Travel insurance for Samoa

According to the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website, Samoa is a safe place to visit.¹ Smartraveller’s travel advice for Samoa is “Exercise normal safety precautions”, which is Smartraveller’s lowest advice level.² Remember, this doesn’t mean there aren’t any potential risks, crimes or cultural issues you need to be aware of. Illnesses and injuries can happen in any country. Travel insurance provides cover for unexpected expenses when visiting local or international destinations.

Trip cancellations, disruptions and travel delays

When airlines delay or cancel flights, you could incur additional accommodation expenses or be left with pre-paid tours and activities that you can no longer attend. Having travel insurance means your insurer could cover your additional expenses and reimburse you for missed activities. If you need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances, cancellation cover could allow reimbursement for non-refundable and pre-paid expenses, including accommodation, transport, activities and more.

Comparing and purchasing comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your trip can help ensure you get the most value from your policy’s cancellation cover. Purchasing cover after the event that causes you to cancel your trip will lead to your claim being refused.

Natural disasters

Like many Pacific islands, Samoa experiences cyclones, earthquakes and tsunamis.¹ These disasters can affect travel plans, cut off roads, or lead to cancelled tours. Your travel insurance may cover expenses for expenses incurred due to delayed flights and unused accommodation.

Samoa’s cyclone season is usually between November and April.¹ However, Samoa is susceptible to tropical storms, cyclones and flooding year-round. These weather events can happen suddenly and affect travel plans, including flights. Remember, travel insurance won’t cover you if the policy is purchased after the natural disaster commences, so it’s always best to think ahead and purchase your policy as soon as you book your trip.

Medical treatments and cover

During international travel, you won’t be able to access Medicare or your Australian private health insurance. Australia does not have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with Samoa, so any medical expenses will either come out of your pocket or have to be covered by your travel insurance. Medical cover that forms part of your travel insurance can include:

• Medical treatment for illnesses and injury
• Medical evacuations and repatriation
• Medical expenses such as hospital and doctor fees
• 24/7 emergency assistance.

In Samoa, healthcare facilities are minimal, especially compared to Australia.¹ Foreigners have to pay for health services in Samoa. Usually, cash payment is expected before any treatment will be carried out. In a medical emergency or a case of serious injury or illness, you might require medical evacuation to either Australia or New Zealand. This can be very expensive, so make sure your travel insurance covers medical evacuations.

Stolen, lost or damaged personal belongings

Petty crime can occur in Samoa, including theft from vehicles and accommodation.¹ This is most common in areas such as downtown Apia, and in bars and other busy places. Your policy may reimburse you for any loss up to a specific limit set by your insurer. Providing you have taken reasonable care of your belongings, you may be covered for the loss of items, including:

• Luggage
• Passports, credit cards and other travel documents
• Other valuables.

Adventure cover

Many adventure activities are available in Samoa, including snorkelling, diving and surfing. Keep in mind that not all policies will automatically cover you for injuries sustained during adventure activities, but you can often pay extra to get an add-on to your policy that will cover adventure sports. Even if you have cover for adventure sports, it’s important to check your inclusions and exclusions. The last thing you want is to think you’re covered only to discover that the activity you’re claiming for wasn’t included in your policy.

Rental vehicle excess

If you’re in an accident while driving a rental vehicle in Samoa, your travel insurer may cover any rental vehicle excess, depending on your policy.

You must purchase a temporary Samoan driver’s license to rent a car in Samoa.¹ Driving in Samoa can be hazardous for various reasons, including poorly lit and maintained roads and a lack of footpaths. It can be a good idea to make sure your travel insurance covers you for rental vehicle excess in case you need to make a claim.

While travel insurance covers a lot of things, every policy will have its limits and your travel insurance policy will also have exclusions. The exclusions in travel insurance policies aren’t identical. The following are some of the most common exclusions found in travel insurance policies:

• Adventure travel: Your policy may not cover extreme sports or adventure travel unless you’ve purchased additional cover.
• Illegal activity: If your claim is a result of you acting illegally, your claim won’t be successful.
• Ignoring government advice: If you travel to an area with a higher advice level or ignore government recommendations (such as getting a necessary vaccination), your policy may not cover your claim.
• Unlicensed activity: If you’re scuba diving without a properly licensed supervisor, your policy might not cover you.
• Intoxication: Your claim could be denied if you were injured while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, even if the incident wasn’t your fault.
• Unattended luggage: If you leave your luggage unattended in a public space and it gets stolen, you won’t be covered by your travel insurance policy.
• Undisclosed pre-existing medical conditions: Not informing your insurer about a pre-existing condition, intentionally or unintentionally, could mean you aren’t covered by your policy if you incur medical expenses related to your existing medical condition.