Standard Exclusions in 2026: Knowing What is NOT Covered

The Power of “No”

The most dangerous thing an agency owner can do is assume they are “covered for everything.” In 2026, insurance policies are more detailed than ever. To keep premiums affordable, insurers use “Exclusions”—specific scenarios where they will not pay. At CoverB, we believe the “Fine Print” should be “Big Print.” We want you to know exactly where the boundaries of your Tour Operators Liability insurance lie.

The Alcohol and Narcotic Exclusion

This is a major one for 2026. If a guest on your tour is involved in an accident while under the influence of alcohol or unauthorized substances, the insurance claim will almost certainly be rejected. The law views this as “Voluntary Risk.” As the tour operator, you must ensure your guides are trained to identify intoxicated guests and prevent them from participating in high-risk activities. If you allow an intoxicated guest on a quad bike and they get hurt, your Tour Operators Insurance Policy may not protect you.

Pre-Existing Health Conditions

If a guest travels for a desert safari but has a chronic back condition they didn’t disclose, and the “bumpy ride” makes it worse, the insurer will likely exclude the claim. 2026 policies are designed for unexpected emergencies, not for managing pre-planned medical issues. This is why we recommend that all agencies include a “Medical Disclosure” form in their booking process. It protects both the guest and your agency from an “Excluded Claim.”

Intentional Risk and Adventure Sports

Participating in skydiving, bungee jumping, or high-altitude mountain climbing is often excluded from a “General” Tour Operators Liability insurance plan. If your agency offers these, you must buy an “Adventure Rider.” If you try to claim for a skydiving accident under a “Bus Tour” policy, the claim will be rejected immediately. At CoverB, we help you match your activities to your policy riders so there are no “Exclusion Shocks.”

The CoverB Transparency Guarantee

We provide a “Simple English” summary of every exclusion at https://coverb.ae/liability/tour-operators-liability-insurance/. We don’t hide the exclusions in the back of a 50-page book. We put them front and center so you can manage your risks effectively.