Travel insurance ensures that you undertake your dream holiday with absolute peace of mind by providing financial cover against a wide range of unforeseen circumstances. For instance, you can stay protected against medical emergencies, flight delays, accidents, baggage delays and even situations like hijacking, if you choose the right travel insurance policy. However, despite this, there are some situations when travel insurance doesn’t work. In other words, there are instances where the insurer will not provide you coverage. Listed below are such cases in which your domestic, international and student travel insurance claims can get rejected. Let us take a deep dive to understand this a little better.

         1. Failure to disclose medical conditions

It is mandatory to disclose existing medical conditions and any serious illness you are suffering from, to the Travel Insurance Company, to avoid claim rejections in the future. Also, it must be kept in mind that the insurance would not cover any existing diseases, terminal illness or medical conditions that one is already suffering from.

It is a common misconception that basic travel plan would cover medical emergencies like high BP, diabetes and other serious lifestyle disorders that occur during the trip. One would have to shell out extra money to get coverage for such medical conditions.

        2.  Failure to submit original bills

A travel claim towards medical emergency should be accompanied by original bills spent towards treatment costs like medicines, hospitalization, etc. Do note that if you don’t have the originals, even a credit card statement would not be valid. Hence, it’s important to retain all the relevant documents to substantiate the costs incurred towards the treatment of the illness.

          3. Misleading claims

The insurer will outright reject any claim filed, if it is found that the damage or loss has been perpetrated by the insured with intentional involvement in a riot or illegal act. Hence, it is wise to be completely honest while filing for a claim, so that your chance of getting an insurance policy in the future is not affected.

           4. Loss due to one’s own carelessness

If the loss has occurred because you left your valuables or baggage unattended,or because you were absent minded, the insurer can reject the claim. So, remember to keep track of all your bags at all times and store valuables in safes if possible.

          5. Cancellation of trip by the tour agent or operator

In case of monetary loss due to cancellation of trip by the tour operator, one needs to obtain refund from the travel agent. The insurance company may not entertain the claims towards compensation of cancelled trips.

         6. Mental illness

Travel insurance companies will not accept claims towards injuries or loss sustained due to mental illness. That is why it is advised that one travels with a guardian, in case he or she is suffering from any mental trauma or disorder.

         7. Influence of alcohol

If an adverse incident arises due to the insured being under the influence of alcohol or narcotic substances, the insurer would outright reject such claims filed.So, if you are planning to enjoy at pubs or attend parties where alcoholic beverages will be served, do take extra precaution to stay safe.

        8. Military action or terrorist activities

Your travel insurance will not cover damages arising from military action or terrorist activities.  There is a high degree of uncertainty and such incidents can occur anytime and anywhere. This applies on all kinds of travel policies whether domestic or international. It is best to avoid travelling to dangerous countries that are prone to such tensions.

        9.Harm to self

Insurance companies won’t cover you in case you harm or injure yourself during your trip or if a suicide is attempted. Unfortunately, if hospitalization ensues after any such incident, the insured will have to bear the costs.

      10. Cosmetic treatments

Do note that if you are planning to undergo any cosmetic treatment in another country, to enhance your features or skin for example, or you plan to undergo obesity treatments, the insurer will not cover you. So, it will be wise to plan your finances accordingly.

      11. Injury from adventure sports

If you are travelling to countries where adventure sports are popular and you intend to participate, remember that the insurer will not cover any injury that might arise from these activities. So, if you are specially undertaking a trip to hike or trek or climb a mountain, or maybe indulge in risky water sports, ask your insurer about add-on covers that might help.

Often individuals search for the best travel policies based on criteria like premium cost and coverage terms. However, it is important to keep note of the limitations too, and read the policy terms thoroughly so as to avoid claim rejections. If you are unsure about the terms, get in touch with the insurer’s customer support team and clear all your doubts before buying the policy. This can save you a lot of hassle and monetary losses.

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