Travel Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

ATIA Pushes for Permanent Travel Insurance Sales Rights for Agents

Ensuring Seamless Protection for Travellers at the Point of Booking

ATIA Pushes for Permanent Travel Insurance Sales Rights for Agents?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is intensifying its efforts to secure a permanent authorisation for travel agents, tour operators, and accredited travel businesses to sell travel insurance at the time of booking.
This initiative follows an exemption granted in 2021, which is set to expire in October 2026.

ATIA argues that offering travel insurance concurrently with travel bookings is essential for comprehensive traveller protection. The association warns that discontinuing this practice could lead to more Australians travelling uninsured or underinsured, exposing them to significant financial risks in the event of unforeseen incidents.

Dean Long, CEO of ATIA, emphasised the importance of maintaining this exemption to safeguard both travellers and the travel industry. He stated that allowing the exemption to lapse would result in more Australians travelling without adequate insurance coverage, which is a real-world consequence that must be avoided.

ATIA's campaign underscores the critical role that travel agents play in educating consumers about the importance of travel insurance and ensuring that they are adequately covered for their specific travel plans. By making the exemption permanent, ATIA aims to provide certainty for both travellers and travel businesses, reinforcing the value of purchasing insurance at the point of booking.

For Australian travellers, this advocacy highlights the importance of considering travel insurance as an integral part of the travel planning process. Ensuring that coverage is in place from the moment of booking offers peace of mind and financial protection against a range of potential travel disruptions.

Published:Thursday, 7th May 2026
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Insurance News

Bali Flight Disruptions Put Natural Disaster Cover in the Spotlight
Bali Flight Disruptions Put Natural Disaster Cover in the Spotlight
04 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Renewed flight disruption around Bali has put natural disaster cover back in focus for Australian travellers, after volcanic ash activity in Indonesia again showed how quickly a straightforward holiday can become a logistical and financial problem. When airlines delay, cancel or reroute services, travellers may face extra accommodation, meals, transport, missed tours and rearranged connections, often before they have a clear answer on what their insurer will pay. - read more
Why Cruise Holidays Need a Closer Look at Travel Insurance
Why Cruise Holidays Need a Closer Look at Travel Insurance
28 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent consumer guidance has put cruise holidays back under the travel insurance microscope, with Australian travellers being reminded that a cruise is not always treated the same way as a standard land-based trip. While many people assume a general policy will automatically protect them once they board, cruise travel can involve its own conditions, limits and exclusions. - read more
Overseas Medical Emergency Puts Travel Insurance Back in Focus
Overseas Medical Emergency Puts Travel Insurance Back in Focus
21 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
A recent Australian travel insurance case has offered a sharp reminder that the most expensive travel risk is often the one no traveller expects. According to Finder, an Australian woman who became seriously ill while 19 weeks pregnant in Mallorca faced medical costs of more than $40,000 after being taken to hospital by ambulance. The ambulance component alone reportedly reached $12,000, with the remaining costs linked to hospital admission, testing and treatment. - read more
Bali Theft Warnings Highlight a Bigger Travel Insurance Question
Bali Theft Warnings Highlight a Bigger Travel Insurance Question
14 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent reports of phone and jewellery snatch-thefts in popular Bali tourist areas have put personal belongings back in the travel insurance spotlight. For Australians heading to Indonesia, the issue is not simply whether a stolen phone can be claimed. It is whether the policy they choose properly matches the risks they are most likely to face while away. - read more
School Holiday Travel Highlights a New Test for Insurance Cover
School Holiday Travel Highlights a New Test for Insurance Cover
05 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia’s winter school holiday rush has put travel insurance back in the spotlight, with families heading to Bali, Fiji and Thailand, skiers travelling to New Zealand and domestic holidaymakers chasing either snow or sunshine closer to home. But this year’s peak period is unfolding against a more unsettled backdrop: geopolitical tension, airspace closures, airline disruption and a growing expectation that insurers should do more than reimburse costs after the event. - read more


Travel Insurance Articles

How to Save Money on Travel Insurance Without Compromising on Coverage
How to Save Money on Travel Insurance Without Compromising on Coverage
Travel insurance is an essential component of any trip, providing protection and peace of mind for Australian travelers. Whether you are planning a short weekend getaway or an extended overseas adventure, unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage can quickly derail your plans and drain your finances. - read more
Australia's Most Affordable Destinations for Budget-Conscious Travelers
Australia's Most Affordable Destinations for Budget-Conscious Travelers
Australia, renowned for its stunning landscapes and vibrant cities, can seem dauntingly expensive for travelers. However, exploring this vast country on a budget is not only possible but increasingly popular among Australians. The thrill of uncovering hidden gems and experiencing diverse cultures without overspending has made budget travel a desirable option for many. - read more
Protect Yourself: Understanding Travel Insurance Fraud Risks in Australia
Protect Yourself: Understanding Travel Insurance Fraud Risks in Australia
Travel insurance fraud involves deceitful practices that take advantage of insurance policies designed to offer protection against travel-related risks. It can manifest in various forms, such as exaggerated claims or false reporting of lost items, aiming to gain an undeserved financial benefit from the insurer. - read more
10 Common Travel Expense Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
10 Common Travel Expense Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Travel can be an exciting adventure, but it often comes with a myriad of expenses that can quickly add up. From flights and accommodations to meals and entertainment, the costs can take a toll on your budget. - read more
How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance for Your Overseas Holiday
How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance for Your Overseas Holiday
Travel insurance is an essential component of any overseas trip, especially for Australians. While exploring new destinations and experiencing different cultures can be exciting, it's crucial to be aware of the potential risks and challenges that can arise along the way. From unexpected medical emergencies to lost luggage or trip cancellations, unforeseen events can quickly turn your dream holiday into a nightmare. - read more

Knowledgebase
Insurance Claim:
Notification to an insurance company requesting payment of an amount due under the terms of the policy.