Getting travel insurance cover while already abroad

sparkiemalarkie

Hi my son is on a working holiday visa in Australia at the moment. He left the UK in December 2019.
The travel insurance was bought through STA travel and underwritten by Allianz Group.
STA Travel ceased trading in August 2020.
Is his original travel insurance still valid?
How can I extend, or get travel insurance for him now that he wants to stay in Australia for at least another year?
It seems its difficult to buy travel insurance once you are away from home
tia
sx

bradders1983

The original policy will still be valid yes - Allianz havent gone bust.  Well I say its still valid, its valid in terms of its still there. He will need to check the terms of the insurance to see if its still valid for him still being there after 11 months.

As for new insurance, he will possible have to buy an Australian product.

Sandtree

It is difficult and there are few UK insurers that offer it but there are more international insurers that do.

Given he seems to be heading towards indefinitely staying there what risks does he actually want covering? The types of international travel insurance you can buy when already away focuses mainly on medical costs and cover for possessions or lost flights is minimal.

I cannot remember what the reciprocal health agreement is between UK and Australia but seem to recall its fairly good. If he just wants to insure his belongings then local insurance may be better.

sheramber

You ned to do a Google search for 'insurance for  a working holiday"
On company that comes up. is  Worldnomads. Not a recommendation. There are probably others.
 https://www.worldnomads.com/uk/help/insurance/buying-travel-insurance/can-i-buy-if-im-already-overseas
You need to check what they cover and if it is what is needed.

Archergirl

Is he able to stay there on his current visa?

jonesMUFCforever

All standard travel insurance policies I have ever had have stated that I must start my travel from the UK.
See if any insurance brokers have ideas - perhaps the backpacker type of insurance might be available.

sheramber

Insurance for working holidays is not standard travel insurance as it is usually long term and standard travel insurance is time limited.

sazaccount

He will need to check that his insurance is still valid as I know some in the backpacking circles were invalidated in March when the FCO advised UK citizens to return home, even though STA have gone bust the insurance (unless above) is still valid until is expires. 

World nomads is going to be his best bet at this time as majority of insurance companies need you to be "resident" in the UK for at least 6 months out of the last 12, unless there is an Australian insurance company that will cover him. 

Voyager2002

sazaccount said:

World nomads is going to be his best bet at this time as majority of insurance companies need you to be "resident" in the UK for at least 6 months out of the last 12, unless there is an Australian insurance company that will cover him. 

True Traveller is also available to British residents who are anywhere in the world at the start of the policy, and may cost less than World Nomads.

sparkiemalarkie

Thank you all for your comments.
The original insurance was taken out for a year with the option to renew for another 1 or 2 years before it expired.
The insurance is mainly for my benefit ~ for my peace of mind. I just need to know that he will have medical cover if he needs it.
I will do a google search and see what it comes up with. There's still a bit of time before it runs out.....(if it's still valid due to FCO advice in March....hadn't even thought of that!)
Thanks for all the suggestions

sx

LadyDee

health-care-and-medicare
If he hasn't got insurance, make sure he takes out Ambulance cover.  It can cost a lot of $ for a short trip in an "ambo".