When travel insurance may not cover you

Whether you're planning a trip to a Japanese ski lodge, a sunny island escape or a backpacking adventure through South America, there are many reasons why you might consider taking out international travel insurance for your next getaway. 

Travel insurance helps provide cover for unexpected events that can happen before or while you're on holiday. Depending on the policy, this could include things like cancellations, delays, lost luggage, illness and extreme weather. 

While NRMA Travel Insurance can help cover certain losses if things go wrong, there are some important limitations and exclusions to consider before you travel. By understanding these, you'll be in a better position to know whether you've got adequate cover, what activities you want to do, and what things to be wary of.

Ever left your bag at the table while you went to the bathroom, or your belongings on the beach while you took a dip? Leaving your belongings unattended in a public place (or in the car) is risky business and could result in a denied NRMA Insurance travel claim if they end up lost or stolen. Always keep your things within reach while out and about, especially if they're valuable or sentimental.

Cruising holidays are loved for their convenience and all-inclusive appeal, but when an illness breaks out, it can be far from smooth sailing. If your NRMA Travel Insurance doesn't include cruise cover, and you fall ill and need to be taken back to shore for treatment, your travel insurance claim might not be accepted. Before boarding the ship, check you've got adequate cover to help avoid further hassle if things go wrong. Adding cover for a cruise with NRMA Travel Insurance costs a little extra, but can go a long way toward having peace of mind.

From the dramatic mountains of the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam, to the coastal marvel of the Atlantic Road in Norway, there's nothing quite like the freedom of exploring on two wheels. The adventure is undeniable, but it isn't without risk. 

If you're planning on getting around on a motorcycle while you're abroad (either as the driver or a passenger), consider adding Motorcycle/Moped riding cover (for an additional premium) to your NRMA Travel Insurance. You'll then need to make sure you:

• Don’t ride a motorcycle or moped with an engine capacity beyond 250cc.
• Hold a valid driver’s licence/motorcycle licence. If you’re the passenger, ensure the driver is licensed. 
• Wear a helmet, whether you’re the rider or the passenger.
• Follow the road rules and local laws of the country you’re in.
• Don’t participate in racing or motorcross events. 

See our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for full details.

Who said winter is a time for hibernation? Fresh air, white snow and exhilarating runs await in places like Banff, Grindelwald, Cortina and Niseko, just to name a few. But even the most experienced skiers and snowboarders know, the slopes aren't always forgiving. 

To help ensure your winter adventure stays memorable for all the right reasons, consider adding snow skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling cover to your NRMA Travel Insurance policy. If you pay the extra premium for this cover, you'll have:

• Cover for on-piste injuries (for the novices, that means marked trails).
• Medical emergencies and evacuations.
• Accidental equipment damage, but not when in use. For example, if your snowboard is broken at the airport.
• Certain weather-related losses (like unused passes or closures due to snowstorms). 

Keep in mind, off-piste and racing-related claims won't be covered. See our PDS for full details.

A tipple certainly doesn't go astray on holiday, especially if it comes poolside with a fun little umbrella and tangy slice of pineapple! However, there is such a thing as drinking too much, and your actions might not be covered if you do overdo it. 

With NRMA Travel Insurance, claims that involve or arise from alcohol-induced impairment won't be covered. This could be evidenced by a blood test showing your blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) is 0.19% or above, your own admission, a third-party witness report, or the report of a medical practitioner or forensic expert. As a point of reference, a BAC of 0.19% is almost four times the current legal driving BAC limit in Australia. 

Be safe, drink responsibly and see our PDS for full details.

NRMA Travel Insurance issued by Zurich Australian Insurance Limited, arranged and administered by Cover-More Insurance Services Pty Ltd and promoted and distributed by Insurance Australia Limited trading as NRMA Insurance as well as by its authorised distributors. Limits, sub-limits, exclusions, terms and conditions (including eligibility criteria) apply.  Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider your own needs and the Combined FSG/PDS to decide if this product is right for you. For information on the Target Market and Target Market Determinations visit Target Market Determinations (TMD). If you purchase this product from NRMA Insurance or its authorised distributors, they may receive a commission, for more information please refer to NRMA Insurance’s FSG.

Information is current as at the date of publication and may be subject to change. All content on the NRMA Insurance Blog is intended to be general in nature and does not constitute and is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. References to third-party organisations, products, services or brands on the NRMA Insurance Blog are for informational purposes only and do not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by NRMA Insurance, unless expressly stated otherwise.