Fiji is one of Australia’s closest neighbours and is also one of our favourite destinations to travel to. Before the coronavirus pandemic halted air travel, 345,300 Australians travelled there in 2018-19, enough to place it in the top 10 overseas destinations for Australian visitors.1
Fiji has no shortage of things to do, with numerous kilometres of beach to enjoy across hundreds of islands in the South Pacific Ocean.2 The food is exceptional, and the accommodation is marvellous; in short, it has everything you need for a great getaway.
But it’s essential you protect that getaway with international travel insurance. Here’s what you need to know about travel insurance for Fiji before you find a spot in the sand.
The decision to buy travel insurance is really up to you and your needs. We believe every traveller could find benefit in 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 as many as 5,728 Australians reported their passports either lost or stolen while overseas in 2018-19.1 In total, more than 31,000 are lost or stolen each year when you include Australia. With an appropriate travel insurance policy, you may be covered for the cost of replacing this document, as Australian consulates do charge a fee for their replacement.3
Travel insurance can cover you for a range of other events and scenarios, such as medical costs (repatriation, evacuation, fees for medical treatment etc.), cancelled travel plans, rental car excess and much more. It’s crucial not only to have coverage but also the right coverage.
Here are five things you can consider including in your travel insurance cover for Fiji:
Emergency medical and hospital expenses.
Australia doesn’t have a reciprocal health care agreement with Fiji, which means that some hospitals may require you to pay for treatment upfront.4 For this reason, including coverage for medical expenses in your travel insurance policy may ensure you don’t have to pay entirely out of your own pocket. What’s more, many insurers will guarantee the payment of your medical/hospital expenses to save you doing so, provided you contact them as soon as you are admitted. You should also consider including coverage for medical evacuation back to Australia in the event of serious illness or injury.
Adventure activities.
Fiji offers all sorts of adventure activities, like diving, snorkelling, 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 on your travel insurance policy. The same can apply for scooters and motorbikes. If you’re eager to tick some adventure activities off your bucket list, this is cover well worth considering!
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. The same can apply to your travel documents (although some insurers may limit this to comprehensive or annual multi-trip policies).
Cancellation, delay or amendment costs.
If you need to cancel your journey because of circumstances outside of your control, you may be able to claim for the non-refundable portion of unused travel and accommodation expenses and/or cancellation fees. For example, if you’re unable to travel due to an injury or an illness. Please note that, in this instance, you may need proof from a medical advisor to support your claim.
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.
If you’re travelling with dependents, then you should look for a policy that also includes them in your cover. Family travel insurance would be a good place to start here.
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 some to look out for:
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 to ensure that you have the cover you need.
Although currently in 2022, Smartraveller recommends a ‘high’ degree of caution when travelling to Fiji, although this has been increased due to the presence of COVID-19. usually, Fiji has a relatively low level of risk, although there are still some potential dangers Australian visitors should be aware of.
Fiji does experience the odd natural disaster here and there, with the possibility of:
Fiji Cyclone season is between November to April. Travellers are advised to know their accommodations evacuation plan and find shelter as soon as possible, following advice from local officials.
On average, disasters such as these cost Fiji around $100 million, or 2.6% of GDP each year.5
As with many countries, tourists are more likely to be exposed to crime than locals, and things like robbery, theft, assault and worse are a possibility. However, Smartraveller describes most crime in Fiji as ‘opportunistic’ with the highest risk being in urban areas at night.
Credit card fraud and skimming is also rife in urban areas in Fiji, so travellers are advised to stay alert when using ATMs and carrying cash.
See also: credit card travel insurance.
Fiji is home to some beautiful animals and many native species, but not all of them are safe. The most obvious potential threats include saltwater crocodiles, the Blue Ringed Octopus and the Box Jellyfish, but there are smaller threats you’re more likely to encounter.
According to Smartraveller, mosquito-borne illnesses (including dengue fever and Zika) are common. So make sure you’re up to date on any vaccinations you might need prior to travelling.
As of 2022, Smartraveller recommends you exercise a high degree of caution in Fiji due to the impacts of COVID-19. At the time of writing in 2022, it is mandatory to have a travel insurance policy that includes cover for COVID-19 for anyone wishing to enter Fiji.
Other COVID-19 requirements for Fiji include:
Keep up to date with Smartraveller’s COVID-19 guidelines, as these may change depending on when you’re reading this.
*Information correct as of 24/01/2022 but is subject to change.
If you get in trouble or require emergency assistance in Fiji, then you should know which official departments you can contact for help. These include:
Above all, make sure your emergency contacts are up-to-date and that you know how to contact your travel insurer, too.
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.
Fiji’s location in the South Pacific Ocean means that temperatures reach around 30°C during most months of the year. 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.
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.4 If you’re visiting Fiji for other purposes, you may need a visa to enter.
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.
There are lot of things in Fiji that are similar to Australia due to our proximity, but it can also be a very different place. You should understand these laws before you travel, as you’re subject to all local laws and penalties in Fiji, even if you think they’re harsh.
For example, you can go to jail for possession of illegal drugs, regardless of the quantity, and in general, you should aim to dress more modestly outside of tourist-heavy areas in Fiji to not offend the locals. It’s important to read up on Fiji’s local customs wherever you travel in order to be respectful.
Looking to visit Fiji? Our comparison service is a great way to find a travel insurance policy for your trip. 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.
You can also look through our guide to travel insurance by destination if you need more inspiration for your next overseas adventure!
1 Australian Government: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Consular State of Play 2018-19.
2 Fijian Government: Tourism Fiji. Helpful tips.
3 Australian Government: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Consular Services Charter.
4 Smartraveller.com.au. Fiji.
5 Australian Government: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Fiji – Australia’s commitment to strengthening climate and disaster resilience in the Pacific, 2019.
