Everyone asks: What isn't covered by travel insurance?

Travel insurance claims are being disallowed at an increasing rate, according to data from comparison website finder.com.au. The analysis of insurance industry data showed more than 31,000 Australians had their travel insurance claims declined in 2015-2016, up from 24,200 the previous year. Many of those claims were disallowed due to a lack of supporting evidence, yet a significant number failed because the claim was not covered by a standard policy. All travel insurers require that the person they are insuring takes all reasonable steps to safeguard their person and property. That includes any claims that involve riding a motorcycle or a scooter without a helmet or suitable protective clothing or if the claimant does not have the relevant licence, as well as visiting a country or a city contrary to Australian Government advice. Any claim where alcohol is a factor will be disallowed, even if it was a glass of wine over dinner followed by an injury resulting from a fall on slippery cobblestones. Stow your case out of sight in the baggage racks on a train and you'll be out of pocket if they go walkabout, since these are regarded as unattended belongings. Any claim for a pre-existing medical condition will probably not make the grade, nor will any injury that occurs from skiing, paragliding or parasailing. Some of these instances can be covered with optional top-ups to a standard travel insurance policy, but it's important to know what's in your insurer's product disclosure statement.