Warning: Travel Insurance May Not Cover This
As summer travel heats up, so does the demand for travel insurance. But before you click 'buy' on a policy, take a minute to read the fine print.
"There are certain exclusions that travelers may not be aware of," says Chris Carnicelli, CEO of Generali Global Assistance (GGA).
Travel insurance, despite its promises, doesn't always cover everything.
'Travelers are turning to travel insurance to help protect their trips," says Beth Godlin, president of Aon Affinity Travel Practice. "But it's important to understand that there are a few scenarios that may not be covered by their policy."
That's true. This summer is shaping up to be one of the busiest travel seasons on record, with airlines and airports bracing for delays, cancellations, and overbooked flights. As many as half of travelers will buy travel insurance to protect their trips.
"Circumstances that are known or foreseeable at the time a policy is purchased may not be covered under standard travel insurance policies," warns Robert Gallagher, president of the US Travel Insurance Association, a trade group. A surprising discovery on a European river cruise
Take Linda Prybil, who learned this lesson the hard way. She's planning a European river cruise with AMA Waterways and decided to purchase travel insurance because of the steep cancellation penalties and her recent knee surgery.
'I was surprised to find out that even the best insurance doesn't cover a full refund,' says Prybil, a retired teacher from Iowa City, Iowa. 'Even with 'cancel for any reason' policies, the max seemed to be 80 percent, and not everything would be a cash-back refund.'
Prybil also discovered that if her flights were canceled and the airline issued a credit instead of a refund, her insurance wouldn't cover the cost.
'I booked my British Airways flights through American Airlines because I fly with them often and could use a credit if needed,' she explains. 'But the cruise cost was another story. If the cruise line issues a voucher, insurance won't give you cash back. That was a big bummer.'
Prybil's experience highlights a common misconception: travel insurance is a safety net for every possible scenario. In reality, it's full of exclusions and limitations.
Here's a short list of what most policies won't cover — and what you can do about it. 1. Pre-existing medical conditions
If you have a medical condition before purchasing a policy, it likely won't be covered unless you buy a waiver within a specific time period after booking your trip. 'A lot of people assume pre-existing conditions are covered, but they're usually excluded,' says Joe Cronin, president of International Citizens Insurance. 'You need to purchase a policy with a waiver to close that gap.' 2. Civil unrest and political instability
Jackie Swayze, a remote work specialist from Austin, Texas, learned this the hard way when she canceled a trip to Peru because of an attempted coup and riots. 'My policy covered war and terror attacks, but not civil unrest,' she says. 'Now, I always buy 'cancel for any reason' coverage when traveling to volatile regions.' 3. High-risk activities
Love adventure sports? Some policies won't cover injuries from high-risk activities like scuba diving, bungee jumping, or zip-lining. 'I've had clients think they were covered, only to find out after an accident that their policy excluded those activities,' says David Giraldo, a tech expert who works for a website that sells mobile data plans. 4. Natural disasters
If a hurricane or tropical storm is named before you buy your policy, any cancellations related to it won't be covered. "If a storm had already been named prior to purchasing your policy, you probably won't be covered if it impacts your trip," says Daniel Durazo, a spokesman for Allianz Travel Insurance. "If a natural disaster occurred at your destination prior to purchasing your policy, you probably won't be able to cancel your trip because you no longer want to travel to that location." 5. Scams and fraud
Falling victim to a scam, like booking a fake rental property or tickets, is another area where travel insurance may not be able to provide reimbursement (though your rental booking platform potentially can). 'In most cases, travel insurance doesn't protect you from scammers,' says Elad Schaffer, CEO of Faye Travel Insurance. 6. Loss of valuables and electronics
Shirlene Tsang, co-founder of an online jewelry store, warns that most travel insurance policies don't cover high-value items like jewelry, watches, or electronics. 'If something expensive goes missing, there's a good chance you won't get the full value back,' she says. 7. Terrorism
"Standard policies don't cover cancellations or delays caused by acts of war or terrorism, though some offer specific riders," notes John Rose, chief risk officer at ALTOUR, a global travel management company. If you're headed to a place where terrorism is a possibility, like parts of Europe and the Middle East, check your policy carefully. Is "cancel for any reason" insurance a workaround?
The most comprehensive solution may be to buy a "cancel for any reason" travel insurance policy. While it costs more — typically 10 to 12 percent of your trip's prepaid, nonrefundable cost — it offers greater flexibility.
'Cancel for any reason coverage is the only way to ensure at least a partial refund in unpredictable situations,' says Giraldo. Take advantage of the "free look" period
One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is waiting too long to buy insurance, say experts.
'The time to think about insurance is before you book your vacation,' says Steve Pritchard, founder of Cuuver, an insurance comparison site. 'You usually have one to two weeks after booking to purchase a policy.'
Also, if you purchase your policy when you book a vacation, you can often qualify for a pre-existing conditions waiver. That means the policy will sometimes cover any existing medical conditions at no extra cost.
One more pro tip: Most policies have a "free look period" that lets you cancel within a certain time.
"One of the best ways travelers can ensure they have the right coverage is by taking advantage of the free look period," says GGA's Carnicelli. "This allows them to purchase a plan, review the coverage details, and cancel within the stated time. This flexibility ensures travelers can make an informed decision without feeling locked in."
This summer, don't let your travel insurance leave you stranded. Know what's covered — and what's not — before you hit the road.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
‘Costly mistake' that some holidaymakers are making when travelling abroad
Going without cash when abroad could be an expensive mistake for some holidaymakers, according to research, with more than one in three having found themselves caught out when needing physical money. Some 39% of holidaymakers have found themselves in unexpected situations where cash was required while they were abroad, according to a survey commissioned by website Be Clever With Your Cash. The most common expenses included tipping, taxi fares and shopping at local or independent retailers, according to the research. Prepaid and specialist travel cards can make it easier to rely less on physical cash while travelling overseas. But those suddenly needing that cash could end up paying extra costs, the survey carried out by Opinium, among 2,000 people across the UK who have travelled abroad, indicates. The research found some people who had to make an emergency cash machine withdrawal on their last trip overseas were charged an ATM fee. Some people also said they turned to airport exchange desks for last-minute cash, even though they may potentially be getting a worse deal than if they had shopped around for their travel money and planned ahead. The website said that stepping outside major cities can also present challenges, as rural and remote areas in some countries could be less likely to accept cards. Amelia Murray, a money expert at Be Clever With Your Cash, said: 'There's still a blind spot when it comes to cash. Many people assume that having a fee-free card is enough, but that can be a false economy if you end up using an ATM abroad that charges or get stung by poor exchange rates. 'It's not about carrying wads of cash, it's about being prepared for those moments when a card simply won't cut it.' Ms Murray suggested packing a 'cash cushion' – a small amount of local currency that could be useful for tipping, local travel, or if holidaymakers end up somewhere that does not accept cards. She also suggested that holidaymakers make sure they understand their card's policy on fees and currency conversion before they travel. People may also want to check how much they would be covered for by their travel insurer if their cash is lost or stolen while they are abroad. Research released by financial information business Defaqto in May indicated that 91% of annual and 86% of single trip policies included cash cover as standard. Just over a third (35%) of single trip travel insurance policies covered as much as £200 to £299, while a quarter (24%) covered between £300 to £399, according to Defaqto's analysis. Se produjo un error al recuperar la información Inicia sesión para acceder a tu portafolio Se produjo un error al recuperar la información Se produjo un error al recuperar la información Se produjo un error al recuperar la información Se produjo un error al recuperar la información
Skift
6 hours ago
- Skift
Onboard IndiGo's Long-Haul Debut: The Start of a Global Ramp-Up
IndiGo is making a bold pivot from budget regional dominance to global player. Its 'fit-for-purpose' approach may not rival full-service carriers yet, but its pricing and partnerships could redefine value on Indo-Europe routes. Earlier this week, IndiGo turned a new page in its almost 19-year history. On July 1, its first long-haul flight established connectivity between Mumbai and Manchester. The next day, it touched down in continental Europe, flying from Mumbai to Amsterdam for the first time. The carrier will now operate on alternate days between the two routes, three times weekly. Don't be fooled by the modest start – something much bigger is in the works. IndiGo has been plotting global dominance for some time. Rahul Bhatia – CEO of parent company InterGlobe – brought former KLM chief Pieter Elbers on board in 2022. The brief was to lead the organization in its shift from a domestic and regional carrier to a true long-haul operator. The airline has ordered more than 60 Airbus A321 XLR aircraft, which are scheduled to join the fleet later this year. It also ordered 30 widebody A350-900s in 2024, later doubling the order to 60 jets. But these plans go beyond planes. Last year, the airline launched a series of initiatives including a loyalty program and a domestic business class product. IndiGo has also confirmed that the upcoming XLRs will have 12 factory-fitted business class seats on board. Already India's largest airline, IndiGo was not going to wait for 2027 to enter its widebody long-haul flying era. The carrier gained familiarization with larger aircraft through a leasing deal with Turkish Airlines. The Boeing 777s have a dense configuration with just seven business class seats and an incredible 531 economy class seats. IndiGo has now contracted Norse Atlantic Airways to wet-lease six of their Boeing 787-9 aircraft for up to 18 months. The first arrived in February and was flown on the busy route between Delhi and Bangkok for three months. As of this week, the aircraft are being put to better use on European services. Shaking off its No Frills Roots With the introduction of Dreamliner jets, IndiGo comes closer to a full-service airline. It is offering a new product and service offerings on these intercontinental flights, which are a taste of what passengers can expect when the A350s arrive. Elbers has been vocal that the onboard product needs to be 'fit-for-purpose' and not just a copy of whatever already exists. This was apparent at the launch of the domestic IndiGo Stretch product, where the airline offers no lounge access or hot meals, which it feels are unnecessary for short-haul flights. IndiGo now has a different mindset at play. Still anchored in its 'fit-for-purpose' mentality, the airline decided to offer hot meals on board its new long-haul flights. The airline is also integrating with Delta, Virgin Atlantic, and Air France-KLM to offer easy transfers in the UK and the Netherlands. The goal is to provide passengers with straightforward connections into the U.S. and around Europe. A comprehensive codeshare deal is expected to go live shortly. More Perks Than Expected? The generous nature of its 'value-for-money' IndiGo Stretch product has surprised some. The Norse Atlantic aircraft only have recliner seats, but these come with a generous seat pitch. In practice, this allows IndiGo to offer something closer to business class, albeit without the lie-flat beds. The airline has 56 seats in the 787's Stretch cabin. IndiGo's premium cabin on the leased Boeing 787. credit: ajay awtaney IndiGo is also offering lounge access at both ends of the route – unusual for a carrier known for strict cost control, these upgrades signal a willingness to compete on comfort as well as price. Premium customers also have a large baggage allowance that mirrors legacy business class, and over 200 hours of in-flight entertainment. There are five meal choices (two international, two Indian, and one vegan) for Stretch customers, and unlimited beverages (including alcohol). Elbers confirmed that the airline won't be offering champagne and caviar, but the airline's catering, outsourced to Oberoi Flight Services, clearly punches above its weight. Elsewhere, there are no amenity kits, but there is an 'amenities basket', which features dental kits and compression socks. A plush pillow, with a map of the globe and a blue dot marking IndiGo's headquarters in Delhi NCR, is also available for Stretch passengers. IndiGo's long-haul premium product offers a range of legacy-style perks. credit: Ajay Awtaney In a nod to Elbers' KLM days, the airline is also offering warm overlays that it allows passengers to take away with them and reuse. There are 18 designs available, with customers encouraged to collect them all, just like KLM does with ceramic Delft houses. Further back on the aircraft, IndiGo is offering economy passengers two hot meals. Alcoholic drinks and the overlays are available for purchase. The airline is currently pricing its European flights around 30% cheaper than comparable one-stop options via the Middle East. There is no direct competition on the Mumbai to Manchester route, but KLM operates to Amsterdam. What's Ahead: U.S. Routes and A350 Intrigue When asked if this was the final product definition that would be mirrored on the new A350s, Elbers insisted this was not the case. He declined to elaborate further, but it leaves open the possibility that IndiGo may consider a three-cabin setup, with economy, premium economy, and business class. IndiGo representatives onboard the inaugural flight suggested to Skift that the airline will eventually look beyond Europe and is considering flights to the United States. Occupancy was low on the first flights, but IndiGo is not so worried. It knows that a new route can take time to warm up, especially since travel to Europe usually involves visas. The airline has already confirmed that bookings look stronger in the coming weeks, and as it plugs into its strategic tie-up with transatlantic partners such as Delta and KLM, a further lift is expected. While IndiGo's initial European routes do not directly challenge Air India's network, it remains to be seen how many people will switch from a legacy full-service product to a slightly lesser offering, in exchange for lower fares. Air India operates flights between Delhi (rather than Mumbai) and Amsterdam with the Boeing 787. However, this aircraft has seen its issues with common reports of non-functioning entertainment screens and an outdated cabin. As is customary for a legacy carrier, Air India offers a full package of meals and comfortable seats, but it doesn't offer the low fares found at IndiGo. It remains to be seen how the Middle Eastern carriers will react to the entry of IndiGo, and if the ambitious Indian operator will be able to chip away traffic as its network ramps up. Watch Pieter Elbers at the Skift India Forum 2025: recorded march 2025. What am I looking at? The performance of airline sector stocks within the ST200. The index includes companies publicly traded across global markets including network carriers, low-cost carriers, and other related companies. The Skift Travel 200 (ST200) combines the financial performance of nearly 200 travel companies worth more than a trillion dollars into a single number. See more airlines sector financial performance. Read the full methodology behind the Skift Travel 200.
Forbes
12 hours ago
- Forbes
Warning: Travel Insurance May Not Cover This
When things go wrong this summer, travel insurance can help — except when it doesn't. getty As summer travel heats up, so does the demand for travel insurance. But before you click 'buy' on a policy, take a minute to read the fine print. "There are certain exclusions that travelers may not be aware of," says Chris Carnicelli, CEO of Generali Global Assistance (GGA). Travel insurance, despite its promises, doesn't always cover everything. 'Travelers are turning to travel insurance to help protect their trips," says Beth Godlin, president of Aon Affinity Travel Practice. "But it's important to understand that there are a few scenarios that may not be covered by their policy." That's true. This summer is shaping up to be one of the busiest travel seasons on record, with airlines and airports bracing for delays, cancellations, and overbooked flights. As many as half of travelers will buy travel insurance to protect their trips. "Circumstances that are known or foreseeable at the time a policy is purchased may not be covered under standard travel insurance policies," warns Robert Gallagher, president of the US Travel Insurance Association, a trade group. A surprising discovery on a European river cruise Take Linda Prybil, who learned this lesson the hard way. She's planning a European river cruise with AMA Waterways and decided to purchase travel insurance because of the steep cancellation penalties and her recent knee surgery. 'I was surprised to find out that even the best insurance doesn't cover a full refund,' says Prybil, a retired teacher from Iowa City, Iowa. 'Even with 'cancel for any reason' policies, the max seemed to be 80 percent, and not everything would be a cash-back refund.' Prybil also discovered that if her flights were canceled and the airline issued a credit instead of a refund, her insurance wouldn't cover the cost. 'I booked my British Airways flights through American Airlines because I fly with them often and could use a credit if needed,' she explains. 'But the cruise cost was another story. If the cruise line issues a voucher, insurance won't give you cash back. That was a big bummer.' Prybil's experience highlights a common misconception: travel insurance is a safety net for every possible scenario. In reality, it's full of exclusions and limitations. Here's a short list of what most policies won't cover — and what you can do about it. 1. Pre-existing medical conditions If you have a medical condition before purchasing a policy, it likely won't be covered unless you buy a waiver within a specific time period after booking your trip. 'A lot of people assume pre-existing conditions are covered, but they're usually excluded,' says Joe Cronin, president of International Citizens Insurance. 'You need to purchase a policy with a waiver to close that gap.' 2. Civil unrest and political instability Jackie Swayze, a remote work specialist from Austin, Texas, learned this the hard way when she canceled a trip to Peru because of an attempted coup and riots. 'My policy covered war and terror attacks, but not civil unrest,' she says. 'Now, I always buy 'cancel for any reason' coverage when traveling to volatile regions.' 3. High-risk activities Love adventure sports? Some policies won't cover injuries from high-risk activities like scuba diving, bungee jumping, or zip-lining. 'I've had clients think they were covered, only to find out after an accident that their policy excluded those activities,' says David Giraldo, a tech expert who works for a website that sells mobile data plans. 4. Natural disasters If a hurricane or tropical storm is named before you buy your policy, any cancellations related to it won't be covered. "If a storm had already been named prior to purchasing your policy, you probably won't be covered if it impacts your trip," says Daniel Durazo, a spokesman for Allianz Travel Insurance. "If a natural disaster occurred at your destination prior to purchasing your policy, you probably won't be able to cancel your trip because you no longer want to travel to that location." 5. Scams and fraud Falling victim to a scam, like booking a fake rental property or tickets, is another area where travel insurance may not be able to provide reimbursement (though your rental booking platform potentially can). 'In most cases, travel insurance doesn't protect you from scammers,' says Elad Schaffer, CEO of Faye Travel Insurance. 6. Loss of valuables and electronics Shirlene Tsang, co-founder of an online jewelry store, warns that most travel insurance policies don't cover high-value items like jewelry, watches, or electronics. 'If something expensive goes missing, there's a good chance you won't get the full value back,' she says. 7. Terrorism "Standard policies don't cover cancellations or delays caused by acts of war or terrorism, though some offer specific riders," notes John Rose, chief risk officer at ALTOUR, a global travel management company. If you're headed to a place where terrorism is a possibility, like parts of Europe and the Middle East, check your policy carefully. Is "cancel for any reason" insurance a workaround? The most comprehensive solution may be to buy a "cancel for any reason" travel insurance policy. While it costs more — typically 10 to 12 percent of your trip's prepaid, nonrefundable cost — it offers greater flexibility. 'Cancel for any reason coverage is the only way to ensure at least a partial refund in unpredictable situations,' says Giraldo. Take advantage of the "free look" period One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is waiting too long to buy insurance, say experts. 'The time to think about insurance is before you book your vacation,' says Steve Pritchard, founder of Cuuver, an insurance comparison site. 'You usually have one to two weeks after booking to purchase a policy.' Also, if you purchase your policy when you book a vacation, you can often qualify for a pre-existing conditions waiver. That means the policy will sometimes cover any existing medical conditions at no extra cost. One more pro tip: Most policies have a "free look period" that lets you cancel within a certain time. "One of the best ways travelers can ensure they have the right coverage is by taking advantage of the free look period," says GGA's Carnicelli. "This allows them to purchase a plan, review the coverage details, and cancel within the stated time. This flexibility ensures travelers can make an informed decision without feeling locked in." This summer, don't let your travel insurance leave you stranded. Know what's covered — and what's not — before you hit the road.
