Travel Insurance Help

Mr_Mister

I've read the articles on getting the best travel insurance on here and just been on moneysupermarket for comparison.
My question is, I found the cheapest annual joint policy for around £40 but the I have never heard of those companies. Is it safe to go with them or should I opt for the more expensive companies like Norwich Union etc?

morg_monster

Do you mean something like FlexiCover direct? We have an annual travel insurance policy with that particular company.

I think per se there is nothing wrong with going with them. EG, flexicover direct are underwritten by Europ Assistance Holdings Ltd to be found online here http://www.europ-assistance.co.uk/Template.aspx?id=47
Europ Assistance is owned by the Generali group which is an italian company and according to their website the third largest european insurer.
They are regulated by the FSA.

Compare the limits under each section - some may well be less or more than what you get with Norwich union, but if that is ok for you, then there is no problem. They get their products so cheap by providing a primarily online service and probably don't cover people with pre-existing conditions etc because these people take more time and paperwork. They also don't send paperwork by post - they email it and you have to print it yourself. They don't necessarily cut corners with cover or reduce costs by arguing with you when you need to claim. By going with a better known insurer you are paying a premium for having operators available to do your quote over the phone, and for the policy to arrive on your doorstep in a glossy envelope addressed to "Mr Mr. Mister" (sorry, couldn't resist). Remember - the reason you have heard of Norwich Union is that they spend millions of pounds on advertising on TV, posters, etc etc. another reason their quote is higher!

If you don't have any special insurance needs, and are internet savvy, then i think they are just as good a bet as a bigger insurer.

[caveat - i have never had to have any contact with flexicover direct since I bought the policy].

Mr_Mister

Thanks. Thats exactly what I wanted to know.
Can you recommend any companies which cover pre-existing conditions?

morg_monster

It really depends on the condition. Most companies have a list of conditions that they will cover for no extra cost. I went travelling with my BF when he thought he had Von Willebrands (minor blood disorder) and he didn't have to pay any extra when he declared it.

My mum has ankylosing spondylitis (kind of like arthritis) which she usually can get cover for, with an extra fee, but also 10 yrs ago she had a minor heart problem which landed her in hospital and she took beta blockers for for a few days. She finds that some insurers won't touch her for this (she tried Boots and Insure-and-go). She went with Saga in the end - annual cover for her and Dad (54 & 53) for £160, not bad considering.

One suggestion is to find a patient support charity for the condition, to see if they have any suggestions. Also https://www.the-insurance-surgery.co.uk specialises in life insurance for people with pre-existing conditions but also help with travel insurance and they have a freephone number to call for help.

rlb2004

If you want the comfort of going with a well known company - Amex have an offer on annual european insurance - family cover (would cover a couple or family - unlimited children!) is £49. Also, with regard to pre existing illnesses, my aunt struggled to find insurance as she is in remission from breast cancer Amex covered her for the usual price when others were quoting as much as her trip to China to provide cover - £1,400+. So all in all they could be worth a try.