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Fortis Insurance & Swine Flu

Hi everyone,

I am booked to travel to Egypt with my 17yr old DS at the end of March 2010. I have been reading posts for advice regarding travel insurance. My main dilemma being, do you actually get what you pay for? (in the event of a claim). Fortis insurance as come up many times as being very good in this respect.
So I am almost ready to purchase the insurance online at the post-office via quidco.com but I just need a bit of clarification regarding swine-flu. Does anyone know if this is covered in the post-office's insurance policy ?

Many thanks.

Comments

  • dacouch
    dacouch Posts: 21,637 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    You will get even wider cover with a Fortis Travel Policy of you buy it from a local broker and it's about the same price
  • Thanks for the lightning-fast reply. Via a Broker the price doubled which is why I was wondering if it would be covered in the PO policy.
  • dacouch
    dacouch Posts: 21,637 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    As it's classed as an European trip the cost through the broker cannot be that expensive circa £30 if I remember correctly for about 10 days.

    Have a look at the Post Office's cancellation cover, it's under section C http://www.postoffice.co.uk/portal/po/content1?catId=89500762&mediaId=19500189 note it states it will pay out under cancellation only if it is one of the items they specify as being covered (Subject to exclusions)

    Now have a look at the Fortis Brokers Policy wording for cancellation http://www.fortisinsurance.co.uk/images/pdf/533.pdf (Page 14) Note it covers for any reason outside of your control (Obviously it has some exclusions).

    I have seen cancellation claims paid by the broker policy that would not be covered by the Post Office version or with most other travel policies (Most work on the same basis as the post office eg they state specific circumstances that will be covered)
  • Thanks again dacouch.

    I have tried another local broker and been given a very good quote of £25 :T
    Although, I was asked to contact Fortis Medical Screening quoting C4 CT1, result of which, cover is still offered with no loading on the policy.

    From the links you gave me earlier I noticed they read, when contacting medical screening quote FT1.

    I did query this with the broker but she had no idea what the difference is or may be.

    Any chance you can shed some light on this.
  • dacouch
    dacouch Posts: 21,637 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I think it is because the broker have sold you a white labelled Fortis Policy which has the Countrywide brand on it. This will be the same policy, Countrywide have a large number of brokers who they go to the Insurers and get enhanced commission for the broker due to the purchasing power. (They may also get cheaper premiums).

    It is no different to the policy I linked to (Which is their standard policy from their website).

    Has it got a "Countrywide" icon on the policy or schedule anywhere?
  • After sending you my last post I realised that I could also ask Fortis themselves, who I did phone and guess what....she had no idea what the difference was. Her solution was to send me both policy booklets (CT1 and FT1) and I compare the two. Her solution did not impress me, so I was hoping you had an answer.
    So this morning I am glad to read your post. 'Yes' the policy booklet sent by the local broker does read Countrywide Compass.

    So I can now go ahead and purchase this policy, as it is the same as Fortis FT1 (wider) policy.... yes ?
  • dacouch
    dacouch Posts: 21,637 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    They are the same policy, the broker just gets enhanced commission / cheaper rates.

    To be fair to the lady you spoke to it would not be unusual for her to not know the difference as the countrywide team would be have their own dedicated Fortis Staff to administer their brokers (They have 700 brokers).

    The difference was obvious to me as FT1 is Fortis and CT1 is Countrywide, they just abbreviate the name.

    I would buy the cover as it's a good policy, Fortis have a very good reputation for Travel Claims and you will also have the benefit of a broker should you need their assistance.

    P.S A good tip is to scan your policy schedule and the page of the policy with the emergency contact numbers into your computer and then email them to an email account such as hotmail. Then if you lose your policy while abroad and need to prove your insurance to the hospital and / or need to contact Fortis you can just log onto a computer and print the details etc
  • Thats good to hear. I'll be purchasing the policy tomorrow.

    Scanning and emailing the policy to myself is a GREAT tip !!

    Many thanks for your help.
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