Get Insider Travel Insurance Tips from Our CEO

Travel insurance can be a lifesaver, especially if your adventures don't go as planned. From medical emergencies to cancelled trips, having the right cover can help you travel with ease. Fast Cover’s Founder & CEO, Dean Van Es joined Jahan Kalantar’s podcast to get the lowdown on what makes our travel insurance stand out.

Dean has been in the insurance game for over 14 years. He noticed that traditional insurance providers had dull, complicated websites and policies filled with jargon. Dean thought he could do better, and thus, Fast Cover was born. Fast Cover aims to make travel insurance straightforward, accessible, and have a wide range of policies which can be customised to suit the needs of many everyday Aussie travellers. 

Update.

Adventure Awaits: Coverage for Thrill Seekers 

If your idea of a holiday involves more than just lounging by the pool, Fast Cover can help you get covered.  

Here are some key points for adventure seekers*: 

  • Motorbike Riding: Ensure your policy includes motorbike riding. Remember, you'll need a valid motorcycle license and check out the PDS for other terms and conditions that are required. 
  • High-Altitude Hiking: Planning to tackle Everest Base Camp? Double-check that your policy covers high-altitude activities. 
  • Extreme Sports: Thinking about BASE jumping or deep-sea diving? Most general policies won’t cover these, so try looking for specific coverage. 

Check out our Adventure Travel Insurance guide for more information.

Keeping it Safe: Alcohol and Drug Policies 

Holidays are for relaxing, and for many, that includes a few drinks. Fast Cover's stance on alcohol is practical: 

  • If you have a few drinks and something happens that's out of your control, like a coconut falling on your head, cover may be available under the policy. 
  • However, if you start doing risky activities while intoxicated and get injured, there are exclusion(s) that will likely apply, and it is unlikely your claim will be paid 
  • The same applies to drug use – from our experience in the industry, it is unlikely that any insurer will approve your travel insurance claim if drugs were involved. 

For more tips on safe travel practices, visit Smart Traveller's Safety Tips. 

 

Handling Cancellations 

Trip cancellations can be a major headache, but Fast Cover can make it easier to handle: 

  • Personal Emergencies: If you get unexpectedly sick or have a family emergency, depending on the policy chosen, you can be covered for certain expenses under the policy benefits^.
  • Provider Cancellations: If your airline or cruise liner cancels, they should refund you directly. 

 

Choosing the Right Cover 

Fast Cover offers various levels of cover to suit different needs and budgets: 

  • Basics (Medical Only)Covers unexpected medical emergencies whilst overseas and ideal if you only want medical coverage without all the extras.  
  • Standard Saver: Ideal if you want medical coverage whilst overseas with a few extras including trip cancellation, trip disruption and lost, accidentally damaged or stolen luggage. 
  • Comprehensive: This is a good option for those who want cover under all the policy benefits, usually with the highest benefit limits, from medical expenses cover whilst overseas, to trip cancellations and disruptions, travel delays, special event transport expenses, lost, accidentally damaged or stolen luggage, and more 

Understanding the differences between these options can save you a lot of stress and money. 

 

Quick and Easy Claims 

Fast Cover lives up to its name by processing claims faster than the industry standard of 10 business days. Dean emphasised that most claims are processed quickly, especially if they’re straightforward and the traveller has provided all the required documentation for the Claims team to assess. Fast Cover aims to ensure your claim is resolved as fast as possible so you can focus on enjoying your trip or return home. 

 

FAQ's

What types of activities are covered by Fast Cover?

Fast Cover can provide coverage for a wide range of activities including for example, cruising and skiing and snowboarding. However, it's important to check specific policy details if you're planning high-risk activities like motorbike riding, high-altitude hiking, or extreme sports*. 

It’s also important to read terms and conditions such as the requirement for you to take reasonable care for your safety or comply with important cover conditions to have cover for some of your adventurous activities. 

Got a Question?

Fast Cover travel insurance policies are arranged, administered and varied in accordance with the binder issued to Fast Cover by certain underwriters at Lloyd's, led by Canopius Managing Agents Limited, Syndicate 4444 acting through its agent Fast Cover Pty Ltd. 

Make sure to refer to your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Certificate of Insurance for specific details about your underwriter and policy terms. 

If you have entered the wrong travel dates on your Fast Cover Travel Insurance policy, you may request to change your travel dates by: 

  • Logging into your policy on our website: Visit Fast Cover - Your Policy Login Page and request a change to your travel dates. 
  • Sending an email: Contact us at info@fastcover.com.au with your policy details and the correct travel dates. 
  • Calling us: Reach out to our Customer Service Team at 1300 409 322 for assistance. 

Please note that you are not automatically covered for the revised travel dates until we issue a new Certificate of Insurance reflecting the updated period of cover. An additional cost may apply to change the travel dates, depending on your revised travel period, destination and other factors. Please ensure that you review your updated Certificate of Insurance to confirm the revised travel dates. 

Eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub limits apply. Consider the PDS prior to deciding on which policy is right for you and your needs. 

Any advice is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation, or needs. Please consider the PDS before making any decisions regarding the purchase of travel insurance. 

 

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Fast Cover - Sally

About the author

Sally is a travel insurance specialist and content writer at Fast Cover who enjoys researching new destinations for the monthly newsletters and Spotlight posts. A dumpling connoisseur and food blogger at heart, she has outlasted everyone at the stand-up desk and is the only reason the office plants are still alive.

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^ Price as at 27/10/2024 compared to the price calculated today for this policy.

* See Product Disclosure Statement for full terms and conditions and exclusions and limits that apply.