Three Things Not Covered By Most Travel Insurance Polices

A travel insurance policy is meant to cover a person against financial losses that can result from a number of perils affecting their travel plans. This type of insurance usually includes emergency medical coverage while traveling abroad. A regular health insurance policy does not extend to other countries and if you need medical assistance while on vacation, many expenses incurred must be paid out of pocket if you do not have a travel insurance policy in place. When you purchase this insurance, you should be aware of the various travel exclusions that are stated in the policy.

One of the most common travel exclusion stated in most travel insurance policies is pre-existing conditions, which are defined as medical conditions that are present when you apply for travel insurance. Usually, the travel insurance policy will exclude pre-existing conditions that were diagnosed, investigated, or had a change in treatment during a specific time listed in the policy.

Travel insurance will cover costs incurred from emergency medical treatments, procedures, or medications that may be required while traveling abroad. This can include such things as simple cuts, illnesses, or infections, or more serious conditions such as injuries sustained in a car accident, a heart attack, or emergency surgery. It may not cover any injuries sustained if a person in participating in professional sports or in dangerous activities such as racing or bungee jumping. As well, if a person becomes injured and requires medical assistance while they are in the middle of committing a crime or fleeing the scene, the costs will not be covered.

Complications due to pregnancy may also be excluded in travel insurance policies if they occur during the first few weeks or the last few weeks. If a pregnant woman suffers a miscarriage in her first one or two months while she is traveling in a different country, then medications, treatments, or hospital stays will be at her expense. As well, if she has her baby early, the physician costs will not be covered by travel insurance. She will be responsible for all diagnostic tests, surgeries, or procedures that must be performed. However, if she suffers complications anytime during the stated period in the policy, any medical expenses that are charged will be covered by travel insurance.

Always review your travel insurance policy with your insurance agent prior to purchasing it. Ask them to highlight the travel exclusions that are listed throughout the policy. If you do not understand the situations, instances, and medical conditions that are covered as well as excluded, then you may find yourself being charged a huge medical bill that you are responsible for paying out of pocket.