Travel Insurance Article Discussion

mickym

Looking to travel to Ibiza near end of May. Flights with EasyJet (flights were cheap, but as travelling with kids the seat reservation and luggage cost a lot), accommodation with a private rental that we were due to pay up on arrival (didn't pay a deposit as we are friends with the property owners as had stayed there for years).

Didn't take out any travel insurance at the time of taking out the flights as was going to do it at a later date.

Im seeing that some insurers like Aviva are not including holiday cancellation cover in their policies now, as are some others stating that as CoronaVirus now is so well known, that it wouldn't be considered 'unforeseen circumstances' if flights get cancelled.

Anyone advise me on who is still allowing cover for cancellations so I can look to purchase some?

Im hoping that the worst of this will be over by the time the holiday comes around.

PollyEsther

foofi22 said:

I have an annual travel policy that expires in mid-April.  
I'm due to travel to Italy at the end of May.
Presumably if I buy a new policy now I won't be covered (due to the current FCO advice not to travel)
Instead, when I renew with my current insurance provider, will I still be covered even if the FCO travel advice remains unchanged at the time of renewal?  I've tried phoning my provider but I guess they quite busy at the moment.

When your insurance provider invites you to renew check the wording of the renewal policy to find out what it covers you for.

foofi22

PollyEsther said:

foofi22 said:

I have an annual travel policy that expires in mid-April.  
I'm due to travel to Italy at the end of May.
Presumably if I buy a new policy now I won't be covered (due to the current FCO advice not to travel)
Instead, when I renew with my current insurance provider, will I still be covered even if the FCO travel advice remains unchanged at the time of renewal?  I've tried phoning my provider but I guess they quite busy at the moment.

When your insurance provider invites you to renew check the wording of the renewal policy to find out what it covers you for.

Thanks, kind of makes me wonder what is the point of "annual" cover!

Fortyfoot

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loiswilliams

Tui have allowed me to amend my holidays for free to next year, but now I can't get travel insurance to cover them. I buy couples insurance, one of us has a medical condition, 

FedUpWithHikes

I got a new policy from Europe Plus just before the virus news broke, because it was listed as 'good for those over 65', but when I checked my card statement, noticed the bank had added a "cash fee" of £3. After a lot of attempts to query this with NatWest, I got to speak to a real person, and apparently the purchase was processed as a 'cash transaction'! I have got a refund, but others should be aware, in case it happens to them, too. I have emailed Europe Plus, I will add an update when I get a reply.

(sorry if this is in the wrong thread)

I just got a reply from Europe Plus. Hopefully it won't happen again.

Arthurian

I'm confused.  Martin's table says AXA will cover you if you have to cancel due to a family member being ill with coronavirus, yet AXA's website says, "Any new policy purchased, or new trip booked covered by an existing annual multi trip policy after 3pm on 13th March 2020, will not cover any cancellation claim in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19)."

MSE_Tony

Arthurian said:

I'm confused.  Martin's table says AXA will cover you if you have to cancel due to a family member being ill with coronavirus, yet AXA's website says, "Any new policy purchased, or new trip booked covered by an existing annual multi trip policy after 3pm on 13th March 2020, will not cover any cancellation claim in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19)."

Hi 

I totally understand the confusion. We (at MSE) were as well as the answers we were given did not tally up with the information on the Axa website.

We checked with Axa and they confirmed that the website statement is in the process of being amended/updated.

Hope this gives some reassurance.

boatman

Any news on 'essential travel only' ban being lifted?

Will any policy bought now, immediately become valid for health claims if i travel after the ban is lifted?

If i buy today, the ban is lifted 1st July, i travel 2nd July, get ill 3rd covid, am i covered?

katejo

boatman said:

Any news on 'essential travel only' ban being lifted?

Will any policy bought now, immediately become valid for health claims if i travel after the ban is lifted?

If i buy today, the ban is lifted 1st July, i travel 2nd July, get ill 3rd covid, am i covered?

I am not taking that risk. I am watching out for any amendment but haven't heard anything different yet. Even if this ban were lifted, I still think that most insurers are going to continue with the exclusion of Covid cover from their policies. Have you already booked a trip in July or later?