Continuing with an interesting series of stories from The New Straits Times, this blog item touches on the kinds of losses that are not covered by travel insurance.
War risks: These include loss or damage that may be attributed to civil war, revolution, riot or civil commotion.
Suicide, mental disorder, self-inflicted injury: The resultant injury, illness or death arising out of these conditions are not sudden, accidental or caused by external factors. These acts may be considered against public policy and there is also the element of moral hazard.
Pre-existing medical conditions: These are conditions for which you have received medical advice or are receiving treatment prior to you applying for the travel insurance.
Influence of alcohol or drugs (except under medical advice): This covers the temporary or permanent misuse of these substances which are considered hazardous to health.
Travelling against medical advice: In this case the person is advised to travel only when he is well.
Pregnancy, childbirth or miscarriage: This category of incidences does not constitute a “loss” as defined as they are not normally sudden or accidental in nature.
AIDS, AIDS-related complex and sexually transmitted diseases: Provision of insurance for this category is generally considered to be beyond the scope of insurance.
Hazardous and professional sports: This category includes activities like racing, motor sports, mountaineering, bungee jumping, flying as a pilot or crew member, underwater activities, hunting, professional sports including winter sports, martial arts, wrestling and boxing. These are considered activities not normally undertaken by the average traveller and would require additional premium if the insurer does agree to provide such coverage.
You are advised to always read your insurance policy to fully appreciate and understand its scope of cover.