Money Moral Dilemma: My friend won't buy travel insurance - what should I do?

MSE_Sarah

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

My travelling companion has not taken out travel insurance, despite our trip having been booked and paid for. He says he will nearer the travel date. I have stressed the importance of doing it now, so he's covered for cancellation, but he is unfazed. What should I do?

Unfortunately the MSE team can't always answer money moral dilemma questions as contributions are often emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be enjoyed as a point of debate and discussed at face value.

If you haven't already, join the forum to reply!

Got a money moral dilemma of your own? [URL="mailto: mmd@moneysavingexpert.com"]Suggest an MMD[/URL].

[purplesignup][/purplesignup]

fabforty

Do nothing. You have cover (I presume), let him take care of himself. He might have to learn the hard way.

74jax

I don't understand, why do you feel you need to do anything?

Marvel1

As long as your covered, that is all that matters.

comeandgo

Absolutely nothing. Mind your own business.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Make sure that the cost of their half of the holiday is safely in your bank account now.

And if they fall over and break an ankle once you're there, or their suitcase fails to materialise on the luggage carousel, keep your credit card hidden and leave them to deal with the consequences alone.

glentoran99

Jojo_the_Tightfisted wrote: »

Make sure that the cost of their half of the holiday is safely in your bank account now.

And if they fall over and break an ankle once you're there, or their suitcase fails to materialise on the luggage carousel, keep your credit card hidden and leave them to deal with the consequences alone.

Why?


Its been paid so why would they need it?

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

glentoran99 wrote: »

Why?


Its been paid so why would they need it?

The OP didn't indicate whether they had paid for it or whether half each had been paid - usually one person makes the payments and I took a chance on the person with the common sense to take advantage of the cancellation aspect of the Insurance being the one who has paid the deposit/balance, especially if they are so bothered by the prospect of cancellation, as that suggests they wouldn't travel alone if the other had to cancel.

aliberry

copy and paste the logo of your travel company into an email. Add a bold red headline - LIQUIDATION NOTICE - and the name of your companion, with a line apologising that due to unforeseen circumstances the company is no longer operating. A prank but one that might teach them a lesson

John_Gray

What's the problem?
You don't need to have any form of insurance until you need to use it.
Then you need to have taken it out.

If your reckless friend doesn't take out travel insurance until just before the trip, or not at all, 95%* of the time he will get away with it. If he doesn't get away with it, you can smugly say, "I told you so!" as he languishes in some foreign land.

* other statistics are available

Older_and_wiser

If the holiday has to be cancelled you will get your money back, your mate won!!!8217;t. Tough!