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Travel Insurance: What is Covered and What is Not?

For residents of Rijswijk, navigating the intricacies of reisverzekering (travel insurance) is essential amid the city's vibrant expat community and frequent trips from nearby Schiphol Airport. This a

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For residents of Rijswijk, navigating the intricacies of reisverzekering (travel insurance) is essential amid the city''s vibrant expat community and frequent trips from nearby Schiphol Airport. This article demystifies what your policy typically covers—such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost baggage—versus common exclusions like pre-existing conditions, high-risk activities, or pandemics. Stay protected on your next adventure by understanding Dutch insurance law tailored to our local context.

Travel Insurance: What is Covered and What is Not?

Travel Insurance: What is Covered and What is Not?

Traveling is wonderful, but unexpected problems can throw a spanner in the works. A good travel insurance policy provides financial protection, but not everything is covered. In this article, we explain what is and is not included under a standard travel insurance policy, so you avoid any surprises. We focus on the Dutch market and provide practical tips for checking your policy and resolving issues.

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

A basic travel insurance policy protects you against common risks during your trip. Below are the main coverages:

  • Medical expenses: If you fall ill or have an accident, the insurance reimburses care costs not covered by your health insurance, such as visits to foreign hospitals or repatriation. Note: deductibles and waiting periods may apply.
  • Luggage and personal belongings: Theft, loss, or damage to luggage is often reimbursed up to a maximum amount (e.g., €1,000-€3,000 per person). Valuable items such as jewelry or electronics may have a lower limit.
  • Cancellation and curtailment: If you must cancel due to illness, death of a family member, or work, you will be reimbursed for unpaid travel costs. Pre-existing travel-related illnesses are usually excluded.
  • Travel documents and money: Loss of passport or debit card is reimbursed, including costs for emergency documents.
  • Emergency assistance on location: Assistance services arrange transport, hotel accommodation in case of delay, or breakdown of a rental car.

More comprehensive policies (such as through-travel or top insurance) also cover winter sports accidents, rental cars, or worldwide coverage. Always check your policy conditions for exact limits.

What Does Travel Insurance Not Cover?

No insurance covers everything. Common exclusions include:

  • Pre-existing conditions: Chronic illnesses or pregnancy after a certain stage often do not qualify for reimbursement. Check before booking whether your condition is considered ''pre-existing''.
  • Reckless behavior: Intoxication, drug use, or high-risk sports (such as bungee jumping without coverage) are excluded.
  • Pandemics and travel advisories: Many policies do not cover cancellation due to corona-like situations or code orange/red from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • War, terrorism, or natural disasters: Unrest in the destination country is usually excluded.
  • Work-related travel: Business trips often require a separate business travel insurance policy.
  • Luggage left unattended: Theft from an unattended car or hotel room is not always covered.

Read the fine print: exclusions are listed in the policy conditions under headings such as ''no coverage in case of'' or ''exclusions''.

Important Considerations

  • Annual vs. single-trip: An annual policy covers all trips, ideal for frequent travelers. A single-trip policy is cheaper for one journey.
  • Family and worldwide coverage: Choose a policy that includes your partner and children, and check if it provides worldwide coverage (Europe vs. worldwide).
  • Deductible and maximums: A deductible of €100-€250 per claim often applies. Maximums for luggage or medical expenses vary.
  • Solo trip or group trip: Partner coverage is crucial if traveling together.

Compare policies using tools like Independer or the website of the Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) for reliable information.

Practical Steps: How to Handle It Properly

Follow these steps to prevent problems:

1. Check before booking: Download your policy conditions via ''My Insurance'' on your insurer''s website. Search for keywords like ''exclusions'' and ''pre-existing conditions''. Call customer service if in doubt.

2. Extend where necessary: Add modules for winter sports, diving, or cancellation insurance with flexible conditions.

3. Act immediately in case of damage:

  • Call the 24/7 alarm center (number is on your policy).
  • Take photos of the damage, keep receipts, and file a police report immediately (for theft).
  • Complete the claim form within 3 days of returning home.

4. In case of dispute: Submit a complaint to the insurer. No solution? Go to the Kifid (free disputes committee) via kifid.nl. Keep all correspondence.

5. Review annually: Update your policy in case of changed circumstances, such as a new job or health issue.

Conclusion

Travel insurance is essential for peace of mind, but coverage depends on your policy and situation. By checking in advance and acting quickly in case of damage, you maximize your protection. Unsure? Have an advisor take a look or compare online. This way, you can enjoy your trip worry-free. Safe travels!

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