Travel Insurance help

sammilou1968

We are looking at getting family travel insurance. We are going to Florida next August and we have booked a private villa (have stayed there before) and our flights were booked direct with Virgin. Whilst I think it is unlikely that Virgin will go under these days it would seem you can't be too careful! We paid using a visa debit card (cost to use cc £50!) So firstly I am thinking that you don't get the same protection as using a cc. If so I think travel insurance that covers airline going bust would be sensible. Airmiles do one but cost is £150 or tesco vouchers but converting into airmiles does not seem to be a cost effective use of them. How do I know if any of the ones in the travel insurance bit of this site has that sort of cover in their cancellation bit of the policy? Any help or advice appreciated

HXDave

it will be just a case of reading each individual policy i'm afraid, if you want it covered within the main insurance, however most companies will give 'bullet points' of the main cover in a 'at a glance' section, and i'm sure this would be included in that part.

alternatively, just do a google search for 'airline failure insurance', or 'AFI', or 'SAFI' (scheduled airline failure insurance), and you might be able to get it as a atand alone product.

when you say you booked the flight direct through Virgin, was that through the Virgin Airlines system or through Virgin Holidays? If booked through Virgin Holidays, you may already have cover in place.

Just 1 thing to mention regarding Airline Failure insurance though. Whilst if you have this included and, god forbid, Virgin goes under, it will normally only cover a refund of the cost of the flights, not for new flights. and if a major company goes down, you are gauranteed that prices to re-book to the destinations that they served will increase dramatically (ie of you paid £2500 for your virgin flights and they went bust, the company would normally just pay out £2500, however to re-book new flights closer to the time of travelling, and just after a major company going bust, could cost you £4000). So then, if you decide you cant afford the new flights, you also then have to consider what you paid for the Villa, and if you would get any refund back on thta (Airline failure insurance would not cover that element, but you may find some travel policied will).

like i said before, its just a case of reading each policy to ensure it covers for what you need, and if in doubt - CALL THEM TO ASK!

have a great time in florida.

Dave

sammilou1968

Thank you, more hours sat on the computer then! Booked with Virgin Atlantic (miles and money flights) so not covered there. Will look into your suggestions. Don't think Virging Atlantic likely to go under and I think the whole industry would be in serious trouble if that happens as so many fly to the states with them but I'd rather be covered

HXDave

Sammilou, i am in the same mindset as you, and sincerely hope that they do not do under either.

in all honesty, i would just check out 2 / 3 well known insurance policy providers, and take the one that covers you as you want. yes, you might be able to find one that is £5 - £10 cheaper, but is it really worth scrolling through the internet for 5 - 6 hours just for this saving.

use a comparison website, check out the best results and see what the policy will cover. if it does what you need, book it.

but please book it as soon as possible, and then you will have cover from date of purchase for cancellation (on most policies!).

Have a great trip.

Dave