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?
Most travelers believe that their traditional medical insurance offers adequate coverage even while they are abroad. But the fact is that only medical insurance for travelers are designed for international travel. All insurance policies have exclusions and travel insurance is no different. However, it is imperative to be well informed in the clearest possible way about what you are and aren’t covered 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 is also excluded from travel insurance. If you are receiving a particular medical treatment then your medical insurance for travel might not cover you against the expenses you incur during your travel. Therefore, your travel medical insurance would be of no use if you are going abroad for a cosmetic surgery or for some similar cause which is recommended by your doctor.
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.
Additionally, even high risk sports do not qualify under medical insurance for travel. Sports involving bodily contact such as mountaineering, skydiving, skiing, caving, riding in races, bungee jumping, parachuting, etc are excluded from the clauses of medical insurance for travelers. Some policies offer coverage for these hazardous sports, if an additional rider is bought by paying extra premium.
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.
Having travel insurance is always the best deal. However, travel insurance given by various travel insurance companies diverge in the additional cover offered. Thus, it is advisable to compare different travel insurance plans online and read the policy wording before choosing one for you. Remember, genuine claims, as well as new injuries and illnesses are covered after an investigation by claims department.
