Insurance Coup; Triumph for AFF

[Cocitus23]

Hi all,

In June 2009, in some frustration with my travel insurer, QBE, I posted the following question on this site:

QBE Travel Insurance; Family Member Coverage

I have a QBE "Annual Multi-Trip" policy. It cost me $650, and I paid an extra $100 to have accompanying family members covered. Simple enough; I guess many of you have the same cover.
I am about to take a 4-week RTW trip, MEL - HKG - CDG - ATL - LAX - MEL. My wife is coming with me, but she is going to stay on in USA for another 4 weeks after I return to MEL. My issue is to ensure that she is covered for the latter 4 weeks.
I asked at the Qantas office (where I had bought my initial policy) and was told initially that it can't be done, that she would have to take out her own policy for the entire 8 weeks. I disputed this, saying (truthfully) that I had taken out such 'add-on' insurance for similar trips in previous years. The Qantas staff member then phoned QBE who said that, yes, it could be done and the cost would be $808. I refused to accept this as I had never previously paid more than $500 for similar coverage.
I then got on to QBE's web site, from where I received a quote of $693. Well, that was better than $808, but still more than $650, the cost at which an annual policy was still on offer. So I phoned QBE for an expalnation of these anomolies. I was shunted to four different people (or "insurance experts", as they introduced themselves), to handle this "quite complex" issue. The first expert said that it couldn't be done. The second and third passed the buck, and the fourth, after consultation with his supervisor, quoted me $372 for the four weeks. I said "I'll take it."
I suspect that these experts have a random number generator as their tool for generating quotes.
What experiences have others had when wanting to insure a family member for an add-on period like this? Are other insurers better or worse?​

Several of you (notably Dave Noble and Serfty) replied, suggesting that I should try Travel Insurance Direct (TID) or Columbus Direct.​

I buy essentially the same insurance package every year, namely (A) an annual multi-trip policy for myself plus travelling wife, plus (B) an add-on covering my wife's solo extended vacation days. I have today taken out this year's package. Remembering Dave and Serfty's advice I got quotes from both TID and Columbus. I chose TID. It is very interesting to compare last year's cost with this year's:​

2009, QBE:
Annual Multi trip policy $650
Extra to have wife included $100
Add-on policy to cover wife when she is alone for 4 weeks $372
Total $1122​

2010 TID​

Annual Multi trip policy $354

Extra to have wife included $0

Add-on policy to cover wife when she is alone for 4 weeks $174
Total $528​

Reduction in price $594.​

So thanks a million Dave and Serfty. I confess that I did not take the time to read all the fine print to compare that I am buying a similar product, but a quick perusal of the major items suggested to me that TID's coverage was OK. Is anyone able to give me reassurance on this question of coverage?​

Oh, one extra thing I learned in my discussion with the very helpful TID sales rep was that not only would dependent children travelling with me be covered on my annual policy (provided that I registered their names with TID before commencement of the trip), but so would any grand-children travelling with me. I had previously had considerable difficulty getting QBE agree to extend coverage to grand-children.​

Three cheers for AFF!​

Cocitus23. Happy Boy​

 

[lovetravellingoz]

I have now been using TID for several years. Both myself and others.

Sometimes the year one, and sometimes just single trip policies depeding on my years flight plans.

I have been very happy with them and their service, including for my one claim (monkey bite in Vietnam).

Their price is great, and so far always has been discounted again as normally you can find a current promo code (just do a google) when buying.

 

[Jobu]

Does the Amex Plat Card insurance cover family members?

Cheers,

JOBU

 

[straitman]

Does the Amex Plat Card insurance cover family members?

Cheers,

JOBU

Are you refering to the Platinum Credit Card or Platinum Charge Card :?:

The Charge Card does and I think the Credit Card does but I'm not 100% sure on that.

 

[Fifa]

I have been with QBE for the last 3 years as the coverage on the annual policy is for up to 60 days each trip.

Last year I found it for 33% off and it cost me $645.21 for 2 adults and a dependent with nil excess and snow sports cover.

I have just priced the annual policy on the same website for next year and it is a whopping $1,353.40!

Qantas are offering it through their website for $1145.00 with a $100 excess.

Now I am wondering who we will use next year as we are proposing an 8 week trip to the US and TID only insure for trips up to 38 days on their annual policy.

I contacted TID last month to enquire about insurance for a trip longer than 38 days and their reply was:
"For any days of travel above the set trip limits will need to have a separate policy purchased for those particular days. The Annual Frequent Traveller policy cannot be extended in any way."

I presume the additional price would be similar to a single trip policy.
Decisions!

 

[Sprucegoose]

I found QBE 300% more expensive than TID on std t&c's !!!!

sorry QBE but no brainer

 

[haydensydney]

Can anyone share any claims experiences with TID and similarly with QBE?

It is important to compare coverage AND the insurers willingness to pay claims - afterall theres no point paying for a policy if trying to claim is like drawing blood from a stone. I believe QBE are quite good with their "grey areas" whereas some other cheaper alternatives may view those grey areas as "do not pay".

 

[Cocitus23]

Can anyone share any claims experiences with TID and similarly with QBE?

It is important to compare coverage AND the insurers willingness to pay claims - afterall theres no point paying for a policy if trying to claim is like drawing blood from a stone. I believe QBE are quite good with their "grey areas" whereas some other cheaper alternatives may view those grey areas as "do not pay".

You are dead right, haydensydney, to remind us that a low cost for a policy is meaningless if the product is no good. I was aware when I made the original post, in my euphoria over the apparent bargain, that I was really only reporting on one side of the equation. For the other side, I was relying on the recommendations of Dave Noble and Serfty. Now, too, lovetravellingoz, Fifa and Sprucegoose have all given me some comfort, and thanks to them all.

But it would certainly be good to have some more feedback from other users of Travellers Insurance Direct. Has their experience been good, indifferent or bad, and if bad, in what way? Does anyone have any regrets over having bought a TID policy?

Cocitus 23.

 

[Sprucegoose]

I found some threads which may assist with claims histroy. TID came out in good light.

I used them recently in NZ and will use them again for the US shortly.


http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/com...el-insurance-direct-discount-offer-23784.html

Travel Insurance

http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/travel-insurance/annual-travel-insurance-21314.html

cheers

SPRUCE

 

[Cocitus23]

Thanks, Sprucegoose, for hunting down those two threads. I read right through them, and they gave me comfort in my decision to have bought with TID.

Be sure that if I have a negative experience with them you will read about it here, but I don't think that will be the case, for the very good reason that I will probably not put them to the test. I have been buying these annual policies for years (from either QBE or RACV) and I simply never have cause to make a claim. I am hoping that my luck does not change.

Cocitus23.

 

[TonyB]

Does the Amex Plat Card insurance cover family members?

Cheers,

JOBU

I know that the Plat credit card covers the cardholder, their spouse and dependent children provided the travel is paid for with the card and in my experience (based on one claim last year) they pay out quickly with no trouble at all. I pay for all my travel with my AMEX and that is the only insurance cover I have when I travel (which averages 12-13 overseas trips a year).

 

[lvabarg]

i have had the misfortune of having to make a claim through Amex Platinum Travel Insurance. The underwriting company they deal with has the WORST customer service i have ever encountered. It took over 3 months to get anywhere with the claim , and in the end the only reason it was sorted was because I wrote and complained to the insurance ombudsman. i would NEVER travel without another type of travel insurance if only to avoid the frustration that arose due to their inaction and unreasonable red tape. My total claim was about $1000.

 

[RB]

i have had the misfortune of having to make a claim through Amex Platinum Travel Insurance. The underwriting company they deal with has the WORST customer service i have ever encountered. It took over 3 months to get anywhere with the claim , and in the end the only reason it was sorted was because I wrote and complained to the insurance ombudsman. i would NEVER travel without another type of travel insurance if only to avoid the frustration that arose due to their inaction and unreasonable red tape. My total claim was about $1000.

To help me evaluate things further it would be great if you could provide a few general (non-personal) details of the complications you encountered.

 

[Bunty]

I know that the Plat credit card covers the cardholder, their spouse and dependent children provided the travel is paid for with the card and in my experience (based on one claim last year) they pay out quickly with no trouble at all. I pay for all my travel with my AMEX and that is the only insurance cover I have when I travel (which averages 12-13 overseas trips a year).

Amex Platinum Charge Card (circa $990p.a.) does indeed automatically cover the cardholder, spouse and dependant children, but also the Supplementary Card holder(s) and their spouse and dependant children. Pretty good value, considering you could have several Supplementary cardholders and they could have numerous spouses/dependent children!

Also, the Platinum Amex Charge card does not require the travel (or any part of it) to be paid on the card to qualify for the travel insurance, just being an Amex Platinum Charge Card member is adequate qualification.

 

[Bunty]

i have had the misfortune of having to make a claim through Amex Platinum Travel Insurance. The underwriting company they deal with has the WORST customer service i have ever encountered. It took over 3 months to get anywhere with the claim , and in the end the only reason it was sorted was because I wrote and complained to the insurance ombudsman. i would NEVER travel without another type of travel insurance if only to avoid the frustration that arose due to their inaction and unreasonable red tape. My total claim was about $1000.

I am aware of an Amex Platinum Cardmember who claimed urgent dental work that was completed while travelling through the USA. No problems were experienced with the claim following their return.

I believe the insurer Amex uses is ACE and the claims handler is AXA.

 

[haydensydney]

I am aware of an Amex Platinum Cardmember who claimed urgent dental work that was completed while travelling through the USA. No problems were experienced with the claim following their return.

I believe the insurer Amex uses is ACE and the claims handler is AXA.

I agree - we claimed through ACE/AXA for a stolen LV jacket and we received prompt payment after completing the documentation. The whole process was far from difficult so I have no real concerns on relying on this cover in future.

 

[straitman]

i have had the misfortune of having to make a claim through Amex Platinum Travel Insurance. The underwriting company they deal with has the WORST customer service i have ever encountered. It took over 3 months to get anywhere with the claim , and in the end the only reason it was sorted was because I wrote and complained to the insurance ombudsman. i would NEVER travel without another type of travel insurance if only to avoid the frustration that arose due to their inaction and unreasonable red tape. My total claim was about $1000.

lvabarg,

Welcome to AFF.

Could you confirm that you are talking about the travel insurance associated with the Amex Platinum Credit card rather than the Platinum Charge Card :?:

 

[sandiefran]

Last year I used One Cover annual policy but the price jumped by almost $200, so this year I am covered by TID but it is only for up to 39 days per trip.

I have found that the Sydney Morning Herald has a policy - annual for couples up to 75 years, trips to 90 days = $595. To insure for our single trip of 48 days would be $786! Crazy!!!

I shall buy this one when my current one expires - the only thing is that I cannot forward purchase it - it is in effect from the day you sign up, but I am covered until mid October, with TID so will have to wait until then to take up the new cover.

Take a look at "smh.aceinsurance.com.au"

 

[themaiz]

But it would certainly be good to have some more feedback from other users of Travellers Insurance Direct. Has their experience been good, indifferent or bad, and if bad, in what way? Does anyone have any regrets over having bought a TID policy?

Cocitus 23.

I've been using TID's annual policy for a heap of years, and so far none of my trips has exceeded the policy cover for a single trip (38 days personal/90 days business). I asked about the definition of "trip", and it's pretty much as soon as you head out of town.

About two months ago I was in the US and needed to get medical attention for an allergic reaction... nothing drastic, but the treatment involved three hospital visits in two states. This is the first time I've had a claim with TID, which is handled by Mondial, and I'm really impressed:

• They confirmed within 12 hours of my submitting the first paperwork that my case was under management, and that I was covered by the policy
• To my question "have I done the right thing by going to the emergency room", the answer was "do whatever it takes".
• I got several calls from Oz to discuss the case and check how I was going - they happily phoned my US cellphone
• There was no problem getting through to a case manager or medical advisor, even in the middle of the Australian night
• The mantra is "keep receipts and make a claim"

My experience of medical treatment in the US has been universally good, with one exception (last point below). It's pretty much like you see on TV: the hospitals are overloaded, staff are overworked, but the doctors and nurses do care a lot for the 30 seconds that they can spend with you. What you don't see on TV is that, just ahead of the medicos, is a limpet-like admin person who needs every last billing detail from you before they will let go.

Mondial has an agent in New York who acts as a clearing house for paperwork and claims by US medical practitioners/hospitals. In theory, the hospital sends the bill to the agent, who then does whatever liaison is needed with Mondial, and the agent pays the US provider onshore. Since no US provider has any concept of out-of-country clients or that "insurance" might not mean a US policy, that's the sticking point. I had one bill follow me to my home address, but Mondial is going to sort that out.

Two things I can add from the experience:

* fine print: the TID policy covers you for cancelled/changed/additional airfares if you are on a trip and need to come home because of a medical emergency with family in Oz. But it DOES NOT cover you if you need to extend a trip to cover a medical emergency involving family who are at the overseas location.

* choice of provider is yours, and is important: I was directed (by a hospital, not by TID) to a "family clinic" for a check up, presumably because it was going to be cheaper than a hospital admission. First clue that I was in the wrong place for my demographic: the form which asked me to identify "how many times have you been victim of domestic violence". Aargh. Don't feel the need to go back there again. And the doctor was cough.

 

[JoanieLG]

I'm going through the exercise at the moment for a 70+ and 23 year old. One is for 6 weeks the other 3 and I need snow sports cover. I always used Toursafe which QBE has now taken over and they have gone through the roof. They had increased their cost last year and we used CHI. I found GIO travel insurance which is through Vero Insurance and coverage appears the same and costing is very reasonable. I will check TID for their cover.