Travel insurance already abroad

Maz9455

Truetraveller

Birseh_

Uk1 makes a good point....I would just call the large multi-line insurers....it's a risk they can take because they won't payout if you are taking out a policy already with a broken leg..so they are protected. BUT we very clear that you are already abroad and make them understand that

DCFC79

Deleted_User said:

Mostly injuries from activities such as hiking or kayaking, which can quickly become expensive due to their relative remoteness. I understand mountain rescue is free but not any doctors they send up. But you could always get hit by a car around town too.

You might already know but you might need an insurer who covers activities such as those.

rs65

Birseh_ said:

Uk1 makes a good point....I would just call the large multi-line insurers....it's a risk they can take because they won't payout if you are taking out a policy already with a broken leg..so they are protected. BUT we very clear that you are already abroad and make them understand that

On that basis any insurer could take the risk and not just the composites.  Most are geared up for holiday insurance though, departing from and returning to the UK.

rs65

Maz9455 said:

Truetraveller

OP, that's the 2nd time True Traveller have been mentioned.  Their website accommodates the option of 'already travelling'. 

silvercar

I'm reading as OP posted because the FCO advice has changed, so that his/ her trip is no longer travelling against the FCO advice to avoid non essential travel and therefore it is possible to take out insurance.

Sandtree

Technically it was always possible, there are travel insurance providers for those going against FCO advice but as another niche product they tend to be expensive and often taken by those travelling for business/work so will be expensed. Most standard insurers won't cover either against FCO advice nor trips that have already started however you could phone around to see. Alternatively googling shows up a significant number of companies though you may want to do some checking up on the companies as most are writing on someone else's paper and some don't have good reputations.

[Deleted User]

True Traveller look good. Tower Gate didn't pan out, won't cover if you're already abroad. Seems like a niche market though without a large amount of options, which I'm a bit surprised about since it's simple to deny claims for anything that has already happened and introduce a short cooling off period like World Nomads (3 days before it kicks in I think).

Sandtree

Deleted_User said:

True Traveller look good. Tower Gate didn't pan out, won't cover if you're already abroad. Seems like a niche market though without a large amount of options, which I'm a bit surprised about since it's simple to deny claims for anything that has already happened and introduce a short cooling off period like World Nomads (3 days before it kicks in I think).

The concern from an insurer's perspective is... what has changed to make the person now want the insurance? Now you have a potentially reasonable reason however how many start feeling a bit dodgy and then try and buy a policy? Whilst its obv "pre-existing" the ability to prove it would be low... not spent much time talking to Travel Underwriters but suspect it's just not worth the hassle for the mainstream players. 

Towergate certainly used to be an MGA for Axa and so whilst they have some control over the policy, pricing etc introducing a fundamental change like already abroad cover would require the carrier to sign off before they could start writing it with their delegated authority.

TLJ201

It isn't the Shopfront that covers you it's the companies behind them. If you fall for the easy to use websites in all their jolly colours, promising you the earth then you need your bumps feeling. Travel Insurance is bought for worst case scenarios - it's bought at a time when people are not focussing on worst case scenarios because usually they are gearing up for their holidays. The only time you will know if it's any good is if you are unfortunate enough to need assistance, and by then it is too late to find out that you have got it wrong and that the people you have put your trust in dont actually care about you, they care about not parting with their money or the money of their clients, in order to make more money for themselves. Wake up everyone. Travel Insurance is a business, they train their staff to take your money and reassure you that everything is in order.  Then they train their so called assistance staff to 'handle' you (or in layman's terms) fob you off, in the hope that you will be forced into an action which will null and void your policy so they dont have to pay out.   Or they will ignore you in the hope that you will be so depleted that you won't be up to fight them and you'll opt for crawling away, drawing a line in the sand and getting on with your life taking the hit yourself.  Why do you think there are reams of small print? It's basically them finding every reason possible known to man to tie you up in knots and tell you you're not covered.  Homework, homework,  homework is the key. Why believe 5* Trustpilot (who are funded by the businesses that use them)  Look at the hidden 1 * reviews, there you will find real life (sometimes) horror stories of what really happens... or look at the companies reviews when you Google them. Be wary of reviews that read in a robotic way, written by people without a surname, and maybe opt for someone who has bothered to register with ABI - yes it isn't necessary to be ABI registered and it does cost to do that,  but if they are happy to cut costs in this area, then don't be surprised if they cut corners when you need them. 
From personal experience I would not choose anything with links to TIF group /EAF/URV   I also wouldn't use anyone with links to ERV (because the former head of  EAF jumped ship to them) 
So many people with so many awful experiences - they are not calling these people out for the good of their health. 
Use your brains, choose carefully and go on your travels with your peace of mind in tact.