Insurance wont pay curtailment claim

Tubbsv

I had to abandon my cruise 5 days into 14 day holiday due to Covid 19. Ship returned to port so then had to independently find return flights home before US stopped all travel. Now trying to claim curtailment just for flights only. I have cruise cover insurance but they are saying they wont pay out as curtailment will only cover redundancy / jury service / close relative death.
Is this correct and any idea if how can fight this decision ?

Aylesbury_Duck

Only your insurance and the policy terms can answer that.  What cover did you buy?  Does it only cover redundancy, etc?  Go through them and if you find evidence that they should not have rejected your claim, go through their appeals process and ultimately, the ombudsman.

mattyprice4004

As above, you need to find what is covered - insurance covers a pre-determined set of events, so if curtailment due to the virus isn't included then you have no claim. 

Nebulous2

Mine covers curtailment for FCO advice, which is what I’m going for. Haven’t heard back from them yet though. 

Tubbsv

The policy was purchased by me but for my sons holiday and seems the insurance company is a little clever with their wording ... it says under the section
 IF YOU HAVE TO CUT SHORT YOUR TRIP :
If this happened: You had to cut short your trip because the following unexpectedly happened after you left home; • you, your travelling companion, a family member, a business associate, or the person you were staying with became ill, was injured or died; • you were called for jury service or required as a witness in a court of law; • you, or a travelling companion as members of HM Forces has your leave orders cancelled. This is what we will do: We will pay you up to £5,000 for your share of any unused accommodation, car hire and excursions that are directly related to your trip which you have paid for and cannot get back from anyone else, as well as any additional travel expenses incurred to get you home.
But we won’t do anything if: • you ran out of money or because you were not enjoying your trip; • you ask us to pay for the cost of your original return ticket when we have paid for a new ticket or arranged your medical repatriation; • you were under the influence of nonprescribed drugs, solvents or anything relating to your prior abuse of drugs or solvents; • the treating doctor is of the opinion that excessive alcohol consumption has caused the illness or injury; • you were involved in an accident involving a vehicle you were in control of when you did not hold a relevant valid UK driving licence or you did not take safety precautions whether legally required locally or not; • you knowingly put yourself at risk unless you were trying to save your or someone else’s life; • you were taking part in an additional sports activity and had not paid the relevant additional premium. • you have not paid your deductible or accept it will be deducted from any settlement

So it would seem my issue isn't covered by either. I have always taken out adequate cover such that it covers for cruise cabin confinements / missed ports / repatriation etc but really never considered this situation.  The company decided to announce a policy 'Add On for travel disruption' but this was AFTER his policy started but before his cruise started and despite my attempt to add it on I was not permitted.
I don't like to give in easily so would like to know if I have any chance.

Life__Goes__On

Tubbsv said:

I don't like to give in easily so would like to know if I have any chance.

I've not offering advice if you will win or not,if you are unhappy with the decision you can tale it to the Financial Ombudsman.
The only cost is your time,  but expect to be waiting a long time for a decision.

Aylesbury_Duck

You bought a policy for your son's holiday?  How does that then apply to your break?  Was it an annual or multi-trip policy?

Nothing "a little clever" with their wording. It just seems you didn't read it and understand what you'd bought.  Did you buy a policy to cover your son's holiday and just assumed it would cover your requirements?

lincroft1710

If the reason for the curtailment of your trip is not specified as being covered by your policy then I think you have little hope of a successful claim against that policy

Thrugelmir

Why isn't your son making the claim if it's his policy? 

Tubbsv

Aylesbury_Duck said:

You bought a policy for your son's holiday?  How does that then apply to your break?  Was it an annual or multi-trip policy?

Nothing "a little clever" with their wording. It just seems you didn't read it and understand what you'd bought.  Did you buy a policy to cover your son's holiday and just assumed it would cover your requirements?

I purchased the policy on behalf of my 20 year old son for HIS holiday so it was for his requirements not mine, and it was a single trip policy.  Not having had too many holidays abroad in the past he is not so experienced in such matters so he asked me to do it for him, but it is in his name.  
I have never had to claim before so maybe my comprehension in curtailment is not so good. I perhaps presumed curtailment would cover more than just the 3 areas stated : ill/ dead ; jury service ; HM Forces.  On the other hand my sons' situation is not covered by any of the examples stated where they "WONT do anything".  Hence I presumed my claim (or rather my son's claim) is justified.
Ultimately I had to pay for his repatriation flights home from the US before he found himself stuck there, and these as you can appreciate were not cheap, hence I would be keen to see if the insurance might pay something.  I'm also aware that the insurance companies are very prone to rejecting claims.
I thought / hoped that by asking the question here on MSE I might find out what my chances are. 

Aylesbury_Duck

Aylesbury_Duck said:

Only your insurance and the policy terms can answer that.  What cover did you buy?  Does it only cover redundancy, etc?  Go through them and if you find evidence that they should not have rejected your claim, go through their appeals process and ultimately, the ombudsman.

In which case, the advice I gave earlier stands,