Do you need to read your travel insurance policy in its entirety? You do, you do need to. Here are a few things that are important to read twice as you prepare for the travel season and buy travel insurance.
- Remember that not everything is covered by travel insurance
To keep rates affordable for everyone, international travel insurance products include a list of covered situations as well as a list of things that just aren’t covered. Therefore, spend some time learning about the covered grounds and exclusions under your coverage.
- Beware of hidden costs with health insurance
Pre-existing diseases are part of travel medical insurance that are most frequently ignored. Some policies will not cover medical care if it is related to a pre-existing condition. Make sure to read the pre-existing conditions provision before purchasing a policy because certain international travel insurance providers will provide a waiver for a pre-existing condition if you purchase the policy within 14 to 21 days after placing an initial deposit.
- Your insurance might not start working right away
You might have to wait for your insurance to start paying out. With some benefits, like travel delay, baggage delay, personal items loss, and a missed connection, there are usually amounts of time that must pass before coverage will apply.
- Reread the section about cancellation
A covered cause to cancel a trip is the item that is most frequently forgotten about. Travellers believe they are always insured and will receive a full refund if they have to cancel.
- Know what’s not covered by the policy as well
You should be aware of both what is and is not covered by the policy if your winter vacation is more daring. For instance, some of the base plans provide free coverage for skiing, snowboarding, and surfing. Although the cost of your travel insurance plan may rise by 35 to 45% due to the addition of adventure and extreme sports coverage, it also includes medical care for any injuries you may experience.
- Learn what is required to submit a claim
You don’t want to discover that you should have saved those receipts or other crucial evidence for a successful claim until it is too late.
You can find out what you need to submit a claim in the fine print. Take some time to read the requirements. You will be aware of the paperwork needed if you have to file a claim, saving you the time and hassle you don’t need during the holidays.
- Seek out additional exclusions
Look for exclusions in your insurance contract; terms like “except” and “not covered” will help you find them. Some companies may require that the policyholder first call them to get approval for a travel emergency to be covered. Or, some wintertime vacationers may decide to try surfing only to discover that it is not covered by their medical insurance for travel later, when it may already be too late.
Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.