You bought insurance to protect your trip, but sometimes the company says "no" to your claim. This happens when you miss important details in the rules.
Here are the three biggest reasons they might refuse to pay:
1. The Undisclosed Old Illness
The Problem: Standard travel insurance often won't pay for emergencies linked to a health issue (like diabetes or asthma) that you already had before you bought the policy.
The Fix:
- Be Honest: Always tell the insurer about all your existing health problems when you sign up.
- Get Extra Cover: If you have a long-term illness, buy the special "Acute Emergency" add-on. This ensures they cover sudden, serious problems linked to that illness while you are travelling.
2. The Unapproved Dangerous Activity
Many people assume insurance covers them for everything, but it often does not cover injuries from risky hobbies.
The Problem: Most policies exclude injuries from high-risk activities like skydiving, bungee jumping, or deep-sea diving. If you get hurt doing something dangerous that isn't on their approved list, your medical bills won't be paid.
The Fix:
- Check the Rules: Before your trip, read the "What We Don't Cover" section.
- Upgrade Your Policy: If you plan on doing risky sports, buy the specific "Adventure Sports" upgrade to make sure you are covered.
3. Ignoring Official Warnings
This can cancel your entire policy before you even leave.
The Problem: If you travel to a country after your government has issued an official warning against going there (due to war, political unrest, or a major disease), your insurance coverage may become instantly invalid.
The Fix:
- Check Before You Book: Always check your country’s official travel advisory website before paying for the trip. If there's a warning, your insurer may not cover losses related to that specific risk.
Final Tip: Keep Everything
The fastest way to get paid is to have proof. Always keep all original bills, get a Police Report right away if something is stolen, and save all messages with the airline and the insurance company.