Which? top level covid travel insurance still doesn't cover the basics

michael1234

I must have made a mistake here. Which? seems to be saying that the "Rolls Royce" of travel insurance in these times meets their "Complete" category. Only a tiny handful of policies make the grade.

However, even those that make it (unless I'm mistaken?) don't cover changes to the destination country's border rules. e.g. You book a flight to somewhere where travel is allowed at the time of booking but when you come to take the flight, the country has changed its rules and travelers from the UK are barred from entry.

https://www.which.co.uk/news/2021/10/coronavirus-what-it-means-for-your-travel-insurance/

Thrugelmir

Risk is quantified and priced accordingly. Impossible to price the unknown.  

michael1234

Thrugelmir said:

Risk is quantified and priced accordingly. Impossible to price the unknown.  

You mean like being insured against changes to Foreign Office advice which these companies DO provide insurance against. 
Such an event is unlikely to be risk quantified unlike say car accidents.

My point is a trip depends not only on UK policy but on the destination country policy. If you're not insured against adverse changes to the latter what is the point being insured ?

Thrugelmir

michael1234 said:

Thrugelmir said:

Risk is quantified and priced accordingly. Impossible to price the unknown.  

You mean like being insured against changes to Foreign Office advice which these companies DO provide insurance against. 
Such an event is unlikely to be risk quantified unlike say car accidents.

My point is a trip depends not only on UK policy but on the destination country policy. If you're not insured against adverse changes to the latter what is the point being insured ?

Insurance is a pooled risk against a particular event occuring. If there a 100% claim rate then the premiums collected cannot possibly cover the losses incurred. Let alone the operating costs of the business. A total non starter. 

Sandtree

Thrugelmir said:

Risk is quantified and priced accordingly. Impossible to price the unknown.  

It is possible to price it and reserve for it, including the risk margin for the level of uncertainty being taken on, however the premiums are unlikely to be attractive to Joe Public 

Problem with a commoditised product, 99% buy on price alone and so having a true Rolls Royce policy isnt going to sell at all unless you have exceptionally good marketeers who can find those willing to pay £500 pp for a travel policy before adding medical conditions and/or age factors etc