When you head abroad on holiday, you probably feel pretty safe thanks to the fact that you’ve got your travel insurance documents tucked in your bag, just in case the worst should happen. For many though, travel insurance fails to come through when they need it most, and this is down to a vast number of different reasons. This is why, when choosing a travel insurance policy, it’s vital to check the small print, and not simply fall for the big promises made on the first page.
There are a few common reasons why travel insurance claims are denied, and these are shown below – take a read through them so you don’t fall into the same trap as many other unfortunate travellers from the UK…
Excluded Activities
Your travel insurance will cover you for most things, but they draw the line when it comes to potentially dangerous activities, such as bungee jumping, skydiving and white water rafting. These excluded activities also include some things that you might not immediately think of, such as parascending from the back of a speedboat in Ibiza, or even cycling in some countries. So, if you plan on any of these activities make sure they are added to your insurance policy – it will increase the premium, but it will be worth it as you will have peace of mind should anything go wrong.
Existing Medical Conditions
This is one of the most common reasons for an insurance company not paying out, especially when it comes to older travellers. So, when filling in a travel insurance form, make sure you include every pre-existing medical condition, however inconsequential you think that it might be. Even if you miss something completely unrelated to the issue you have on holiday, your insurance policy will almost certainly be invalidated, and you can bet a lot of money that the insurance company will check before paying out.
A Lack of Care
This doesn’t mean that the insurance company are showing a lack of care – it means that the traveller has failed to exercise reasonable care and precautions while on their trip. So, if you fall off a bike and aren’t wearing a helmet, or if you didn’t secure your items in an available safe, the insurance company will argue that they don’t need to pay. To make sure you don’t fall foul of this excuse, simply ensure you take the same precautions while on holiday as you would do while at home in the UK.
Acts of God
Acts of God are perhaps the most famous reason why insurance companies refuse to pay out. These can include natural disasters, such as the Icelandic volcano that prevented flights in the UK for days, as well as terrorist attacks. Strangely, they also encompass strikes, which can completely derail an entire airline’s operations. Insurance companies do sometimes still choose to pay out, aware of the bad publicity they could get, however it is rare.
Incorrect Forms
It might be the most boring reason on the list for travel claims being rejected, but incorrectly filled out forms is also the top reason why travellers have their insurance claims denied. Even the slightest mistake can lead to a claim being rejected, so make sure you check and double-check the paperwork before it’s submitted. If you notice a problem when the final paperwork is sent back to you, get in touch with the insurance company straight away.
So, there are many reasons why an insurance company can reject claims from travellers, however these can mostly be avoided if you show care and attention at all times – care when filling in the form, all the way through to care while enjoying the various activities on offer while on holiday. If you want to find the best possible insurance for your next trip, why not take a look at the comparison tool here at PayingTooMuch.com or call our team on 01243 784000.
