M&S Travel insurance -v- Direct Travel ins

busiscoming2

I have had a policy with direct travel ins for a couple of years but have never had to claim, thankfully. Pricewise both the above are very similar.
DT offers scheduled airline faliure and as far as I can see M&S offer the independently booked travel cover. As we generally book flights direct with the carrier and accom and transfers separately I really dont know which is my best option.

Any advice or opinions please?

FH_Brit

STAY AWAY FROM M&S - it is AXA ---- search AXA above and see their bad reputation for after claims service (or lack of)

dickydonkin

I have used Direct travel insurance for my annual multi-trip policy for many years - until now. I have never had to claim from them but I just get fed up every year when renewing when I have to declare minor ailments I had many years ago.

Despite declaring these every year, they apparently have no records of me declaring them previously and when attempting to renew recently, they wanted to charge extra (which they have never done before) to cover me for the minor ailments I had some ten years previously.

I realised it was time to ditch them when their telephone agent started asking me questions about my height and weight which has never happened before.

I have now changed my insurer (around 40% cheaper for similar cover) and they clearly state a comprehensive list of ailments that do not have to be declared and many ailments/injuries also do not have to be declared if there has been no related problems within the past two years. My ailments come under their exclusions.

At least there is a cut off period.

I just don't know how how far back in time Direct need you to declare ailments, but it was becoming an ordeal renewing. Another thing to be aware of with Direct is that they will not cover you for trips to Cuba - which is strange as it is quite a popular destination although I wonder if the underwriters are American which may explain that.

STAY AWAY FROM M&S - it is AXA ---- search AXA above and see their bad reputation for after claims service (or lack of)

This seems pretty sound advice as I have heard dreadful things about their claims 'service' - not just on these forums.

I cannot remember offhand who my insurance is with but I do know Fortis are the underwriters.

FH_Brit

dpass - Fortis are the best for getting your claims sorted out and they give me the least trouble out of any insurer. But they aint the cheapest - but with them I do recommend them as they do offer the best value for money - note though they do not cover volcvanic ash on new policies - so if you think you need that then dont buy Fortis.

dickydonkin

Thanks FH Brit - that's good to know and your signature suggests you know what your talking about.

Fortunately (touching wood here) I have never had to claim off travel insurance (and hope I never do) but what made me think about my cover was when a former colleague who went on holiday recently, dropped down dead at 50 years old.

Many people buy their insurance without reading the small print but the consequenses of inappropriate cover are frightening and I like to ensure that I am insured for any previous injuries/ailments.

The Direct policy was too vague in respect of declaring PEC's whereas my new policy states that if I have had no re-occurence of any 'previous' in the preceeding two years, then these do not need to be declared.

maman

Hope you don't mind me butting in to thread. My annual travel cover (for a couple) is due for renewal at the end of the month. Currently with Nationwide. I was thinking of following Martin's links at the top of the page to see if I could get the price down. Any advice?

busiscoming2

dpassmore wrote: »

I cannot remember offhand who my insurance is with but I do know Fortis are the underwriters.

Could have a look and let me know please so I can see if they are suitable for me

Thanks

FH_Brit

DPASS - Sooo true about people not reading - one of my pet hates! Sign/Click and then when it all goes pear shaped and the policy don't pay out, people then try to blame anyone else when it's their own fault for no reading T&C's.

Certain people on here would not agree with your "know what you are talking about" statement! But thanks - Note: anything I "print" is based on MY own professional experience and dealings with UK insurers during my business in Florida and may differ in other countries and claim conditions. Care should be taken with regards to ANYONE'S postings and you are advised to use a guide only and confirm anything with your insurer.

BUSIS - Fortis IS his insurer, (where you get it is just the retailer/seller) - Post Office policies are Fortis, but if you have special or unusual needs then a good broker can help get Fortis for you.

MAMAN - NEVER shop for tavel insurance on price alone. Get a look at similar policies that cover your NEEDS then, and only then compare prices for comparable policies/coverage. Example you can get cover on the internet for 2 weeks in Florida for £2.99 per person. However looking at the policy, you don't get any legal assistance, it does not cover for medical repatriation (if you are ill and need flying home) it will not pay any more than $100,000.00 (unusual to exceed this in most cases but you could if you were seriously ill (our hospital cardiac/critical care could exceed this amount if you were in CCCU for 30 days! - FCO reccommend $5m cover).

I wonder what you are paying now? Cheaper is not always a money saver!!!

So the need for adequate cover is essential and then go by price.

dickydonkin

busiscoming2 wrote: »

Could have a look and let me know please so I can see if they are suitable for me

Thanks

PM on its way!