Non-disclosure of medical history may lead to the rejection of your claims

The idea of traveling or exploring new places elevates the mood and brings about a pleasant change in the minds of many. Travelling provides a fresh perspective, not just about the place you visit, but also about the culture and people there. But before you head out to begin your journey, there is a lot to be planned and thought for. In-depth research is a must before traveling to a foreign land. It should be followed by prompt reservations and bookings. If these aspects are not planned meticulously, you may end up with some chaos and unpredictability on your foreign trip. Additionally, what is also essential is travel insurance, which is what most travelers, even seasoned ones, tend to miss. A travel policy provides a safety net from the financial implications of unpredictable situations during your travel. It can compensate you in the event of baggage loss or delay, flight cancellations, or entire trip cancellations, and provides evacuation services in the case of an emergency. But a lesser-known advantage is that it can provide medical coverage during your travels. Therefore, it is crucial to disclose your medical history to your domestic, as well as international travel insurance providers. Non-disclosure of medical history may lead to the rejection of your claim. You don't need to require treatment for an ailment you are already suffering from. The claim may be rejected even if the treatment in a foreign land is for an illness unrelated to your existing medical condition. Since international travels are meant to be filled with joy, an unpredictable illness can dampen your spirit. In addition, the steep cost of medical bills in a country away from home would mean deep financial troubles that are uninvited, especially on a trip meant for enjoyment. Non-disclosure of medical history means concealing material information for the insurer and thus amounts to misrepresentation. It also misleads the medical underwriters that have underwritten the risk of your travel. Disclosure of medical history must also be made when buying travel insurance for senior citizens, as there is a higher probability of an ailment that may relapse during travels. For instance, Mr. David who underwent bypass surgery in 2018 failed to disclose it to the travel insurance company when traveling to the USA. In an unfortunate situation, he required medical assistance for pneumonia in the USA, for which a claim was raised by him. The insurance company denied the claim on the grounds of non-disclosure of the bypass surgery that he underwent back in 2018 for which the insurance company failed to underwrite any medical risk.

Wrapping it Up

As travels have resumed after closed international borders, policyholders need to buy the right travel coverage, and at the same time, inform the insurer about their medical history. Failing to do so is valid grounds for the insurer to reject the claim. In addition to providing medical coverage, travel insurance plans provide a shield for trip-related glitches too. So, it is best to buy a travel plan keeping in mind the different benefits it offers.   *Standard T&C Apply Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.