Travel insurance is often an afterthought in trip planning. Some travellers skip it altogether. Others buy it without really knowing what they’re covered for — or how it works when things go wrong. But when the unexpected happens — like a scooter crash in Bali, a flare-up of a chronic condition in Peru, or an illness in a remote location — travel insurance can be the key to accessing timely medical care and support.

In this episode of Travel Unravelled, we take a closer look at travel health insurance through the lens of clinicians who advise travellers before departure and care for them when things don’t go to plan. Whether you're a frequent flyer, a first-time traveller, or a clinician advising patients before departure, this episode offers practical, evidence-informed insights to help everyone travel smarter and safer.

We’ll unpack: 

  • What travel insurance actually covers
  • Common exclusions that catch travellers off guard.
  • What medical assistance companies can and can’t do for a traveller.
  • Real-world case studies of denied claims and costly outcomes.
  • Travel insurance tips for travellers on how to prepare, what to check, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

GUEST BIOS

Dr. Gareth Richards has extensive experience in medical retrievals and repatriation across Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific, and Asia. He also consults for First Assistance, an international medical assistance company, where he advises on everything from minor ailments to evacuating critically ill patients from remote, resource-limited settings.

Dr. Kamolthip Atsawawaranunt is a Thai physician with training in Family, Travel, and Occupational Medicine. She currently works as the Medical Advisor for Thailand and Laos at International SOS, where she provides professional medical assistance services. Her role includes conducting medical assessments and consultations, offering telephone advice, coordinating complex medical evacuations and repatriations, and supporting clinical governance.

LINKSFirst Assistance, an international medical assistance company, is here.

DISCUSSION POINTS

00:00 Welcome back to Travel Unravelled!
00:40 Catching up with Travel Unravelled hosts
01:46 Guest introduction
03:18 Basics of travel health insurance
05:13 Common illnesses abroad
08:15 Evacuation vs. repatriation
15:28 Cost of care without travel insurance
18:49 Common travel insurance claims
24:02 Injured or ill abroad tips
29:26 Read the fine print
32:27 Standard travel insurance policy
39:08 Case examples
46:59 Travel insurance use
56:29 Lightning round: travel insurance tips
59:11 Final comments