Typical travel insurance exclusions: what is NOT covered

1. Why exclusions exist

A travel insurance is a risk mutualisation contract. The insurer accepts to cover certain scenarios in exchange for a statistically calculated premium. If it covered all possible scenarios without limit, the premium would be unaffordable or the model would not be viable.

Exclusions are the legal way to bound the risk assumed by the company. They are required by law (Spanish LCS art. 3) to appear specially highlighted (usually in bold) in the particular conditions, and you must expressly accept them when contracting.

2. Most common market exclusions

Pre-existing conditions

Any pathology diagnosed or under treatment before contracting the policy. Includes derived complications. Some insurers accept covering them with premium supplement after declaration and risk approval. Never hide a pre-existing condition: the insurer can deny the claim and declare the policy null due to reticence or concealment (Spanish LCS art. 10).

Alcohol, drug or narcotic consumption

Any injury, accident or incident directly or indirectly related to substance consumption is excluded. It is a standard exclusion in 100% of the sector. In hospitals, toxicology analysis is routinely performed in case of accident.

Adventure, extreme and professional sports

Basic insurances cover soft recreational sports. Excluded by default:

• Off-piste winter sports, extreme skiing, heliskiing.
• Climbing above X meters, high mountain mountaineering.
• Deep diving (usually more than 20-40 m depending on policy).
• BASE jumping, parachuting, paragliding, hang gliding.
• Jet skis, water motorbikes, snow motorbikes.
• Rafting, whitewater kayaking, kite-surfing.
• Any sport practised at professional or competitive level.

Many insurers offer specific supplements ("adventure sports coverage", "diving coverage") — contract them if you are going to practise these activities.

Wars, terrorist acts, riots and pandemics

Claims occurring in active conflict zones, declared wars, terrorist acts, civil riots and WHO-declared pandemics are usually excluded or limited. After the COVID-19 pandemic most insurers have included specific COVID coverage, but future pandemics could fall outside.

Serious recklessness or wilful misconduct

Any injury caused by manifest recklessness or intentionally (self-harm, brawls, breach of local laws) is excluded. Examples: driving without a valid licence, skipping a visible danger sign, entering signposted restricted areas, etc.

Undeclared work activities

If you are going to work during the trip (volunteering, paid work, internships) and have not declared it, any claim related to that activity may be excluded. Contract specific products for stays with work activity.

Undeclared high-value objects

Objects with value above X € (usually 300-500 € per unit) must be expressly declared. Without declaration, they are not covered.

Personal effects left in vehicles

Objects stolen from parked vehicles without surveillance are excluded in most policies, even if the vehicle is locked.

3. Specific exclusions by type of policy

Short trip policies (weekend, getaways)

Usually limit cancellation coverage to medical causes and exclude job changes, distant relative deaths, etc.

Long duration policies (backpacker, gap year)

Usually limit luggage theft coverage to a maximum per claim and usually exclude prolonged stay expenses for non-medical causes.

Family policies

Define "family" usually as spouse and minor descendants. Adult relatives travelling together may require individual policies to have full coverage.

Study policies

Usually exclude non-academic work placements and extra-curricular risk activities.

4. How to read the particular conditions before signing

1. Download the complete PDF (do not rely only on the brochure or website). Legal conditions are in the electronically signed PDF.
2. Look for the "Exclusions" section or "Risks not covered". Usually at the end of each guarantee.
3. Read what is highlighted in bold: by law it must be highlighted (Spanish LCS art. 3).
4. Identify the "deductibles": amount the insured assumes before coverage starts.
5. Verify "sub-limits": there are high global coverages with low sub-limits per item (e.g. "up to 10,000 € in medical expenses, with 500 € sub-limit for emergency dentistry").
6. Look at the "geographic scopes": not all coverages apply in all destinations. USA, Canada and Japan usually have specific requirements.

5. Useful questions before contracting

• Does it cover the specific activities I am going to do?
• Does it cover pre-existing conditions with supplement?
• Does it cover COVID-19 or other current infectious diseases?
• Is there an age limit for the insured?
• What deductibles apply in medical assistance and luggage?
• Is there direct billing (payment to hospital without advance)?
• What documentation would I need in case of a claim?
• Does it cover direct flight to Spain if I need repatriation?
• Does it cover legal costs if I am detained or need a lawyer?

Frequently asked questions

Notice: this guide is educational on habitual exclusions in the sector. The exact exclusions of each policy may vary. Always check the current particular conditions of your product before signing and in case of doubt ask the insurer directly before signing.