Travel insurance - comprehensive cancellation cover

jt848392

Hi there, I'm looking for some specific travel insurance advice that doesn't seem to be well publicised.

The task: I want to find a policy (annual would be preferable) so I can relax on my next Ryanair budget adventure. I have had many great flights with Ryanair, but I'm aware that each time I travel with them I'm playing a lottery. Sure, most flights arrive on time, but occasionally things go wrong.

For example, if Ryanair choose to cancel my flight, and say it's due to weather circumstance outside their control (and therefore outside the EC 261 compensation regulations) I could potentially be stranded. Some airlines will do all they can to get you home, but Ryanair will not. So I want a policy to cover my hotel costs and/or an alternative full price flight home with another airline.

This is particularly relevant for Ryanair flights that only go once or twice a week. If it was a stansted-dublin route that was cancelled due to fog on the runway, they'd probably get you on another flight within hours. But if it's some obscure service to norway or something, there could be a long wait till the next flight.

Now, Ryanair's Stephen Macnamara is quoted* as saying: Ryanair spokesman Stephen McNamara said customers would not get any compensation.
He said weather-related cancellations were excluded under European law.
He added: "I suppose when you're paying five or 10 euros for an air fare, or even up to 50 or 60 euros, you need to take some element of responsibility yourself."

I am aiming to take that responsibility. I want cover. I don't mind paying a decent price for it, I just want to know that if Ryanair leaves me stranded (which they do from time to time - just google 'ryanair stranded' ) then my policy will pick up all the costs, either of waiting in a hotel for the next flight, or for buying a new flight with a different carrier.

Which insurers offer this? Why have I struggled to find it?

I've heard you can insure virtually anything, it's just a case of probabilities and appropriate premiums. I'd say the scenario I describe above is unlikely, and happens to a small proportion of customers, but if it does happen to me I don't want to have to pay many 100s of times the value of my (admittedly cheap) ticket just for the privilege of getting home.

Thanks in advance for your input.

w w w .dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2009/03/12/exclusive-fury-as-ryanair-leave-100-scots-stranded-in-poland-86908-21191817/

FH_Brit

Don't try to do this on-line. Most on-line DIY policies are very general, if you need & want a more specific policy you'll need specialist help - go to see a DECENT broker for professional advice.

Also I'll ask DAcouch to see if he can advise you better - he is very good broker and has great advice to share.

jt848392

Thank you, I look forward to reading what DAcouch has to say.

Where can I find a travel insurance broker, for Nottingham UK? Thanks

Quentin

If you cannot get a personal recommendation, check yellow pages/google etc