Toothpaste? Check. Underwear? Check.
Correct and up-to-date travel insurance? Going by the growing number of claims made travelers, the last one is clearly something vacationers often forget.
And even when they remember, simply having travel insurance doesn’t mean your insurer will cough up in the event of an emergency.
Eliminate risk of incomplete coverage
Travelers (generally) purchase travel insurance to help them cover unexpected costs should the worst happen, whether it’s breaking a leg or forking out for new underwear because your bag went AWOL at the airport.
There’s no point in purchasing travel insurance if you’re not covered for the scenarios you may face.
“All travel insurance policies vary, so comparing cover options and deciding what’s important to you is the first step,” says Hannah Mayfield, a money expert who works with Paying Too Much travel insurance. “When it comes to deciding how much cover you need, start by calculating the total cost of your trip—this includes flights, accommodation, and any prepaid activities. Avoid selecting a policy that only covers you for $1,000 cancellation per person if the vacation costs $2,500 per person, and take time to compare policies. Doing so can help you understand your options and ensure you find the right level of cover for your trip at the best price."
Mistake 1: Misunderstanding the limits of your cover
Don’t even consider going near that jet-ski if your insurance doesn’t cover you for that type of water sport. The same applies for sports such as skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking. More extreme activities such as skydiving or high-altitude treks will often need specialist insurance policies.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that certain things you’ll pack, such as top-of-the-range cameras, aren’t usually covered as standard.
“One of the most common mistakes people make is forgetting to add the cover extensions they need,” says Chris Payne, compliance expert at Total Travel Protection. “Things like gadget cover, cruise cover, and winter sports or adventure activities aren’t automatically included in every policy. If the right extension isn’t purchased upfront, there’s no cover to claim against later.”
Mistake 2: Not taking the right precautions
If you were drinking or on drugs when you took the tumble that broke your arm, your insurance company is unlikely to pay out. A growing number of insurance companies are even refusing to cough up for cycling-related injuries if the cyclist wasn’t wearing a helmet.
“Vacations can be a time of excess and indulgence, and it's critical to note that many policies exclude cover for incidents involving excessive alcohol or drug use,” says Sarah Rodrigues, a travel expert working with Avanti Travel Insurance.
And trust us – it’s highly likely your insurer will find out, whether it's from the blood tests that are often taken when injuries are treated or the CCTV footage insurance companies often request from places close to the site of the injury.
Mistake 3: Withholding information
Honesty really is the best policy when it comes to travel insurance, otherwise there’s no point in purchasing it.
“With the high cost of living, many people are cutting back on what they consider to be unnecessary spending,” admits Grant Winter, compliance expert at Goodtogo Travel Insurance. “This sometimes results in travelers opting for cheaper insurance policies, or withholding vital information to reduce the cost of insurance premiums. Regardless of the perceived saving, this approach is not worth the risk.”
If an insurer learns that you didn’t tell them the whole story, your coverage can legally be invalidated and you’ll have to cover the entire cost of your claim yourself.
Mistake 4: Not declaring prescriptions and supplements
Travelers are often shocked to find out what travel insurance companies regard as medication and what needs to be declared.
“People often forget to declare things like weight loss jabs and HRT [hormone replacement therapy]—things which can potentially void their policy if they travel without telling their insurer,” says Dr. Asimah Hanif, a medical expert working with Staysure travel insurers.
But that’s not all insurers need to know. “It’s critical people remember that herbal supplements are still active substances too,” says Dr. Hanif. “Things like ginseng, valerian root, or even CBD oil can interact with other medications, affect anaesthesia, or alter your heart rate or liver function.”
Mistake 5: Not keeping your policy updated
If you’ve got travel insurance for long periods (such as annual cover), it’s essential that you update your details should you receive a new diagnoses or start taking a new medication.
“If you notice a mistake on your policy or need to update it, contact your insurer as soon as possible,” says Chris Payne at Total Travel Protection. “When taking out your insurance policy, check that you can make changes if necessary, as you may need to pay a fee for this service.”
Always travel with your insurance details so you can easily make amendments and don’t partake in anything for which you’re not covered, advises Payne.
Mistake 6: Vacationing in a war zone
Decided to swap Aruba for Afghanistan this year? Okay, we realize such a scenario is unlikely, but our point is that all destinations certainly aren’t equal when it comes to travel insurance.
"Many travelers overlook key exclusions in their travel insurance, especially regarding destinations with travel advisories,” says Sarah Rodrigues at Avanti Travel Insurance. “Most policies won’t cover trips to destinations with government warnings against travel, so it’s vital to review both your policy and relevant advisories before departure.”
Finding current travel advisories is relatively easy. For policies bought in the United States, it’s travel.state.gov, while you can find Canada’s list at travel.gc.ca/travelling.
Mistake 7: Losing supporting documentation
Always keep a copy of your travel insurance on hand, even if it’s just a photo of the policy on your phone. There have been cases in which properly insured travelers have died because an injury rendered them unable to speak and first responders couldn’t find any insurance documentation.
And if you’re unlucky enough to end up in a situation where you’ll need to make a claim, keep absolutely everything relating to the incident, whether it’s receipts for unexpected costs, prescription letters from physicians, Uber rides to that follow-up appointment, or pamphlets given to you by medical professionals. Try and take photographs as you go, too, whether it’s of the injury, scans, or receipts.
Mistake 8: Purchasing your travel insurance too late
“Another common mistake is not buying cover as soon as you book your trip,” says Dr Asimah Hanif at Staysure.
Travel disasters don’t just happen when you’re abroad. Airlines can go bankrupt, trains don’t run (including the ones you take to the airport or cruise terminal), and flights can be cancelled or delayed. Unexpected personal events, such as illness or the death of a loved one, can also force you to postpone your trip.
Don’t procrastinate. As soon as you book travel, buy a policy. Some policies won’t even be available to you if you wait too many days after the purchase of your travel arrangements.
Mistake 9: Not opting for cover for adverse events
Like it or not, climate change is affecting the way we travel, and any insurance expert can tell you that travelers are now much more likely to have their vacation plans affected by natural disasters.
Chris Payne at Total Travel Protection urges travelers to make sure climate-based events are included. “We’ve seen an increase in the number of travelers not taking out cover for adverse events, like natural disasters. Natural events including floods, wildfires, and hurricanes can disrupt any vacation. Having the right cover ensures you are financially protected.”
Mistake 10: Not understanding the deductible
We’re not suggesting signing up for a mathematics course, but get your head around how your deductible works. It’s actually quite simple (although in some parts of the world, it’s known as the excess). Knowing can save you money in the long run.
“The excess is the amount deducted from any valid claim, so if the cost of the incident is below the excess [of your policy], the insurer can’t reimburse you,” says Chris Payne at Total Travel Protection. “Some claims fail simply because the value is too low to meet that threshold.”