Travel Insurance query

Libra lass

I have an ill family member but have two foreign trips in the next 3 months. Is there any insurance company that covers in the event of disruption due to his deterioration (or, heaven forbid, worse)? I've tried AA and VHI and they can't because of the pre-existing condition.
I'm pessimistic but thought I'd ask anyhow!

coylemj

In relation to cancelling the trip (before you go) or curtailing it (coming home early), if the close relative is already ill then I don't believe anyone will cover it.

d1234

I'm in the same boat at the minute as well. Although my relative is all right, I'd like to have some kind of protection just in case anything happens. It would be great to hear more on this.

ger664

You would have to declare their pre existing Medical condition anyway, some may load while others may not even cover the condition. As your family member is currently ill then most likely none will cover.

coylemj

Here is an extract from a current travel insurance policy with AIG, I've copied and pasted sections relating to cancellation and curtailment. Note in particular the exclusion clause in the last paragraph (n) below, it basically says that they will not cover you if you have to come home because of an illness involving a close relative 'which the Insured Person knew about or should have known about before booking the Insured Journey'

Cancellation and Curtailment Charges

The Insurer will indemnify an Insured Person in respect of travel and accommodation expenses paid or contracted to be paid by an Insured Person in respect of their own Insured Journey (prior to any occurrence giving rise to a claim under this section) and not recoverable i.e. including forfeited deposits where the Insured Journey is necessarily cancelled or Curtailed as a result of:

(a) death, injury or illness of an Insured Person;

(b) death, injury or illness of the spouse/Partner, father, mother, father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother, sister, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, child, fiance(e), close business associate of an Insured Person or person with whom an Insured Person has arranged to travel;

Exclusions

The Insurer shall not be liable for losses:

(a) arising from any Pre-existing Medical Condition as outlined in this document;

(b) if at the time of booking the Insured Journey, the person whose condition gives rise to a claim is either:

(i) on a hospital waiting list for treatment or investigation or awaiting the results of medical tests, or
(ii) travelling contrary to medical advice or specifically to obtain medical treatment, or
(iii) expected to give birth during the trip or within two months of date arriving home, or
(iv) requires medication or treatment which they know, at the start of the Insured Journey, will be needed while outside the Republic of Ireland.

.........

(k) travelling against the advice of a qualified medical practitioner, travelling for the purpose of obtaining treatment or travelling after a terminal prognosis has been made;

(l) expenses which would normally be incurred as a result of pregnancy within 2 months of expected date of birth or childbirth

........

(n) related to cancelling or cutting short the Insured Journey because of a medical condition or any illness which the Insured Person knew about or should have known about before booking the Insured Journey. This applies to the Insured Person, their spouse/Partner, father, mother, father- in-law, mother-in-law, brother, sister, brother-in-law, sister- in-law, child, fiancée, or close business associate of the Insured Person, a person the Insured Person is travelling with or any person the Insured Person was depending on for the Insured Journey;

Libra lass

Yes AA and VHI have the same clause in the details of the contract. But thanks for taking the trouble.

caycro

I am currently travelling under the same conditions. I spoke to a number of the airlines involved. All said that they would waive the change fee for flights arising from the death of an immediate family member, or serious hospitalisation even with some carriers. Specific documentation is required. All seemed very helpful, in advance. Good luck with your situation.