HolidaySafe Weasel Terms

shawje66

It never occurred to me that it was possible to buy travel insurance that won't pay out if the FCO changes advice and recommends no travel to a country.  But this is what HolidaySafe say.  I certainly won't ever buy a policy from them again. Can't believe MSE recommended them. Shakes my faith in their Bona Fides.

The FCO have advised against travel. Can I cancel my trip?

Unfortunately, your policy does not cover cancellation due to changes in FCO advice. We would advise that you speak to your airline, hotel or tour operator to discuss either a refund for any monies paid, or alternative trip dates and options.    

dunstonh

Can't believe MSE recommended them. 

It should be noted that MSE is not authorised to give insurance recommendations and they do not recommend them in the regulatory sense.

MSE has, for many years, classed Holidaysafe as a "no-frills" pick.   Indeed, this is what they say about the no frills list:

"We're very clear that our no-frills policies are, well, no frills – they're just there to be "the cheapest policies, that meet our minimum cover criteria", rather than our other category of higher-level policies which include feedback and past payout records. Of course, they're far from perfect – which is why we also explain what to do if you're unhappy and how to take on these insurers if needed.

Perhaps one criticism of MSE is that it doesn't like being blunt sometimes.     Although, when you look at the way some people react to plain speaking on this forum, perhaps they are right not to be so blunt.    However, I will put it bluntly.  If you buy a budget plan you get budget coverage.     If you want quality coverage then you buy a quality plan.  That applies to most financial products and services.

Budget plans will have bits of coverage lopped off which allows them to lower the price.   Whether it is house insurance, car insurance, travel insurance, critical illness cover, income protection or whatever.

It is your responsibility to decide what you buy.  You chose a cheap no-frills policy with limited coverage instead of buying a quality policy and paying a bit more for it.  

TELLIT01

Holidaysafe aren't the only company which doesn't pay out on all FCO advice.  Staysure is another and only pay out for FCO 'essential travel' advice in the event of fire, flood, earthquake or hurricane.  It simply confirms what we have always been told, but rarely adhere to, - check the small print.  I was fortunate in that my Staysure policy was coming to an end and I was able to take out new insurance with another provider before the restrictions came in.

csgohan4

you get what you pay for , for some policies

TELLIT01

csgohan4 said:

you get what you pay for , for some policies

In some cases you may, but my Staysure policy wasn't the bottom of the pile, even of their options.

Birseh_

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/77048865#Comment_77048865

deeleys

Hi All
Not sure if this is the right forum. I've had to move my easyjet flights to Christmas and waiting for a Ryan air refund (voucher) and had a ATOL credit note from Love holidays.  My Holidaysafe policy is ending in 5 days.  Is it wise to renew this to have cover if one or all of these companies go bust? Thanks.

[Deleted User]

Not necessarily Holidaysafe, but travel insurance is always a good idea.

deeleys

Deleted_User said:

Not necessarily Holidaysafe, but travel insurance is always a good idea.

Don't you have to have the insurance in place at the time of purchasing/moving the flights and holiday? thanks.

dacouch

Not all policies include the travel provider going bust, it tends to be on premium policies

deeleys

Thanks for the information.