Consumer Caution: 3 Common Travel Insurance Exclusions All Travelers Should Know

Last Updated: May 1, 2019February 9, 2022

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. May 1, 2019 — Many travelers assume travel insurance covers every aspect of their trip, when in fact, all policies have exclusions that could affect traveler’s coverage. Travel insurance comparison site, Squaremouth, breaks down 3 of the most common policy exclusions and how they apply to travelers.

Mental, Nervous or Psychological Disorders

Since Trip Cancellation policies cover cancellation of a trip for medical reasons, many travelers incorrectly assume this coverage automatically includes mental health issues. Unfortunately, mental, nervous and psychological disorders, such as anxiety, depression, neurosis or phobias, are commonly excluded from travel insurance coverage. Policies with this exclusion do not provide any coverage in the event a traveler needs to cancel their trip due to a mental health condition.

What can be covered: Some policies offer Trip Cancellation coverage in the event of hospitalization due to a mental or nervous condition if the hospitalization prevents the traveler from leaving on their trip.

Pregnancy

Most travel insurance policies specifically list pregnancy as an exclusion within the Trip Cancellation and Emergency Medical benefits. Commonly excluded pregnancy scenarios include losses relating to normal pregnancy or childbirth, morning sickness or physician prescribed bed rest, and Trip Cancellation for pregnant travelers not wanting to travel to Zika affected destinations.

What can be covered: Pregnant travelers can still receive medical coverage for a sickness or injury unrelated to their pregnancy while traveling. Some policies may also provide medical coverage for complications of pregnancy. However, complications are generally not defined and are typically reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Select policies may also include Trip Cancellation coverage if a traveler gets pregnant after buying a policy and needs to cancel their trip.

Intoxication

While many travelers like to enjoy alcoholic beverages during their vacations, most don’t understand that ordering that next drink could nullify their travel insurance coverage. Sickness, injuries or other problems resulting from drug or alcohol use are not covered by travel insurance. All travel insurance providers require documentation for a claim to be processed and if alcohol is included in the reports, the provider could deny the claim.

What can be covered: Some policies may cover medical treatment if a traveler accidentally ingests a poisonous substance or a controlled drug, or if they experience sickness or injury resulting from medication prescribed by a Physician.