Avoid these common travel insurance mistakes

Travel insurance is designed to protect you when things don’t go as planned, but even small mistakes in your quote or claim process can result in the denial of your claim. Here’s a guide to avoid common travel insurance claim pitfalls and increase the chances of a successful pay out.

Common Mistakes:

• Forgetting long-term conditions: Conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, which often require long-term medication, are easy to overlook. If you’re taking prescription medication, make sure to declare it.
• Not reporting past diagnoses: Conditions such as cancer or heart disease, even if treated years ago, may need to be reported. If you’re unsure, get in touch with us either by phone or live chat— and we can advise you on what you need to declare.
• Undiagnosed conditions / On-going investigation: If you have an undiagnosed symptom and/or are awaiting treatment or investigation, please get in touch with us either by phone or live chat and we can advise you on what you need to declare and any potential coverage criteria surrounding that specific symptom.

Updating your policy after purchase:

If you develop a new condition or undergo treatment between buying the policy and your trip, you need to notify us. By keeping us informed, you ensure your policy accurately reflects your current health.

Don’t risk omissions:

It’s never worth hiding a pre-existing condition to save on premiums. Deliberately failing to declare a condition may lead to a denied claim, leaving you responsible for any medical expenses incurred.

Understand the limits on hospital and treatment cover

We cover treatment at public hospitals and require prior approval to be granted by our emergency assistance team for private care, except in emergencies. Here’s how to make sure you get the care you need within the terms of your policy:

• In emergencies: Call the local emergency number if you need immediate help. If you’re taken to a private hospital, our emergency assistance team (publish the 24/7 number specific to their policy) may arrange a transfer to a public hospital once you’re stabilised, provided it’s safe.
• For non-emergencies:Contact our 24-hour emergency assistance line to find out where to seek treatment. This call ensures you’re directed to the right facility and helps avoid denied claims due to unapproved care.

If you need to pay for anything up front, keep all receipts to submit with your claim. Detailed records are required.

Buy travel insurance as soon as you book

To be covered for cancellations, make sure you buy your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. If you wait until closer to departure, you risk not having protection if you need to cancel due to unforeseen events.

Carefully enter travel dates

Ensure that your policy covers you from the time you leave your residence, such as times when you book an UK hotel nearby the airport to ensure you catch an early flight. Your travel insurance policy should cover you through to the date you land back in the UK not the date you depart your destination.

Protect your personal belongings

Claims related to lost or stolen possessions will be denied if the items were left unattended. Keep personal belongings close at hand and avoid leaving valuables out of sight. Taking these precautions increases the likelihood of a successful claim if anything goes missing. Make use of the safe in your accommodation.

Document losses and accidents thoroughly

If your belongings are lost, stolen, or damaged, having proper documentation is essential:

• Police reports: For theft or loss, file a police report as soon as possible.
• Accident documentation: For accidents, such as a slip or fall at a hotel or on a cruise, request an accident report from the venue. Taking photos of the area, such as a slippery poolside without warning signs, can also strengthen your claim. These details make a difference when establishing liability and providing evidence for your claim.

The bottom line

By staying proactive and accurate in your declarations, documentation, and policy maintenance, you can avoid the most common claim mistakes and make the most of your travel insurance. When in doubt, contact us for guidance.

Cancelling your trip

If you need to cancel your trip, contact the travel company(s) as soon as you know. If you don’t and the cancellation charges increase your claim could be limited. You may be due a credit or refund so ask as soon as you cancel as this won’t be considered as a part of your claim. Finally, check the covered reasons in the policy. Evidence of the reason will be required for your claim to be considered.