📌 Key Takeaway: Buying early (not last-minute), comparing seniors-specialist insurers, and choosing annual multi-trip cover if you travel often can all lower your real cost — but don't cut medical cover limits to save money.
Legitimate Ways to Lower the Premium
Travel insurance discounts add up, and several require no more effort than asking or timing your purchase slightly differently.
- Buy early, not at the last minute: some cancellation benefits (and COVID cover specifically) require the policy to have been held for a minimum period before departure — buying early can unlock cover a last-minute purchase can't
- Compare seniors-specialist insurers if applicable: a general comprehensive policy is often not the cheapest option once you're past 60
- Choose a higher excess if you're comfortable self-funding a smaller claim, in exchange for a lower premium
- Consider annual multi-trip cover if you're travelling three or more times in the year — see our dedicated guide on the maths
- Bundle family members onto one family policy rather than insuring everyone individually
- Check for existing benefits — some credit cards and airline loyalty programs include a base level of travel insurance, which can reduce what you need to buy separately (though usually with lower limits than a dedicated policy)
What Not to Cut Corners On
Dropping medical cover limits purely to save money on an international trip is the discount most likely to backfire badly — an inadequate medical limit in a high-cost destination like the US can leave you facing a bill insurance was supposed to prevent.
This page is for educational purposes and isn't personalised financial advice. Premiums, terms and eligibility vary by insurer, destination and individual circumstances — always check the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Smartraveller advice before travelling.