10 Visitors Insurance Exclusions That Might Surprise You
When it comes to health insurance, there are certain provisions that are put into place by the insurance company that will waive your coverage, such as certain conditions, risks, or locations. These are called exclusions in insurance. Insurance exclusions are not uncommon and will depend upon the type of health insurance plan you opt for. Any exclusions will not be covered by the insurance plan and will not count towards the out-of-pocket maximum.
Visitors insurance plans typically have a list of exclusions, which specifically outline what the insurance does not cover. It is important that you read the list of visitors insurance exclusions carefully before purchasing a policy so you know exactly what is covered by your visitors insurance policy and what isn’t. The following list outlines common exclusions that are not covered by most visitors insurance plans.
1. Pre-Existing Conditions Coverage
While most medical insurance for visitors policies do not cover pre-existing conditions, there are options for plans that do. There will typically be the following types of coverage when it comes to pre-exisiting conditions:
- No pre-existing conditions coverage
- Limited pre-existing conditions coverage
- Cover for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions
It’s important to note, however, that most plans consider pre-existing conditions and exclusion and you will want to inquire about this type of coverage if you are a traveler that suffers from pre-existing conditions.
To determine if your incident is a pre-existing condition, insurance companies will review your medical records. It’s best to speak with a representative in detail regarding your pre-existing conditions if you have any to understand whether or not your visitors insurance plan may cover treatment for your condition while visiting the US.
2. Travel Dental Insurance
Not all visitors insurance policies include dental coverage, and those that do only provide limited coverage for dental care. This coverage is limited to dental emergencies only, so any routine dental exams or X-rays should be taken care of before traveling abroad.
3. Skin Conditions
Visitors insurance does not cover skin conditions, skin care treatment, and other dermatological problems. Dermatologist visits are not covered by your visitors insurance policy, so any necessary skin treatment should be completed before traveling abroad.
4. Vision Care
Visitors insurance does not cover vision correction, including corrective lenses, glasses, or eye related problems such as cataracts and glaucoma. However, these medical insurance plans do often cover eye injuries and other eye problems not related to vision, because these incidents are treated as medical problems.
5. Preventative Care
Most visitors insurance plans only cover unforeseen illnesses, injuries, and emergencies and will not cover preventative treatment such as routine checkups and immunizations. Any preventative medical treatments should be taken care of before departing a trip abroad.
6. War and Terrorism
Most policies do not cover travel incidents and injuries related to war or terrorism if the policyholder traveled to a country with prior knowledge of a known war or terrorism event/condition. However, if war or terrorism breaks out after arrival, you may be covered. Additionally, some visitors insurance plans do offer a war and terrorism option at an added cost. The war and terrorism additional coverage option provides reimbursement for injuries and illnesses incurred due to war or terrorism or an act of war or terrorism.
7. Pregnancy and Childbirth
Any medical costs incurred for pregnancy, childbirth, or maternity reasons are not covered under travel medical insurance policies. If you are traveling while pregnant, be sure to take care of any checkups or pregnancy related medical concerns before leaving for your trip and be aware of any risks associated with traveling while pregnant. Most insurance plans for visitors will not cover pregnancy complications.
8. Hazardous or High Risk Sports
Extreme, hazardous, or high-risk sports have a greater risk of injury and are therefore not covered by most travelers insurance policies. If you incur any injury while participating in a hazardous activity, your visitors insurance policy may not cover the medical costs. Some policies may offer hazardous sports coverage as an additional coverage option for a higher cost. Specific activities deemed hazardous by travel insurance companies vary depending on the plan, so be sure to review your policy if you have any activities or sports planned during your trip.
9. Mental Health Care
Visitors insurance does not cover mental health related incidents, including self-inflicted bodily harm or injury. Incidents, injuries, or trip cancellations due to mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, or other psychological conditions are not covered by visitors health insurance.
10. Injures Incurred Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
If you are injured while legally drunk or under the influence of drugs, a medical insurance policy will not cover the costs of any medical treatment received. You are entirely responsible for medical bills for injuries incurred under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Read your visitors health insurance policy details carefully to avoid getting your visitors insurance claim denied. Be sure to closely assess your individual needs and consider any additional coverage you might need. Never assume that your visitors insurance will cover a treatment or incident. Some policies may offer coverage waivers or additional coverage options, but not all do.
You should use your plan's free look period to review the policy exclusions so you know exactly what is and is not covered before you embark on your travels.
