We have ceased selling Travel Insurance effective 14 August 2024. For any enquiries or changes to existing policies please contact CGU by calling 13 24 81 and follow the prompts to make a change to an existing travel policy. For any claim enquiries for existing policies, please call 13 24 80.

Getting started with overseas travel

We've put together a quick travel guide to ensure your key priorities are covered before you fly. Your journey has likely begun with hours researching images of white sandy beaches or snow-capped mountains. Perhaps think about which part of the world you are most culturally drawn to and which sites you would like to see, then work backwards from there. Consider how much time off from work you'll be able to take, how far away your destination is and whether seasons are an important factor.

Once you've decided on your destination, create a list of stopovers, sites and locations you'd like to visit, and how much time you would like to spend at each. This should give you a good idea of how long your stay will be, which route you'll be taking and how you'll be travelling.

    Before you go

    Be sure to let us know if you're travelling soon. You also need to consider how you'll access your money while overseas. Remember your Internet Banking credentials to keep track of your account when you're travelling. A mix of cards, such as a credit card and debit card, and foreign cash while overseas will provide flexibility in case anything gets lost or stolen.

    • Tell us you're going away

      We monitor your accounts and finances to keep them safe!

      If you are travelling overseas, please notify us before you travel by:

      i. Sending us a Secure Mail via Internet Banking, or
      ii. Calling us on 13 11 82, or
      iii. Visiting a branch.

      This is important for your security and your access to your accounts.

      Login to Internet Banking

    • Are your cards up to date?

      Have you checked your cards' credit limits and expiry dates?

      Make sure your credit limits suit your travelling budget and renew your card if needed.

      Be aware that some countries may require a six-digit PIN when paying by card, though your PIN may only be four digits.

      Simply enter '00' at the start to make your PIN six digits. For example, 1234 would become 001234.

    • Internet Banking or Mobile Banking App

      Log in or register before you go to make sure you have access to keep track of your accounts while you're away.

    • People's Choice Secure Code

      Make sure you're registered so you can pay any bills or transfer funds to others while you're away. Contact us for more information.

    • Take some foreign cash with you

      You can organise your foreign currency 24/7 online to be collected at a branch for pick up within three to five business days. Foreign cash can be ordered up to 21 days in advance.

    • Better safe than sorry

      Make photocopies of your passport, travel itinerary, travel insurance policy and any other information that you might need to access in case of emergency on your trip and leave with a trusted friend or family member.

    • Visit the Smartraveller webpage

      Smartraveller no longer asks you to register your overseas travel before you go 'just in case' something happens. Instead, they will activate a crisis page if there is a situation overseas that could affect Australians. At that point in time, if you're affected and need their help you can contact them.

      Visit the Australian Government's Smartraveller homepage

    • Need any vaccinations?

      Check with Immunise Australia to see if you will require any vaccinations before you depart. Vaccines covered by the National Immunisation Program (NIP) are provided free-of-charge to eligible people.

      Visit the government's 'Immunisation for Travel' webpage

    • Valid passport

      Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the start of your travel.

    • Organise mail collection

      Arrange for a friend or family member to collect your mail.

    Useful tips while you're away

    • Using your card to pay

      Pay by selecting 'Credit' with your Visa Debit card or Visa Credit card wherever the Visa logo is displayed.

    • Getting cash out

      You can also withdraw up to $2,000 (AUD) per day (per card), at any overseas ATM displaying the Visa or PLUS logo by selecting 'Credit' with your Visa, rediCARD PLUS or eftpos debit card. Local ATMs may have different limits on transactions and fees and charges may apply.

    • Keep your cards and money separate

      Ensure you have a backup in case anything is lost or stolen.

    • Check your receipts carefully before paying

      Make sure you know what you're paying for and keep your receipts until you've checked your statements.

    • Don't allow merchants to take an imprint of your card

      Most merchants should use electronic means of processing your card information, instead of taking a manual imprint of your card. Otherwise, pay in cash to keep your card safe.

    • Regularly review your transactions and balances

      Check your transactions and balances including 'funds on hold' using the Mobile Banking App or Internet Banking.

      Call us on +61 2 8305 8305 to report any suspicious transactions. 

    People's Choice emergency details