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
- Cancelling your holiday
- Extreme Sports
- What if I am pregnant?
- Age limitations
- Valuables
- Claim settlement limitations
- Destination
- Traveling to Japan?
- Hell of a trip
- Remember
Pre-existing Medical conditions
Click on the product disclosure statement on the site or speak to the insurance company direct to check whether they will include your pre-existing 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.
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 online 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.
What if I'm pregnant?
Many insurers will offer travel insurance for pregnant women up to 26 weeks of pregnancy, with some offering cover up to 30 weeks. The stage of pregnancy and level of cover varies between insurers. View our guide Travel Insurance for pregnant women to learn more.
No Australian policies cover full-term birth. Most airlines also have restrictions. For example;
When flying Qantas while pregnant international travel is not permitted;
after the 36th week of pregnancy (for single pregnancies)
after the 32nd week of pregnancy (for multiple pregnancies)
When flying Virgin while pregnant travel is permitted but medical clearance is required;
after the 36th week of pregnancy (for single pregnancies)
after the 32nd week eek of pregnancy (for multiple pregnancies)
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 someplace 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:
Note: 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
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 Japan?
Japan is usually excluded from Asia and comes under ‘Worldwide’ or ‘Worldwide Excluding. Make sure you check with your provider. The reason behind this is that it costs more for medical assistance and evacuation than other Asian countries. It really is as simple as that!
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 our guide which explains more about travel insurance and travel warnings. Or visit dfat.com.au for more information.
Remember:
Price is not always an indication as to the value of an insurance policy. It is important to read each company's policy documentation when doing your travel insurance comparison. Make sure you understand the exclusions before you buy travel insurance. Need some more advice? Check out all our other travel insurance tips and guides to help you find the perfect policy for our upcoming holiday.
Also note:
Check your policy carefully as the above terms are general description of how these terms are commonly used in the travel insurance industry - your policy may be different.
Make sure you compare travel insurance levels of cover and benefits to find the best travel insurance for your needs.
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