Although many countries have made great strides in ensuring rights for LGBTIQA+ people, community members can still be particularly vulnerable when travelling due to discriminatory laws, customs and social attitudes. Our plans have features that may allow you to explore more freely.
If you get sick or injure yourself overseas, you may be able to claim unlimited medical expenses incurred overseas. Cover will not exceed 12 months from onset of illness or condition.
If necessary, we'll help with emergency evacuation or repatriation to bring you home. Only applies to our overseas plans.
With Freely, you'll get 24/7 access to medical and emergency specialists, telehealth and geo-specific safety alerts designed to keep you safe.
Freely's overseas plans include medical expenses cover, your choice for trip cancellation cover and varying luggage cover limits as standard - with the flexibility to tailor your cover as you go.
~ Medical and dental cover will not exceed 12 months from onset of the illness or injury.
#The level of cover applies per policy.
^Limits, sub‑limits, conditions and exclusions apply.
*Liability collectively for Sections 12. Accidental Death, and 13. Disability is $25,000 on the Explorer plan, and $30,000 on the Explorer Pro plan.
ΔItem limit applies for any one item, set, or pair of items including attached and unattached accessories.
Build on your LGBTIQA+ travel insurance plan by adding Trip Extras to get pay-per-day cover for activities like cruising, skiing and adventure sports, as well as increased limits for your valuable items and extra cancellation cover..
Some countries still criminalise consensual same-sex acts, activities and relationships, and/or criminalise people based on their gender identity or sexual orientation. Before booking a holiday, it’s a good idea to research the laws of the destination/s you are visiting regarding LGBTIQA+ people to ensure that you will be safe travelling in that area. If you’re looking online, the Human Dignity Trust provides information on countries that criminalise queer people, and Human Rights Watch have a guide on anti-LGBTIQA+ laws around the world.
When selecting a destination to visit as an LGBTIQA+ traveller, safety is often a huge consideration, alongside other obvious factors like adventure, culture and beauty. Here are some of our favourite LGBTIQA+-welcoming places with thriving queer scenes and progressive, inclusive legislation.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage in 2001, and its capital, Amsterdam, hosts a unique citywide Pride event every August – with fabulous celebrations taking place on boats that float across the canals. Reguliersdwarsstraat is a street you’re likely to enjoy all year ’round, with plenty of queer-friendly places to wine, dine, shop and party. Other areas popular with LGBTIQA+ visitors and residents alike include the Centre district, Zeedijk and Warmoesstraat, Amstel and Kerkstraat.
Madrid, Spain
Often described as the gay capital of Europe, Spain was the third country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage, and has plenty of queer-safe places scattered throughout, from Barcelona and Ibiza to Sitges and Granada. Madrid hosts an incredible Pride festival in June: the Fiestas del Orgullo Gay, which attracts millions of people each year. Even when the festival isn’t on, Madrid is an epic and vibrant city to explore, with lots of nightlife that caters to LGBTIQA+ people – especially in the ‘gaybourhood’ of Chueca.
Valletta, Malta
Malta has come a long way from once being one of Europe’s most religious countries, and in the past few years has passed some of the most progressive LGBTIQA+ laws in the world. For instance, in 2016, it became the first country in Europe to ban gay conversion therapy, and in 2017, the Chief of Equality and Non-Discrimination at the United Nations Human Rights Office deemed it “the gold standard of LGBTQI reforms”. Though the capital Valletta is a small city with a population of just 6,000 people, it boasts an array of queer-friendly establishments for LGBTIQA+ travellers!
While we aim to provide comprehensive coverage, it's important to be aware of some exceptions in your travel insurance. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) that applies to your chosen type of policy. And if you have questions, get in touch with us.
• Illegal activities: Our coverage does not extend to any illegal activities.
• Coverage may not apply if you exceed the specified limits for alcohol. Our policies do not provide any cover for claims which in any way relate to the ingestion of any non-prescription drug or substance.
• Non-emergency treatment: Remember, our insurance is designed for travel emergencies; it doesn't cover non-urgent treatments that can wait until you return home.
• Ongoing treatment at home: Ongoing medical treatment in your home country is typically not covered.
• Unattended belongings: Personal belongings left unattended in public areas, such as beaches, may not be covered.
• Reporting incidents: To avoid claim denial, be sure to report theft or loss within 24 hours to the appropriate authority.
Please also note that our domestic policies do not cover medical expenses incurred during your trip.
Head to Australian Government website Smartraveller to read the travel advice for all the destinations you plan to visit. The site is updated regularly with information about natural disasters, political unrest and other crises that may impact travellers. You can also subscribe to keep up-to-date with any changes.
Wrap your head around the customs and laws of the destinations you are visiting. Make sure you stay within the local law – even if you disagree with it. Depending where you are, authorities might ignore crimes that target LGBTIQA+ people, or may even be discriminatory against you themselves. Horrifyingly, reporting a crime against you in some places.
If the name and photo in your passport are different to how you present, you could have trouble at international borders. If you can, update your passport with your current name, photo and gender identity before you leave home.
Only pay for the extra cover you need on the days you actually need it.
Update your policy on your trip so you can embrace travel spontaneity.
Get 24/7 access to our medical and emergency specialists.
