Travel insurance policies provide a comprehensive list of risks covered, though as with other insurances - they have exclusions. This is why it's important that you check that your policy provides you with sufficient cover.
Pre-existing Medical conditions
Click on the product disclosure form on the site or speak to the insurance company direct to check whether they will include your condition on your chosen policy. If you forget to do this, and you require medical treatment because of one of your condition(s), you could end up facing a massive bill for your treatment. *We spoke to the helpful staff at 1Cover who seem to have a vast experience with Pre-Existing Medical conditions. Call 1300 368 344 to discuss.
Cancelling your holiday
Check whether your policy will pay out if you need to cancel your holiday because you fall ill as a result of a pre-existing condition. It's important to tell your insurer about any medical conditions you may have. If any of your dependants have any pre-existing medical conditions, you will need to declare them, otherwise - if you need to cancel your holiday to return home to be with them, you won't be covered.
Extreme sports
An easy way to be caught out with an insurance policy is through participating in 'extreme' sports.
Some sports and activities are excluded from standard schemes, so it is always a good idea to check whether something you want to do on your holiday is covered before you do it. If you're keen to go skiing/ snowboarding etc, it's important to check whether your policy offers winter sports cover. Bungy jumping and ski diving are also often excluded.
When you purchase your travel insurance, double check you're covered for any dangerous activities you're keen to get involved in while on holiday, such as scuba diving, off-piste skiing or white-water rafting.
Useful niche sites include:
www.Itrek.com.au
www.ski-insurance.com.au
What if I'm pregnant?
You'll find that both airlines and insurance companies impose restrictions on expectant mothers. For example with Qantas, 'international travel is not permitted after the 36th week for routine pregnancies or the 32nd week for routine multiple pregnancies'. See: www.qantas.com.au/info/flying/beforeYouTravel/specialNeeds/medicalAssistance
Most insurers will cover a pregnant woman for up to 28 weeks into the pregnancy, but cover varies.
- Check with the airline you intend to travel with that you are able to travel before you book your ticket
- Make sure you have purchased adequate cover. Also ensure you are below any limit on the number of weeks pregnant you can be for cover to be valid.
Age limits
All policies have age limits so if you buy an annual policy, always ensure you will not be over the maximum age limit by the end of the policy.
When comparing policies check how your age affects the policy, as some place a higher price-tag on over 50's.
Prices vary widely in this sector and specialist insurers may not always be the cheapest. The following organizations may be able to assist you with well researched advice:
: remember to declare any existing medical conditions.
Valuables
Always check the conditions of a policy regarding where valuables should be kept, as a claim for valuables not kept in a safe place as defined by your policy may not be covered. Leaving valuables in a locked car or camper van may also carry a lower level of cover.
Claim settlement limitations
There's always limits to what an insurer will pay for each claim. Check these carefully when you purchase your policy, and ensure you have sufficient cover for things like personal baggage and cancellation - as some policies don't include these at all.
Note: an insurer will not pay for a claim which has arisen due to you taking non prescription drugs or being under the influence of alcohol.
Destination
that insurers will not provide insurance if you are travelling to a country where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have advised against travel. For advice on countries not to travel to and for global information prior to travel, visit: www.smartraveller.gov.au.
Travelling to Hong Kong or China?
These two destinations often come under a 'Worldwide' destination and not 'Asia'. Make sure you check with your provider. The reason behind this is that it costs a lot more for medical assistance and evacuation than it does in other Asian countries. It really is as simple as that!
If you think you'll be travelling overseas a few times within a twelve month period, check out the cost of an Annual Policy.Annual Trip Policies are often only marginally more expensive than Single Trip Policies, depending on the length of time you are travelling. The benefit of Annual Trip policies is that they are flexible enough to cover a number of trips.
To hell and back...
If you're 'dead-keen' on travelling to a country against the Governments advice, it's imperative you first check with your insurance company to see if you will be covered.
If your holiday turns to hell, any refund will depend on whether the Department of Foreign Affairs labels your holiday destination unsafe.
If a strong enough warning is put in place while you're there that hadn't existed prior to arrival, it's possible that your insurance policy may pay out a cancellation claim.
See www.dfat.com.au for more information.
Remember:
Price is not always an indication as to the value of an insurance policy >>> it's always important to read each company's product disclosure statement before you purchase.
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