As summer approaches and you prepare to catch some sun on your holiday, it’s essential to ensure your travel insurance policy is in order. While passports and travel insurance are key essentials for international travel, there are some actions that can inadvertently void your insurance, leaving you vulnerable in the event of an accident or theft.
Experts have highlighted common mistakes that could negatively impact your travel insurance coverage. Here are ten things you might not know could void your travel insurance.
1. Drinking Alcohol
Engaging in excessive alcohol consumption can lead to your travel insurance not covering the cost if you become ill or injure yourself. You’ll need to prove that any accident wasn’t due to being under the influence to make a claim.
2. Risky Activities
Activities like jet skiing, go-karting, and camel riding often aren’t covered by standard travel insurance policies due to their inherent risks. You may need to upgrade your policy if you plan to participate in such activities.
3. Vaccines
Failure to get required vaccinations for your destination country can result in denied entry and your travel insurance may not cover the associated costs of your lost holiday.
4. Working
Standard travel insurance policies usually do not cover any work-related activities, even if it’s not your usual job. This includes activities done for financial reward, such as participating in a paid sporting event.
5. Documentation
Ensuring you have the correct travel documentation is crucial. For example, many countries require at least six months of validity on your passport. If denied entry due to incorrect documentation, your travel insurance likely won’t cover your expenses.
6. Keep Your Receipts
Always keep receipts for any replacements of stolen or damaged items. Without them, your travel insurance provider might not be able to process your claim effectively.
7. Police Reports
If your belongings are stolen, you must file a police report within 24 hours to obtain a Crime Reference Number. This number is often required to process insurance claims.
8. Don’t Start Fights
Your insurance policy generally only covers instances of self-defense. If you are injured in a fight and cannot prove it was in self-defense, your insurance may not cover your medical expenses.
9. Health Conditions
Inform your travel insurance provider about any pre-existing health conditions before you leave. Failing to do so and then needing treatment for a condition you didn’t disclose can result in a denied claim.
10. Leaving Belongings Unattended
Never leave your belongings unattended, including at the pool or in an unlocked hotel room. Items not secured in a safe may not be covered, and luggage left in a hotel storeroom before check-in or after check-out might not be protected either.
A travel insurance comparison expert stresses the importance of understanding your travel insurance policy: “Holidaymakers must check the terms and conditions of their policy to make sure they’re covered and they’re not doing anything which invalidates their insurance.”
By being aware of these potential pitfalls, you can ensure your holiday goes smoothly without the worry of invalidating your travel insurance. Safe travels!
