What is an excess and how does it affect my travel insurance claim?

An excess is an amount you agree to pay towards the cost of each claim you make. For example, if your claim is for $500 and your policy has a $100 excess, your insurer will pay $400 and you will pay the remaining $100. The excess is usually deducted from your claim payout. Different policies and sections of a policy may have varying excess amounts.

What if I cannot provide receipts for my lost or stolen items?

While receipts are ideal for proving ownership and value, some insurers may accept alternative forms of proof. This can include bank statements, credit card statements, warranty cards, photos showing you with the item or statutory declarations. Always gather as much evidence as possible including photos of the item before your trip.

What types of events are generally not covered by travel insurance?

Travel insurance typically excludes claims arising from reckless behaviour, illegal activities or self inflicted harm. Other common exclusions include claims for travel to areas with a "Do Not Travel" warning from the Australian Government, claims related to certain pre existing medical conditions not declared or accepted by the insurer and claims for high risk activities not specifically covered by your policy. Always check your Product Disclosure Statement for a complete list of exclusions.

Do I have to pay medical expenses upfront when I am overseas?

For minor medical expenses, you may need to pay upfront and then claim reimbursement upon your return. For major medical emergencies, such as hospitalisation or emergency evacuation, your insurer's 24 hour emergency assistance team will often arrange direct payment with the medical facility. It is crucial to contact your insurer as soon as possible in any medical situation to understand their process and avoid unexpected costs.

What should I do immediately after an incident that might lead to a claim?

Your immediate safety and wellbeing are most important. Once safe, contact local authorities for incidents like theft or assault and obtain a police report. For medical emergencies seek immediate medical attention. Collect all relevant documentation including photos, witness contact details and official reports. Then, contact your travel insurer as soon as reasonably possible to report the incident and get advice on the next steps.

How do other forms of compensation impact my travel insurance claim?

Travel insurance often acts as a secondary form of cover. If you receive compensation from an airline, a hotel or another third party for the same incident, your travel insurance payout may be reduced by that amount. This is to prevent you from being compensated twice for the same loss. Always declare any compensation you receive when making your claim.

What happens if I did not declare a pre existing medical condition?

If you do not declare a pre existing medical condition that is later found to be related to a medical claim, your insurer may deny your claim. Travel insurance policies often have specific rules regarding pre existing conditions and require them to be declared and accepted by the insurer for cover to apply. This could result in you being personally responsible for all associated medical costs.

Travel Insurance Archives

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