Most travellers believe they are covered for everything including the kitchen sink, when they purchase a travel insurance policy. This is just not the case! Travel insurance can’t cover you for every possible thing. You will need to check with your insurance provider to see whether they will cover you for your trip needs. There may be an excess, cut-off or clause on the policy, so be sure to check with your insurance provider whether you have provision to claim. 

Benefits are subject to the policy terms and conditions. Any information provided is general only. Always refer to the PDS for more information.*

In November 2018, 10.5 million Aussies travelled overseas, a 6.9% increase from the previous year. Given that the current population of Australia is 25,240,869 as of January 2019, this is a large chunk of Aussies going on overseas trips. Out of the 10.5 million, about half would have purchased or have complimentary travel insurance cover with either an insurance provider or the credit card provider.

Not all activities and trip types are covered under an insurance policy, and it is important that you check with your travel insurance provider whether they can cover you for your trip.

Here are a few situations you are NOT covered for with your travel insurance policy:

If you consume alcohol before an accident

It could be as simple as two drinks and an unfortunate trip on a cobble path. Or a big night of shots and a broken arm. Whatever the case, most insurance companies will not cover travellers whose claims are directly or indirectly caused by the use of alcohol. Travel is a time of leisure but it’s not for travellers to go crazy and get themselves into precarious situations. Though travel insurance claims are on a case-by-case basis, if there is a general exclusion, then there may be no way of getting around this clause.

Extending your stay but not updating your travel insurance policy

Travel insurance is purchased for a specified period of time, chosen by the traveller and guaranteed by the premium paid. If you decide to extend your trip and do not extend with your travel insurance company, then you would not have provision to claim for any costs you incur during the period where your insurance has ceased. It is always a good idea to check with your insurance provider if there is any date cut-off for your policy like a Frequent Traveller Savers policy. It’s always a good idea to consider booking for a little longer period of time in case you need to extend while travelling. However, this may not apply if you are extending your travels due to a claimable event, in which case, most travel insurers extend your policy for free.*

Travelling to dangerous zones

You will find most insurance companies will not cover dangerous zones as a general rule. If you do travel to a ‘Do Not Travel’ area, then you would not have provision to claim for anything whilst in that country.

If for any reason you to be travelling to countries that are considered a ‘Do Not Travel’ area, then you will need to take the appropriate action to minimise and avoid any issues that may arise from travelling to that country. Always check with your insurance provider whether they will cover you for areas with Government travel warnings.

Participating in sports too extreme

If you do have a policy and it does not specify that you will be participating in Adventure Sports, then you would not have provision to claim for anything that is related to that sport. It is important to make sure that the sport or activity you will be participating in is something your travel insurance policy covers you for. Some companies allow you to be covered automatically for activities and adventure sports at no additional premium. You will need to check with your travel insurance provider.  

Leaving your possessions unattended

If you leave your luggage and personal effects unattended while you are travelling and it is stolen, lost or damaged you may not have provision to claim for your items. It is important that you keep a reasonable eye, and care for your items to keep them safe. Absent-mindedness with keeping an eye on your luggage is most like not covered under your travel insurance policy.

If there is a terrorist attack

Terrorism is a serious issue that effects everyone it comes into contact with. Most travel insurance policies will not cover you for terrorism or the threat of war. It is important you check with your travel insurance provider as to whether they cover you for cancelled or delayed flights, medical and hospital expenses amongst other things because of a terrorist attack. At the point where you find yourself in a medical emergency because of a terrorist attack, you should contact the local authorities and the Australian Embassy in the country you are in. Your travel insurance provider will most likely not cover you for a terrorist attack.

If you travel for medical reasons

It’s no secret Aussies don’t only travel for leisure or work but for medical reasons as well. From a breast augmentation in Bangkok, to cancer treatment in the United Kingdom or dental work in Russia, travelling for medical reasons; whether elected, planned or premediated procedures, cosmetic treatments or non-emergency treatment is not covered under your travel insurance policy.

As you can see, not all things are covered under your travel insurance policy. You will need to be forthright and upfront with your insurance provider to make sure you are covered for the type of trip you wish to take.