Tourist Visa Rejected? How Travel Insurance Protects You
With rising instances of tourist visa rejections, travel insurance is increasingly being recognized as a safety net to safeguard travelers from financial losses, experts say.
Visa applicants often incur costs for flight tickets, hotel bookings, and prepaid tour packages before receiving visa approval. In cases of visa refusal, these expenses can result in significant out-of-pocket losses. To address this, many insurers now offer visa rejection coverage either as part of standard travel insurance or as an add-on.
Insurance policies covering visa rejection typically reimburse prepaid travel expenses if a visa is denied despite meeting eligibility criteria and submitting complete documentation. However, claims may be denied if applications are incomplete, fraudulent, or if the insurance is purchased after the visa decision.
Experts recommend purchasing travel insurance prior to applying for the visa to ensure eligibility for reimbursement. The scope of coverage varies: some plans cover only the visa fee, while comprehensive policies may cover full trip cancellations, including travel and accommodation costs.
To file a claim, travelers must provide supporting documents such as the embassy’s visa rejection letter, proof of bookings, and visa application details. Settlement timelines generally range from 15 to 20 working days, depending on the insurer and completeness of documentation.
As international travel resumes, travelers are advised to carefully review travel insurance policies and understand the coverage, exclusions, and claim procedures to minimize potential financial risks.