Purchasing travel insurance can be a lifesaver, whether you’re taking a domestic vacation or embarking on an international adventure—especially when it comes to trip insurance for flights, travel interruption insurance, and medical coverage while traveling. Many people, including seniors and families, turn to companies like Manulife global travel insurance or get travel insurance online for a comprehensive quote to protect themselves from unforeseen circumstances. However, not everything is covered by your travel insurance policy. Here are eight surprising things travel insurance does not cover:

1. Pre-existing medical conditions

Many travel insurance policies exclude coverage for pre-existing medical conditions unless you specifically purchase a rider to include them. This means that if you have a known health issue, such as diabetes or heart disease, and you experience complications related to it during your trip, you might not be covered.

2. High-risk activities

If you’re planning on engaging in high-risk activities such as skydiving, bungee jumping, or scuba diving, you may need to purchase additional coverage or find a policy that specifically includes these activities. Many standard travel insurance policies exclude high-risk activities due to the increased likelihood of injury or accidents.

3. Alcohol or drug-related incidents

Travel insurance generally does not cover any accidents, injuries, or illnesses that result from the excessive consumption of alcohol or use of drugs. If you’re found to be intoxicated or under the influence when an incident occurs, your claim may be denied.

4. Terrorism and civil unrest

While some policies may offer limited coverage for terrorist attacks or civil unrest, many exclude these events altogether. This can be particularly important to consider when traveling to high-risk destinations.

5. Unforeseen pregnancy complications

While travel insurance may cover certain pregnancy-related complications, it typically does not cover any issues that arise due to a pregnancy that was not disclosed when purchasing the policy. Additionally, some policies have specific cut-off dates for coverage, such as after the 26th week of pregnancy.

6. Mental health disorders

Many travel insurance policies do not cover mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. If you experience a mental health crisis while traveling, your insurance may not cover the associated medical expenses or trip interruption costs.

7. Lost or stolen unattended belongings

Travel insurance will often cover lost or stolen belongings, but only if you can prove that you took reasonable care to protect them. If your items are stolen from an unattended vehicle or left in a public place, your claim may be denied.

8. Canceling for any reason

While many travel insurance policies offer coverage for trip cancellation due to specific reasons (such as illness or death of a family member), they do not provide coverage if you simply change your mind or decide not to go. Some policies offer “Cancel For Any Reason” coverage as an optional add-on, but it often comes at a higher premium.

In conclusion, it’s essential to thoroughly review your travel insurance policy and understand its limitations. Always read the fine print and ask questions if you’re unsure about any aspect of your coverage. By knowing what your policy does not cover, you can make informed decisions and better prepare for your upcoming trip.