Switch Bank/Travel Insurance: Are holidays booked under old account honoured by new account?

Odto02

Hi
I've recently switched bank accounts from one reward type account to another, Halifax to NatWest, which both include travel insurance.  I'm due to go on holiday in October 2020, but given the current climate that may not happen.  I understand that companies are only taking claims if the travel ban is in place 31 days before you're due to fly, so October may be Ok (I hope in general not just for my holiday's sake!).  I've spoken to Halifax to see if they would honour any claim if the travel ban was still in place by then but they have said it would be up to NatWest (I'm not sure this is correct information but it came from a higher supervisor).  I can't get in touch with NatWest as they're not going to discuss any travel insurance queries unless it is for those who are travelling now or are currently on holiday.  I'm hoping that when things calm down any delay in me getting this information will be taken into consideration, given their automated message!  

Does anyone know if, when switching account, travel policies are honoured for previous bookings under the old account?

Thanks
Odto

TELLIT01

I don't see any reason why Halifax would honour an arrangement you had with another bank.  They aren't part of the same banking group.  As Halifax says, it is a question of whether NatWest will cover you now you no longer bank with them and I suspect the answer will be a resounding 'No'.

jonesMUFCforever

If you have closed your Halifax account then your travel insurance with them is null and void - period!

Odto02

I'm sure insurance doesn't work like that.  I've changed a pet policy before but the incident that occurred was during the old policy, which had lapsed at renewal when I went with a different company.  The claim was made with the old company, despite the fact I was no longer with them.  Hence why I am querying this.  I have essentially paid for the policy, whether lapsed or not.

zagubov

Have you contacted the insurance company that provide insurance for  your old bank (might be AXA but not totally sure). Usually your banks don't really get involved that much in your insurances and mostly leave them to specialist companies that handle it for them.

jonesMUFCforever

Odto02 said:

I'm sure insurance doesn't work like that.  I've changed a pet policy before but the incident that occurred was during the old policy, which had lapsed at renewal when I went with a different company.  The claim was made with the old company, despite the fact I was no longer with them.  Hence why I am querying this.  I have essentially paid for the policy, whether lapsed or not.

From the pdf containing the terms and conditions of Halifax accounts.
You pay monthly on an ongoing basis with a bank added value travel policy - there is no ''essentially paid for the policy''
4. Ending of the benefits The insurance cover and other services that come with the Benefits Package end if: a) your Ultimate Reward Current Account is closed; b) you do not pay the maintaining the account fee; c) your account is changed to another type of account; d) your residential address is no longer in the UK.

I repeat for the OP - he is no longer covered by Halifax travel insurance - one can only hope that his new bankers Nat West will cover him - that one I can't answer.

Thrugelmir

Insurers may decline an event that was contractually entered into before policy cover commenced. 

csgohan4

insane to change your travel insurance provider given the climate, If the insurance was obtained After 13/3 you will no longer be covered for Covid-19

Halifax will no longer cover you as you have changed accounts, you need to speak to Natwest, but unlikely they will cover as covid is now a known event

TELLIT01

csgohan4 said:

insane to change your travel insurance provider given the climate, If the insurance was obtained After 13/3 you will no longer be covered for Covid-19

Halifax will no longer cover you as you have changed accounts, you need to speak to Natwest, but unlikely they will cover as covid is now a known event

In fairness to the OP they didn't simply change travel insurance provider, they changed bank and in all probabiltiy didn't even think about the travel insurance until it was too late.

csgohan4

TELLIT01 said:

csgohan4 said:

insane to change your travel insurance provider given the climate, If the insurance was obtained After 13/3 you will no longer be covered for Covid-19

Halifax will no longer cover you as you have changed accounts, you need to speak to Natwest, but unlikely they will cover as covid is now a known event

In fairness to the OP they didn't simply change travel insurance provider, they changed bank and in all probabiltiy didn't even think about the travel insurance until it was too late.

Sadly this could be an expensive mistake.

I too recently changed my bank account to nationwide flex plus on full knowing they won't accept covid claims, but may cover other new emerging threats in future, which a annual policy may not cover for , especially if your reaching the end of the policy, at least with the bank account it's rolling and never expires

Sadly my own travel insurance policy finishes in August 2020. 

Odto02

Thank you TELLIT01 for pointing an obvious, the switch was indeed initiated before everything kicked off.

Normally I would just call the banks to clear all this up, but given that's not an option unless you're in serious financial difficulty at the moment I haven't been able to and turned to here as thought people could help and maybe actually be nice about it.  That's partly the case, information given yes, kindness?  Not so. I doubt I'll post on here again.  Some of the comments on here are highly judgemental and attacking.  I was looking for some plain advice without the elaboration or inflexion of your own personal feelings on it, period....  Who even talks to people like this? 

Regardless, thank you for the comments anyway.  I'll contact the bank when I can.