Travel insurance for Fiji

The decision to buy travel insurance comes down to you and your needs. However, we believe every traveller could benefit from travel insurance, no matter where you’re going, as you can never predict when unexpected events might cause disruptions to your travel plans.

Comprehensive travel insurance can cover you for a range of events and scenarios, such as medical costs (e.g. repatriation, medical evacuation, fees for medical treatment), cancelled travel plans, rental car excess and more. It’s important to have not only coverage but also the right coverage.

Here are five things you should consider including in your travel insurance cover for Fiji. If you’re travelling with dependants, you should also look for a policy that includes them in your cover; learn more about travel insurance for families.

Emergency medical and hospital expenses

Australia doesn’t have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Fiji, meaning some hospitals may require you to pay for treatment upfront.¹ For this reason, including coverage for medical expenses in your travel insurance policy may ensure you don’t have to pay entirely out of your own pocket. Your cover will typically also include medical evacuation back to Australia in the event of serious illness or injury.

Adventure activities

Fiji offers all sorts of adventure activities, like diving, snorkelling, sailing and surfing. While some insurance providers may not include these activities automatically, you may be able to include coverage for them as an optional extra on your travel insurance policy.

Lost, stolen or damaged luggage and belongings

You may be able to claim back the value (or up to a certain value) of your luggage and belongings should they be lost, stolen or damaged during your trip. The same can apply to your travel documents (although some insurers may only offer this as part of comprehensive or annual multi-trip policies).

Cancellation, delay or amendment costs

If you need to cancel your journey or experience travel delays because of circumstances outside your control (like an injury or an illness), you may be able to claim for the non-refundable portion of unused travel and accommodation expenses and/or cancellation fees.

Scooter and motorbike cover

Similar to adventure activities, scooter and motorbike cover is typically offered as an optional extra. If you drive a motorbike or scooter without this cover, you may not be covered for any medical costs if you’re in an accident. Keep in mind you’ll need a valid Australian car license, or motorcycle license if driving a motorbike over 50cc. If you don’t have a valid license or drive without a helmet and are injured, any medical claims won’t be accepted.

While travel insurance can help you in tricky situations and give you peace of mind, there are some things it doesn’t cover. Specific exclusions may differ between policies and providers, but here are some to look out for:

• Unattended luggage. While travel insurance can cover the value of your lost or stolen luggage, you may not be covered if it was left unattended in a public place at the time of the incident.
• Illegal, reckless or dangerous behaviour. If you’re claiming because of an incident where you knowingly acted illegally, recklessly or dangerously, you may find your claim rejected.
• Intoxication. Your provider might reject your claim for injury if you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident, even if it wasn’t your fault.
• Unlicensed scuba diving. If you’re scuba diving without a license or a properly licensed supervisor, you may not be covered by your policy.
• Pre-existing medical conditions. Depending on the policy, some insurers might request that you pay additional premiums to cover medical conditions you had prior to buying the policy.
• Ignoring government warnings. You could also void your insurance in Fiji if you travel against any of the warnings listed on the government’s Smartraveller website.

Always read the PDS before purchasing a policy to ensure that you have the cover you need.

Usually, Fiji has a relatively low level of risk, although there are still some potential dangers Australian visitors should be aware of.

Natural disasters

Fiji does experience the occasional natural disaster, with the possibility of:

• Floods in downtown Nadi and the Coral Coast
• Flooding and landslides
• Cyclones
• Earthquakes and tsunamis
• Volcanoes (rare).

Travellers are advised to know their accommodation’s evacuation plan and find shelter as soon as possible, following advice from local officials.

Theft and crime

As with many countries, tourists are more likely to be targets of crime than locals, and things like robbery, theft, assault and worse are a possibility. However, Smartraveller describes most crime in Fiji as ‘opportunistic’ with the highest risk being in urban areas at night.¹

Credit card fraud and skimming is also rife in urban areas in Fiji, so travellers are advised to stay alert when using ATMs and carrying cash.

Wildlife

Fiji is home to potential threats, including saltwater crocodiles, blue ringed octopuses and box jellyfish, but there are smaller threats you’re more likely to encounter.

According to Smartraveller, mosquito-borne illnesses (including dengue fever and Zika) are common. So, make sure you’re up to date on any vaccinations you might need prior to travelling.

You should find out which official departments you can contact for help if you get in trouble or require emergency assistance in Fiji. These include:

• Emergency services. Call 911 for fire and rescue, 911 for medical help and 917 for the police.
• The Australian High Commission. Go to 37 Princes Road Tamavua, Suva, call (+679) 338 2211 or email [email protected].
• 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre. If you can’t contact the Australian High Commission, call +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas.

Above all, make sure your emergency contacts are up to date and that you know how to contact your travel insurer, too.