Most Australians are aware of the benefits of travel insurance to avoid expensive situations when things go on vacation. However, there are some key elements to take into account to ensure that it is properly covered, and your claim will be paid in case the worst happens.
To help you make the most of your travel insurance and avoid any difficulty, Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) has compiled a list of the most common mistakes that customers commit when buying travel insurance. Understanding these factors will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure that you are completely covered in several scenarios.
In Scti, we will do everything possible to make sure we pay for claims when possible. Between January and September of this year, we have already paid more than $ 7.5 million in claims of Australian clients, ”says Jo McCauley, CEO of Scti. “However, it is important to be aware of the details to avoid common mistakes that can lead to denied claims or inappropriate coverage.”
1. Alcohol consumption: Know its limits
It is important to keep in mind that travel insurance policies often have exclusions regarding alcohol consumption. If it is found that alcohol has contributed to an event that results in a claim, such as a fall or a lost telephone, the claim cannot be paid. Insurers will consider support information, including medical reports and occasionally complementary information such as statements of witnesses and bars invoices, to better understand the causal impact.
We know that most travelers are adopting a cautious approach to a vacation drink. Be careful when taking that cocktail pool next to the pool, heating up with an après-ski drink or socializing with a local IPA, and you can enjoy your next adventure, without worries.
Always read the small print of your policy to understand how alcohol consumption can affect your coverage.
2. Personal possessions: ensure your belongings
Leaving your personal possessions unattended on the beach or in other public places can make your claim rejected. Travel insurance generally requires that you have ‘reasonable care’ of your belongings. Be sure to ensure your value objects in a safe place to avoid theft and possible claim problems.
From January to September 2024, SCTI has seen 746 claims paid to Australian travelers who have lost their possessions, 230 of them included a lost mobile phone.
3. Cleaning with cyclomotor and scooter: guarantee adequate coverage
Mounting a cyclomotor or scooter can be a fun and convenient way to explore its destination, but it can also be risky if you have not added this activity to your travel insurance policy. Many standard policies do not cover trips with cyclomotor or scooter unless specifically indicated. Be sure to have adequate coverage before renting a cyclomotor to avoid discovered accidents or injuries. In general, claims will only be covered if they meet the conditions of the policy, such as having the appropriate license, choosing trips where motor size remains within the limits of their policies and using a helmet.
Between January and September 2024, SCTI has seen an average claim cost of $ 8,101 for the Australians involved in incidents of Ciclomotor and Scooter, with the highest claim paid at $ 83,748.
4. Ski and snowboard: adhere to the paths
Adventurous activities such as skiing and snowboarding can be stimulating. Always be sure to select the appropriate policy accessories to enjoy stressless clues. Be sure to verify the small print since certain snowy activities, including adventure outside the piste, may not be covered.
Between January and September 2024, SCTI has paid 91 claims to Australians who have had incidents in the earrings this year, with the average cost of cost of $ 1,866 and the highest claim paid for $ 28,584 for a ski accident that involves A 62 -year -old fracture. Your leg after losing your balance.
5. Pre -existing conditions: reveals and confirm
Not revealing pre -existing medical conditions (PEC) can lead to denied claims. It is crucial to inform your insurer about any health problem before buying your policy. Some insurers can offer coverage for PECS at an additional cost, providing tranquility and financial protection during their trips. Between January and September 2024, the most common pecs declared by SCTI clients are:
- High blood pressure – 11%
- Asthma – 5%
- Anxiety – 4%
- Hypertension – 4%
- Type 2 – 3% Diabetes
- Depression – 2%
6. Traveling with equipment: Protect your team
Whether he is a photographer with an expensive camera equipment or a musician who travels with instruments, make sure his travel insurance covers these articles. Standard policies can have limitations in high -value articles, so it is essential to verify and add additional coverage if necessary to protect your loss, robbery or damage equipment.
Between January and September 2024, SCTI approved 588 claims of Australian travelers who have lost and damaged the electronic equipment, with the average claim that cost $ 536 and the highest claim paid for $ 3,000.
7. Medical emergencies: Understand your coverage
Medical emergencies can be expensive and stressful, especially when they travel abroad. Make sure your travel insurance policy includes comprehensive medical coverage, including emergency medical evacuation and repatriation. Knowing the scope of your medical coverage can save your family from important financial loads and provide emergency support.
The emergency assistance of Southern Cross is here for you, wherever you are in the world. Our team is just a phone call, day or night.
Between January and September 2024, the average cost of SCTI emergency assistance claims has already reached $ 12,459, with the highest claim paid at $ 359,105 after a slide next to the pool led to broken ribs and a Australian air ambulance.
8. Cancellations and travel interruptions: Know the terms
Cancellations and travel interruptions due to unforeseen events such as diseases, severe climate or family emergencies can interrupt their travel plans. It is essential to understand the circumstances under which your travel insurance covers cancellations and interruptions. Verify if your policy covers non -refundable expenses and any penalty associated with the change of your travel plans.
Between January and September 2024, SCTI has paid 974 cancellation claims for international trips this year, with the average cost of $ 1,613.
9. Excess car rental: Check your policy
If you plan to rent a car during your trip, check if your travel insurance policy covers the excess car rental. Remember, being insured for the excess of the vehicle does not mean that it is covered by the total value of the vehicle, or the total cost of any damage caused. It is likely that the cost of your travel insurance policy is less than any excess of rental car you have to pay if you did not have insurance.
Several countries require that Australians have an international driving license (IDP), as well as a valid Australian license, to drive abroad. These requirements may differ from one country to another, one state to another and even a rental company to a rental company. If you are renting a car in the United States, for example, you will need a valid driver’s license, as well as an IDP in some states. Even if he travels in a state of the US, which does not require an IDP, its rental company may require one, so it is always better to verify.
10. Adventure and extreme sports: confirm coverage
If your trips include adventure sports as a bridge jump or rafting in Aguas Blancas, ensure that your travel insurance covers these activities. In general, it will only be covered if you use a licensed operator, follow your safety instructions and use all the required security equipment. Standard policies often exclude extreme sports and may need specialized insurance coverage, as specific altitude insurance if Trekking in Nepal.
“Our goal is to provide travelers tranquility, knowing that they are protected in a wide range of situations,” adds McCauley. “By understanding these common mistakes, travelers can make informed decisions and enjoy their trips without unnecessary concern.”
For more information, visit www.scti.com.au.
