Traveling abroad is always a great experience. But can the excitement be similar if you or any of your family members falls sick or gets injured while traveling? Imagine what would happen if you discover that your general travel medical insurance does not cover international emergencies. Isn’t it horrifying?

Most travelers believe that their standard medical insurance offers adequate coverage even while they are overseas. But the fact is that only travel health insurance are designed for international travel. All insurance policies have exclusions and travel medical insurance is no different. However, it is imperative to be well informed in the clearest possible way about what you are and aren’t covered for.

Pre-existing medical conditions tops the list of exclusions. Pre-existing conditions include pregnancy or difficulties related to the same, any ongoing medical or dental condition, any condition for which you take medicines or any surgical conditions. Besides, mental disorder, anxiety or depression, traveling against the advice of the medical doctor is not covered by travel medical insurance in any circumstances.

Other exclusions include medical tourism. Your travel medical insurance may not cover expenses incurred while receiving a particular medical treatment overseas. Hence, travel medical insurance may not be helpful in case you plan to go abroad for cosmetic surgery or for the purpose of obtaining treatment suggested by the doctor.

There are some extreme events and situations which are excluded by travel insurance online policies when you are abroad. These include losses incurred due to war or war-like situations, biological attacks, nuclear terrorism, natural disasters or epidemics. These kinds of exclusions are commonly found in almost all travel medical insurance policies.

Additionally, even high risk sports do not qualify under travel medical insurance. Sports involving bodily contact such as mountaineering, skydiving, skiing, caving, riding in races, bungee jumping, parachuting, etc are excluded from the clauses of medical insurance for travelers. Some policies offer coverage for these hazardous sports, if an additional rider is bought by paying additional premium.

Other exclusions relate to loss of passport, fraud and deceit of your travel agent, any other losses arising due to irresponsibility of the insured person, attempt to suicide, alcohol/drug misuse, and the loss of checked in baggage or its valuables,.

Having travel medical insurance is always the best deal. However, travel medical insurance given by various travel insurance companies diverge in the additional cover offered. Thus, it is advisable to compare different travel medical insurance plans online and read the policy wording before choosing one for you. Remember, genuine claims, as well as new injuries and sickness are covered after an investigation by claims department.

Filed under: Travel and Leisure