What doesn’t it Cover?
Let’s face it, travel insurance can’t cover everything! Just like waiting periods with your health insurance, or drink-driving exclusions with your car insurance, similar conditions apply to your travel protection. Here’s a few things to be aware of that might not be covered.
Pre-existing illnesses: Some medical conditions that exist before you travel may not be covered. If you’ve recently been in hospital, have planned surgery, or suffering from a serious illness where overseas treatment is likely, you may find getting cover is tricker than usual. That’s not to say if you do have a pre-existing condition you can’t get cover at all, you may just need to have your condition assessed before cover can be granted. If cover is declined, in most cases, you can still buy a policy that would cover you for all other benefits, and for any unrelated illness or injury (just not your known pre-existing).
Being reckless: Leaving your stuff behind in a cafe or forgetting to lock your hotel room will most likely lead to a case of theft or loss of your possessions. It’s up to you to keep your possessions secure and your insurance won’t pick up the tab if you refuse to do so. Equally failing to wear a helmet while riding a bike or riding a vehicle unlicensed is considered reckless behaviour, and not covered by travel insurance.
High-risk activities: Hey there adrenaline junkie! Many high-risk activities and extreme sports (e.g. American football, boxing, skydiving, competitive cycling, rock climbing, polo and motorsports) are not covered. Always check whether your planned activities are before you go jumping out of a plane (for example.)
High-risk destination: Travelling to a high-risk country with a known threat of war or civil unrest is not likely to be covered by most travel insurance policies. Travellers headed to such destinations are advised to look out for government warnings from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and understand that travel insurance restrictions that may apply.
Travel supplier default: Does your tour operator sound a bit dodgy ? Travel insurance does not always cover for insolvency of travel agents, tour wholesalers, tour operators or booking agents. Make sure you’re confident in the operator making your travel arrangements.
Boozy activities: Overdoing it on poolside cocktails may be part of your holiday agenda, but if inebriation causes you to have an accident, your cover may not cover the tab. The majority of travel insurers will require your blood alcohol level to be close to zero in order to pay out your claim. The same clause applies to illicit drugs.
Childbirth: While pregnancy may be covered (up to a certain gestation) very few cover childbirth overseas and any costs related to the care of a newborn. Even if you think you’re fit to fly, check with your airline before you travel: many airlines will only let you fly up to a certain stage in your pregnancy, and may require medical certificates or other documentation.
And more… We haven’t detailed all travel insurance exclusions here. Just the ones that tend to pop up. It’s vital that you read your chosen insurer’s Product Disclosure Statement before you purchase to understand the exclusions that apply to your cover.
