Why are travel insurance claims denied?
The purpose of travel insurance is to ensure that you get something from unfortunate events or emergencies that happen before or during your trip. If something went wrong while on vacation and you want to purchase travel insurance claims, it’s great to have a smooth and easy process. You want to avoid unnecessary hassle and the chance of your claims being denied.
It would be nice if we can easily receive insurance claims, but this is not always the case. Not all claims are compensated even though insurance providers spend hundreds of millions of money each year to pay insurance claims. In the UK alone, insurance companies pay out £345 million each year for their clients’ claims payments. But why are travel claims denied? These are the most common reasons that everyone should know.
Inadequate supporting documents
Let’s start with the most common reason insurance claims are denied: you have incomplete supporting documents. When you make a claim, you must present or provide substantial evidence to support the events that have caused you distress during your trip. This evidence may include information about the carrier’s delay, police reports for accidents or illegal acts, medical certificates or purchase receipts.
unattended items
Unattended items are things you have lost or left at your destination, including cell phones, laptops, cameras, bags, watches, and wallets. Unless the items are safely stored in the car or in a safe, you cannot make insurance claims for things you lost accidentally or through carelessness. Insurance providers have policies regarding this matter, so make sure you are aware of them. And to avoid getting turned away, always look after or take care of your belongings when you’re on vacation.
Events before the purchase of travel insurance
Of course, events that happen before you buy your travel insurance are not included in the coverage. Attempting to make claims for such situations will not only lead to rejection, but is also considered a fraudulent act, and you may be liable for it. The ideal time to purchase travel insurance is as soon as you have booked your trip. It will be useful for future situations.
Indiscreet Trips
If you go against the travel advisory issued by the World Health Organization (WHO), your insurance provider will not compensate your claims. If you travel to a place that the WHO has advised everyone not to go to, it becomes your decision and you will be responsible for it. To ensure you travel safely, always check the latest WHO travel advisories.
Illegal, dangerous and reckless activities
If you do something illegal like fraud, theft, dishonest behavior, drug use, etc., your insurance provider will not pay your claims. A claim will also be denied if you are in an accident or miss a flight due to excessive alcohol consumption. It’s your responsibility to drink in moderation, so you can’t expect your travel insurance to cover you for your irresponsibility.
Regarding dangerous activities, the deadlines depend on the insurance policies. Some companies do not cover extreme sports and activities. However, if you pay an additional premium, there may be policy coverage for parasailing, bungee jumping, trekking, and mountaineering, to name a few. It is best to read the terms and conditions of the chosen travel insurance policy.
Unreported health conditions
One of the reasons people buy travel insurance is for health security. Knowing that medical services are expensive, it’s helpful to have insurance ready, especially if you’re traveling. However, you should never forget to declare your pre-existing medical conditions with supporting medical documents when purchasing travel insurance. It will ensure that the medical expenses you have incurred during your trip will be covered and you will not have to part with large amounts of money.
If you do not declare your health conditions, you will not be able to benefit from your travel insurance. It is also advisable not to travel if your doctor has advised you to.