstances outside your control and unforeseen at the relevant time. So in the event that you are sent home due to a serious accident or you got a serious disease or medical condition while overseas, you may have to contact RACV to confirm if you can get a claim for your trip cancellation costs.

Although they have Resumption of Journey, they will only cover you for this if your repatriation is due to the sudden serious injury, sickness, disease or death *of a relative or business partner in Australia*. RACV can cover you for economy class transport costs.

Cheers, Joshua

I would like to know if RACV travel insurance covers you for a break up of relationship therefore not wanting to travel anymore?

Thanks for your comment.

The Comprehensive RACV travel insurance policy covers amendment or cancellation costs due to circumstances outside your control and unforeseen at the relevant time. Therefore, RACV (or any other travel insurance provider) will not provide any cover for cancellation due to breakup of relationship.

You may try to contact RACV about this as cover varies from policy to policy.

Regards, Jhezelyn

does t/ insurance cover property rental if owners cancel my booking

Thanks for getting in touch. You will need to contact RACV about this as cover varies from provider to provider and policy to policy but generally policies won’t for scheduling and cancellations of that nature.

Cheers, Richard

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Travel insurance

RACV Comprehensive review

One trip policy..

This is the provider of the insurance product and correlates with the Financial Services Provider (FSP) as registered with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. You can look up your insurer's provider in the AFCA comparative tables to see how common it is for consumers to bring a travel insurance dispute to AFCA about them.

In years (up to and including the number stated). For policies listed as '100+', there is no age limit.

Maximum age for dependants listed on the policy. In years (up to and including the number stated).

Does the policy list pre-existing medical conditions that are automatically covered.

Does the policy cover pre-existing medical conditions that are not listed as automatic cover on the policy (on application and subject to approval)

The lower the number, the better. It's the time period before booking your trip that a medical condition would be covered if you've had no symptoms,  medication or treatment (as long as that condition isn't specifically excluded). If for example, your condition last showed symptoms 18 months ago, but the time period here is 12 months, then you'll be covered subject to the other conditions of the policy.

Are claims covered that arise from pregnancy or pregnancy complications?

Until which stage pregnancy is covered for single births (up to and including).

Are medical costs covered for the mother if childbirth occurs up to the maximum pregancy stage

Limit for medical and emergency evacuation and repatriation expenses for illness or injury.

Expenses for an accompanying person such as a member of the travelling party, a friend or a close relative (not necessarily listed as insured on the certificate of insurance) to travel to the sick policyholder overseas, remain with them in hospital and accompany them home during an emergency repatriation.

Daily hospital cash allowance per person.

Minimum number of hours the insured must be continuously hospitalised before receiving the hospital cash allowance.

Limit for dental as a result of an accident.

Limit for dental as a result of sudden and acute pain.

Limit for overseas funeral costs and the return of mortal remains per deceased person, in the event of the death of the policy holder. There may be a separate limit for 'return of mortal remains' and 'overseas funeral costs', so check the policy terms for more details.

Limit for additional accommodation and travel expenses if the policy holder cannot travel due to injury or sickness.

The limit for additional travel expenses per person if travel is interrupted by an insured event (not including injury or sickness as that is covered separately under 'Additional travel expenses for injury or sickness'). Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Whether the policy covers you for additional travel expenses per person if travel is interrupted due to a lost or stolen passport or travel documents. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Whether or not the policy covers you for additional accommodation and travel expenses if you need to curtail travel due to the serious illness or injury of a relative at home. May be subject to assessment of pre-existing conditions for the relative.

Limit for resumption of a journey interrupted due to the serious illness, injury or death of a relative. May be subject to assessment of pre-existing conditions for the relative. Check the policy terms for more details. 'Cancellation cover chosen' means variable cover options are available.

Whether the policy covers you for cancellation or amendment expenses.

Limit for cancellation or amendment expenses. 'Cover chosen' means variable cover options are available.

Limit for cancellation expenses for transportation bought using frequent flyer points.

Limit for travel agent cancellation fees.

Whether the policy covers you for losses arising out of insolvency of a travel services provider (e.g. airline, accomodation provider, bus line, shipping line, railway company, motor vehicle rental agency). Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Whether the policy covers you for cancellation expenses due to insolvency of a travel agent. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Whether the policy covers you for cancellation expenses due to unexpected/involuntary retrenchment. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Whether the policy covers you for cancellation expenses due to cancellation of pre-arranged leave from work for members of the Defence Force and Federal, State or Territory Emergency Services. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Whether the policy covers you for cancellation expenses due to cancellation of pre-arranged leave from work for non-emergency services occupations. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Are stolen or damaged personal belongings covered

The overall limit for stolen or damaged personal belongings.

Limit for a single unspecified item.

Limit per item for a video or photo camera. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Limit for a laptop or tablet. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Limit for a smartphone. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Limit for any prescribed medications. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Overall limit for specified items, available for an extra premium. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Cover for belongings locked in a luggage compartment of a car out of sight during the day. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Cover for belongings locked in a luggage compartment of a car out of sight overnight. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Cover for valuables such as laptops, tablets, mobile phones, jewellery or cameras locked in the luggage compartment of a car. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Cover limit per person for lost or stolen cash. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Overall limit for a single person for baggage lost temporarily. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

The minimum period of time in hours before which cover applies for temporarily lost baggage. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Limit for additional travel expenses to reach a special event such as a wedding, conference or sporting event on time if the scheduled transport is cancelled or delayed.

Limit for additional travel expenses to reach pre-paid travel arrangements on time if the scheduled transport is cancelled or delayed. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Whether the policy is automatically extended if your journey is extended due to unforeseen circumstances.

Limit for additional meal and accommodation expenses if scheduled transport is delayed.

The minimum number of hours before transport delay is covered. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Limit per person per 24-hour period for this transport delay. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Is the collision damage excess for a hire car covered?

Limit for collision damage excess for a hire car. Cover is assessed on individual circumstances.

Does the policy cover cancellation and additional expenses for claims due to transport incidents like mechanical breakdown and accidents?

Does the policy cover cancellation and additional expenses for claims due to strikes?

Does the policy cover claims due to mental health illness experienced for the first time on the trip, and not classified as an ongoing or existing medical condition?

Does the policy cover claims due to COVID-19?

Does the policy cover claims due to pandemics other than COVID-19?

Does the policy cover claims due to natural disaster?

Does the policy cover claims due to civil unrest?

Does the policy cover claims due to terrorism?

Does the policy cover claims due to war?

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How do I make a claim on my travel insurance?

To make a travel insurance claim, please login to our Membership Services(opens in a new window) . Alternatively, you can contact us on the numbers below.

0345 609 0453 (Relay UK 18001 0345 609 0453). Lines are open 24/7. If you need emergency assistance whilst abroad call us on: 0345 609 0453 or +44 1252 763 658. Lines are open 24/7, 365 days a year. Charges may apply. Calls may be recorded.

01252 308 792 (Relay UK 18001 01252 308 792). Lines are open 24/7. If you need emergency assistance whilst abroad call us on: 0345 601 5219 or +44 125 230 8792. Lines are open 24/7, 365 days a year. Charges may apply. Calls may be recorded.

0345 601 7188 (Relay UK 18001 0345 601 7188). Lines are open 8am-6pm Mon-Fri, and closed Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays. If you need emergency assistance whilst abroad call us on: 0345 601 7188 or +44 2392 660 340. Lines are open 24/7, 365 days a year. Charges may apply. Calls may be recorded.

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RACV’s recipe for relief

Clare Barry

Posted January 28, 2021

As demand for food relief continues in regional communities, RACV volunteers deliver their 100,000th meal.

RACV has reached a significant milestone in its emergency goods assist service, delivering its 100,000th meal to Victorians in need of food relief.

The service, which commenced in March last year, draws on RACV staff volunteers to deliver meals prepared in the City Club kitchens to frontline relief agencies around the state. As demand has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, the service has expanded from metropolitan Melbourne to Ballarat, Gippsland, the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas, as well as Shepparton, where earlier this month, RACV delivered its 100,000th meal.

Like many regional centres, Shepparton has been hit hard by the fallout from COVID-19. Shepparton Foodshare, which supports 110 grassroots services in the local area and across the Moira, Mitchell, Murrindindi and Strathbogie shires, experienced an 80 per cent surge in demand for food at the height of the pandemic.

Among the frontline agencies it supports is Shepparton Family and Financial Services, where emergency relief support worker Julie Pascoe says: “Probably about 30 per cent of our clientele would never have asked for help in their life before COVID.”

Julie says the RACV emergency goods assist meals, which are packed in plastic pouches, are especially welcome for the city’s homeless population. “Even if they have nothing else they have a campfire and a pot to boil water and it’s something easy they can heat up,” she says.

“There’s a big, big need in the Shepparton area,” Julie says. “Probably 30 per cent of our clients are ‘no fixed address’. Some have tents, some don’t, some couch surf then end up living back down by the river.” She says this was the fate of a pair of Queenslanders after they were shut off from their home by border closures last year.

Julie expects client numbers to keep rising in coming months as Jobkeeper payments and banks’ mortgage deferrals wind up. “A lot of people have used Afterpay and credit cards just to cover Christmas costs and then in coming months it’s going to fall apart because when the bill comes in the money’s not there.”

It’s a scenario played out across Victoria as the economic effects of the pandemic take hold in households and communities.

In Ocean Grove, former caterer Lana Purcell has seen demand soar from hundreds of meals a week to thousands at Feed Me Bellarine, the food relief service she co-founded with chef Anthony Woodbury in September 2019.  

Last March, as COVID closed her business, Lana devoted herself fulltime to the charity which now feeds more than 10,000 people a week. She says the thousands of ready-made meals delivered by RACV’s emergency goods assist have made “a massive difference”. “It’s something our chefs don’t have to prepare,” she says.

The charity operates on a “no questions, no agendas” basis, prioritising respect, dignity and anonymity. “Anyone can find themselves in a bad situation so we wanted to create something where you could ask for help and not be questioned or judged.”

Their clients range from those who were homeless before the pandemic to previously comfortable families where both parents suddenly lost their jobs. Lana says many of her clients have never needed to ask for help before. Others may be dealing with addiction or mental health issues or fleeing domestic violence and living in crisis accommodation, with only a microwave or a cooktop to prepare meals.

RACV’s general manager social impact and corporate communications, Louise Steinfort, says supporting regional Victorians is a priority for RACV. “By extending our emergency goods assist service to regional Victoria, we have been able to reach more vulnerable community members in need of nutritious meals.”

Victoria’s latest COVID-19 rules, restrictions, and testing guidelines

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Victoria's COVID-19 roadmap announced

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