Travel insurance questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What would invalidate a claim fail for a cancelled or delayed flight?

Most travel insurance policies will not allow you to claim if the cause was a pre-known event (insurance is designed to cover unexpected events) or you did not allow adequate time to reach your departure point.

How much time is adequate to reach a departure point when insurers are considering missed flight claims?

Most insurers refer to an airport's or airline's recommended check-in and arrival times. This is typically 2 hours for short-haul/European flights and 3 hours for long-haul. If you planned to arrive with less than that window and then something went wrong, insurers are likely to argue you didn't allow sufficient time, and the Ombudsman has shown it will agree.

What do travel insurers count as a pre-known event?

Your travel insurance will only cover unexpected and unforeseen events. If a disruption, such as a strike, severe weather, or airline insolvency, was already publicly known or being reported before you purchased your policy or booked your trip (whichever is later), no cover typically applies. The practical test is not whether you personally knew about the event, but whether you could reasonably have been expected to know about it at the relevant time.

What do travel insurers consider to be a recoverable cost?

In travel insurance, a recoverable cost is any financial loss that you have a legal or contractual right to reclaim from a third party, regardless of whether you have actually received the money yet. Travel insurance is a contract of last resort indemnity. This means it is designed only to cover "net loss", that is the amount remaining after all other potential sources of reimbursement have been exhausted.

Why should I contact my bank or travel provider before claiming on travel insurance?

Travel insurance operates as a "last resort" indemnity. This means policies typically exclude any costs defined as "recoverable." Under insurance industry standards, a cost is considered recoverable if it could in principle be returned to you by another party, regardless of whether you have already received the funds.

What counts as a "family" for travel insurance?

A family typically includes an adult, or two adults who are partners (married, in a civil partnership, or in a relationship for at least six months at the same address, regardless of gender), and at least 1, and up to 8, unmarried dependent children under the age of 18 (or under 21 if in full-time education) who live in the same household or who are away but in full-time education. If your family situation is non-standard (blended family, children living elsewhere, extended relatives), call the insurer to confirm who is covered before purchasing.

What is family travel insurance?

A family travel insurance policy is one that covers adults and the children who they parent, generally living at the same address On a like-for-like basis, Family travel insurance is typically cheaper than Group travel insurance because insurers perceive a family group to be lower risk.

What counts as a pre-existing medical condition in travel insurance?

More than you'd expect. Insurers include conditions you consider managed or resolved, recent GP visits, medication changes, outstanding referrals, and incidental findings from routine check-ups. If a doctor has recommended tests or investigations you haven't had yet, that counts too. The definition captures anything that existed, was being investigated, or was being treated before you bought the policy or booked the trip. Declare everything. An undeclared condition that later relates to a claim is the single most common reason travel insurance claims are rejected.

Can I get travel insurance if I'm waiting for test results?

Some policies exclude cover entirely if you're awaiting any medical investigation, test results, or referral at the time you buy. A routine blood test, a scan your GP ordered, or a specialist appointment you haven't attended could all invalidate your cover, even if the results come back clear. Some policies also exclude "undiagnosed symptoms" where a diagnosis has been sought but not received. Disclose outstanding tests when buying insurance. If possible, wait until results are back before purchasing.

Can I get travel insurance with a terminal diagnosis?

Some policies impose an absolute exclusion for terminal prognoses, with no option to declare and pay extra. This applies even if the trip is unrelated to the condition. It can also affect family members: if a close relative has a terminal diagnosis and you cancel because of their health, the claim may be excluded too.

Whose illness counts as a valid reason to cancel a trip?

Only illnesses of people who meet the policy's definition of "close relative" or "family," which is a closed list. It may not include grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, step-relatives, or in-laws. Some policies exclude claims arising from the health of anyone not named on the policy, even if you didn't know about their condition. Some extend restrictions to "friends upon whom your trip may depend." Check the exact list of qualifying relationships in the full policy wording.

Who is actually covered by a travel insurance policy?

Only those specifically named on or described by the policy. Children often need to travel with an insured adult aged 18+. Age limits of 75 or 80 are common, and some policies reduce cover levels or trip duration by age (for instance, 35-day trip cap for over-70s versus 50 days for younger travellers). On family policies, "children" typically means under 18 or under 23 if in full-time education. An adult child travelling with you likely isn't covered.

Do I need to be a UK resident to buy travel insurance?

Yes. UK travel insurance requires permanent residency in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man. Some policies require at least six months' residence in the past year and GP registration. You generally cannot buy a policy while abroad, and your trip must start and end in the UK.

Does travel insurance always include baggage cover?

No. Some policies make personal belongings cover an optional add-on. The core policy may cover medical emergencies, cancellation, and liability but not your possessions. This is easy to miss when comparing on price, because cheaper policies may exclude baggage cover entirely. Check whether belongings cover is included as standard or requires an additional premium.

How much does travel insurance pay for valuables like cameras and laptops?

Much less than the headline baggage figure. Most policies impose a sub-limit for "valuables" (jewellery, watches, cameras, laptops, electronics) of just £150 to £500 for all valuables combined. A single camera or laptop can exceed this. Some policies group "valuables" and "electronic equipment" under the same sub-limit. Compare the sub-limit to what you're actually carrying, not the overall baggage figure.

Does travel insurance cover my phone?

Usually not, unless you buy a separate gadget add-on. Many policies explicitly exclude mobile phones from baggage cover. Even with gadget cover, depreciation schedules reduce payouts based on device age, and some policies require an original receipt from a tax-registered retailer. A phone bought second-hand, received as a gift, or purchased from a private seller may not be claimable at all. Check whether your home contents or phone insurance already covers you abroad.

What is the single item limit on travel insurance?

Typically £150 to £400 per item. "Item" includes pairs and sets: a pair of earrings, a luggage set, or a set of golf clubs all count as one item. This cap applies alongside the valuables sub-limit, so a stolen suitcase could be valued well below your actual loss.

Does travel insurance cover stolen cash?

"Personal money" means physical cash, coins, and travellers' cheques only, not bank accounts or prepaid travel cards. Limits range from £175 to £750. Some policies reduce this to as low as £25 for under-18s.

Will travel insurance pay the full replacement cost of my belongings?

No. Claims are settled on what the item was worth when lost or damaged, not the replacement cost. Some policies use the phrase "intrinsic value at the time of loss." Only items less than one year old may qualify for "new for old" replacement. Gadgets face specific depreciation schedules: an 18-month-old phone might be valued at 60-70% of its purchase price.

Am I covered if the airline loses my valuables in checked luggage?

Often not. Some policies exclude valuables, cash, documents, and personal money from cover if they were in checked-in luggage. The insurer expects these items to be in your hand luggage. Airlines have their own compensation limit under the Montreal Convention (approximately £1,100), but the gap between that and your actual loss may not be covered by your travel insurer. Keep valuables in hand luggage and claim against the airline first for lost hold bags.

Does travel insurance cover missed connections and mid-trip delays?

Often not. "Missed departure" and "travel delay" cover may only apply to the first leg leaving the UK or the final leg returning. A delay on a connecting flight between two countries outside the UK may not be covered at all. The same applies if your first flight is late and you miss an onward connection. Check whether mid-trip disruption is included, or whether you need an enhanced trip disruption add-on.

What counts as a non-refundable cost when claiming for cancellation?

Only costs you genuinely cannot recover from any other source. The insurer expects you to have pursued refunds from airlines, hotels, tour operators, and your card provider first. Credit vouchers and rebooking options may count as "recovery," even if useless to you. Some policies explicitly require you to exhaust ATOL, ABTA, Air Passenger Rights, Package Travel Regulations, and Section 75 credit card protections before they'll consider paying.

How long does a flight delay need to be before travel insurance pays out?

At least 11 or 12 hours. Anything shorter gets nothing. Once the threshold is met, payouts are typically £20 to £75 per further block of hours, capped at £200 to £1,000. The "abandonment" option (going home instead) usually requires the same minimum delay. A few policies offer a lump sum for alternative arrangements instead, which can be more generous.

What is the maximum trip length on annual multi-trip insurance?

It varies enormously: 17 days on basic policies up to 45-50 days on premium ones. Some vary by age (35 days for over-70s, 50 for younger). Exceeding the limit by even one day can void cover for the entire trip. Some policies also cap total days abroad per year (for example, 183 days). Single trip limits range from 63 to 94+ days. Check both per-trip and annual limits before booking.

Does annual travel insurance cover UK holidays?

Only if you meet specific requirements. Most policies require at least one or two nights of pre-booked, pre-paid accommodation. Some require you to be at least 100 miles from home or include a sea crossing. Staying with friends, family, or camping without a booking may not qualify.

Does travel insurance require me to have a return ticket?

Some policies do. If you're travelling internationally without a pre-booked return ticket to the UK, you may have no cover under any section. This affects one-way travellers, open-ended tickets, and anyone planning to arrange their return later. Check before buying, or book a refundable return to satisfy the requirement.

What happens if I go on a cruise without cruise cover?

Multiple providers void the entire policy for any trip involving a cruise without the add-on, not just cruise-related claims. A broken ankle on shore, food poisoning at a port restaurant, or a stolen bag at a terminal would all be excluded. The definition of "cruise" may include river cruises, overnight ferries, or sailing holidays, though some policies specify "sea-going cruises" only.

What happens if I go skiing without winter sports cover?

Some policies void all cover for the entire trip, not just skiing-related claims. "Winter sports" may include tobogganing, ice skating, or snowshoeing. Trip-length limits for winter sports are often shorter (as little as 17 days). Some policies don't offer a winter sports add-on at all. Others impose a lower age limit for winter sports (for example, 64) than the main policy (75).

Who decides what treatment is "medically necessary" on travel insurance?

The insurer's medical team, not you or your treating doctor. Optional, cosmetic, or non-essential treatment is excluded, along with anything that could have waited until you got home and any complications from such treatment. Some policies require the insurer's agreement before any private treatment. Always call the emergency assistance line before agreeing to treatment.

Can my travel insurer refuse to pay for private hospital treatment abroad?

Yes. Some policies will not cover private hospital expenses if a capable public facility was available, and reserve the right to transfer you from private to public. If the insurer later determines a public hospital could have treated you, they may refuse the private bill entirely. Contact the assistance line as early as possible to get agreement before accepting private treatment.

What does "fit to travel" mean in travel insurance?

It means both that a doctor didn't tell you not to travel, and that a doctor would not have told you not to travel if you had asked. If you felt unwell before departure but didn't see a GP, the insurer can argue you weren't fit to travel. The burden is on you to have sought clearance whenever there was a reasonable question about your fitness.

Am I covered if part of my trip involves medical treatment abroad?

No. If any part of the purpose of your trip is to seek medical advice, consultation, or treatment abroad, your entire policy may be void. This covers medical tourism but also catches combining a holiday with a cheaper dental appointment or visiting a foreign specialist. The insurer doesn't need to prove treatment was the main purpose, just that it was a purpose.

Does travel insurance cover dental treatment abroad?

Only emergency pain relief for natural teeth. Fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, cosmetic work, and non-urgent treatment are all excluded. Limits range from £250 to £1,000. Anything beyond pain relief waits until you're home.

Who decides how and when I get sent home on travel insurance?

The insurer's medical team. You cannot book your own flight home and claim the cost. They may decide it's cheaper for you to remain abroad until fit to fly on a standard ticket. You must contact the insurer before visiting any medical facility (other than a pharmacy) or as soon as possible afterwards.

Does travel insurance cover pregnancy complications abroad?

Only unexpected complications, not routine care or childbirth. Any complication that existed before departure is excluded as pre-existing. Most policies cap cover at 28 weeks pregnant (24 weeks for multiple births). Travelling beyond this without checking your policy could leave you uninsured.

Does travel insurance cover follow-up treatment after I get home?

No. Cover is for emergency treatment abroad only. Medical expenses incurred in your home country after returning are not covered. Follow-up treatment, rehabilitation, and prescriptions are your responsibility (and the NHS's for UK residents).

What activities are excluded from travel insurance?

Each policy has a specific list. Common holiday activities like riding mopeds over 125cc, jet-skiing, horse riding, and bungee jumping may require an add-on or be excluded entirely. Even where hazardous activities can be added, personal accident and legal liability cover may still be excluded for those activities. Check the activity table in the full policy wording before your trip.

Does travel insurance cover me if I hire a scooter or car abroad?

Only if you hold the right licence for the vehicle, follow local safety laws, and ride on recognised roads. Motorcycles are usually capped at 125cc. Quad bikes, ATVs, e-scooters, e-bikes, and Segways are commonly excluded outright with no option to add cover. Hiring a moped without the right licence or hopping on a rental e-scooter could leave you completely uninsured.

Can a travel insurance claim be rejected because of alcohol?

Yes. Most policies exclude claims where alcohol, drugs, or solvents contributed to the incident. There's no fixed blood-alcohol limit. The insurer decides after the fact, based on medical records, police reports, or witness statements. A fall outside a bar, a lost phone after a night out, or an accident where you'd had a couple of drinks could all be denied.

What does "reasonable care" mean in travel insurance?

It's deliberately vague. Leaving a bag unattended, not using a hotel safe, or walking through an unsafe area could all be cited. Some policies set specific rules: valuables in a safe at all times, no baggage in vehicles overnight, items locked out of sight during the day. Some exclude valuables in checked-in airline luggage entirely. Breaking any stated rule means automatic exclusion.

What counts as "reckless behaviour" in travel insurance?

Broadly defined as "putting yourself in needless danger" or "self-exposure to needless risk." Could include climbing a balcony, swimming in unmarked waters, or an impromptu football game. One insurer specifically names jumping from buildings and climbing external surfaces. Some extend this to any "illegal or criminal act," including minor local law violations you didn't know about.

Does travel insurance cover me if I'm working abroad?

Standard policies are for leisure travel. Some exclude any claim connected to manual or physical work, including volunteering, farm stays, charity building projects, or working holidays. If any work element is connected to the claim, cover may be voided even if the trip was primarily a holiday. You may need a specialist business travel policy.

What happens to my travel insurance if the FCDO changes its advice?

If the FCDO advises against "all travel" or "all but essential travel," your policy won't cover you if you go anyway. Policies differ on the detail: some offer a partial carve-out (cover for unrelated incidents), others void cover entirely. Fear of infection alone is not a covered reason to cancel if FCDO advice hasn't formally changed. Check FCDO advice the day before departure, not just when you book.

Does travel insurance cover me if I break a local quarantine rule?

Some policies require compliance with all government measures, not just FCDO advice. This includes overseas quarantine rules, curfews, lockdowns, and other official restrictions. Breaking a local quarantine order abroad could void your entire claim. Some policies also exclude claims arising from any government or public authority regulation.

What does "Europe" mean on a travel insurance policy?

It varies between insurers. Some include Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, and North Africa; others don't. Russia (west of the Urals) is included by some and excluded by others. Popular destinations like Thailand, Mexico, or Cape Verde may be carved out of cheaper zones. Some policies maintain hard exclusion lists of countries never covered. Stopovers outside your region may void cover entirely, though some policies allow up to 24 hours in transit.

Does travel insurance cover me if my passport or visa isn't valid?

No. Several policies explicitly exclude claims from failure to hold a valid passport, visa, ESTA, or required travel document. Some extend this to required inoculations. Insurers treat missing documents as foreseeable and avoidable. Check passport validity (many countries require six months remaining), visa requirements, and mandatory vaccinations well in advance.

How does the excess work on travel insurance claims?

The excess applies per person, per incident, and per section on some policies. One theft can trigger multiple excesses: £100 each for baggage and £100 each for money for a couple equals £400 from a single event. Amounts range from £75 to £150+. On modest claims, the excess can consume most of the payout. Some insurers offer excess waiver add-ons. Calculate total potential excesses before buying, not just the per-section figure.

What proof do I need to claim for lost or stolen belongings?

A purchase receipt showing price, retailer, and date. Without one, the insurer may accept "satisfactory proof" but they decide what qualifies. Bank statements, warranty cards, or serial numbers may help but aren't guaranteed. Some policies set a threshold (such as £50) above which original proof is mandatory, capping unproven items at £50 each with a £150 overall limit. Photograph high-value items and save receipts before travelling.

What proof do I need to claim for a lost or damaged gadget?

Stricter than general belongings claims. Some policies require an original receipt or electronic record from a tax-registered retailer. Without this exact form of proof, the claim is rejected outright. Gadgets bought second-hand, received as gifts, purchased from private sellers, or bought from retailers where you've lost the receipt may not be claimable at all. Check the proof requirements before paying for gadget cover.

How quickly do I need to report a theft to claim on travel insurance?

Depending on your policy, within 24 to 48 hours of discovery, to the local police or travel operator. Every item must be individually listed on the report. Items discovered missing later that weren't on the original report may be refused. Some policies also require notifying the insurer within 60 days of returning home. Report immediately, list everything, and keep a copy of the report.

Does travel insurance cover me if my airline or hotel goes bust?

It depends. Some policies cover "end supplier failure" and others explicitly exclude it. "End supplier" means the company directly providing transport or accommodation, not booking agents or platforms. If a third-party website goes bust but the airline and hotel still operate, this cover won't help. If the airline itself collapses, it may.

Will my travel insurance pay if I'm already protected by ATOL, Section 75, or airline regulations?

Some policies explicitly name ATOL, ABTA, Air Passenger Rights, Package Travel Regulations, and Section 75 as protections you must use first. If any apply to your loss, the travel insurer won't pay. This is a hard exclusion, not a suggestion. Check your statutory rights before claiming on travel insurance, and pursue those routes first.

Does travel insurance cover pandemics and Covid-19?

Inconsistently. Some policies cover pandemic-related claims under specific sections only (cancellation, medical, delay). Others exclude any WHO-declared pandemic entirely. Some require recommended vaccinations (not just Covid-19, but destination-specific jabs like yellow fever) and refuse claims related to illnesses you could have been vaccinated against. Fear of infection without an FCDO advice change is never covered. Check the specific provisions, as they vary enormously.

Can I claim on travel insurance for something I knew about when I booked?

No. The "anticipated events" exclusion covers anything you knew about or could reasonably have expected when buying the policy or booking the trip. Pre-announced strikes, a relative already in hospital, or an ongoing dispute with a travel provider all count. The test is what a reasonable person would have foreseen, not what you were specifically aware of.

Is flight delay cover included in all travel insurance policies?

No. Some basic policies exclude travel delay, trip abandonment, and missed departure entirely. Others offer these as a paid "travel disruption extension." Check whether delay cover is listed under "what's insured" or "optional covers" before buying.

Are there any age restrictions on travel insurance policies?

Yes, for younger and older travellers. Age limits of 75 or 80 are common, and some policies reduce cover levels or trip duration by age (for instance, 35-day trip cap for over-70s versus 50 days for younger travellers). Children often need to travel with an insured adult aged 18+. On family policies, "children" typically means under 18 or under 23 if in full-time education. An adult child travelling with you likely isn't covered.

What happens if the FCDO advises against travel to my destination?

Some policies may still cover claims unrelated to the reason for the warning, but most will void cover for the entire trip. This applies even if the advice changes after you have booked but before you depart. A small number of policies also name specific countries that are permanently excluded regardless of FCDO status, including Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine, North Korea, Libya, and Somalia.

Does travel insurance cover a war, terrorist attack, or civil unrest?

Almost certainly not for most claim types. Virtually all policies exclude claims from war, invasion, civil war, revolution, military action, and insurrection. Terrorism cover varies: some policies offer limited medical cover if you are caught up in an incident, but property damage and trip disruption from terrorism are generally excluded. Cyber terrorism is also explicitly excluded by some policies.

Does travel insurance cover me during a pandemic or epidemic?

Most policies exclude claims arising from WHO-declared pandemics or epidemics. This includes trip cancellation, medical costs, and disruption. Some policies offer limited COVID-19 cover (for example, emergency treatment or cancellation if you test positive before departure), but this is usually conditional on being fully vaccinated and the FCDO not having advised against travel. Fear of infection alone is not a covered reason to cancel, even during an active outbreak. Quarantine at your destination may or may not be covered, as some policies specifically exclude regional quarantine.

Does travel insurance cover strikes, industrial action, or volcanic ash?

If the disruption was publicly known before you bought your policy, you are not covered. Several policies exclude disruption from strikes or industrial action that had already been announced. Volcanic eruptions and ash clouds are also excluded by some policies, particularly budget-tier products.

Does travel insurance cover nuclear or radioactive incidents?

No. Most policies explicitly exclude damage or injury from ionising radiation, radioactive contamination from nuclear fuel or waste, and pressure waves from aircraft at sonic or supersonic speeds.

Does travel insurance cover self-inflicted injuries or suicide?

No. Every policy excludes claims arising from wilfully self-inflicted injury, suicide, or attempted suicide. This is an absolute exclusion with no option to declare or pay extra.

Does travel insurance cover injuries from illegal or unlawful activity?

No. Any claim that arises from your own unlawful behaviour or criminal activity is excluded. This includes being arrested, detained, or involved in criminal proceedings abroad.

Does travel insurance cover falls from balconies or buildings?

In many cases, no. Multiple policies single out injuries from jumping off, climbing between, or falling from the external parts of buildings as a named exclusion, regardless of height. This is distinct from general reckless behaviour and reflects the frequency of balcony-related incidents at holiday destinations. It applies even if alcohol is not involved - for example, climbing between hotel balconies.

Does travel insurance cover e-scooter or e-bike injuries?

Most policies will not cover injuries from e-bikes or e-scooters. This is a newer exclusion reflecting the growing availability of rental e-scooters at tourist destinations. It is separate from the motorcycle/moped exclusion that applies to engines over 125cc.

Does travel insurance cover trips taken for the purpose of medical treatment?

No. If the purpose of your trip is to receive medical treatment, consultation, or surgery abroad, no standard travel insurance policy will cover you. This is a standalone exclusion, separate from having a pre-existing condition. Even someone in good health who books a trip specifically for elective procedures would be excluded. You would need a specialist medical travel policy.

Does travel insurance cover cancellation if I simply change my mind?

No. Cancelling because you changed your mind, can no longer afford the trip, have a general fear of travelling, or simply do not want to go is not a covered reason under any policy. The cancellation must be triggered by a specific, listed event such as illness, bereavement, or jury service.

Does travel insurance cover expired passports or refused visas?

No. If you cannot travel because your passport expired, your visa application was refused, you did not obtain an ESTA, or you failed to get required vaccinations, no policy will pay out. The responsibility for having valid documents sits entirely with the traveller.

Does travel insurance cover trips that exceed the maximum duration?

The entire trip may be uninsured, not just the days beyond the limit. Every policy sets a maximum trip length. For annual multi-trip policies this is typically 17, 31, or 45 days per trip. Limits vary enormously, from 22 days on some budget annual policies to 550 days on specialist long-stay products. If your trip exceeds the stated limit by even a single day, you may have no cover at all.

Does travel insurance cover airline or tour operator insolvency?

Most travel insurance policies will not cover this. Insurers expect you to recover costs through other channels first: ATOL protection for package holidays, ABTA for holidays booked with a member, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act if you paid by credit card (for purchases over £100), or chargeback via your debit card provider.

Does travel insurance cover lost income if I am stranded abroad?

No. Policies do not cover indirect losses that follow from an insured event. This includes lost income from being unable to work, the cost of preparing a claim, replacement of locks after losing keys, or any other knock-on financial impact not directly covered by a named policy section.

Does travel insurance cover cryptocurrency or digital assets?

No. Several policies explicitly exclude any virtual currency including cryptocurrency and fluctuations in its value. Crypto wallets, tokens, or digital assets stolen or lost during travel are not covered.

Does travel insurance pay out if I can get a refund elsewhere?

No. All policies exclude costs you can recover from another source. If an airline offers you a voucher, the insurer may treat that as "recovered" even if you cannot use the voucher. You are expected to pursue recovery from airlines, hotels, booking agents, ATOL, ABTA, credit card providers, and PayPal before claiming. Air Passenger Duty is also excluded even where the rest of a cancellation claim is paid.

Does travel insurance cover private hospital treatment?

Not without the insurer's approval. Beyond the general rule that the insurer decides what is medically necessary, several policies explicitly reserve the right to transfer you from a private hospital to a public facility if one is available. Private treatment is generally not covered unless the insurer's 24-hour assistance team authorises it in advance.

Does travel insurance cover non-urgent or elective treatment abroad?

No. Medical cover is strictly for emergencies. Treatment that could reasonably wait until you return home, any elective or cosmetic procedure, and ongoing treatment for conditions that existed before departure are all excluded.

Does travel insurance exclude specific countries permanently?

Yes. Some policies name specific countries where cover never applies, regardless of current FCDO advice. Countries commonly listed include Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Ukraine, North Korea, Libya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen. The list varies by insurer.

Does travel insurance cover destinations outside my selected coverage area?

You have no cover at all for that trip. Your policy certificate specifies a geographic coverage area (for example, Europe, Worldwide excluding USA, or Worldwide including USA). If you travel to a destination outside your selected area, cover is completely void for that trip. This is not a reduced level of cover - it is no cover.