5 Travel Insurance Exclusions: How to Avoid Claim Rejections in 2026

Travel insurance protects your wallet against a range of unforeseen events during your trip, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and more. But it doesn't cover everything. By understanding common travel insurance exclusions, you can select the right policy. 

Knowing what is covered and what is not will also help you plan your trip and finances more effectively. Read on to learn about these exclusions, how you can avoid claim rejection, and tips for choosing the right travel policy.

The coverage offered under your policy depends on several factors, such as the insurer, your policy type, overall health, and other terms. That said, some expenses are commonly not covered in the majority of travel policies. Given below is an overview of some of these.

This refers to a medical condition that was diagnosed a certain period before you get the policy. Exclusion of pre-existing conditions is common unless you get a rider for it. Even then, coverage may depend on the stability of the condition and other criteria set by the insurer.

Many insurance providers will not offer financial coverage if the loss or injury is due to negligence on your part. For instance, if you leave your belongings unattended and they are lost, you may not be reimbursed for all or some of them.

If you are planning to travel to an area that is known for accidents or calamities or is restricted to the public, the medical expenses arising from such visits may not be covered.

Some travel insurance policies do not offer coverage for mental illnesses. So, if you face any emergencies due to these conditions, the insurer will not approve your claim. 

If you plan to engage in adventurous activities, it is essential to note that not many insurers offer coverage for medical expenses related to high-risk activities. Therefore, you must choose the right insurance and plan your finances and trip accordingly.

Take a look at some other common exclusions in travel insurance:

• Loss or expenses due to involvement in criminal activities or substance use
• Dental treatment, unless the expenses are due to an emergency
• Planned treatment as the insurance only covers emergency medical expenses
• Pregnancy or childbirth expenses are not covered unless you have a specific policy or rider
• Loss incurred due to poor weather, last-minute changes, war or war-like conditions, and more
• Anything else not mentioned in the inclusions list and mentioned in the exclusions list.

  Also Read: What is travel insurance and it's importance

Claims often fail due to policy exclusions, missing bills or poor documentation, undeclared pre-existing medical conditions, and untimely reporting. To avoid travel insurance claim rejection, read your policy thoroughly before purchasing. Another important tip is to notify your insurer immediately during or after an incident. 

It is also necessary to submit complete documentation promptly. Engaging in uncovered activities like extreme sports or being intoxicated during incidents also leads to denials. Traveling to regions under advisory or failing to file within deadlines compounds issues. By keeping the dos and don’ts below in mind, you can avoid rejection.

If your travel insurance claims are denied, it can be a hassle for you and even delay treatment. There may be several reasons for rejection, and the insurer generally mentions these. That said, there are some easy tips that you can keep in mind to avoid rejection. Some of these are:

• Familiarise yourself with the terms and conditions

• Disclose any pre-existing conditions and other pertinent details

• Ensure that there are no errors while submitting your claim form

• Keep all the relevant documents and details, and submit them as needed

• File your cashless or reimbursement claim within the stipulated time frame

• Know the latest insurance regulations and rules  

There are numerous options for travel insurance, making it crucial to select one that meets your specific needs. Choosing the right travel policy will help ensure a hassle-free trip and avoid undue financial strain. 

Here are some things you should consider while deciding which policy to get:

• Evaluate your requirements, such as destination, duration, and other details

• Analyse and ensure the sum assured is as per your requirements

• Check the policy period and make sure it aligns with your trip

• Compare the premiums and other terms and conditions to choose the most economical and comprehensive policy

• Opt for riders, if needed, and check the coverage terms carefully

• Review the claim settlement process and ratio for a seamless experience

Apart from checking the common travel insurance exclusions, make sure you keep the above points in mind to choose the right policy. And don’t forget to enjoy each of your trips thoroughly! 

Travel insurance exclusions depend on your policy, the insurer’s terms, and several other factors. However, there are some common ones that you should know about. These include:

• Pre-existing conditions

• Planned treatments

• Loss from negligence

• Adventure sports or travel to unauthorised or restricted areas

• Mental illness and some other conditions

• Criminal activities or substance use

Choosing the right travel policy is important, and here are some tips you can remember to choose one that meets your requirements:

• Check what is covered and what is not covered

• Assess the sum assured and coverage limits

• Review the claim process and available benefits

• Evaluate your needs, like destination, duration, nature, and other aspects

• Choose riders, if needed, to make your coverage more comprehensive

Travel insurance claims are denied by insurers for many reasons, which are often mentioned at the time of rejection. If not, you can contact the insurer and get more details. Here are some things you can do once you know why your claim was rejected:

• Appeal the decision and provide the necessary details, if required, to support your claim

• Rectify errors, if any, and resubmit the claim

• Escalate the issue as per the insurer’s policy (Ombudsman of the insurer or IRDAI)

• Consider legal counsel and action, if necessary

Basic travel insurance plans cover low-risk activities such as hiking, fishing, or horse riding. However, extreme adventure activities require add-ons or specialised policies. Standard travel insurance policies typically exclude high-risk adventure sports like paragliding, bungee jumping, skiing, scuba diving, river rafting, and skydiving. 

Travel insurance exclusions directly lead to claim rejections when incidents fall under uncovered scenarios. This includes pre-existing conditions, high-risk activities, or non-emergency events. Insurers deny payouts for anything explicitly not mentioned as an ‘Inclusion’ in the policy.

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