Think of Melbourne as the Paris of the Southern Hemisphere. A buzzing art scene, fancy eateries, and good coffee; what more could you ask for in a travel destination? You can also check out major sporting events and shop till you drop at the local stores. It would be difficult for you not to have a great time while you are in Melbourne.
Before you travel to Melbourne, make sure that you read this guide till the end to know all about things to do, travel tips and warnings, and information about travel insurance or travel medical insurance plans. Purchasing an appropriate insurance plan is a smart travel move that can save you a lot of money while traveling.
COVID-19 has complicated travel to Melbourne over the last couple of years. Thankfully, these restrictions have now come to an end. As of July 6, 2022, Australia has ended its COVID-19 vaccination requirement, along with previously ending its COVID testing and quarantine mandates. All international travelers are now free to visit Melbourne and the rest of Australia, regardless of vaccination status.
Melbourne Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs
Getting a travel medical insurance plan before an international trip is crucial. You may fall sick or suffer from an injury on your trip. If that happens and you do not have a travel medical insurance plan, you stand at the risk of paying a huge hospital bill out of your pocket.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Melbourne?
It is not legally mandatory to buy a travel medical insurance plan before traveling to Melbourne. However, there is always a risk that you may fall ill, especially since the weather of Melbourne is unpredictable. Make sure that you do not have to spend money on treatment costs by booking a travel medical insurance plan.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Melbourne?
To make sure that you do not have to spend money due to medical expenses, buy a travel medical insurance plan and enjoy your vacation with one less thing to worry about. Just a few benefits of travel medical insurance include:
- Coverage for emergency medical expenses
- Coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
- Coverage for return of mortal remains
- Coverage for accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D)
Melbourne Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs
An international trip requires months of planning and bookings. If you have to cancel your trip and cannot get a refund, you stand at the risk of losing a fortune. Avoid this by booking a trip cancellation insurance plan instead.
Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Melbourne?
Melbourne often suffers from natural calamities like floods, tsunamis, and earthquakes. If you see an alert for a natural disaster before you travel to Melbourne, consider cancelling your trip. If you have a trip cancellation insurance plan, it will fortify your wallet against cancellation charges.
Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for the full cost of your prepaid, non-refundable expenses if you have to cancel your trip for a reason covered under the policy. A full list of covered reasons is available in each plan's certificate wording. Be sure to review this fine print carefully before purchase. The coverage does vary from plan to plan; however, the most common reasons for cancellation—including getting sick before your trip, the illness or death of an immediate family member, or weather-related flight cancellations or delays—are usually covered under most standard plans.
What all is covered under travel insurance for Melbourne?
Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst before traveling. Buy a travel insurance plan so that you can enjoy your trip without worrying about things going awry. Just a few benefits of travel insurance include:
- Trip cancellation coverage for a covered reason
- Trip interruption coverage for a covered reason
- Trip delay coverage
- Baggage loss coverage
- Missed connection coverage
Things to Do For Travelers in Melbourne
Check Out Exceptional Street Art
Melbourne prides itself on its street art scene, and with good reason. There are certain areas of the city designated for artists to practice their art freely. As a result, you can enjoy magnificent graffiti and murals as you walk down the lanes of Melbourne. You can even take a street art tour, organized by Melbourne's artists themselves.
Visit Flinders Street Railway Station
The Flinders Railway Station is a majestic Victorian structure that serves the metropolitan rail network. It also connects Melbourne to other parts of Victoria. Explore the insides of this gorgeous station and enjoy some of the marvelous food options.
Head Over to the Federation Square
After you are done exploring the Flinders Street Railway Station, head over to the Federation Square. It is the cultural hub of Melbourne. Make sure that you visit the Ian Potter Centre, Australian Centre for the Moving Image, and the Koorie Heritage Trust. After you are done exploring the area, seek out a cozy cafe or bar, and enjoy the rest of your evening.
Enjoy Live Music
Melbourne has a great live music scene, especially when it comes to rock music. Several spots in Melbourne host live music shows, where both local and international performers play. Some of the most well-known live music venues in Melbourne include the Corner Hotel, the Evelyn Hotel, the Spotted Mallard, and the Palais Theatre.
Shop at Chapel Street
If you are a shopaholic, Chapel Street will steal your heart away. You can visit the line of shops that sell high-end clothing or drop in at the Melbourne Government Post Office, which now serves as a shopping mall.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Melbourne
Pack Adequately
The weather in Melbourne changes frequently and suddenly. Because the weather here can be unpredictable, make sure that you pack your suitcase so that it has something in it suitable for every season.
Do Not Stick to Tourist Spots
Yes, the tourist spots in Melbourne are pretty amazing, but you will miss out on a lot if you stick only to them. Melbourne has memorable sights tucked away within the city. Make sure that you explore Melbourne on foot so that you get to visit these gorgeous nooks and crannies.
Be Cautious While Buying Indigenous Art
Before you buy a piece of indigenous art, make sure that it is sourced ethically. If you are caught carrying an artwork that violates the Indigenous Art Code, you may face legal consequences.
Wear Sunscreen
It gets quite hot during the summer in Melbourne. You may get sunburns and rashes. Make sure that you carry a high-SPF sunscreen and apply it regularly to protect your skin.
Beware of Pickpockets
Be extra wary of your belongings when you are at a crowded tourist spot or a festival. Pickpockets may try to target you, especially if they realize that you are a tourist. Keep your wallet in a safe space, and avoid carrying original documents.
Before You Travel to Melbourne - Do This
You are almost ready to travel to Melbourne. Before you go, consider these suggestions.
- Get a Myki card. It costs very little but will enable you to board as many public modes of transport as you want.
- Check what souvenirs you can carry home legally. Otherwise, you may get held up at the airport for illegal possession of restricted items.
- Before you travel, buy a travel medical insurance or travel insurance plan so that you and your family or friends can enjoy a fun vacation without having to worry about unnecessary hassles or expenses. Enter some basic information about your trip and travelers. Then, compare a vast array of plans, and select the one that works best for your itinerary, your budget, and your destination.