COMMON EXCLUSIONS IN TOURISTS INSURANCE
tourist medical insurance policy document contains a section called exclusions which lists the situations under which the claims would not be covered. You would also be able to gather detailed information about coverage terms and exceptions.
Hence, it is important to carefully read the policy document and scrutinize the terms and conditions extensively before finalizing the tourists insurance plan that you want to purchase. Ensure that the exclusions do not contain terms that may be highly unsuitable to your needs.
Glance through the exclusions sections which highlight the specific events and circumstances where you may not be allowed to claim for reimbursement. For example, almost all tourist medical insurance policies do not cover events such as terrorist attacks, war, military action, epidemics and nuclear exposure. You would not be paid the expense in the case of bankruptcy of the travel agency and also any loss arising due to insured’s irresponsible, fraudulent or dishonest deeds.
Medical exclusions explain pre-existing conditions and medical consultation, treatment or surgery expenses that would not be covered for the insured in case they are undertaken without the permission of the insurance company. Medical costs incurred in the home country are also not covered under tourist medical insurance policies. Other conditions which are excluded from coverage include immunizations, routine physical examinations, transplantation procedures and also nervous or mental disorders. In addition, charges would not be covered for child birth, abortion, pregnancy, sterilization or reversal, birth control and impotency or infertility.
Pre-existing conditions deals with any injury, disease, illness or sickness which exist at the time of application of the insurance policy or show any indication of manifestation for a few years before the date on which insurance becomes effective. The time period for which the policies look back depends on the tourists insurance policy you choose and may ranges anywhere between 6 months to 3 years.
In case you participate in any professional sports activities or athletic events which involve regular scheduled practices for competition, you would not be able to claim for treating injuries during these events. However, insurance is available for adventure sports like inline skating, bungee jumping, canyoning, rock climbing, high diving, caving, hot air ballooning, rappelling and similar hazardous activities. You need to purchase a visitor health insurance rider along with the tourist medical insurance policy to avail this benefit.
Tourist insurance does not cover any treatment, illness or injuries which arise due to substance abuse or addiction to drug and alcohol. Self-inflicted injuries and dangers arising due to exposure to nuclear radiations and radio active materials are also not covered.
It is advisable to carry the tourist medical insurance policy details and also the helpline support numbers during your trip. This would be of great use in case you would want to seek any help in a foreign land.
