Travel insurance is something almost everyone invests in to protect themselves when travelling abroad, but did you know that many common occurrences are not automatically covered?
Some of these come under the optional coverage that can be added to your basic plan, and others aren’t covered at all.
Leaving Your Belongings Behind
While insurance policies often provide coverage for unforeseen events such as the loss or theft of personal belongings, they typically do not extend to situations where items are left behind due to negligence or absent-mindedness. Coverage is designed to protect against events beyond an individual’s control, such as an airline misplacing luggage or instances of theft.
Policies cover things that are beyond your control such as someone else like an airline losing your luggage or it being stolen. This does not cover you if you accidentally forget your luggage at a train station or are absent-minded.
Claiming Pre-Existing Medical Issues
If you don’t let the insurer know about a pre-existing medical issue, or one with tests pending, and you travel and it causes medical issues, your insurance will not cover it and may even be voided due to you being untruthful with your insurer.
If an individual fails to inform the insurer about a pre-existing medical issue, especially one with pending tests or diagnoses, and later experiences health complications while traveling, the insurance coverage may be voided. The omission of crucial medical information can lead to claim denials and, in some cases, the annulment of the entire insurance policy.
In essence, failing to disclose pre-existing medical issues can result in the forfeiture of insurance benefits, leaving individuals responsible for all associated medical expenses.
Engaging in Reckless Behaviour/ Activities
Excessive drinking, taking drugs and other things that are considered reckless activities and behaviour are not covered by insurance as these are within your control and can be easily prevented. This also includes racking up legal fees, fines and other such illegal behaviours.
Participating in such activities can lead to accidents, injuries, or damages that insurance providers may deem avoidable.
Additionally, insurance companies generally do not provide coverage for legal fees, fines, or other penalties incurred as a result of illegal activities. Individuals involved in activities that lead to legal consequences may find their insurance policies voided or claims denied, as engaging in unlawful behavior is considered a breach of the terms and conditions outlined in most insurance agreements.
Trying Out High-Risk Sports & Activities
Most insurance companies offer add-ons if you plan on doing extreme sports or things that are higher-risk activities. You’ve got to add this to your insurance before you purchase, so plan ahead.
For those with a penchant for high-risk sports and activities, it’s not enough to rely on standard insurance coverage. Instead, planning ahead and securing the appropriate add-ons or riders is essential to guarantee comprehensive protection and financial support in the event of unforeseen incidents.
Travelling Despite Government Advice
If the Singaporean government tells you not to travel to a country and you do, it’s likely that insurance will not cover you at all due to the great amount of risk.
Insurance providers may not cover incidents or emergencies that occur in regions flagged with travel advisories. This is because traveling against official government advice is considered a conscious decision that exposes individuals to heightened risks. Insurance companies may view such actions as an unnecessary increase in the probability of claims and, as a result, may exclude coverage for events related to the advised-against travel.
Individuals who choose to travel despite explicit government advice should be aware that their insurance coverage may be compromised. Staying informed about official travel warnings and adhering to them is not only essential for personal safety but also critical for ensuring that insurance protection remains effective in the face of unforeseen challenges.
Changing Your Mind
Very few travel insurance policies cover you if you travel and change your mind mid-way. So if you decide on a trip, double-check the areas you want to go to beforehand because once you’re there, you’re committing.
Travel insurance policies are generally designed to provide coverage for unforeseen events and emergencies rather than changes of mind or personal preferences. If an individual decides to alter their travel plans mid-way, it’s important to be aware that very few travel insurance policies will cover the costs associated with such decisions.
Deciding to change your mind mid-way through a trip may result in financial consequences, including expenses related to alterations in travel arrangements, cancellations, or unused reservations. Insurance providers are less likely to reimburse or cover these costs, as they are often considered personal choices rather than unforeseen events beyond the traveler’s control.
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The post What Basic Travel Insurance Doesn’t Cover! appeared first on Travel Experta - Travel, Lifestyle, Freedom.
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Title: What Basic Travel Insurance Doesn’t Cover!
Sourced From: travelexperta.com/what-basic-travel-insurance-doesnt-cover/
Published Date: Tue, 21 Nov 2023 20:00:47 +0000
