The big five
Pre-existing conditions: anything diagnosed, treated or symptomatic in the look-back period (60 days–3 years by plan) is excluded — unless you buy within the waiver window (US plans) or use plans with acute-onset cover (visitor/senior plans). Alcohol and drugs: injuries while intoxicated are excluded industry-wide. Adventure activities: excluded unless listed — buy the rider. Known events: storms already named, strikes already announced, wars already started are uninsurable once public. Unattended belongings: the beach-bag theft is excluded; theft from a locked room or safe is covered.
The subtle ones
Travelling against medical advice, or to obtain treatment (medical tourism needs specialist cover — see our medical travel page). Pregnancy: routine childbirth is excluded; complications before a cutoff week (usually 24–32) are covered — check the week. Mental health: coverage varies enormously; several US plans now cover it as any illness, many others exclude it. Business equipment beyond per-item limits. Missed flights from your own lateness — delay benefits need a covered cause.
And the meta-exclusion: misrepresentation. Wrong age, undeclared conditions, or fudged trip dates void the whole policy, not just the related claim.
How to make exclusions irrelevant
Three habits neutralise most exclusion risk: buy early (unlocks waivers), declare honestly (converts exclusions into priced cover), and match riders to your actual plans (adventure, gadgets, CFAR). The premium difference is small; the claims difference is total.
Apply this to your actual trip
Run an instant comparison, or tell our consultants the trip — they’ll shortlist plans and confirm live premiums with the insurers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do travel insurance claims get denied?
Leading causes: pre-existing condition look-backs, missing documentation, late notification, alcohol involvement, and activities outside the covered list. Process failures and exclusions — rarely insurer whim.
What is a pre-existing condition look-back?
The window before purchase (60 days to 3 years by plan) the insurer examines: conditions diagnosed, treated, or symptomatic in it are excluded unless waived. US plans waive it entirely when you buy within 14–21 days of your first trip payment.
Is theft always covered?
Theft of attended or locked-away belongings, yes (within limits). Items left unattended in public, cash beyond small limits, and undeclared valuables are the standard carve-outs.
Keep reading
Premiums shown are indicative estimates compiled from publicly available plan literature and typical market rates — the final premium, terms and issuance are always set by the insurer. Plan benefits, limits and exclusions are summarised for comparison; the policy wording issued by the insurer is the only binding document. Confirm current terms with the insurer or our consultants before purchase.