The best-laid plans of holiday makers can come unstuck for the most unlikely of reasons. For example, who was to know that you were going to fall off that ostrich? Or found yourself suddenly jobless after a last-minute involuntary redundancy?
What might also come as a surprise is the range of unexpected incidents that Australian travellers can claim on insurance.
According to a leading travel insurer, many Australians may not be aware of certain benefits in their policy, leading them to presume they are not covered - and not even try to get their money back.
Knowledge in advance is the key, said Jonathan Etkind, of InsureandGo.
"It's crucial that travellers read their product disclosure statement before purchasing any policy," he said. "It will help them decide what, if any, added extras they need, and whether it's best to purchase a basic or comprehensive policy.
"Although these documents list exclusions, they also detail benefits that allow travellers to claim for a wide range of incidents - including those that you wouldn't assume you're covered for."
Here are seven travel mishaps Australians may get their money back on.
1. Being confined to your cabin due to illness. Your insurer may be able to cover any expenses incurred.
2. Cancelling your trip because a) your home was burgled b) you were made redundant at work c) or you were called for jury duty. In these cases, the insurer may allow you to claim the cost of most of your travel bookings, including airfares.
3. Cutting your trip short due to a relative or travel companion's injury or illness.Your travel insurance policy should reimburse you for any bookings you were unable to make use of.
4. Smaller overseas medical claims. Removing your standard excess entirely allows you make claims like visiting a doctor or buying medicine - even for a bill as little as $20.
5. Your cruise ship missed a port. For each scheduled port your cruise failed to dock at during your trip, you should be able to receive compensation.
6. Extra travel expenses to avoid transport delays or cancellations that will lead to you missing a wedding, funeral, conference or sporting event. Additional travel costs can be covered to try to get you to your event on time
7. Medical expenses for injuries incurred during some more adventurous activities., InsureandGo, for example, will cover medical expenses if injuries sustained while zorbing (rolling downhill inside an orb), mud-buggying or camel, elephant and ostrich riding. All are on its list of activities covered as standard.
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