Travel Insurance won't pay out - fair?

stroppymare

I have held the Nationwide cover for several years, which I pay to upgrade to worldwide.Earlier this year I took my family to visit my daughter in New Zealand.
Before leaving I booked and paid for several other accommodations throughout NZ so that we could all travel around.
On arrival my 10 month old grandchild became ill, we went to the doc, got antibiotics and pain killers and it seemed to settle. The following day we set off for the first night away, the second night we went on an overnight cruise and the third we were due to return to the first night's accommodation.
unfortunately, my grandson's condition deteriorated and by the time we got back to the accommodation he was so unwell we decided to return to my daughter's house to be nearer to the paediatric hospital. Which is what we had been advised to do if we were concerned. As a qualified nurse I was!
The accommodation had already been paid for and no refund was offered however the owner did write a letter explaining the situation which was duly forwarded, with all other requested, information to Nationwide.
They have now declined the claim on the basis that this was 'abandonment'.
Doesn't seem right to me!
Comments appreciated.

laurel7172

It's quite common, I'm afraid. Once you've left home, travel insurance pays up for additional expenses incurred (you had none as you stayed at your daughter's house), not the loss of holiday. The same thing happened to my parents, who "abandoned" a three week holiday after two days due to a death in the family. As they were able to change their travel arrangements at no cost, the insurance wouldn't pay up. It doesn't seem very fair, but it does seem to be standard T&Cs.