What is a Non-Medical Travel Insurance?

Everything is finally set for that trip that you’ve been looking forward to. Flights booked. Itinerary set and even bags packed. What else could you have left out? Travel insurance. No matter how carefully you plan any travel, unpleasant events can occur anytime, hence the need for insurance. 
Most travellers are familiar with medical travel insurance. However, insurers also provide non-medical insurance plans. These provide coverage for unexpected events such as flight delays, trip cancellations, personal expenses and lost baggage. Looking to purchase non-medical travel insurance for your next trip? Here is the A- Z for non-medical travel insurance. 

What coverage is provided in non-medical travel insurance? 

1. Trip cancellation- Non-medical travel insurance provides coverage for trip cancellation arising from:

• Illnesses, injury and unexpected death of a close family member or travel companion
• Natural disasters that cause damage to your destination such as hurricanes
• Terrorist attacks in the destination
• Travel supplier bankruptcy
• Called back to work or laid off

However, coverage is provided for up to a certain maximum amount. Also, different insurers have varying exclusions and limitations, so be sure to look out for that.   

2. Flight delays- Flight delays can occur anytime. Not only is this inconveniencing but can also lead to other travel-related expenses such as accommodation. For instance, your insurance provider may cater for accommodation and other travel expenses such as meals if the trip is delayed for more than 8 hours. 
3. Trip delay and interruptions- We all wish to have a seamless trip, one without delays, accidents or even interruptions. However, that is not always the case. You may experience the death or illnesses of close friends, family or trip companions. The insurance also provides coverage for cancellations due to natural disasters and compensates for costs incurred as a result of these events up to a certain maximum amount. 
4. Loss of personal items and baggage- You do not want to get stuck in a foreign destination without your essential travel documents or even vital personal effects. Non-medical travel insurance provides coverage for damage or loss of personal effects or baggage during a trip. Some insurers even provide coverage for baggage delays such as delayed arrival of essentials such as toiletry kits. 
5. Travel advisories- Most non-medical travel insurance offer trip assistance including pre-trip information such as visa and passport information for the trip destination. The coverage may also include emergency telephone interpretation and even organizing for transport back home. 
6. Evacuation- Evacuation insurance may be covered under non-medical travel insurance. This provides coverage for moving travellers to a safe location during times of political or civil unrest. However, some insurers may provide evacuation insurance as a different coverage that is independent of non-medical travel insurance. 

What is not covered by non-medical travel insurance? 

• Medical conditions- non-medical travel insurance does not provide coverage for medical conditions. If you are looking for medical coverage, consider purchasing medical travel insurance or travel insurance that is inclusive of medical insurance. Also, most insurers do not provide coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. As such, you need to be honest with your insurance provider regarding your health history and be on the lookout for exclusions or limitations on the policy. 
• Participation in risky sports activities- This could be any sort of professional or leisure sports activity that is considered risky. For instance, most insurers classify sports such as Scuba diving, speed contests, skydiving, bungee jumping, parachuting, spelunking, rock climbing and even parasailing risky. You can still enjoy these activities. However, consider purchasing high-risk travel insurance. 
• Injuries- These include injuries sustained when a traveller is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, attempting to or committing suicide, civil disorders, riots or voluntary exposure to other risks such as war. 
• Travel to a destination for which travel advisory has been issued- Your destination may have travel advisories by the government due to issues such as the outbreak of diseases, war, acts of God and even terrorism. Travel to such areas despite the travel advisory may nullify your non-medical travel insurance. 
• Trips that are undertaken against a medical doctor’s advice- This also includes childbirth, pregnancy and other related complications. 
• Loss of personal effects and baggage due to criminal acts or negligence or confiscation of items by the government whether covered or uncovered

Looking to purchase non-medical travel insurance? Here are some extra tips that will ensure you get the right coverage as per your needs. 

• Know when you need additional travel insurance- non-medical travel insurance goes a long way. However, you still need medical travel insurance regardless of your medical history. Non-medical travel insurance will not cater for illnesses and even accidents that occur during the travel. Also, it does not cater to high-risk destinations or activities, necessitating the need for high-risk travel insurance. 
• Get clarification on the coverage provided- As we mentioned, a one-fit all insurance plan is hard to come by. Your insurer may tailor your coverage based on your needs. This means that the coverage may also have limitations as exclusions. While one insurer may provide coverage for emergency telephone interpretation, another may not. Ensure you go through the fine prints in your policy, and if need be, have another person peruse the policy, just for clarification. 
• Know the maximum coverage provided- Insurance provides coverage for up to a certain maximum amount. If you need higher coverage, consider purchasing a policy that has a higher maximum coverage. However, you can still play safe by purchasing cheaper coverage, more so if the travel risks are less.  
• Understand the value of non-medical travel insurance- You need to understand the value of the coverage provided. For instance, if your non-medical travel insurance reimburses 100% due to trip cancellations as per the policy, you get to safeguard your financial investment. 
• Do not choose insurance based on price alone- You may be thinking of purchasing cheaper coverage and enjoy more leisure activities during your trip. While you may not be wrong, it could be a terrible idea, one that you may regret. Purchasing non-travel insurance (and any other insurance) based on price alone may not provide enough coverage, and you may even pay for some items out of pocket. 
• Do not over-buy coverage- We know you want the optimum travel and holiday experience. While over-buying coverage may give you more peace of mind, it can lead to potential financial loss especially if you purchase coverage that you do not need. 
• Purchase your travel insurance from a credible insurance provider- This is the most important tip. You may purchase the right coverage. However, if your insurer is unresponsive or refuses to provide coverage for your claims, your entire trip can be ruined!