[Travel Insurance Guide] Must-read before buying: uncover common pitfalls and myths

Buying travel insurance has become part of Hong Kong people’s pre-departure “to-do list”; however, most policyholders seldom read the relevant policy terms carefully. This habit of “not knowing what has been bought” often leads policyholders to misunderstand the scope of cover and, ultimately, when it comes to making a claim, to fall into the pitfalls of travel insurance and end up in disputes with the insurer. In order to clear up common misconceptions about travel insurance, this time we will address these frequently asked questions one by one, focusing on the details of the policy terms and the potential pitfalls. 

Answer: Customers may purchase as early as within one year before departure. We recommend travellers take out travel insurance as soon as their itinerary is confirmed (e.g. once flights/hotels have been booked).

Further reading: 【Travel Insurance 2026】Actuary compares the prices and cover of over 80 travel insurance products (with exclusive ratings) 

A: Most annual travel insurance policies treat cruises as a standard mode of transport and provide basic medical and accident cover. However, cruise itineraries differ from ordinary travel arrangements where air or rail is the main means of transport, and they involve additional risks, such as shore excursions being cancelled or being unable to board the ship. Annual travel insurance may not necessarily cover these situations. As a result, many insurers offer travel insurance add-ons with “cruise cover” or dedicated cruise travel insurance plans.

Further reading: 【Cruise Insurance】More comprehensive than ordinary travel insurance! Covers cancelled shore excursions and satellite phone charges 

Answer: Usually yes, as long as the “trip start date” falls within the policy period (i.e. departing before 31 December), the entire journey is generally covered.

Further reading: 【Annual Travel Insurance Comparison】Which annual plan has the highest rating? When is the best time to buy? 

Answer: Use the date of “departing from home” as the reference. If you leave home for the airport on the evening of 1 January, even if your flight is in the early hours of 2 January, the policy effective date should be selected as 1 January.

Answer: Travel insurance covers “unknown risks”. Once the traveller has successfully purchased the policy, cancellation reasons that are sudden and unforeseen should generally be covered, such as sudden illness, a serious illness of a family member, natural disasters, or flight cancellations. However, changing one’s mind or being aware in advance that the trip could not proceed before departure would not be covered. It is therefore advisable for travellers to buy insurance as early as possible once their travel plans are confirmed. 

Answer: Usually covered, but there are sub-limits and strict details. It is recommended to refer to the relevant further reading.

Further reading: 【Travel insurance mobile phone / laptop / camera cover】Compare the personal belongings cover of 9 popular travel insurance plans (with claims guide) 

Answer: In most cases, not covered. Baggage delay cover is intended to compensate travellers for the additional expenses incurred in buying essential items when they are without their luggage overseas. As you already have household items at home after returning to Hong Kong, travel insurance usually does not cover return journey delays. If the luggage is ultimately lost, it will be handled as baggage loss. 

Answer: Generally speaking, travel insurance does not provide compensation for “missing hotel facilities or dinner”. If the itinerary is delayed due to adverse weather conditions (such as severe snowstorms), compensation is usually only available under the “trip delay” or “transport delay” cover for a specified amount, provided that you are travelling on public transport. Self-drive travel is also highly unlikely to be covered. 

Answer: Yes, but translation may be required. It is advisable to obtain an English medical certificate as far as possible when seeking medical treatment, or ask the doctor to complete the insurer’s form. 

A: Yes, as long as it has official validity, including the police stamp, date, time, location of the incident, list of losses, and details of the incident. 

Answer: You can make a claim, but you must first seek compensation from the airline; travel insurance usually only covers the difference. 

Answer: Yes, provided that the weather conditions are unknown at the time of taking out the policy. The insurance will cover reasonable additional expenses arising from flight cancellations or delays caused by weather conditions. 

As for the specified delay period, the general requirement is 6 hours. If the delay reaches the specified number of hours, travel insurance will provide a delay allowance, or reimburse additional transport and accommodation costs incurred due to the trip delay, but usually only one of these can be claimed.

Further reading: 【Travel Insurance】Compare trip delay cover across 10 products — can flight delays be compensated up to $3,600? 

Answer: The “Medical Cover” under travel insurance usually covers the entire trip, including the period during which you remain unable to return to Hong Kong due to extreme weather and the resulting “delay period”. If an accident occurs during the delay period and you need medical treatment, you would usually be able to make a claim under the policy’s overseas medical cover. 

Answer: Yes, but there are age limits and coverage adjustments. Please refer to the further reading.

Further reading: 【Which is the best travel insurance for seniors?】When older people buy travel insurance, they should pay attention to age limits and coverage amounts

Answer: Yes, but pregnancy-related matters are not covered. 
Coverage: Pregnant women can be covered for general accidental injury, baggage and delay benefits 
Exclusions: All medical expenses related to pregnancy, childbirth, and pre- and postnatal care are not covered. 

Answer: Yes, but pre-existing conditions are not covered. For example, if an osteoporosis patient is more susceptible to injury as a result of the illness, related medical expenses may not be reimbursed; however, items unrelated to the condition, such as stolen belongings, would not be affected.

Answer: This depends on the sanctions list and outbound travel advisories. Countries under sanctions are usually not covered; areas affected by war or under a Black Outbound Travel Alert are also generally excluded. Before departure, you should check with your insurer whether your destination is on the list of “excluded areas”. 

Answer: The following are the “not covered” situations to note:

• Pre-existing medical conditions: illnesses that existed before taking out the policy.
• High-risk activities: professional sports, competitions, or high-risk activities undertaken without instructor supervision (some policies cover skiing/diving, but subject to depth/height limits).
• Unattended belongings: leaving a bag out of sight while taking photos at a distance, resulting in theft.
• Influence of alcohol or drugs: accidents or loss of belongings occurring after intoxication.
• Illegal acts: unlicensed driving or breach of local regulations.
• War, civil war, riots: unless otherwise stated in the policy.
• Suicide or self-harm.

Last updated on: 1 December 2025

This English version of this article has been generated by machine translation powered by AI. It is provided solely for reference purposes. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between this translation and the original Chinese version, the Chinese version shall prevail.