What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Almost 70% of travel insurance complaints are not about bad faith—they're about a fatal misunderstanding: the insured didn't know what they actually bought. An accident while skiing without the right rider. An internation for a pre-existing condition not declared. This guide closes that gap before your mistake costs you the trip.

Does travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?

It depends on the condition, the plan, and what was declared at purchase. The general rule: stable pre-existing conditions that are declared are covered for emergencies related to them. The problem is the "pre-existing condition aggravation" clause—some plans deny coverage if the emergency event can be linked to any prior condition. Always declare your conditions and read how the policy defines "pre-existing condition." Asteroid recommends full declaration to ensure adequate coverage.

Does travel insurance cover pregnancy and childbirth?

It covers emergency obstetric complications (premature labor, pre-eclampsia, hemorrhage, emergency cesarean) up to the gestational week limit declared in the policy—typically 24-28 weeks, some plans up to 34. It does NOT cover: routine prenatal care abroad, planned childbirth abroad, complications from pre-existing high-risk pregnancy. Bring a medical letter with due date and declare the pregnancy at purchase.

Not covered: routine prenatal care abroad, planned childbirth abroad, complications of pre-existing high-risk pregnancy. Carry a medical letter with your due date and declare the pregnancy at purchase.

Does travel insurance cover extreme sports?

Low-risk sports (light hiking under 2,000m, snorkeling, beach sports, urban cycling) are generally covered by default. Extreme sports require a specific rider: skiing/snowboarding, autonomous diving (PADI certified), bungee jumping, mountaineering above 4,000m, Class III+ rafting, kitesurfing, skydiving. If you practice and didn't declare it, the claim can be denied.

Does travel insurance cover flight cancellation?

Flight cancellation by the airline: it's the airline's responsibility (rebooking, refund, accommodation by law). Travel insurance covers your cancellation of the trip for covered reasons (illness, family death, home loss). For delays, Asteroid offers automatic parametric payment: flight delayed >2 hours → automatic payment, no forms or manual claim.

Does travel insurance cover lost luggage?

It covers permanent loss (luggage lost by airline), theft, and damage during transport. Typical coverage: USD 1,000-10,000 depending on the plan. Not covered: cash, documents, jewelry above sub-limits, electronics above certain values. In case of loss: file a complaint with the airline immediately (PIR—Property Irregularity Report)—this document is necessary for your claim.

Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?

Yes, as any other disease contracted during travel. If you contract COVID abroad and need medical care, emergency medical treatment is covered. What's typically not covered: cancellation of the trip due to a positive test before boarding on basic plans—verify if your plan includes COVID cancellation. Asteroid covers COVID-related medical emergencies within the general policy conditions.

What is a deductible in travel insurance?

A deductible is an amount you pay before insurance kicks in. Example: a USD 200 deductible means that for the first USD 200 of medical expenses you cover yourself, and insurance covers the rest. Some cheaper plans have deductibles to reduce the premium—read the conditions. Plans without deductibles cost more but eliminate any out-of-pocket costs in an emergency.

What are sub-limits and how do I check them?

Sub-limits are the limits per procedure or category within a larger total coverage. Example: "USD 300,000 medical coverage" with sub-limits: surgery USD 20,000, ICU USD 5,000/day, evacuation USD 30,000, medical fees USD 10,000. In a serious emergency, you'll exceed these sub-limits easily—and cover the rest yourself. To check: read the General Conditions of the insurance (not the summary), section "Coverage and Limits" or "Insured Amount."

Does travel insurance cover alcohol and drug-related incidents?

Most plans have exclusions for emergencies caused by alcohol or drug use. The interpretation varies: some exclude only severe intoxication, others exclude any situation where alcohol was present. The exclusion is applied to claims with evidence of use—a traffic accident with alcohol in the bloodstream, for example, can result in denial. Read the specific clause in your policy.

Does travel insurance cover flight delays?

Traditional model: You register the delay, gather documentation (delay proof, food/hotel receipts), open a claim, and wait for reimbursement. Usually covers delays over 6-12 hours with limits of USD 200-1,000.

Parametric model (Asteroid via Blink): Flight delays >2 hours → system detects automatically → payment hits your account. No forms, no claim, no wait. No other insurance in Brazil offers this.

Does travel insurance cover medical evacuation?

Yes—but sub-limits matter. Medical evacuation is the transfer from the accident site or local hospital to an adequate medical facility (including repatriation home). Real costs: evacuation from Europe to Brazil EUR 20,000-50,000; from the Himalayas USD 80,000-150,000; from South America USD 15,000-40,000. Check the specific evacuation sub-limit in your policy—don't assume it's included in the total medical coverage.

Does travel insurance cover death?

Yes—body repatriation home (funeral transport) and accidental death indemnity are standard coverage. International body transport can cost USD 20,000-80,000 depending on destination. Verify if the plan also covers basic funeral expenses locally. Funeral repatriation is mandatory by law for insurance sold in Brazil.

What's NOT covered by travel insurance?

Most common exclusions:

• Pre-existing condition not declared
• Extreme sports without specific rider
• War and terrorist acts (varies)
• Pandemic (varies—COVID is now covered by most)
• Planned pregnancy/elective childbirth abroad
• Elective cosmetic treatment
• Teeth (beyond acute emergency)
• Mental health (except premium plans)
• Alcohol and drugs (when provably causal)
• Travel against documented medical advice

How does reimbursement vs direct payment work?

Reimbursement: You pay the hospital, keep invoices, open a claim when you return home, wait for analysis and payment. For a USD 40,000 bill, this requires USD 40,000 available on the spot.

Direct payment (Asteroid via MDabroad): Our team contacts the hospital before or during treatment, issues a payment guarantee, coordinates the case. You don't need to advance anything. In 162 countries, MDabroad has operational relationships with hospitals and clinics that accept the guarantee directly.

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