Select insurance type
Corporate travel insurance
Travel Insurance Coverage - Outbreak of a COVID-19 (coronavirus strain)
Updated 25 March 2022
CORPORATE TRAVEL INSURANCE POLICY OVERVIEW
The following summary provides an overview of who is covered under the Griffith University Corporate Travel insurance policy and when coverage applies to a Journey.
Covered Persons:
All Employees, council and committee members, visiting lecturers and faculty staff and other approved overseas visitors of the University including their Accompanying Spouses/Partners.
Scope of Cover:
Cover under this Policy shall only apply whilst the Covered Person is engaged on a Journey, as defined.
Journey Definition:
Journey means a Declared Trip undertaken on the business of the University and/or authorised by the University provided such travel involves a destination fifty (50) kilometres or more from the Covered Persons normal place of business or residence. Cover shall commence from the time a Covered Person leaves their normal place of residence or place of business, whichever is left last and continue on a fulltime twenty-four (24) hour basis until the Covered Person returns to their normal place of residence or place of business, whichever occurs first.
The maximum duration of any one (1) trip is the lesser of the original itinerary of the Declared Trip or three hundred and sixty (360) days, unless agreed by Chubb.
Journey is extended to include Incidental Private Travel which is taken either side of or during an authorised business trip. This cover is limited to a maximum of five (5) days (but must not exceed 60% of the trip in its entirety).
Travel must be authorised by the University for cover to apply.
SUMMARY OF TRAVEL BENEFITS
The following table is a summary only of the benefits afforded by the travel insurance policy. Please refer to the Corporate Travel Policy Wording and PDS for full terms and conditions.
Summary of Travel Insurance Benefits | |
Event | Benefit |
Medical Expenses | Unlimited (Excess - Nil) If you are aware of an existing health/medical condition which may impact on your travel, it is advisable that you obtain written confirmation with your medical practitioner that you are fit to travel. Insurers can reject medical claims for pre-existing medical conditions. |
Loss of Baggage / Business Property Electronic Equipment | $20,000 per person (Excess - $100) $5,000 limit for any one item, $10,000 total limit (Excess - $250) |
Deprivation of Baggage | $3,000 |
Cancellation / Curtailment Expenses | Unlimited (but excluding any Covid-19 related costs) |
Loss of Deposits | Unlimited (but excluding any Covid-19 related costs) |
Money / Travel Documents | $5,000 per person |
Rental Vehicle Excess Waiver | $5,000 |
Overseas Personal Liability | $10,000,000 |
Emergency Medical Evacuation | Included (subject to Covid-19 regulations in Country of travel and availability of resources which may be impacted in that region due to Covid-19) |
Overseas Assistance | Included |
COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS & EXCLUSIONS
The University’s Corporate Travel insurance policy currently restricts or excludes coverage with respect to Covid-19 in the certain circumstances, including but not limited to:
1. No cover applies for any travel where a DFAT Level 4 (DO NOT TRAVEL) warning is in place. If you have an exemption to travel, please advise the Insurance Office immediately as special cover will need to be arranged with Chubb Insurance for your trip prior to any travel being booked or taken. There is no cover for travel on a DFAT Level 4 Advice, unless this is specifically agreed to by Chubb Insurance prior to any travel being booked.
2. No cover applies for costs incurred in relation to any Cancellation, Curtailment, Loss of Deposits or Disruption costs which are incurred as a result of Covid-19. However, this Exclusion shall not apply in respect of claims resulting from an unforeseen circumstance outside the control of Griffith University or a Covered Person for:
- Loss of Deposits, if the Journey is necessarily altered or cancelled prior to commencement of the Journey; or
- Cancellation and Curtailment Expenses, if unbudgeted additional or forfeited Travel or Accommodation Expenses or out of pocket expenses are necessarily incurred while on a Journey,
In each case due to:
- The Covered Persons unexpected death from Covid-19; or
- The Covered Person contracting Covid-19; or
- The Covered Person, a Close Relative, Close Colleague or travelling companion of the Covered Person being directed by a health authority to quarantine because of a close contact with a positive or suspected positive case of Covid-19; or
- A Close Relative, Close Colleague or travelling companion of the Covered Person contracting Covid- 19, or their unexpected death from Covid-19,
Which prevents the Covered Person commencing / continuing the Journey as planned.
3. No cover applies for any costs associated with Covered Persons having to quarantine (mandatory or otherwise) due to Covid-19 unless:
- The Covered Person contracts Covid-19;
- The Covered Person, a Close Relative, Close Colleague or travelling companion of the Covered Person being directed by a health authority to quarantine because of a close contact with a positive or suspected positive case of Covid-19.
4. No cover applies for the cost of any Covid-19 tests which the Covered Person is required to take.
5. No cover applies for any costs associated with travel which is delayed, disrupted, cancelled or otherwise impacted as a result of any border closures, instruction to return home, Government regulations or similar.
In addition to the above, further restrictions may apply as per the policy terms and conditions.
Updated 25 March 2022
The following information has been prepared to respond to a number of frequently asked questions regarding the resumption of travel for staff based on the current position of Chubb Insurance, which is subject to change as international borders open and further Government advice is considered by the insurer.
LGBTIQ+ Travellers
For LGBTIQ+ travellers seeking information on levels of acceptance and/or inclusion in a particular destination, please visit the University's International SOS membership portal and search by country. The Culture profile for each country will list any cultural norms or laws to be aware of and usually includes information on LGBTIQ+-related laws or acceptance. International SOS's Sydney Assistance Centre can be contacted for country-specific pre-trip security briefings on +61 2 9372 2468 or sydney@internationalsos.com. When contacting International SOS, quote Griffith's membership number: 12AYCA000069.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Travel Insurance Policy provides cover for travel to countries in line with DFAT advice. There is NO COVER for travel to a country where a DFAT Level 4 Advice applies. If you’re planning to travel to a country with a DFAT Advice Level of 1, 2 or 3 then cover is available under the Travel Insurance Policy, subject to your trip being authorised and approved by the University.
It is advised that appropriate risk assessments are undertaken and all Government advice is followed (both in Australia and overseas jurisdictions where travel is being undertaken). Travellers should be aware of their obligations for travel to each destination Country and for their return travel to Australia.
It is important to consider the medical facilities that may be available in the various countries of travel. If the Covered Person travels to a developing country, with high Covid-19 rates which isn’t a centre of medical excellence then this may cause complications in getting urgent medical assistance. Cover under the policy does not guarantee that the insurer can always immediately assist, despite best efforts depending on the situation in that particular country or region at the time. For example, insurers cannot guarantee medical assistance or a hospital bed will be available if Covid-19 has impacted services in that location.
This update is subject to change by insurers as the risk landscape continues to develop and further Government advice is considered.
Please note all insurance cover referred to in this advice or any attachment is subject to the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions contained in the relevant policy wording. A copy of the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) can be obtained by contacting the Griffith University Insurance Office.
Travelling on University approved business
The University insures University Staff and students whilst engaged in a journey within Australia and overseas on approved University business. Please refer to the attached Information Sheets which outlines the various levels of cover applying under the following categories:
- Staff
- Students including PhD candidates, short term internships and affiliate programs (see: Information Sheet - Students)
- Students travelling overseas on exchange programs (see: Information Sheet - Exchange Students)
Staff travelling on approved university business and the travel costs are being paid by an external organisation will need to send a copy of their travel itinerary including confirmation from their supervisor/manager or Head of School/Element to the Insurance & Risk Management Office at insurance@griffith.edu.au so that the cover can be arranged.
Private travel
Conditions apply with regard to private travel. Please refer to the important information provided regarding what is or is not covered including limitations of additional private travel.
- Examples where private travel may or may not be insured by the University (currently under review)
Personal insurance cover is strongly recommended for any non-University business. This expense cannot be charged to or reimbursed from a University account.
Comprehensive private travel insurance is available for staff, students and family members.
Travel Claims
Staff and students should lodge their claim and any supporting documentation by emailing insurance@griffith.edu.au.
Please note claims sent directly to the insurer will not be dealt with until reviewed by Griffith Insurance.
Gallagher reviews the claim and undertakes the process of managing the claim to finalisation. If further information is required, Gallagher will approach the staff member/student directly to obtain it. Resolution of the claim will take place directly between Gallagher and the claimant. Gallagher will immediately report the lodging of any claim to the University via email before payment of any claim, and will seek approval to proceed with the payment of the claim.
Excluded countries
There is no cover under our existing policies for travel to certain countries. The insurer will not pay benefits with respect to any loss, damage, liability, event, bodily injury or sickness which results from war, Civil War, invasion, act of foreign enemy, rebellion, revolution, insurrection or military or usurped power in Australia or a covered person’s country of residence, or any of the following countries: Afghanistan, Chad, Chechnya, Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Israel, Somalia or Sudan.
Private travel insurance
Private insurance for domestic and international travel is available to staff, students and their relatives from Chubb Insurance Australia Limited. Chubb Travel Insurance is a worldwide leader in the provision of travel insurance products and services to millions of travellers. Chubb Travel Insurance provides travel insurance coverage for inconveniences such as trip cancellation, flight or baggage delay, personal accident protection, medical expenses cover overseas and more.
Note: The University provides no advice or recommendations concerning the policy cover and receives no remuneration or other benefit associated with Chubb insurance.
Before you travel
- Consult the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade travel advisory and consular assistance service.
- Ensure the travel insurance policy you choose is appropriate for your needs and circumstances.
Information
Please note this private travel insurance is not an extension of the Griffith University Corporate Travel Insurance Policy - refer to the current terms and conditions of the private policy available through Chubb for more information:
Obtain a quote and coverage details, policy wording and Product Disclosure Statement
Eligibility
- Current staff and students
- Immediate family members and relatives of current staff and students
The staff member or student is not required to travel with relatives to be eligible.
Learn more about Chubb Travel Insurance
Call between 8.30 am – 5 pm, Monday – Friday
Employee travel assistance program for staff and students
Griffith University subscribes to the services from International SOS, the world's leading provider of medical assistance, international health care and security services. International SOS provides information about destinations before staff or students travel overseas, including medical and security risks and how to stay safe when overseas. For specific information on your destination, including emergency contact numbers, phone information, voltage and plugs, financial, cultural tips, embassies and visas, country facts, visit:
For staff and students travelling overseas, please ensure that you print a copy of the International SOS member card before travel. Please keep this card handy at all times as you travel and work. This card contains the Griffith University membership number and phone numbers to access International SOS 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if you require medical or security advice or assistance.
The ISOS program does not replace the existing insurance policy, it enhances the travel assistance program, as well as information of destinations that staff and students travel to.
Travel Policy
The University's travel policy applies to both staff and students and outlines the conditions under which staff and students travel on University business. This policy ensures staff members and students travelling on official duty have appropriate levels of accommodation, travel and financial assistance.
