Travel insurance policies provide a comprehensive list of risks covered, however as with other insurances, they do have exclusions and it is important to ensure that the policy provides you with sufficient cover.

There are certain instances where you really need to ensure the cover offered is sufficient.

Pre-existing Medical conditions............................................................................................................................ It is always a good idea to speak to the insurers you are thinking of using to check whether they will include your condition on the policy. If you don't do this, and you require medical treatment because of one of your conditions, you could end up facing a massive bill for your treatment.

We spoke to the helpful staff at 1cover who seem to have a vast experience with Pre-Existing Medical conditions. Call 0800 000 333 to discuss.

Cancelling your holiday
Consider whether your policy will pay out if you need to cancel your holiday because you fall ill as a result of a pre-existing condition. Again it is important to tell your insurer about any medical conditions you may have. If any of your dependants have any pre-existing medical conditions, you will need to declare as such, otherwise if you need to cancel or cut short your trip to return home to be with them you will not be covered.

Sports and Activities
Some sports and activities are excluded from standard schemes, so it is always a good idea to check whether something you want to do on your holiday is covered before you do it. If you are planning to go skiing/ snowboarding etc is important to ensure your policy offers winter sports cover. Bungy jumping and parachute jumps are also often excluded.

Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, make sure there is adequate cover and that you are below any limit on the number of weeks pregnant you can be for cover to be valid.

Age limitations
All policies have age limits, so if you buy an annual policy, always ensure you will not be over the maximum age limit by the end of the policy.

Valuables
Always check the conditions of a policy regarding where valuables should be kept, as a claim for valuables not kept in a safe place as defined by your policy may not be covered. Leaving valuable in a locked car or camper van may also carry a lower level of cover.

Claim settlement limitations
There are always limits to what an insurer will pay for each claim. Check these carefully when you buy your policy, and ensure you have sufficient cover for things like personal baggage and cancellation, as some policies don't include these at all.

It is always worth noting that an insurer will not pay for a claim which has arisen due to you taking non prescription drugs or being under the influence of alcohol.

Destination
Remember that Insurers will not provide insurance if you are travelling to a country where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have advised against travel. For advice on countries not to travel to and for global information prior to travel visit www.smartraveller.gov.au.

Travelling to Hong Kong or China?

These two destinations often come under a 'Worldwide' destination and not 'Asia'. Make sure you ask your provider.

Look at the cost of an annual policy if you intend to travel abroad a few time throughout a twelve month period. Annual policies can sometimes only be marginally more expensive than single trip policies, depending on the length of time you are travelling.

Remember: Price is not always an indication as to the quality of an insurance policy, and it is always important to read each companies product disclosure statement before you buy.

 

Have a safe trip.