The Young Australian's Guide to Travel & Living Abroad

Travel insurance is the one financial product where the cheapest option can be the worst one. The point of travel insurance is to cover events that are financially catastrophic — a medical evacuation from Southeast Asia can cost $100,000+. A policy that doesn't cover what you actually need is worse than no policy, because it gives false security.

The key coverage areas to check on any policy:

• Medical and hospitalisation: The most critical component. Look for unlimited or very high medical coverage — $10 million or more. Check that medical evacuation (transport back to Australia or to a capable facility) is explicitly covered. This is where cheap policies fail.
• Cancellation and trip interruption: Covers non-refundable bookings if you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to illness, injury, a family emergency, or covered events. Check whether the reasons for cancellation are broadly or narrowly defined.
• Luggage and personal effects: Covers lost, stolen or damaged luggage. Note per-item limits — a single laptop may be capped at $1,000–$2,000 even on a policy with $10,000 total luggage cover. Check these limits against your actual gear.
• Adventure activities: Standard policies often exclude skiing, snowboarding, motorcycling, scuba diving, bungee jumping and other activities unless you add a specific adventure sports rider. If you're planning any adventure activity, check the exclusions list carefully before you leave.

Pre-existing conditions are another common exclusion. If you have any ongoing medical condition — asthma, diabetes, a previous injury — declare it when applying. Non-disclosure of pre-existing conditions is one of the most common reasons claims are rejected.

Australia's working holiday visa program is one of the most popular ways for young Australians to live and work abroad — and for young people from other countries to do the same here. Understanding the conditions, tax treatment and eligibility is essential before you book flights.

The two main outbound working holiday visas available to Australians:

• Subclass 417 (Working Holiday): Available to Australian passport holders aged 18–30 (35 for some countries) for destinations including the UK, Ireland, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and others. Allows you to work for up to 6 months with any one employer and stay for 12 months, extendable in some countries.
• Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday): Available for destinations including the USA, Spain, Argentina, Chile, Thailand, Indonesia and others. Similar conditions but different eligibility requirements — some countries require a letter of support or evidence of qualifications.

Conditions vary significantly by destination country. The UK Youth Mobility Scheme allows two or three years depending on your age. Canada's IEC (International Experience Canada) program has its own application process and draws system. Research the specific destination's requirements well in advance — some programs have limited places or seasonal application windows.