Travel insurance v the volcano...who paid out what?

ellay864

Given the discrepancies we're hearing about with regard to what people have received from their insurances, it would be interesting to hear of actual experiences on here. It would certainly be something I'd take into account when buying my next travel insurance. Any stories - good or bad?

gordikin

I think it's a bit early to be looking for feedback...but I'm sure it will come over the next few days/week or so as people manage to get home!

robdave34

This is a typical thing of the insruers trying to get out of paying

I have got home after cutting trip short because I knew eventually that my flight was going to be cancelled.

But my insurers who i got through money supermarket(cheaper travel insurance.co.uk) are saying that the will not pay due to adverse weather i said to them how can you say volcanic ash is weather I dont think this would stand up in court as adverse weather.

However one issue with there policy they dont use the word abandonment in there policy which would mean you did not go at all, instead they use cancellation/cut short. I am not sure and will be putting in a claim for cutshort because we can prove we started heading home before our flight was cancelled even though we knew there was a good chance it was going to be cancelled.

if anyone else has any thoughts i would like further advice I have printed off there policy just in case they change the wording

martinrothwell

There is a good article from Which? at http://www.which.co.uk/news/2010/04/travel-insurance-confusion-clouds-flight-chaos-211664 covering some insurers who are and ar not covering the crisis and what you should do if you have problems. We've also updated our site with guidance for our own policyholders http://www.world-first.co.uk/home/travel-insurance/volcanic-ash-and-your-world-first-travel-insurance-policy$16240.aspx

Hope it helps. I'd be intersted to hear what people experiences are too!?

emmliss

ive recieved this on my hsbc account today hope it will help anyone

HSBC TRAVEL INSURANCE PROVIDES COVER FOR CUSTOMERS FOLLOWING VOLCANIC ASH DISRUPTION

HSBC has today confirmed that, although volcanic eruptions are not usually covered under travel insurance policies due to being outside an insurer's control (commonly known as 'Acts of God'), they will, on this particular occasion, allow claims from customers affected by the volcanic ash that has recently grounded flights.*
Although airlines will refund or rebook flights, many passengers face the cost of hotel rooms and car hire that have not been taken up. Customers should in the first instance contact their airline or tour operator to see what help and assistance is available from them.
Today's announcement will ensure that travellers with HSBC policies can have the reassurance that they can now claim for their disrupted travel. Customers with HSBC Premier and Advance current accounts are also covered.
Paul Thurston, Chief Executive of HSBC UK, said:

'The volcanic ash disruption is an unprecedented event and has left thousands of travellers disappointed. Not all insurance policies are the same and some will not help customers on occasions like this.'
'Standing behind our customers on this extraordinary occasion is the right thing to do, as they rely on us to be there for them at times of need. Today's announcement will help our customers overcome the disappointment that their travel plans have been disrupted'
Customers are advised to read their policy document and submit claims in the usual way. Customers are also reminded that airlines have a responsibility to assist their passengers if their flight is cancelled or delayed and in certain circumstances are obliged to pay compensation.
*Subject to usual claims assessment and other normal terms & conditions.
Extended cover is only available to customers who purchased a policy by midday on Thursday 15th April 2010.

HSBC travel insurance is available as a standalone product and as part of HSBC Premier and Advance current accounts.

FH_Brit

Travel Insurance I have ben in contact with and have passed info;

In red - What I've read on here NOT my own knowledge.

NOT COVERING - Axa - Insure & Go, Europ Assistance - Saga

ARE COVERING - Fortis - Post Office - Columbus - All Clear -

dogbot

Aviva apparently are now going to cover as a good will gesture?

It really isn't that simple though. A lot of policies sold in the commercial market - i.e. bought by companies for their employees - offer wider cover than those in the private market so cover may well be different within one providers range.

dacouch

My friend has been stranded in a Spainish Airport since Friday, apparantly while he has been there he has picked up "Spainish Airport Disease" which the doctor has advised him is Terminal

wantawaybrit

FH_Brit wrote: »

Travel Insurance I have ben in contact with and have passed info;

In red - What I've read on here NOT my own knowledge.

NOT COVERING - Axa - Insure & Go, Europ Assistance - Saga

ARE COVERING - Fortis - Post Office - Columbus - All Clear -

Additionally:
NOT COVERING - Mondial Assistance

ARE Covering - HSBC

margarino

wantawaybrit wrote: »

Additionally:
NOT COVERING - Mondial Assistance

ARE Covering - HSBC

NOT COVERING - insure with ease

OasisFanboy

Anyone heard about American Express? According to my policy they WOULD pay out £35 per six hours delay due to weather delay (up to £350) but WOULD NOT pay out due to "delays caused by the withdrawal from service of any public transport on the orders or recommendation of the regulatory authority in any country".

I'm currently stranded in New York (flight cancelled April 20th / rebooked to May 1st).

Thoughts?