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ATIA Escalates Fight to Protect Members’ Right to Sell Travel Insurance at Booking

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has intensified its fight to permanently protect the right of travel agents, tour operators and other accredited travel businesses to sell travel insurance at the time of booking. 

The exemption, secured by ATIA in 2021, allows travel businesses to offer travel insurance alongside travel arrangements. It is due to expire in October. ATIA has now formally called on Treasury to make the exemption permanent, warning that any rollback would harm travellers and undermine small and medium-sized travel businesses across Australia. 

ATIA's position in the comprehensive submission is clear: travel insurance belongs at the time of booking. 
That is when travellers understand their destination, itinerary and activities. It is when risk is real. It is when informed decisions are made. 

Forcing a delay between booking travel and purchasing insurance would increase the likelihood of Australians travelling uninsured or underinsured. It would create a risky gap between commitment and cover. And it would introduce red tape into a system that is already working. 

Most Australians already buy travel insurance when they book their trip. Breaking that link will weaken it. 
The consequences would be significant: 

• More Australians exposed to major medical and cancellation costs 
• More families facing avoidable financial hardship overseas 
• Increased pressure on government consular services 
• Reduced certainty for travel businesses 

ATIA members do not simply transact insurance. They provide context and can ensure insurance aligns with the specific risks of the trip whether that involves cruising, snow travel, adventure activities or complex international journeys. 

Travel insurance is already subject to strong consumer protections, including a 14-day cooling-off period and strict Design and Distribution Obligations. Introducing additional delay will not improve safeguards - it will create risk. 

ATIA is calling on Treasury to provide certainty and make the exemption permanent. 

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATIA CEO DEAN LONG
“We secured this exemption for our members in 2021 and we are determined to ensure it is made permanent.” 

“This is about protecting the right of accredited Australian travel businesses to provide a complete service to their clients.” 

“Travel insurance at the time of booking is common sense. It protects travellers and it supports small business.” 

“If this exemption is allowed to lapse, more Australians will travel uninsured. That is the real-world consequence.” 

“We will continue to stand up for our members and for the travellers they protect every day.”