When it comes down to purchasing travel insurance, it’s easy to assume that it will cover any injury, illness, inconvenience, or loss you might face during your trip. However, like any form of insurance, it is essential to carefully read the fine print of your policy to fully understand what is and what is not covered.
It is no secret that travel insurance policies often come with a long list of exclusions- some of which may surprise you. Since travel insurance has become more complex in recent years, understanding these exclusions is incredibly important.
In this article, we’ll explore the major instances that are not covered under the standard travel insurance plans. Let’s discuss them in detail.
10 Things Your Travel Insurance Plan Will Not Cover
Here is a list of the things that are not included in the travel insurance plan. Let’s take a look at them.
1. Pre-Existing Illnesses or Conditions:
One of the biggest exclusions under a travel insurance plan is that it generally doesn’t cover pre-existing medical conditions. If you were diagnosed or treated for a condition before your trip, especially during the look-back period (which could range from 60 to 180 days before your policy starts), your insurer will not process claims related to that illness. However, some policies allow you to buy coverage for such conditions. Without this add-on, your policy only covers new medical emergencies or accidents that happen during your trip, as well as other unexpected disasters listed in the plan.
2. Routine Dental Treatment:
Another major exclusion under a travel insurance plan is that it doesn’t cover routine dental check-ups. It will only provide coverage for emergency dental care, such as acute pain or dental injury resulting from an accident that occurs during your trip. Even then, treatment is limited to real teeth, not dentures or implants.
3. Mental Health Issues or Suicide Attempts:
One of the major exclusions under travel insurance is that it doesn’t cover any injuries or losses resulting from self-harm or suicide attempts. Furthermore, most policies exclude claims related to mental health conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Some policies might cover emergency hospitalization for mental health conditions, but this is rare and usually very limited.
4. Travelling for Medical Treatment:
Another major exclusion is that it doesn’t cover where the person is travelling abroad specifically for medical treatment. Coverage is generally meant for unexpected medical emergencies, not for planned treatments. The only exception is if the treatment is unavailable in India and only offered overseas, but this is still rare.
5. Pregnancy and Childbirth Complications:
When it comes to exclusions under travel insurance, health issues related to pregnancy and childbirth during travel are not covered by most travel insurance plans. If complications arise, such as miscarriage or abortion, these will not be eligible for claims. Therefore, it is essential to ensure you are in good health before and during pregnancy and understand your policy’s limitations regarding maternal health.
6. Natural Disasters That Occur During the Policy Tenure:
Another major exclusion under travel insurance is that it doesn’t cover natural disasters, but there is a catch! Travel insurance covers natural disasters like earthquakes or hurricanes, but only if you purchased the policy before the disaster occurred. Furthermore, if you buy insurance after an event has started (like a volcano eruption), you cannot file a claim for losses related to that event.
7. Adventure Sports & Activities:
There is no denying that many travellers assume their insurance covers adventure sports, but most policies exclude risky activities like rafting, skiing, bungee jumping, or scuba diving. Furthermore, if you plan to engage in such activities, you will likely purchase an additional policy or coverage specifically for adventure sports.
8. Bad Weather Conditions:
If bad weather forces you to cancel or cut short your trip, travel insurance won’t cover the costs unless it leads to flight cancellation or severe disruption. If you cancel your trip due to a weather forecast, such as expected heavy rain, will not be eligible for compensation.
9. Lack of Proper Documentation:
When it comes to making a claim, you should provide all the necessary documents, such as receipts, bills, or medical reports to the insurer. Without these documents, your claim may be rejected. Furthermore, it is important to keep all relevant records during your trip to ensure smooth processing of any claims.
10. Claims Beyond Policy Coverage:
Last but not least, travel insurance policies have specific inclusions and anything beyond those limits will not be covered. Furthermore, it is important to carefully read and understand your policy’s terms, benefits, and exclusions. If your concerns are not listed, check with your insurer if any additional coverage or add-ons are available for your specific needs.
Final Thoughts
So, that’s all you need to know about the exclusions under travel insurance! While reading the fine print of your insurance policy might seem challenging when you are busy planning a vacation, it is important to understand the exclusions listed in your policy.
Insurance providers often include both a general list of exclusions- activities or events not covered- as well as specific exclusions for certain coverage options. Ensure you take some time and do research, as it can then save you from the unpleasant surprise of having a claim denied and having to pay for those expenses out of your pocket. Make sure you are prepared now rather than face unexpected costs later.
