Virgin Money Travel Insurance Claim

This happened to us as an insurance broker (not sure why) The customer requested a single trip travel insurance for a trip starting in a March (This was in previous December). We worked out that an annual policy was better and cheaper but somehow the inception date of the policy was kept at the commencement date of the trip. (Our staff do know the difference, it was probably just a misclick through).

A claim was made in February for cancellation due to a broken leg and, once we realised the situation we had to pay for the costs ourselves (which we did with no fuss).

A pretty effective (but expensive) bit of training for the staff.

So my advice is always - get advice before buying any form of insurance - it is too complicated a product to risk buying on your own. Only a fool or an expert buys insurance online.

Toconn wrote: »

Hello,

Took out Multi trip travel insurance for my family in January, the Policy start date was 5th April 2012, when we were due to travel to Florida. Our middle son contracted Chicken Pox 3 days before we were due to travel, so we had to cancel the holiday with the travel agent. We made a claim with Virgin Money travel insurance, sent them all relevant documentation, claims form, GP supplied medical certificate confirming chicken pox.

We received a letter from Virgin Money today informing us that we couldn't make a claim because the policy start date was the 5th and we cancelled the holiday before the policy became effective.

Does anyone have any advice, or experience of a similar nature please ?

Many Thanks

Tom

As Quentin has already asked, how did you buy the policy, was it online or by telephone with an advisor?

You should choose the start date as the date you take out the policy, not the start date of the trip, so that you have cancellation cover.

Was it a Single Trip policy or an Annual policy?