Common Exclusions on a Travel Insurance Policy

Travel insurance covers are some of the most affordable products on the market covering for all Kenyan travellers to most parts of the world. For as little as KSh 1000 one get a cover with up to KSh 10 millions limits of liabilities. In addition, travel insurance is one of the simplest general insurance policies, however, it is important to get the full details of cover before purchasing your policy. The below are the most common exclusions on most travel insurance covers in Kenya.

Political Violence and Terrorism

This is a common exclusion against most other general insurance covers in the market and it is for this reason that an extension / add on exists to cushion customers who wish to purchase cover against this risk. War, invasion, acts of foreign enemies, hostilities or warlike operations (whether war be declared or not), civil war, rebellion, terrorism, revolution, insurrection, civil commotion assuming the proportions of or amounting to an uprising, military or usurped power. It is for this reason that some countries are complete exclusions on travel insurance policies. For example regions like Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen, Palestine and other similar will normally be exclusions on all travel insurances. For members travelling to these regions, different life insurance policies can be taken to cater for the high risk.

Winter Games and Professional Sports and Entertainment

This is yet another common exclusion for the travel insurance covers from Kenya. This is excluded because of the increased risk of personal injury when participating in these sports. Activities like skiing, water rafting, stunts sports and others attract a high level of risk thus insurers will exclude these on most common. However, it is possible to purchase a travel insurance cover in Kenya that includes these risks. Companies like Resolution travel insurance charge a loading of up to 50% of the normal premium in order to cover for these increased risks. This loading on the travel insurance rates will vary from provider so it's best to compare different companies before buying your insurance.

Travelling To Seek Medical Attention

This is yet another obvious exclusion from most travel insurances in Kenya. This is because of the high risk that this group of travellers poses. They may require sudden emergency treatments as a result of their pre-existing medical conditions which is where the exclusions come in. IN addition, the risk of death is massively in this case which eventuality would incur heavy expenses for repatriation of mortal remains and also require a loved one to travel overseas to make preparations for the same.

Unfortunately for travellers under this group, this is a hard exclusions and there is a absolutely no way to get cover for the same unlike some of the other exclusions covered earlier on this list.

Senior Citizens Travellers

This is also a common soft exclusion on some travel insurance covers on the Kenyan market. Normally many companies consider this age group from about 65 years and above although other providers are happy to move it up to 70 years. Luckily for seniors travel covers, most travel insurance companies in Kenya are happy to provide cover for this age group but at an enhanced rate. Using online comparison websites one can still find cover suitable for this age group at varying rates depending on the benefits, first loss and providers

Table showing the loading of the insurance rates for senior citizens and children according to the Occidental MAPFRE travel covers.

Alcohol Abuse

Drinking alcoholic substances is completely legal , accepted and covered by all travel insurance plans. However it becomes an exclusion if the insured consumes too much alcohol, becomes intoxicated and their judgement is impaired. Claims arising out of this kind of situations can therefore not were admissible by the insurer. This like for other general insurance and medical insurance policies in Kenya and worldwide, is a hard exclusion owing to the fact that it is premeditated.

Armed Forces

This exclusion applies for situations and purposes of travel for operational duties of a member of the Armed Forces. This is a partial exclusion because some sections like the emergency medical expenses will not be covered for this group of travellers. However other sections / benefits of the policy will still be covered e.g. cancellations, travel delays, missed connections, lost baggage etc

Suicide, Drug / Solvent Abuse

Yet again, claims arising out of the insured wilfully self-inflicted injury or illness, suicide or attempted suicide, sexually transmitted diseases, solvent abuse, drug use (other than drugs taken in accordance with treatment prescribed and directed by a medical practitioner, but not for the treatment of drug addiction) and putting yourself at needless risk (except in an attempt to save human life). These claims can not be accepted by the insurance company for settlement, this is an exclusion common with most other general and life insurance policies in Kenya and also overseas

If you are looking for a travel insurance cover in Kenya, simply visit our travel covers page here and fill in your details to get a comparison from major insurance companies, benefits and rates for each.