In Australia, no social security agreement exists between France and this country: every consultation, every hospital stay is entirely at your own expense from the very first euro. On the other side of the world, an uninsured medical repatriation can cost tens of thousands of euros. This page helps you choose the right cover before you leave.
Get my quoteIs travel insurance compulsory in Australia?
Travel insurance is not required to enter Australia. It is, however, essential: without cover, you pay the full cost of any medical treatment on the ground, as no social security agreement exists between France and Australia. A hospital stay can quickly run into thousands of euros.
Why take out travel insurance for Australia?
- Medical costs not covered: France and Australia have no social security agreement. A GP visit costs between 50 and 160 AUD, and a hospital stay can reach tens of thousands of euros, all of which falls entirely on you.
- Costly medical repatriation: On the other side of the world, arranging a medical repatriation is one of the heaviest potential expenses you can face. Without cover, this cost is entirely yours to bear.
- Ambulances are not free: In Australia, ambulance services are billed to non-residents, with fees that can exceed 400 AUD per call-out. This is an expense most travellers overlook until they actually need it.
- Non-refundable long-haul ticket: A trip to Australia is a significant financial commitment. If you have to cancel before departure for an unforeseen reason, cancellation insurance reimburses your non-recoverable costs.
- Wildlife and environmental hazards: Venomous snakes, spiders, jellyfish and severe sunburn: the risk of unplanned urgent medical treatment is very real in Australia. Better to be covered before you need it.
What your Australia travel insurance covers with Yupwego
For Australia, Yupwego recommends a minimum medical cover of 900,000 €: an amount calibrated to handle medical costs and repatriation from this distant country where no reimbursement agreement with France exists.
- Medical costs and hospitalisation: Yupwego pays medical providers directly: you do not pay upfront, even for a lengthy hospital stay.
- Medical repatriation: If your condition requires it, the insurance arranges and funds your return to France under the necessary medical conditions.
- 24/7 assistance: A doctor or adviser is reachable around the clock, wherever you are in Australia.
- Public liability: If you cause damage to a third party, your public liability is covered under the terms of your policy.
- Trip cancellation: Your non-refundable return ticket is covered if you are unable to travel for a reason specified in your policy.
Health and healthcare in Australia
Australia’s healthcare system is of a high standard, but it is fully payable by foreign visitors: no reimbursement agreement exists between France and Australia. France Diplomatie highlights risks from mosquito-borne diseases (dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis) in the tropical regions of the north, and envenomation risks from snakes and spiders. No vaccines are compulsory for French nationals, but keeping routine vaccinations up to date (DTP, measles) is recommended, and a travel medicine consultation before departure is advisable. Solid medical cover is the only way to avoid paying large sums out of pocket for unexpected treatment.
Entry requirements for Australia
French nationals need a valid passport and a visa to enter Australia. For a tourist stay of up to 3 months, the eVisitor (subclass 651) is free and obtained entirely online through the Australian government website, before departure. For longer stays, choose the insurance that suits your situation: long-stay travel insurance for expats, or youth, student and Working Holiday insurance for Working Holiday Visa holders.
Car hire and road accidents in Australia
In Australia, driving is on the left, and hiring a vehicle is very common for exploring the outback or coastlines far from the major cities. Before signing the rental agreement, make sure you take out the CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) from the hire company: travel insurance does not cover damage to the rental vehicle itself. However, if you are involved in a road accident, your travel insurance covers your medical costs, hospitalisation and repatriation (personal injury). Third-party liability is covered under the terms of your policy.
