Exclusions in Travel Insurance
Isn’t it a thrilling experience to travel abroad? We are sure it is. But what will happen if suddenly a family member of yours falls sick or meets with an accident while traveling abroad? And on top of this mishap you are informed that your travel insurance policy doesn’t cover you against such medical expenses incurred by you!! Won’t that be awful for you?
You might think that you are protected against such medical emergencies by your travel medical insurance policy. However, there are some clauses which are attached to every insurance policy that you purchase. There is high chance that you might overlook these clauses. However, for your own interest and safety, it is absolutely necessary for you to know what exactly your policy will and will not cover for.
If you have pre-existing medical conditions then it will not be accommodated by your travel medical insurance. Such conditions include pregnancy and related conditions, dental or medical conditions for which you are undergoing treatment, surgical or medical condition for which you are under medication. Anxiety, mental disorder, depression, traveling against the consent of your doctor is also considered as exclusion by travelers’ medical insurance.
Medical tourism also falls under the category of exclusion. If you are going abroad for receiving a particular medical treatment, for example cosmetics surgery or a surgery of similar nature, then your medical insurance for travel will not cover you against your medical expenses.
Other circumstances that are excluded from travel health insurance coverage are war or war-like situations, epidemics, natural disasters, nuclear attacks etc. These are a few of the most common exclusions of all travel insurance policies which are offered.
High risk sports also qualify the exclusion list. So if you meet with a mishap while you are busy skydiving, parachuting, bungee jumping, mountaineering, skiing, riding in races, caving etc then your travel medical insurance will not cover you against any such expenses. However, some policies cover travelers’ against such risky sports. This facility is available by paying an extra premium, besides having an extra rider.
Frauds, loss of passport, deception by your travel agent, or any loss arising due to your irresponsibility is not accommodated by medical insurance for travel. Attempt to suicide, drug abuse/alcohol abuse are also not covered by your travel insurance policy.
The best way to secure your future against unforeseen expenses is to buy travel medical insurance. However, different travel insurance companies offer different travel insurance policy and so it is always wise to compare several travel insurance plans online before settling for one. Also keep in mind the fact that the company makes a thorough inspection about your history before giving you the policy.
