Travel insurance is crucial for Nigerians who travel for study, work, tourism or visiting family abroad. But many people make big mistakes. These mistakes cost money, time, and peace of mind. I will explain the most common errors, why they happen, how to avoid them, and examples. By the end, you will know how to choose good travel insurance policy and avoid problems.
What Is Travel Insurance? Why It Matters for Nigerians
Travel insurance is a contract between you and an insurance company. You pay a fee (premium), and in return, the insurer promises to pay for certain problems during travel. These problems may include medical emergencies, lost luggage, delays, cancellation, and more.
Why Travel Insurance Is Important for Nigerians
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Medical emergencies abroad are expensive. A simple injury or illness can cost thousands of dollars.
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Lost luggage or baggage causes stress and financial loss.
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Trip cancellations or delays due to flight problems, visa issues, or even family emergencies.
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Accidents or theft can occur anywhere.
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Peace of mind knowing that you have help if something bad happens.
Top Mistake #1: Not Reading the Policy Document Fully
What It Means: Skipping the Fine Print
Many Nigerians buy travel insurance but do not read the policy document carefully. They trust what the agent or insurer tells them and skip reading the coverage sections, exclusions, and limits.
Why That Happens
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The document is long and full of legal words.
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People think “insurance agents know best,” so they don’t bother.
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Urgency: Need visa, need ticket, so they just buy fast.
Consequences
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You may think you are covered for something but find out you are not.
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Example: You believe medical expenses will be covered but discover pre‑existing illnesses are excluded.
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Or you believe lost baggage will be reimbursed but the insurer only offers a small fixed amount.
How to Avoid This Mistake
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Always read the coverage details, exclusions, limits, deductibles.
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Ask questions: “Is this medical condition covered?” “Are natural disasters covered?” “What about kidnappings or political unrest?”
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Get the policy in writing.
Top Mistake #2: Buying Travel Insurance Too Late
What It Means
Buying insurance after something happens, or waiting until very close to travel date, can leave you unprotected for earlier problems like visa delay, pre‑departure issues, or sudden medical illnesses.
Why It Happens
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Procrastination.
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Belief that travel insurance only starts when you board the flight.
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Assumption that emergencies won’t happen before departure.
Consequences
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If visa is delayed, you may lose money on non‑refundable tickets or hotel bookings.
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Illness before departure won’t be covered if policy starts only at the travel date.
How to Avoid
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Buy insurance as soon as you pay any non‑refundable deposit (flight, hotel, visa).
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Check when the coverage starts (issue date, trip start date, etc.).
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Ensure “pre‑departure” coverage is included or available as an add‑on.
Top Mistake #3: Choosing the Cheapest Policy Without Checking Coverage
What It Means
Some people shop only by price. They pick the cheapest travel insurance without considering what is and is not covered.
Why It Happens
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Tight budgets.
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Not knowing the difference between policies.
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Thinking “all travel insurance is the same.”
Consequences
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You may be underinsured. For example, medical expenses abroad may be much higher than what policy pays.
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High out‑of‑pocket costs.
How to Avoid
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Compare coverage limits for medical, evacuation, repatriation etc.
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Look at deductibles (the amount you pay before insurance pays).
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Ensure the insurer has good reputation in paying claims.
Top Mistake #4: Ignoring Pre‑Existing Medical Conditions
What It Means
Failing to declare or check cover for existing health problems you have before buying insurance (e.g. asthma, diabetes, heart disease).
Why It Happens
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People think it’s not required or fear higher premium.
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They assume those conditions are automatically covered.
Consequences
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Insurer may refuse claim for that condition.
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If undeclared, policy void.
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High medical costs if that condition flares during trip.
How to Avoid
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Declare all pre‑existing conditions honestly when buying.
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Ask if there is a surcharge or exclusion.
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Buy policies that cover pre‑existing medical conditions or special riders.
Top Mistake #5: Not Checking Repatriation and Evacuation Cover
What It Means
Overlooking whether the policy includes emergency medical evacuation (moving you to hospital) or repatriation (bringing your body home) if needed.
Why It Happens
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These add‑ons increase premium.
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Many think ordinary medical cover is enough.
Consequences
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If serious injury or illness in remote area, cost of evacuation can be extremely high.
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If death occurs, repatriation costs can fall to your family.
How to Avoid
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Confirm whether evacuation and repatriation are included.
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If not included, see whether you can add them (sometimes called “air ambulance”, “evacuation cover”, “repatriation cover”).
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Understand the maximum amount insurer will pay for these services.
Top Mistake #6: Forgetting to Check Policy for Natural Disasters, Political Risk, or War
What It Means
Not verifying whether events like natural disasters (earthquakes, storms), political unrest, terrorism, war are included or excluded.
Why It Happens
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Travelers assume they are always covered.
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The policy wording is not clear to them.
Consequences
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If your trip is cancelled or interrupted due to political unrest, you may not be paid.
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Loss of money for hotels or travel bookings.
How to Avoid
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Read the exclusion section for “war and political risk”, “natural disasters”, “civil unrest”.
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If travelling to risk areas, get special cover or “war risk insurance” if available.
Top Mistake #7: Not Verifying Validity Period Against Trip Duration
What It Means
Buying insurance whose coverage is too short or whose effective dates don’t match the entire travel period.
Why It Happens
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Travellers think insured from departure but policy may start later.
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Or they forget to extend coverage if trip is longer.
Consequences
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Days in which you are not covered if trip extends.
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Risk that accident or illness on uncovered day is not paid.
How to Avoid
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Match policy start and end dates exactly with travel itinerary.
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If travel dates change, inform insurer and extend policy.
Top Mistake #8: Not Knowing Claim Process Before Buying
What It Means
Buying insurance without checking how to make claims, required documents, deadline, or whether insurer is easy to reach.
Why It Happens
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Focus on cost, not service.
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Lack of awareness of claim process importance.
Consequences
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When claim arises, confusion, delay.
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You may lose claim because of wrong paperwork, late submission, or because insurer is based in another country and difficult to contact.
How to Avoid
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Ask the insurer: “What documents are needed for medical claim?”, “How long do you have to file the claim?”, “Are there local agents in Nigeria?”
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Keep copies of tickets, receipts, medical reports.
Top Mistake #9: Overlooking Coverage for Trip Cancellation or Delay
What It Means
Not checking whether policy pays you back for cancellation or delays of flights, accommodation or tours.
Why It Happens
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Travellers often ignore non‑medical parts.
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They assume delays are always airline’s problem.
Consequences
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Large sunk costs: hotels, tours, tickets may not be refunded.
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You may be stuck paying for rebooking, accommodation, meals.
How to Avoid
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Choose policy that includes trip cancellation, interruption, delays.
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Check what causes of cancellation are accepted (e.g. illness, death of family, unexpected visa refusal, airline strike).
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Understand time limits for delay (e.g. more than 6 hours, more than 12 hours).
Top Mistake #10: Not Confirming that Policy Meets Visa Requirements
What It Means
Some countries require travellers to have specific travel insurance as a condition for visa — for minimum medical cover, repatriation, etc. People buy any policy without checking.
Why It Happens
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They assume all travel insurance policies are accepted.
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They are unaware of visa insurance requirements.
Consequences
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Visa application may be refused or delayed.
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On arrival, you may be asked to show valid policy, and if it fails conditions, may be denied entry.
How to Avoid
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Research visa requirements of the destination country (medical cover minimums, repatriation, liability, etc.).
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Buy from insurer recognized by that country.
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Keep proof ready for visa processing and immigration.
Top Mistake #11: Thinking Insurance Covers Everything — Ignoring Exclusions
What It Means
Assuming “travel insurance” means all risks are covered — theft, accidents, weather, terrorism, loss of money, etc.
Why It Happens
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Marketing materials can be vague or optimistic.
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Lack of reading exclusions.
Consequences
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Shock when you are told a particular event is excluded (e.g. theft of unattended luggage, extreme sports).
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You may pay out of pocket for injuries from excluded activities.
How to Avoid
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Read the list of exclusions carefully.
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Ask: “Does this cover sports, adventure, hiking, scuba diving?”
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If you plan risky activities, get specific travel insurance for adventure sports.
Comparison Section: Good vs Bad Travel Insurance Policies
What a Good Travel Insurance Policy Should Include
| Feature | Good Policy | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| High medical cover limit (e.g. ≥ US$100,000) | Covers serious illness or hospital stay abroad | Medical costs abroad are expensive |
| Emergency evacuation & repatriation | Transfer to hospital or bring home body | Without it, family bears cost |
| Trip cancellation & delays | Refunds or reimbursements for cancelled flight, etc. | You lose money if trip fails |
| Loss or theft of baggage & personal items | Reimbursement for valuables | Luggage lost is major loss |
| Clear policy start & end dates | Matches your itinerary | Avoid uncovered days |
| Pre‑existing conditions declared or covered | Transparent obligations | Reduces chance of claim refusal |
| Exclusions clearly stated | Know what is not covered | No surprises when claim denied |
| 24/7 support and local contact | Assistance in emergencies | Helps with claim and emergencies smoothly |
Example of a Bad Policy
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Low medical limit (e.g. US$5,000)
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No evacuation / repatriation cover
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Exclusions for adventure sports but you plan hiking
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Delay coverage only kicks in after 24 hours but your airline delay is 8 hours
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Policy starts only when you arrive abroad, not covering pre‑departure issues
How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance Policy — Step by Step
Step 1: List Your Needs Before You Buy
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Are you going for study, work, tourism or family visit?
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Do you have pre‑existing medical conditions?
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Are you doing adventure activities (hiking, skiing, scuba diving)?
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What is your travel duration? One trip or many trips in a year?
Step 2: Research Trusted Insurers
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Local Nigerian insurance companies with good reputation.
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International policies with good reviews and presence in Nigeria.
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Ask friends, check online reviews.
Step 3: Compare Coverage & Prices Side by Side
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For each policy, compare medical cover limits, evacuation, baggage loss, trip cancellation.
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Compare the premium (cost) but weigh what you get.
Step 4: Read the Exclusions and Policy Language
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Exclusions are what insurer does not cover.
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Terms like “unattended property”, “extreme sports”, “political risks” are important.
Step 5: Make Sure It Meets Visa Requirements (If Any)
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Some embassies ask for minimum medical cover, repatriation, etc.
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Get policy that emits a certificate acceptable to embassies.
Step 6: Buy Early
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Don’t wait until last minute.
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Get coverage beginning early including pre‑departure.
Step 7: Keep All Documents Safe
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Policy document, receipts, medical reports, flight and hotel bookings.
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Contact numbers for insurer’s emergency hotline.
Pros and Cons of Travel Insurance for Nigerians
Pros
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Financial Protection – You don’t pay everything yourself for medical emergencies or travel disruptions.
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Peace of Mind – You can travel without worrying too much about what happens.
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Visa Compliance – Some countries require proof of insurance to grant visa.
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Support Services – Many policies have 24/7 emergency hotline, help with language, hospital referrals.
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Covers Many Risks – Luggage loss, delays, theft, repatriation, etc.
Cons
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Cost – Premiums can be expensive depending on coverage, destination, age, health condition.
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Exclusions – Many events are not covered. If you don’t read policy, may assume coverage that isn’t there.
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Claim Processes Can Be Hard – Paperwork, document verification, waiting periods.
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Pre‑existing Conditions Often Excluded or Cost Extra.
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Overlapping Coverage – Sometimes you already have some cover (e.g. by credit card), so paying more may duplicate coverage.
Real‑Life Examples of Travel Insurance Mistakes Nigerians Make
Example 1: Student with Undeclared Asthma
A Nigerian student going to UK for master’s program did not declare asthma. He caught chest infection and hospitalised. The insurer refused to pay, saying pre‑existing medical condition wasn’t declared. The student had to pay thousands of pounds.
Example 2: Cheap Policy Without Evacuation Cover
A tourist went on safari in a remote area of Kenya. Bitten by insect, needed emergency evacuation by air ambulance. His policy had low medical cover and no evacuation. He paid out of pocket for air transfer and hospital stay.
Example 3: Policy Doesn’t Meet Visa Requirement
A Nigerian working class citizen applied for Schengen visa. Embassy demanded minimum medical cover of €30,000 and repatriation. He bought a small policy with no repatriation. Embassy rejected the visa. He lost visa fee and had to buy new policy.
Common Related Keywords & LSI Terms You Should Know
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“Medical cover abroad”
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“Emergency evacuation insurance”
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“Trip cancellation protection”
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“Baggage delay” / “luggage insurance”
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“Policy exclusions Nigeria travel insurance”
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“Coverage limit vs premium cost”
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“Pre‑departure insurance”
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“Travel insurance for students from Nigeria”
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“Visa insurance requirements”
Summary Table of Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Why It Happens | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Not reading the policy document fully | Too long, legal language, trust in agent | Read coverage, exclusions, ask clarifying questions |
| Buying insurance too late | Procrastination, belief coverage starts later | Buy early, check start date includes pre‑departure |
| Choosing cheapest policy blindly | Budget constraints, lack of knowledge | Compare coverage, cost vs benefits |
| Ignoring pre‑existing medical conditions | Fear of cost, not declaring illness | Declare all conditions, get cover or rider |
| Overlooking repatriation & evacuation | Cost, thinking basic medical is enough | Include these features, check limits |
| Not checking natural disasters / political risk cover | Assuming coverage includes everything | Read exclusions, purchase extra if needed |
| Not matching policy valid period to trip | Overlooking dates, trip changes | Set correct start/end dates, update policy if trip changes |
| Not knowing claim process | Focus on cost, not process | Know required documents, deadlines, contacts |
| Overlooking cancellation/delay cover | Ignoring non‑medical risks | Choose policy with trip cancellation & delay features |
| Not confirming visa insurance requirements | Unaware of embassy rules | Check visa requirements, buy valid policy |
| Thinking all risks are covered | Believing “insurance covers everything” | Read exclusions, ask about specific activities |
Conclusion
Travel insurance mistakes Nigerians make are avoidable. If you read policy documents, declare health issues, buy early, compare properly, and verify everything against visa requirements, you will travel more confidently. The cost of avoiding mistakes is small compared to the pain and loss you may suffer without proper coverage.
