Travel insurance - read the small print!

Jennifer_Daniels

We came home from holiday after only 2 days because my husband's father died. They are refusing to pay up because he died of an existing medical condition (COPD). We didn't think this would apply to a close relative. Be warned - read the small print!

dacouch

I agree with Kenny but you have to remember Insurers are businesses, when you take travel Insurance out you are entering a contract. They price the cover assuming the travellers and anyone on whom the trip depends eg non travelling members of family are in good health. If this is not the case they either exclude claims as a direct result of the condition or ask to be contacted and will then underwrite it eg charge extra etc. In fairness to the Insurers the existing medical conditins warnings are very obvious and you will normally have to tick a box to confirm you have read and understood them.

However there is a possibility that the wording on the travel insurers policy does not specifically exclude claims for existing medical conditions for non travelling immediate family. I've seen a few turned down that technically should not have (We have sorted a few out for people on MSE and got the claim paid). If the OP could let us know which Insurer it is we can check the wording to see if it actually excludes claims for existing medical conditions for family members.

Could you post up the name of the Insurer for us?

skintbuthappy81

OP sorry to hear about your loss. We experienced a similar problem, we went to America in June and after 4 days there received a call to say my OHs dad had passed away unexpectantly (he was only 52!), as you will understand trying to get back home was a nightmare and once back the insurance company didn't make it any easier. We FINALLY received a pay out after months of phonecalls at my expense and filling out lots and lots of forms (surely they can make this process easier, especially due to the nature) Even though we are always told to read the small print I'm not sure many people do and thanks for bringing this to peoples attention.

daveyjp

Travel insurance is the worst for people buying it and missing important details, so it is important to read and understand everything whilst getting a quote and also once you bought cover.

I've just bought insurance and one question asked by all insurers whilst getting a quote was "are you aware of any family illness which may result in you cancelling your holiday and making a claim?".

The 'free' travel insurance provided as part of a premium bank account often has tighter restrictions and the cover changes regularly so you need to check the cover before relying on it.

Most state you must inform the insurance company as soon as you book a holiday or immediately before travelling - thousands of travellers don't and are therefore unknowingly uninsured.

moonrakerz

........... and you are more likely to get problems with the budget end of the insurance market. Which worries me no end when you see the number of "where can I get the cheapest insurance from" posts on here !