Travel Insurance Coverage

• Knowledge about the coverage for family travel insurance
• What all are not covered under a typical medical travel insurance?
• What are the points that help you in finding out your need for travel insurance?

• Would you be able to face the financial loss for trip cancellation and medical expenses? If not you need instant cover for travel.
• Does the Airline credit offer you reimbursement for cancellation of plane tickets? Some hotels allow a 24 hour cancellation policy, in which case trip cancellation does not cost you significantly.
• Does your health insurance policy cover you outside home country and your homeowner's policies cover you for loss outside your state?
• Credit Cards cover purchases, rental cars, and more. Check your agreements carefully do they give you the financial security you need?

Typical Coverage

• Emergency cancellation covers cost of non-refundable deposits and tickets in case of trip cancellation due to illness, injury, death in the family, etc. This also includes interruption of travel and having to return home without completing the trip. Missed connections due to delays is also provided by some travel insurance policies.
• Default by Travel Provider covers loss due to financial default of travel agent, airline or hotel. (Generally offered to residents of US or Canada)
• Medical Expenses associated with illness or injury suffered on the trip. This includes payments to doctors, hospitals and ambulances.
• Baggage loss or delay is covered by some policies.

List of Items Not Covered In Typical Coverage

• Cannot cancel due to reasons of war or terrorism - unless your destination has experienced recent (within 30 days) terror attacks.
• Cannot cancel because of bad weather - unless the weather is extremely threatening. For example, if airlines have stopped flying to the area.
• Cancellation because of outbreak of disease. (This clause has been changed for some insurance policies after the travel advisories have been changed to reflect SARS/ bird flu and other endemics.
• Suicide, attempted suicide or intentionally self-inflicted harm [either while sane/insane].
• Normal pregnancy or childbirth.
• Participation as a professional in any sport.
• Mountain climbing or hazardous activity unless included in policy.
• Driving in any motor race.
• Traveling to an area of civil unrest or disorder as indicated by travel advisory of foreign office.
• If you are in the armed forces.
• Operation or learning to operate any aircraft either as a pilot or crew.
• Travel on any air-supported device other than a regular scheduled airline.
• Loss or damage caused by detention, confiscation or destruction by customs and excise.
• Any unlawful acts committed by you or traveling companions.
• Nuclear radiation or radioactive contamination.
• Use of drugs, narcotics or alcohol, unless administered upon the advice of a licensed physician.
• Fraud/misrepresentation/concealment in connection with the trip insurance application and/or claims processes.
• Damage to a rental motor vehicle.