Travel Insurance Exclusions: What’s Not Covered and Why It Matters

When booking a trip, one of the best ways to protect yourself from unexpected events is through travel insurance. It provides peace of mind, covering cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage. However, it’s equally important to understand what your policy does not cover. Many travellers assume their credit card travel insurance provides full protection, but certain exclusions can leave them vulnerable.

Exclusions in travel insurance can be tricky, and failing to recognise them might lead to surprises when it’s too late. In this blog, we’ll explore common exclusions in travel insurance and why it's crucial to know about them before you purchase a policy. We help you with what you should look out for and what you need to know before hopping on a plane to another country.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Many travel insurance policies will exclude coverage for medical emergencies that are related to pre-existing conditions. This can include chronic illnesses, recent surgeries, or other long-term health issues that existed before you bought the insurance.

If you have a pre-existing condition, some policies might not cover medical treatment related to that condition while travelling. There may be an option to purchase additional coverage for pre-existing conditions, so it's essential to discuss your health history with your insurer.

Medical Evacuations & Fixed-Wing Air Ambulance

While travel insurance typically covers emergency medical care, some policies exclude medical evacuations or repatriations, particularly if commercial flights aren’t an option. If you suffer a serious illness or injury in a remote location, a fixed-wing air ambulance may be your only way home – yet not all policies cover these costly services. 

At Universal Air Evac, we’ve seen firsthand how vital proper coverage is when a medical evacuation is needed. Always confirm with your insurer whether air ambulance transport is included in your policy.

High-Risk Activities or Adventure Sports

Policies often exclude coverage for injuries sustained while participating in high-risk activities, such as skydiving, scuba diving, rock climbing, or skiing. Some insurance providers may have specific clauses that exclude accidents related to extreme sports or adventurous pursuits. The hiring of motorbikes or scooters may also be excluded, and if you are involved in an accident in another country, you might face some hefty medical bills.

If you're planning a trip that involves adventure activities, it’s crucial to check whether your policy offers additional coverage for these activities. Some providers offer separate coverage or riders that cover extreme sports, so don’t assume you’re covered without asking.

Non-Refundable Expenses Due to Personal Choice

Travel insurance won’t cover costs related to personal decisions or non-essential cancellations. For example, if you choose to cancel your trip for personal reasons, such as an event you decide not to attend, you won’t be reimbursed unless you have specific cancellation coverage.

Understanding what qualifies as a “covered reason” for trip cancellation is key. 

Travel Delays Due to Unavoidable Events

While many policies cover weather-related delays, exclusions may apply for strikes, civil unrest, or government restrictions.

Acts of War or Terrorism

Most insurers exclude coverage for war or terrorism-related incidents unless specifically stated in the policy.

Unlawful or Illegal Activities

If you’re involved in illegal activities while travelling, any claims related to injuries or losses will likely be denied.

Mental Health Issues

Standard policies often exclude coverage for mental health conditions, though some insurers offer add-ons.

Underinsured or Overlooked Luggage

Lost or stolen luggage may only be covered up to a set limit, with exclusions for high-value items if not declared separately.

Understanding Exclusions is Key

Before purchasing travel insurance, carefully review the exclusions. While it’s easy to focus on the benefits, knowing what’s not covered can prevent costly surprises. If in doubt, speak with your insurer or agent to clarify exclusions and consider additional coverage.

At Universal Air Evac, we understand the financial burden of medical evacuations and repatriations. If you’re unsure whether your policy covers fixed-wing air ambulance services, take the time to check—because when an emergency happens, the right coverage can make all the difference.