Travel insurance does not always mean coverage
It’s that time of year again when the sun is smiling down on us, school is out, and the wide, wide world of travel is just a flight away.
So do some research on vacation options. You book a flight. You book a hotel room. And last but not least, call an insurance agent to get a suitable travel policy.
“Ah”, you think to yourself. “I’m covered from all angles.”
Not so fast, sir or madam!
While others like you may view the insurance you purchased as a ticket to peace of mind, that’s not always the case.
Not every loss scenario you can imagine occurring will be covered.
This article is about the problems that can arise as a result of not planning ahead or not being adequately informed about insurance-related topics.
Some cases in which travel insurance does not cover losses
1. If you think you’re smart to buy travel insurance when you hear the radio tell you about an upcoming storm, think again. A travel policy will not cover cancellation of your trip after storm information is released.
2. If you imagine that travel insurance will compensate you for ordinary problems, stop dreaming. Your insurance will not compensate you for common inconveniences or lack of enjoyment.
3. Don’t plan to get coverage for losses you can’t prove. You will need to show a sales receipt in order to prove your loss.
4. Be aware that your insurance policy may not provide coverage for incidents that occurred while you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
5. Involve your doctor before you travel or you may not receive medical coverage under your travel insurance. If you can’t show that you were in good health before you joined the plan, you may have coverage problems if you need medical care while on vacation.
6. Don’t assume that all the activities you participate in are covered by your travel plan. If you are injured while participating in something that the insurance company deems dangerous, you may not see reimbursement. Review your policy to determine which activities your insurance provider covers and which are considered dangerous.
As with any form of compensation, travel insurance has limits and deductibles, as well as exclusions. You owe it to yourself and your vacation to do the proper research before the game. Talking to an experienced independent agent will help you decide which policy is best for you and how to avoid having a related claim denied.