Why Travel Insurance Claims Get Denied (And How to Prevent It)

You bought the policy. You paid the premium. You assumed you were covered. Then you filed a claim — and discovered you weren’t.

The denial cites something you forgot, something you didn’t think mattered, or a condition your doctor never flagged. A medication adjustment three months ago. A test you were still waiting on. A “stable” condition that wasn’t stable by the insurer’s definition.

The Gap Between Buying and Claiming

Travel insurers don’t investigate your medical history when you buy. They investigate when you claim. That gap — between application and adjudication — is where coverage vanishes.

The Top 5 Reasons Claims Get Denied

1. Undisclosed pre-existing conditions: If your condition changed within the stability period (7 days for under-59, up to 365 days for 75+), and you didn’t disclose it, the claim can be denied.
2. Travelling against medical advice: If your doctor recommended against travel and you went anyway, coverage is void.
3. Government travel advisories: Travelling to a destination with an “Avoid all travel” advisory at the time of departure.
4. Late notification: Not calling the 24/7 emergency assistance line before seeking treatment. Always call first — they coordinate directly with hospitals.
5. Alcohol or substance-related incidents: Injuries directly caused by intoxication are typically excluded.

How to Protect Yourself

• Be honest on your application. Disclose everything. The premium might be slightly higher, but the coverage will actually work when you need it.
• Understand your stability period. Check your age bracket: 7 days (under 59, trips under 35 days), 90 days, 180 days, or 365 days.
• Call the emergency line first. TuGo’s 24/7 number (1-800-663-0399) coordinates with hospitals directly — including issuing a Guarantee of Payment so you’re not paying out of pocket.
• Keep all receipts. Medical reports, prescriptions, boarding passes, hotel confirmations — document everything.
• Read the policy wording. Not the brochure. The actual policy document.

91% of TuGo travellers would recommend their claims experience. The key is setting yourself up for success before you leave.

Get covered: Get a quote from $4.25/day →