How to cancel flights

J_B

Just been advised by the hospital that I shouldn't get on an aeroplane for six months

We have two 'one-way' flights booked for 18/10 and 9/11 (no accommodation as we have our own)

We have insurance (with Now Travel Insurance) and my condition was added to the policy on 12/9

How is the best way to make a successful claim without too many hiccups!

TheMilkmansDad

refundable or non-refundable tickets. If refundable contact the airline to cancel. if non-refundable contact the airline to cancel and send confirmation details, then submit insurance claim (assuming the insurance covers the situation).

J_B

Non-refundable.

As I said, I've added my 'condition' on 12/9 so 🤞

CKhalvashi

You get proof from the doctor in writing and then submit this to the insurer with a covering note explaining what's happened.

If I were you, I'd actually try to start this claim by phone and follow up by e-mail (I often submit copies of documents that have been photographed and nobody has had an issue with this, even immigration departments of countries, so this shouldn't be an issue) to ensure everything is on record.

soolin

Was the date you added your condition to the insurance the very first time you were aware of it, or only when you knew it was possibly going to be an issue? 

TELLIT01

Assuming insurance was taken out before there was any diagnosis or investigation of the condition requiring the cancellation, you should be able to claim of your insurance.  Be prepared for the insurer to look very thoroughly at your medical history before paying out.

J_B

TELLIT01 said:

Assuming insurance was taken out before there was any diagnosis or investigation of the condition requiring the cancellation, you should be able to claim of your insurance.  Be prepared for the insurer to look very thoroughly at your medical history before paying out.

We took out the policy in March declaring my X condition

Once the diagnosis was changed to Y, I phoned them and was charged extra £120 (?) to add condition Y

soolin said:

Was the date you added your condition to the insurance the very first time you were aware of it, or only when you knew it was possibly going to be an issue? 

I became aware in August but as the advice was to come back to hospital in December (and our holiday was in October) I was a little tardy in sorting this out

TELLIT01

From what you say I would expect the insurer to pay out for cancellation.  You will need to provide written evidence from the hospital or your GP that you have been advised not to fly.

J_B

Forgot to add the other 'spanner in the works'

We are a couple - I'm advised not to fly but Mrs B won't want to go away for three weeks alone, especially as I will be at home having treatment and she will be looking after me!

Caz3121

do you have a joint policy or does she have her own?

TELLIT01

Travel insurance cancellation generally has illness to a person you are travelling with, or illness to a close relative, as valid reasons for cancellation.  Both would seem to apply here.