Travel Insurance: Stopping Taxes on flights booked?

KPGills

Hi All,

I unfortunately had to make a claim on my travel insurance (currently have an annual policy wit Virgin) and was surprised to see that they do not pay the Taxes on any flight booked - going from Heathrow to San Fran the taxes were more than the flight cost!

I have since checked other companies and noticed they do not pay taxes either.

My insurance policy is due for renewal in a few weeks. Is anyone aware of any travel insurance policies who do pay taxes and fees should I not be able to fly again?

I've no existing medical conditions etc.

Thanks alot,

Keith

geordieracer

You didnt say if you made the flight or not.

Incapuppy

AFAIK if you don't travel you apply to the airline for a refund of taxes.

HXDave

have you tried reclaiming the taxes from the airline / agent you booked with?

Travel insurance where cancellation charges are concerned are there to cover irrecoverable costs that have been incurred. As most airlines you can claim taxes back, that is why they do not cover.

See what the airline / travel agent say, and if they are still refusing to refund taxes, ask them to put this in writing, and persue with the insurance company.

HXDave

KPGills

Hi All,

Thanks for the replies above. I didn't make the flight along with a couple of internal ones in the USA as my sister-in-law sadly had a mis-carridge the day before we were due to fly.

Will call British Airways now and see what they say.

Thanks alot,

Keith

KPGills

Hi all,

Just an update. Called British Airways and after telling me to go through the insurance before they are now going to refund an extra £119 in taxes. Some parts of the tax cant be refunded, but its something back

The other flights were with Virgin America and Delta and they issued credit notes.

Thanks again. At least its a nice bonus and am surprised BA/Expedia didn't say I could do it before.

Keith

HXDave

KPGills,

for the taxes that cannot be reclaimed, try the insurance company again, and see what they say. After all, if they have paid out so far (and virtually accepted the claim), once they know you have claimed most of the taxes back, they may be prepared to pay out the ones which are not.

HXDave