Traveling is all about new experiences. An unfortunate accident or disaster that leaves you bankrupt is certainly not an experience you want to encounter. Every smart and safe vacationer should understand that it is crucial to insure yourself against any risks.
But travel insurance plans can be laced with webs of technicalities. In order to avoid any nasty surprises later, it is important to interpret the particulars of your policy to the last detail and spot any loopholes.
Souqalmal.com provides an insight into the 5 major areas where your travel insurance may leave you high and dry.
Pursuing High Risk Activities
Adventure sports and high-risk activities are some of the most common exclusions of a travel insurance plan. Because the risk of injury associated with these sports is higher than normal, the probability of a claim is greater.
Most insurers, however, do offer additional coverage at an added premium for high-risk sports. You may also avail extra cover for winter sports, which includes damage to ski equipment, avalanche closure and so on.
For Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Yet another reason to zoom in to that fine print is if you want to avoid a medical ordeal in a foreign country. Pre-existing medical conditions are almost never covered in mainstream travel insurance plans. Declaring pre-existing conditions when purchasing the policies does not help either. Your best bet is to purchase an add-on available for certain pre-existing medical issues at an extended premium.
Routine Pregnancy Care and Childbirth
It is important to familiarize yourself with your particular policy wording on pregnancy. Most insurance providers do not consider normal pregnancy and childbirth a medical condition and consequently do not offer an insurance cover for the same. If, however, you intend to travel with a pregnancy related complication, you can opt for a separate cover.
Damage as a Consequence of Acts of Terrorism
Claims for injuries, loss or damage to possessions and even death as a consequence of terrorism are not entertained in a standard travel insurance policy. A separate add-on cover referred to by insurance providers as “terrorism extension” is required for comprehensive coverage against any such incidents. The premium also varies significantly depending on where the insured intends to travel.
Claims with Insufficient or No Documentation
If you fail to back your claim with sufficient documentation, your chances of getting reimbursed for a financial loss are almost nil. In case of a theft, for instance, you must obtain a detailed police report before filing a claim.