Travel Insurance

marcus_h

Just hoping for some clarification

I have travel insurance with my bank account. Recently, on a trip to Canada, I got ill and had to have an operation. The insurance has covered the medical costs. However as far as my family is concerned, the trip was a write-off (wife and young son, and myself). The company said that they do not cover air fares, or accommodation, which come to about £4000. Is that usual, and can I push for that? It doesn't seem much like travel insurance, simply foreign medical cover.

Thanks for any info
MH

Quentin

Check the policy wording to see what is covered in terms of the extra expenses you were put to.

If you did have cover for this, then make a formal complaint. If you are unhappy with the reply or they ignore you for 8 weeks, you can escalate to the FOS for their adjudication at no cost to you.

daveyjp

Bank account insurance is quite often basic and lacking (upgrades for a cost are usually offered to fill the gaps) and its only when you need it you find this out.

Check the policy for 'cancellation after departure cover'. This is needed to cover the situation you found yourself in.

sheramber

Was the holiday actually cancelled or curtailed or do you mean that they didn't have as good a holiday as expected because you were ill?

marcus_h

Thanks for the replies. Sheramber - I meant that none of us had a good holiday (not really any holiday at all) as I couldn't do much for most of it.

I Will have a look at my policy - DaveyJP I imagine you are right, and that it is basic.

Caz3121

Insurance policies often tend to cover additional costs
I assume the flights and accommodation were those that you booked for the holiday or did you have additional flights and accommodation due to having to change travel dates?
When my dad took ill on holiday the insurance covered cost of the clinic and alternative flights home (took ill on the last day and took 2 weeks before he was deemed fit to fly so had long missed the original flights) I am guessing that if he had taken ill at the start of the holiday and been able to use the original flights he would have been covered for the clinic only
I have never actually checked to see whether my own policy covers being unable to have the 'holiday' but being there in the country for the original duration with no additional non-travel expenses...will be looking that one up.

marcus_h

Yes, the flights were those we originally booked. Some of the accommodation we upgraded as I felt we needed a bigger bed, as I was in a fair amount of discomfort. We had initially planned to go up skiing for a few days. However, while I was in hospital, my wife booked us accommodation in the city, as she didn't think we would be able to go up. So we double booked ourselves. (We did manage to get up for 2 days, so my son could have a few runs). So some of the accommodation was not as planned.

sheramber

your policy document will list what you are covered for.

Generally it is for cancellation and medical expenses while abroad, including getting you home in needed.

Does your policy say it covers you for not enjoying your holiday or being unable to undertake activities?

Why do you need air fares paid for? You travelled out and back so why would you be due any pay out?

Is a charge for alternative accommodation listed on your policy documents?