How Your Travel Insurance Might Not Cover Your Party Weekend Abroad

How Your Travel Insurance Might Not Cover Your Party Weekend Abroad

When you’re planning a trip, it’s essential to get travel insurance, just like how you need to pack your bags.  Gary Hemming, a finance expert from ABC Finance gives us a straightforward guide to help you understand what you need to tell your travel insurance company and what you should know about coverage, including which countries might not be covered and what could void your insurance.

Be Honest with Your Information

Always provide true and complete information to your insurer. This helps them give you the right coverage for your trip.

Personal Details

Tell the insurance company about yourself: your name, age, where you live, and how to reach you. If you’re travelling with others, their information is needed too.

Your Trip Details

• Destinations: Inform them of every place you’re visiting. Some countries might not be covered due to high risks or travel advisories. For example, countries with ongoing war, civil unrest, or severe health risks often fall into this category.
• Travel Dates: Share the exact dates to ensure you’re covered throughout your trip.

The Purpose of Your Trip

Whether it’s for relaxation, business, or adventure, the reason for your trip can affect your coverage.

Health Conditions

• Tell them about any existing health conditions. If you don’t, and then need medical help for that condition while traveling, your insurance might not cover it.
• Specific conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or recent surgeries are crucial to disclose.

What You’re Doing on Your Trip

• If you plan to engage in risky activities like skydiving or scuba diving, mention this. Such activities are sometimes not covered under standard policies.

Your Belongings

• If you’re bringing expensive items, you may need additional coverage. Some policies have limits on the value of items covered.

What’s Often Not Covered:

• Travel to High-Risk Areas: Countries with travel warnings due to conflicts, natural disasters, or pandemics might be excluded.
• High-Risk Activities: Certain sports or adventures may need extra coverage or might not be covered at all.
• Alcohol or Drug-Related Incidents: Claims related to the use of alcohol or drugs typically aren’t covered.
• Ignoring Travel Advisories: If you travel against government advice, your insurance might be void.
• Pre-existing Conditions: If not declared or if the policy doesn’t cover them, any medical issues arising from these won’t be covered.
• Fraudulent Claims: Any dishonesty in your claims can lead to denial and void your coverage.

Void Your Insurance:

• Lying or Withholding Information: Not being honest about your health, destinations, or activities can void your policy.
• Ignoring Safety Warnings: Going to places or participating in activities that your government or the insurer advises against can invalidate your coverage.
• Breaking the Law: Engaging in illegal activities can void your coverage.

Finance expert, Gary Hemming from ABC Finance says:

When buying travel insurance, make sure to read the policy carefully, understand what is and isn’t covered, and know which countries might be excluded. If in doubt, ask the insurance company for clarification to ensure you have the protection you need while traveling.