Is it worth taking out insurance on train tickets?

bob76_2

I recently tried to claim for a train journey I could not undertake as I was admitted to the hospital. The jouney was booked online through GNER and insured through Columbus Direct.

On informing them via email, I was sent a 3 page cancellation form that included a form that has to be completed by a GP ' at cost to the claimant'. Usually GP's charge at least £50 to fill these forms so I realized that for a journey worth £45.00, its not worth the hassle to be insured. Anyway,as I was going to see my GP the next day I decided to take the form in and see if he was willing to do it for me without a charge. He obliged, and I felt over the moon that finally I can genuinely claim my money back.

However, my joy was shortlived. Received a letter from the insurance company saying that although they acknowledge the medical certificate - the GP has failed to confirm the date I was admitted to hospital via A&E ( EVEN THOUGH THE FORM WAS FILLED AS PER THE FORMAT DICTATED BY THE CLAIM SETTLEMENT AGENCY AND LATER ON IN THE FORM THE GP HAS TO CLEARLY CERTIFY THAT 'THE SOLE REASON FOR CANCELLATION OF TRIP WAS DUE TO THE CONDITION DESCRIBED. The GP obviously referrred to the date while signing the form...)

Also, they want me to submit a cancellation invoice confirming cancellation of travel arrangement and no refund has been given or due. Finally, 10% excess is applicable on the claim !!!

I think this should serve as a warning for people insuring their short journeys - my experience shows its not worth the hassle to claim and despite submitting the correct documents, they can always find some fault to reject or prolong the claim process.

AMO

No, this is normal. Otherwise, what's to stop you taking your journey and claiming anyway? Many tickets aren't cliped as it depends on whether you travel on certain routes as to whether the ticket person will be checking that leg of the journey.

AMO

balsingh

Most annual travel insurance policies also cover trin travel within the UK so if you already have some, dont bother getting the train travel insurance.