7 Ways To Accidentally Void Your Travel Insurance

Ready for a fun-filled adventure? Dodge the insurance headaches with our top tips to keep your coverage intact and your journey worry-free.

We’ve all heard the horror stories: the friend of a friend who, on her first night in Italy, had a few too many glasses of red and ended up losing her wallet, only to find out she couldn’t claim it on insurance. Then there’s the work colleague who, while riding a moped in Thailand, broke his leg and had to shoulder the hefty medical bills alone.

Turns out, booze-related accidents void your travel insurance. Also, if it’s not legal to ride a vehicle without a licence at home, it’s not legal for you anywhere – it doesn’t matter if it’s allowed in the country you’re visiting. As savvy travellers, it’s crucial to know these exclusions, so you can holiday with ease. Before your next adventure, dive into the fine print to dodge these potential pitfalls and keep your insurance intact.

1. Leaving your belongings unattended

Most policies will cover your belongings if they are lost, stolen, or accidentally damaged. But all this changes if they’ve been left unattended, in an unsecured location (like hiding in your towel while you swim at the beach), or with someone you don’t know. Even leaving your valuables in a hotel room outside of the safe may be considered unsecured.

an unattended suitcase luggage in airport terminal — Don’t leave your luggage unattended and report missing bags to the authorities.

Moral of the story? Make sure you always keep your most valued belongings with you or ensure they’re safely locked away. If something is stolen, make an official police report outlining the incident within 24 hours. Your insurer may need a reference number or other paperwork from the police to process your claim.

2. Ignoring pre-existing medical conditions

When it comes to travel insurance, honesty is key, and failing to disclose pre-existing medical conditions can lead to a voided insurance claim. You may need to disclose the medications you’re taking, vaccination status, ongoing treatments, and even any pending diagnoses to be safe.

a young woman with luggage walking towards the airplane — Make sure you’re physically well and mentally prepared.

The same applies if you travel against medical advice or embark on the journey to seek medical treatment. It’s important to be transparent about your health when purchasing a policy to make sure that you’re adequately covered for any unforeseen medical circumstances that may arise.

a young woman in front of the departures area at the airport — Be ready for unforeseen medical circumstances while travelling.

For more in-depth information on this topic, check out our article on how to get insurance when you have a medical condition. If you do find yourself needing to make a medical claim, make sure to keep all records and receipts of related expenses.

3. Engaging in reckless behaviours

Holidays often come with a newfound sense of liberation, but don’t leave your common sense at home. Going too hard on the drinking, taking drugs, doing something illegal, or indulging in other risky behaviours might leave you penniless at the end of your adventure – and that’s no fun.

4. Participating in high-risk sports and activities

Adventurous spirits – tread carefully. Not all policies automatically cover pursuits like skydiving, bungee jumping, and skiing – and assuming they do can lead to claim denials. Even scuba diving is not likely to be covered if you’re not certified by an internationally recognised program. If you’re planning a high-adrenaline holiday check if your chosen activities are included in your policy. If not, enquire about additional coverage or policy upgrades to avoid potential financial setbacks in case of unexpected mishaps.

no swimming warning sign at the beach — Follow safety reminders to avoid travel accidents. (Image: Vidi Drone)

5. Travelling against government advice

In an era of global connectivity, staying informed about travel advisories is fundamental. Travelling to regions against government warnings can be a fast way to void your insurance for that destination. Check-in with your country’s government website for real-time updates on potential risks and dangers – and exercise caution when considering trips to high-risk destinations.

a plane flying above — Stay informed about your holiday destination safety status before flying. (Image: Gary Lopater)

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6. Violating road and driving rules

Exploring a new destination often involves navigating unfamiliar roads (or driving on the opposite side of them from what you’re used to!). Renting a car can be a convenient option, but make sure you’re well and truly up to scratch with the rules in the country you’re in.

Whether it’s driving without a valid license or ignoring specific guidelines outlined in both your insurance policy and the rental agreement, such actions can void your coverage. Pay close attention to the rules and limits to ensure your insurance remains active in the event of an incident.

a highway with cars — Stick to the road rules while driving overseas and make sure you have a valid driving license.

7. Changing your mind

We get it – travel plans can change, but don’t assume your insurance will cover last-minute alterations. Most policies do not approve claims for changing travel plans, and failing to obtain necessary travel documents (like passports and visas) in time will likely result in denied coverage. Be proactive in your planning and follow the rules set by your insurance provider to prevent any unnecessary setbacks.

an airplane about to land — Not all policies cover change of mind cancellations. (Image: Pascal Meier)

The main theme here is really all about keeping it real and using good old-fashioned common sense – pretty straightforward, right? Spill the beans on your entire travel plan, keep any necessary documentation, make sure you’ve got your visa and passport, check the fine print, and remember to organise your insurance well in advance. This way, you’ll be on your way to an easy, breezy holiday. Happy travels!

For more tips and advice, read our travel insurance hub to help you navigate the ins and outs of what to do before you head overseas.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

7 ways you could accidentally void your travel insurance