When people are traveling, there are a number of interruptions that may cause the traveler to cancel their trips or return home earlier. It is also possible that they will sustain illnesses, or injuries, during their travels, and they have to spend large sums of money to get medical treatment needed. Any of these incidents can result in substantial financial losses, and they can definitely ruin a well-planned vacation. As such, it is important for travelers to make sure that they have adequate insurance coverage before they depart for their vacations.
A travel insurance policy will protect a traveler against unexpected losses for the entire duration of his or her vacation. If a person has an annual trip travel insurance plan, coverage will be valid for all trips that are made within a year.
Nonetheless, there are a number of situations that can make a travel insurance plan invalid, and these include alcohol-related injuries, consumption of illegal drugs during travel, failure to undergo a medical pre-screening, and travel to places that the government has advised its citizens not to visit. If travelers have done any of these, they cannot file claims for compensation if they meet with misfortune during their travels.
All countries in the world have certain laws against the consumption of illegal drugs. If travelers are caught using illegal drugs, they may have to pay a fine or serve a prison term. Also, their travel insurance policies will become invalid. Criminal offences will also result in the same consequences. Travelers should learn about the laws of the countries that they are visiting before they travel, because certain actions that are lawful in one country may be considered illegal in another.
When travelers are making plans for their vacations, they should find out which countries are not recommended for travel by their governments. The American government advises its citizens not to visit countries such as Cuba, Liberia, Afghanistan, and Sudan. If any American visits these countries, their insurance policies will not cover losses that are sustained during their trips.
Also, travelers who have pre-existing medical conditions should go through a medical pre-screening if it is requested by their insurance companies. This screening is conducted to evaluate their conditions, so that the insurers can choose the best coverage options for them. Certain insurers will consider a travel policy invalid if the holder fails to comply with their request for a medical pre-screening.
To make sure that you will not do anything that can make your travel insurance invalid, you should read the fine prints of your policy thoroughly or ask your insurance company for advice.
