Travel Insurance for Channel Islands

SianOrkney12

I've been trying to book travel insurance for a visit to family in the Channel Islands. I need medical expenses cover as there is now no reciprocal agreement with UK (yes I know but Channel Islands not really UK). However... I have discovered that to be covered I have to have TWO NIGHTS PRE-BOOKED accommodation to be covered. So unless I stay in a hotel to visit family I will not be covered. This just seems to apply within the UK - except as I say Channel Islands is NOT UK. How bonkers is that? I have pre-existing medical conditions and must have medical cover but seems I can't get it. Anyone got any ideas? (Situation confirmed today by AXA)

Andy_L

Try a different company. Mine only has the 2-day pre-booked limit apply for trips in your home country.

SianOrkney12

I've tried several companies and agents. At least two days pre-booked in your home country - including Channel Islands. It is unclear whether I would be covered after that if I went to stay with my sister. But hikes up the cost of a visit to family.

Andy_L

Odd, my AXA policy defines the UK as including the Channel Islands & IoM but then uses the definition of home area that excludes the Channel Islands & IoM.

" for residents of the United Kingdom excluding Channel Islands ..your home area means the United Kingdom excluding Channel Islands"

"any trip solely within your home area is only covered where you have pre - booked at least two nights
accommodation"

"Emergency medical, surgical, hospital, ambulance and nursing fees and charges incurred outside of your home
area [are covered]."

SianOrkney12

That's interesting. I will get back onto AXA and see if I can speak to someone who can investigate rather than just giving the party line! When I spoke to them this morning they definitely said Iwould not be covered for medical costs if I stayed with family in Guernsey.

SianOrkney12

Just spoken to Axa Claims. They say that my airline tickets out and back will be evidence enough for a claim of medical expenses. I have yet to buy a policy so will enquire again once I choose one.

Manxman_in_exile

SianOrkney12 wrote: »

I need medical expenses cover as there is now no reciprocal agreement with UK

That's interesting. I travel regularly to the Isle of Man to visit family and friends. I suppose I'd better check to confirm whether there is still a reciprocal agreement in place there and whether my insurance covers it if there isn't one. Never considered it before.

SianOrkney12

Good idea to check. Though I have a feeling IoM is still covered. But who knows! It only came to light for me by a chance remark to the insurance company.

dacouch

I would also recommend you check the wording on flight delay and also cancellation as many policies exclude Channel Islands for these covers

SianOrkney12

Thanks I will. I'm not too worried about delays, or even baggage. The medical expenses is my main concern with £50 to see a GP and £150 for an ambulance even something minor can be very costly.