Question Of The Week: Travel insurance

Former_MSE_Penelope · 11 May 2010 at 4:41PM

Q. I would be very interested to know, in the light of the volcano disaster, which insurance company you would recommend that wouldn't let the public down. Jean, by email

Martin's A: If six months ago I'd written a piece warning everyone to "ensure you get a policy covering exploding volcanoes in Iceland" you'd probably've laughed. The problem is it's impossible to know what the next 'volcano' or 'swine flu' issue will be and check whether travel insurers will cover it.

This isn't a price issue either, for example some big insurers far from cheapest, eg Aviva, Barclays, Lloyds TSB and Nationwide, didn't pay out for all eventualities after the volcano. Plus there's usually a difference for claims due to natural disasters (rarely covered) or bad weather (usually covered) for which there can be a fine line. Of course perhaps some policies costing £1,000s may have a true "whatever happens we'll look after you" philosophy, but MSE isn't about that (and I've not quite heard of one).

So what can you do? Well my view (and I'm sure some disagree) is ensure the common risks are appropriately covered like medical issues while away, lost baggage, repatriation, stolen cameras; and the price is low (see Cheap Travel Insurance); at least that way you've a bit of cash left over in case unforeseen eventualities do happen.

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wildehse · 12 May 2010 at 7:44PM

Just like to say I was delayed in the Canary Islands for 5 days and Nationwide travel insurance paid out in full, for delayed departure.
My advise would be to choose a flight by airline rather than price as not all airlines looked after their passengers. Fortunately we were with Thompson who looked after all passengers including flight only.

webwiz · 12 May 2010 at 9:39PM

I never take baggage insurance. The amount that I have saved in premiums would buy a whole lot of baggage. There are so many fraudulent baggage claims that the premium does not reflect the actual risk.

mrtips · 12 May 2010 at 9:50PM

remember generally any policyholder who has booked to travel post these events will not be covered.

katies_mum · 13 May 2010 at 12:14PM

There was a bit article in the Mail last night about trave insurance - mentioned that Columbus, John Lewis, M & S, Santander will pay out. Am I reading this wrong?
I`m thinking this is for new policies but does it mean you have to already have your policy?
Thanks, I`m a little confused.

awtmbro · 13 May 2010 at 4:56PM

While on holiday in the USA recently, I received an email from Direct Travel saying that they would "pay valid claims from customers that are either stranded abroad or cannot travel due to the volcanic ash" and that "in light of these extraordinary circumstances, we are treating this as an adverse weather event".

Fortunately, I didn't have to test this out, although it was a close thing. :j

sontaran · 18 May 2010 at 3:33PM

First Direct have announced that their customers who have travel insurance purchased through their first directory scheme will provide additional help where claims are made due to the ash cloud. They will also refund currency at the same rate is was bought.

Full details on their website.

Question Of The Week: Travel insurance

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