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Fiji is one of Australia’s closest neighbours (only a four-hour flight), so it’s no wonder around 339,700 Australians travelled there in 2017-18. In fact, it’s our tenth favourite overseas destinations, and for good reason.

Fiji has no shortage of things to do, with 1,666 kilometres of beach to enjoy across 330 islands in the South Pacific Ocean. The food is exceptional, and the accommodation is marvellous; in short, it has everything you need for a great getaway. Because of this, it’s essential you protect that getaway.

Here’s what you need to know about travel insurance for Fiji before you find a spot in the sand.

view of tropical beach and father throwing his son high up at fiji

Do I need travel insurance for Fiji?

We believe every traveller needs travel insurance, no matter where you’re going or for what purpose. After all, you can never predict when something might go wrong in your everyday life, let alone when you’re on holiday.

For example, you might think your passport – arguably your most important possession when travelling – is safe and sound, but 4,743 Australians reported their passports lost or stolen while overseas in 2017-18. With the right travel insurance policy, you may be covered for the cost of replacing this document, as Australian consulates do charge a fee for their replacement.

Travel insurance can cover you for a range of other events and scenarios, so it’s crucial not only to have coverage but also the right coverage.

What should my travel insurance policy for Fiji include?

Here’s a couple of things you should make sure to include in your travel insurance policy for Fiji:

  • Emergency medical and hospital expenses. Australia doesn’t have a reciprocal health care agreement with Fiji, so including coverage for medical expenses in your policy may ensure you don’t have to pay out of your own Hospitals in Fiji may also require proof of insurance or a guarantee of payment before admitting you. You should also include coverage for medical evacuation back to Australia in the event of serious illness or injury.
  • Cancellation, delay or amendment costs. If the airline cancels your flight due to a fault in the plane, or your boat from the mainland to your island resort is delayed because of bad weather, you may be able to claim the costs associated with these and other events, like accommodation or cancellation fees (so long as you aren’t compensated elsewhere).
  • Legal liability. If you’re responsible for the injury or death of another person, or the destruction of their property, your insurer may cover the legal expenses.
  • Lost, stolen or damaged luggage and belongings. You may be able to claim back the value (or up to a certain value) of your luggage and belongings should they be lost, stolen or damaged during your trip.
  • Adventure activities. Fiji offers all sorts of adventure activities, like diving, sailing and surfing. While some insurance providers may class these activities as exclusions, you may be able to include coverage for them as an optional extra.

Fiji travel insurance exclusions: what should you watch out for?

While travel insurance is a wonderful thing that can help you in tricky situations, there are some things it doesn’t cover. Specific exclusions may differ between policies and providers, but here are a couple of standard exclusions you might find in your policy:

  • Unattended luggage. While travel insurance can cover the value of your lost or stolen luggage, you may not be covered if it was left unattended at the time of the incident.
  • Illegal, reckless or dangerous behaviour. If you’re claiming because of an incident where you knowingly acted illegally, recklessly or dangerously, you may find your claim rejected.
  • Intoxication. Your provider might reject your claim for injury if you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident, even if it wasn’t your fault.
  • Adventure activities. Adventure or extreme sports and activities are generally excluded from cover but may be available as optional extras. Find out more about adventure travel insurance.
  • Unlicensed scuba diving. If you’re scuba diving without a license or a properly-licensed supervisor, you may not be covered by your policy.

Inclusions, exclusions, terms and conditions of a policy are outlined in the policy’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). Always read the PDS before purchasing a policy.

Top travel tips for Fiji

1. Greet people by saying bula

Bula is the Fijian way to welcome someone and say hello, as well as asking ‘how are you?’ You’ll hear it often enough when you arrive that you’ll quickly get into the habit of saying it yourself.

2. The tropical climate lasts all year round

Fiji’s location in the South Pacific Ocean means that temperatures reach around 30°C during most months of the year, while the water temperature hovers around 27°C. While Tourism Fiji states that any time of the year is an excellent time to visit, June and July usually see the most tourists due to the drop in humidity during the winter months.

3. Check if you need a visa

Australian tourists don’t need a visa to enter Fiji, as you’ll be issued with a four-month visa upon arrival, as long as you have a return ticket and confirmed accommodation.⁵ If you’re visiting Fiji for other purposes, you may need a visa to enter.

4. Fiji uses similar currency to Australia

The currency of Fiji is the Fijian dollar, which uses $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations, as well as 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 coins. Most places around the country, including larger resorts and hotels, will have an ATM available.

Compare travel insurance policies for your Fijian getaway

Our comparison service is a great way to find a travel insurance policy for your trip to Fiji. It’s simples: just enter in your details and itinerary and within minutes our service will provide you with a selection of policies to compare and choose from.

Sources:

Fijian government: Tourism Fiji – Getting to Fiji. Sourced April 2019.

Australian Government: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Consular State of Play 2017-18, published September 2018. Sourced April 2019.

Fijian government: Tourism Fiji – Helpful tips. Sourced April 2019.

Australian Government: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Consular Services Charter. Published on Smartraveller.gov.au. Sourced April 2019.

Australian Government: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Fiji. Published on Smartraveller.gov.au. Sourced April 2019.

Fijian government: Tourism Fiji – Experiences. Sourced April 2019.

Fijian government: Tourism Fiji – Information. Sourced April 2019.

Fijian government: Tourism Fiji – The weather in Fiji. Sourced April 2019.

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