travel insurance - cancellation policy

[mhclm]

Hi there, not sure if I am on the right track but I couldn't find a specific forum for general questions on travel insurance. We are travelling to Japan in January from Australia. I am a Dutch migrant but now Australian citizen. If something would happen (between paying for our trip and the day of departure) to my elderly parents who are still in Holland, I would have to cancel our trip. I have however been unable to find a travel insurance that covers for this purpose. They all cover for sickness or death of relatives but only if they are also living in Australia. I have now tried 10 or so different policies, they all have the same rules. Do you know, or can you steer me towards, someone who has had the same problem and did find adequate insurance? Thanking you, mhclm

 

[albatross710]

Just in case you haven't already checked:

No go with Medibank Private "relatives need to be resident in Australia"

No go with Travel Insurance Direct either "relative has to be under 85 and resident in Australia"

Have you considered asking them for a variation with a possible additional fee for coverage?

 

[mhclm]

Haven't asked for a variation, wasn't aware you could do that. No company suggested it in their emails back to me though, so I am not very hopeful. Surely you would think I am not the only one with this problem!!!! Thanks for your help!!

 

[MelUser]

What about buying refundable airfares?

And having hotel reservations which allow you to cancel up to 6pm the day before?

These things all obviate the need for insurance.

 

[priti80]

Just wondered if you found a solution, we are going through the same problem at this point of time. We are going to travel for year and our family lives abroad so very unsure of what travel insurance to get.