Go! Travel Tips from Mark Fuller CEO (Also Known As DJ Marty!)
Website: GO Insurance
DNA: Welcome to DNA’s Festival Guide. As a seasoned traveller, and CEO of Go Insurance, apart from getting the right insurance for your trip, what are your top travel tips?
I travel super light. If I can carry-on only, I will. But for the times I can’t, I always keep a small essentials kit with me. I once arrived in Morocco and my luggage didn’t, so that lesson was learned the hard way.
I also avoid tight connections, especially on different airlines. Slow down, plan for the unexpected, keep digital copies of your documents and actually read your itinerary. You enjoy travel so much more when you’re not rushing.
Everyone has a different relationship to LGBTQIA+ pride events. What does Pride mean to you?
Pride is about visibility, community and feeling safe to show up as your full self. It’s also about remembering the people who fought for the freedoms we have today. I marched in protests and worked the Mardi Gras parade many years ago, so I’ve always seen Pride as both a celebration and a responsibility. Inclusion doesn’t just happen. We must keep showing up.
How do you embody that (or apply that) within Go Travel?
At Go Insurance we lead with respect. Creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported and able to bring their whole identity to work isn’t a slogan, it’s a daily practice. It shows up in our policies, how we recruit and how we work with partners and customers. Inclusion is part of how we operate.
Before becoming a CEO, you were an Oxford St DJ. Some may remember you as DJ Marty. How did you go from there to boss of Go Insurance?
DJ Marty has been around for more than 40 years. I’ve played all over the country, at festivals like Tropical Fruits, plenty of private parties and probably every one of my friends’ weddings. The only place I haven’t played is Oxford St. I still get asked, but being a CEO is a big job, so the late nights need to make sense. The stars have to align a bit.
It was never an either/or situation. I was behind the decks on weekends while building my career during the week. As that career took off and the responsibility grew, DJ Marty naturally took a back seat.
I still keep the creative side alive. I put out production mixes on Mixcloud as djmartybrisbane, and if the timing feels right, DJ Marty still pops up
Go specialise in travel insurance, which a lot of people are thinking about at this time of year, what should you look for when taking out travel insurance to travel domestically, and also internationally?
Start with the basics. For domestic trips, think about cancellation costs and luggage cover. Internationally, medical cover is the big one, and make sure you’ve disclosed any medical conditions, so you’re properly protected overseas. Choose a policy that suits the way you travel. And I know it’s boring but read the policy. Make sure the cover is right for you.
Many of us just tick the airline’s travel insurance box when booking. What are the risks of relying on that?
Airline insurance is designed for convenience, not total coverage. It usually has lower benefit limits and fewer options. If something serious happens, it may not go far enough. A standalone policy gives you better protection because you can tailor it to your trip and make sure it’s right for you.
Should we be fine-tuning our travel insurance based on what our trip involves? For example, if we were going on a cruise, it’s different to going on a hiking trip, skiing or hanging out in a big city.
Definitely. A cruise needs cruise cover. Skiing needs snow cover and with Go you can even choose the specific days you’ll be on the snow instead of paying a blanket premium. Hiking or adventure activities often need upgrades too. Tailored cover means fewer surprises.
Go offer travellers dental insurance. Can you explain what that is?
Standard travel insurance covers emergency overseas medical care but not elective or cosmetic dental work. More Australians are travelling overseas for planned dental procedures, but finding insurance for complications has been almost impossible until now.
We’re the first Australian travel insurer to offer cover for complications arising from elective dental treatment. It’s an optional extension that gives travellers peace of mind and helps them build cover that suits their plans and budget.
Do you hear some pretty scary stories about people getting into trouble while travelling? Care to share?
I’ve seen everything: lost passports on day one, broken bones, missed cruises, weather events and emergency evacuations. One traveller’s bungee cord even snapped and they ended up in crocodile-infested waters in Africa. They survived, thankfully, and partly because they had good travel insurance that kicked in quickly. Travel is amazing, but things can change fast. Good insurance can turn a disaster into something manageable.
With the festival season upon us, what’s going to be your summer vibes look like?
Something comfortable to dance in. I’m usually somewhere warm, so comfort wins. I like a clean, simple look that can go from day to night.
Will we see DJ Marty playing anywhere this festival season?
You never know. If the decks are calling, he won’t say no.
Plan your next trip with confidence. Visit https://goinsurance.com.au/.
