Policy exclusions are an important part of any insurance plan, including travel insurance. When buying insurance, taking note of the exclusions is almost as important as understanding the inclusions, if not more. Not having clarity on policy exclusions can lead to issues later. For example, it may lead to rejection of claims if the reason for your claim is not an offering of the policy. Hence, understanding policy exclusions becomes important for all policy buyers as well as their nominees.
Existing Conditions: A Significant Exclusion
A vast majority of pre-existing medical conditions are not covered by travel insurance. Simply put, the losses brought on by a health condition that you are already living with will not be covered by your travel insurance.*
Dentist Visits
Only dental emergency costs incurred due to an accident are covered by travel insurance. Typically, routine dental care is not covered. However, insurance companies might have a provision in this regard. A thorough review of the policy document is required before filing a claim.*
Emotional Or Mental Disorders
Travel insurance providers do not typically accept claims resulting from mental or emotional disorders. These may include bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression. Therefore, the costs associated with treating such illnesses will not be reimbursed.*
If Travelling To Avail Medical Procedure Abroad
Because travel insurance is only intended to cover emergencies, you are not covered for any anticipated network hospital stays. The insurer won’t pay for your expenses, even if you are travelling to receive medical care.
Pregnancy And Childbirth
Unless specifically covered by a travel policy, whether domestic or international, childbirth and pregnancy are typically not covered by travel insurance from India. However, under such a policy, you might be compensated for pregnancy-related complications.
Natural Disasters
Losses brought on by natural disasters are typically covered by international travel insurance. You won’t be covered by the insurance company, though, if you are travelling to a location known for natural disasters or if you do so despite a prior warning from the relevant authority about the possibility of one occurring.
Adventure Sports Activities
Many travel insurance companies do not cover losses incurred while participating in adventure sports. These activities include backcountry skiing, snowboarding, skydiving, rafting, scuba diving, and bungee jumping. However, some insurance companies allow customers to add coverage for an additional fee.
Some Of Your Items In The Bag
The policy does not cover everything inside your luggage, even though delay or loss of baggage is covered. Hearing aids, glasses, money, jewellery, and other items are not covered, according to the list of frequent exclusions. Some things are, however, covered in some circumstances and up to a certain amount.*
Bad Weather
Travel insurance only covers lousy weather that limits your travel activities. You may be covered if a flight is delayed or cancelled due to bad weather. However, the insurance provider will not provide any coverage for the loss if heavy rain stops your jungle trip or trek or cancels your beach vacation simply because the weather forecast calls for rain.*
Besides the travel insurance benefits, ensure you also know about these exclusions mentioned above and always utilise a travel insurance premium calculator to understand the appropriate level of coverage needed.
*Standard T&C Apply
Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.
