Here’s everything you need to know about travel insurance exclusions.
When you purchase travel insurance, you are typically covered for most of the unforeseen events that could possibly happen to you while you are away from home.
However, there are certain events that are not covered by travel insurance, known as exclusions.
Exclusions are typically listed in the policy document and can vary depending on the insurer.
Some common travel insurance exclusions include:
In this article...
Pre-existing medical conditions
Any medical condition that you had before purchasing travel insurance is typically not covered. This is because insurers consider these conditions to be known risks that you were aware of before buying the policy.
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Cancellation for any reason
Many policies will only cover you if you have to cancel your trip due to a covered event, such as a natural disaster or an illness. If you cancel for any other reason, such as a change in plans or simply because you don’t want to go anymore, you will not be reimbursed.
Adventure activities
If you plan to participate in any risky activities, such as bungee jumping or skiing, you will likely need to purchase a separate policy that covers these activities. This is because insurers consider these activities to be high-risk and therefore not covered under standard travel insurance policies.
Loss of property
Travel insurance typically does not cover the loss of personal belongings, such as laptops, cameras, or jewelry. You may be able to purchase additional coverage for these items if they are considered valuable.
Trip interruption
If you have to interrupt your trip for a covered reason, such as an illness or a death in the family, you will be reimbursed for your non-refundable expenses, such as airfare and hotels. However, if you interrupt your trip for any other reason, such as a change in plans, you will not be reimbursed.
Missed connections
If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation of the first flight, you will likely be reimbursed for the cost of the second flight. However, if you miss a connecting flight because you were late for the first flight, you will not be reimbursed.
Alcohol and drug use
Most policies will not cover any medical expenses that result from alcohol or drug use.
Extreme sports
Many policies will not cover any medical expenses that result from participating in an extreme sport.
Natural disasters
Some policies may not cover medical expenses related to a natural disaster.
Canceled trips
Some policies may not cover the cost of a trip that is canceled for any reason.
Lost or stolen luggage
Some policies may not cover the cost of replacing lost or stolen luggage.
Before purchasing a travel insurance policy, be sure to read the policy carefully to understand what is and is not covered.
When you purchase a travel insurance policy, you will be asked to select any pre-existing medical conditions that you have.
It is important to be honest when answering this question, as any pre-existing medical conditions that are not disclosed may not be covered by the policy.
The next step is to check the policy’s exclusions. An exclusion is a condition or activity that is not covered by the policy.
For example, most policies will exclude any claims relating to alcohol or drug abuse, or claims that arise from engaging in dangerous activities such as bungee jumping or sky diving.
It is important to familiarize yourself with the exclusions in your policy before you travel, as any claims that arise from excluded activities will not be covered.
If you have any questions about the exclusions in your policy, you should contact your insurance company or broker for clarification.
