What travel insurance exclusions should I know before I travel?

• Know what's not covered before you travel
• Avoid relying on cover that doesn't apply to your situation
• Add extra protection where your trip involves more risk

Sanctioned countries

Insurance providers cannot offer cover for travel to countries under international sanctions or embargoes. These restrictions are based on global regulations, and insurers must comply with them. If you knowingly travel to a sanctioned destination, your cover will not apply - even if you have a valid policy.

Limited access to medical or emergency services

Some remote or conflict-affected areas may be excluded from coverage because assistance providers cannot guarantee access to adequate medical care or emergency evacuation services. If something goes wrong in these regions, you may be left without support.

Pandemics or health risks

While your policy typically covers travel within the area listed on your schedule of insurance, insurers may exclude destinations with ongoing pandemics or declared health emergencies. Always double-check whether your destination is considered safe at the time of departure.

Medical-related exclusions on travel insurance policies

Travel insurance is designed to protect you against unexpected medical emergencies - not predictable or avoidable health issues. That's why many policies include specific medical exclusions.

Travelling against medical advice or for the purpose of obtaining medical treatment

If you're travelling after being advised not to by your doctor, or if your trip is primarily for seeking medical treatment or surgery, your travel insurance will not cover any related expenses. This includes complications during travel or emergency medical events arising from the condition you were warned about.

Pre-existing conditions

Many insurers exclude cover for pre-existing medical conditions, which are defined as any illnesses, injuries, or conditions you had symptoms of, received treatment for, or were diagnosed with before your trip.

Check : Some policies exclude all pre-existing conditions regardless of age. Others offer hospitalization cover for pre-existing conditions on specific plans, often only for travellers under the age of 70.

Cardiovascular and stroke risks

Conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and other heart or brain-related diseases often fall under additional medical exclusions for travellers aged from 70 years and over, particularly if linked to pre-existing risk factors. If you have any history of heart disease, blood pressure issues, or circulation problems, confirm your coverage before travel.

Mental health issues

Mental health-related issues - including anxiety, depression, PTSD, or emotional distress - are generally not covered. This applies to both pre-existing and newly emerging conditions during travel.

Drug or alcohol-related incidents

If you're injured or become ill while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, your insurer may deny your claim - especially if intoxication is found to be a contributing factor. Even legal drug use, if not prescribed, may be excluded. For example if you break a leg while intoxicated and it's found that your judgment was impaired, your claim may be rejected.

Pregnancy after 26 weeks

Most travel insurance policies only cover pregnancy-related complications up to the 26th week of gestation. Beyond that point, the risks associated with travel increase significantly, and insurers typically exclude early labour, medical complications for mother or baby or costs related to delivery or neonatal care.

Terminal illness

If you are travelling after receiving a terminal diagnosis, your policy is unlikely to provide cover for any related medical costs, cancellations, or emergencies. Travel insurance is not designed to cover high-probability medical needs.

Cancelling for personal reasons

Travel insurance is designed to protect you from unforeseen and uncontrollable events - not from changes in personal plans or financial difficulties. Therefore, your policy may not cover cancellations or changes such as deciding not to travel for personal reasons (e.g. relationship break up or fear of flying), inability to afford the trip, or shortening your trip without a covered reason.

Missing documents

If your travel plans are disrupted because you lack the correct documents or are subject to entry restrictions, your insurer may not cover delays or denials such as expired travel documents, travel bans or sanctions preventing you from entering the country or being deported. It is your responsibility to ensure that all documentation is valid and meets the entry requirements of your destination country.

COVID-19 or pandemics

Most travel policies exclude claims related to epidemics or pandemics, unless specific COVID-19 coverage is included. This exclusion usually applies to trip disruptions or cancellations due to border closures or lockdowns.  Always check whether your policy explicitly includes or excludes pandemic-related events - and under what conditions.