Travel insurance

[folio]

Hi. I'm looking at the issue of travel insurance for the SMH/Age Money section. Interested in people's experiences-

Have you ever had trouble getting a claim paid out?

Have you struck the issue of 'pre-existing conditions', either when applying for travel insurance or when making a claim?

Has anyone claimed on travel insurance attached to their credit card; how did that go?

Any other issues?

Lesley Parker, contributor

 

[Raycruz]

Hi Lesley,

I joined this site today and believe it’s a good way to discuss your travel experiences and keep up with the Industry. Having many years of experience in this field, I would like to point out that cheap Insurance, Credit card insurance etc is not the way to go. If you are traveling you need to have a peace of mind that you and your family are protected. I had experience where people buying cheap insurance and credit card insurance had their claim declined. Note cheap insurance will only have basic cover with conditions which many people don’t even look at when buying the policy. All they are concerned is the price, and the only time they realize is when they make a claim which may be too late and I feel sorry for these people.

Most people take for granted that their Credit Card covers Travel Insurance and I don’t blame them because they are told by their credit card company whether it’s the Bank or Credit Union etc and again the policy is written by someone else and I won’t be surprised that these people have ever seen that policy. They only realize when they make a claim and the Insurance company denies to pay and tells them they are not covered for that particular claim.

I suggest that one should always check out the best price not a cheap price when buying the Insurance. You should always check what you are covered for in the policy. There are some Insurance companies offering great products online and its always good to speak with someone who has got experience in this field for their advice before buying Insurance.

Hope all goes well for you

Thanks and Regards
Ray

 

[codash1099]

Hi Lesley,

I joined this site today and believe it’s a good way to discuss your travel experiences and keep up with the Industry. Having many years of experience in this field, I would like to point out that cheap Insurance, Credit card insurance etc is not the way to go. If you are traveling you need to have a peace of mind that you and your family are protected. I had experience where people buying cheap insurance and credit card insurance had their claim declined. Note cheap insurance will only have basic cover with conditions which many people don’t even look at when buying the policy. All they are concerned is the price, and the only time they realize is when they make a claim which may be too late and I feel sorry for these people.

Most people take for granted that their Credit Card covers Travel Insurance and I don’t blame them because they are told by their credit card company whether it’s the Bank or Credit Union etc and again the policy is written by someone else and I won’t be surprised that these people have ever seen that policy. They only realize when they make a claim and the Insurance company denies to pay and tells them they are not covered for that particular claim.

I suggest that one should always check out the best price not a cheap price when buying the Insurance. You should always check what you are covered for in the policy. There are some Insurance companies offering great products online and its always good to speak with someone who has got experience in this field for their advice before buying Insurance.

Hope all goes well for you

Thanks and Regards
Ray

Cheap is a relative term. For a DONE4 next year I've had quotes from reputable companies ranging from $270 to about $1700. Some will cover with no penalty at age 70, others more than double it while still others simply don't cover you. Vero covered me at age 68 with a cover for asthma for $290 last year but this year it would cost me nearly $700.

 

[k_sheep]

Most people take for granted that their Credit Card covers Travel Insurance and I don’t blame them because they are told by their credit card company whether it’s the Bank or Credit Union etc and again the policy is written by someone else and I won’t be surprised that these people have ever seen that policy. They only realize when they make a claim and the Insurance company denies to pay and tells them they are not covered for that particular claim.
Ray

I've claimed on my credit card travel insurance twice (rental car accident and flight delays), both were paid out quickly and without question. YMMV of course.

 

[Raycruz]

Not many are lucky as you.

Good luck

Cheers
Ray

 

[Princess Fiona]

I have very comprehensive travel insurance cover through my trade union. I have made a successful claim for a very large rental car excess which was refunded in full and very quickly.

 

[Raycruz]

I have very comprehensive travel insurance cover through my trade union. I have made a successful claim for a very large rental car excess which was refunded in full and very quickly.

Guys I have just shared the experience with some people who's claims were rejected or were disadvantaged and my message is to check the policy before buying.

However there maybe many people who's claim were approved whether the Insurance was on Credit Card/ Union etc or someone who may have bought the cheapest cover or a free cover and didn't pay a cent for their policy and got out with massive claims with the Insurance companies. I wish them good luck.

Thank you
Ray

 

[Raycruz]

Cheap is a relative term. For a DONE4 next year I've had quotes from reputable companies ranging from $270 to about $1700. Some will cover with no penalty at age 70, others more than double it while still others simply don't cover you. Vero covered me at age 68 with a cover for asthma for $290 last year but this year it would cost me nearly $700.

You may also like to check with - >>LINK REMOVED<<


Cheers
Ray

Note from admin: I have removed the link. A simple Google search will identify many companies which offer discounted travel insurance.

 

[NM]

As this thread was started as an unanswered media request back in 2009, I am going to move the thread now to the Insurance forum as it is most unlikely the OP is monitoring or has any further interest in the matter. I believe AFF members will have an interest in the subject and it warrants discus ion in the correct forum.

 

[serfty]

Cheap insurance does not necessarily mean bad.

Someone relying on any insurance policy, whether it be a annual policy, Insurance included by use of a CC or some other product needs to fully understand the "Product Disclosure Statement" or PDS that must be provided for every policy.

This is true for any aspect of a policy, including "activation", insured events, exclusions and cover levels.

This is rather better discussed here:

• http://www.australianfrequentflyer....el-insurance-options-annual-policy-25079.html

Personally, I have do not have any reliance on CC based policies (although the Amex Platinum Charge card seems reasonable) and use an annual policy costing around $300.

 

[totalk]

Have you ever had trouble getting a claim paid out?

I have claimed against QBE Travel Insurance before, and cannot speak highly enough about their claims processing. Excellent & prompt service.

Have you struck the issue of 'pre-existing conditions', either when applying for travel insurance or when making a claim?

QBE seem to force travellers with pre-existing medical conditions to apply for cover for said pre-existing medical conditions, rather than allow the choice not to be covered.

PS - shouldn't it be existing medical condition rather than pre-existing medical condition?

 

[dfcatch]

Cheap insurance does not necessarily mean bad.

Someone relying on any insurance policy, whether it be a annual policy, Insurance included by use of a CC or some other product needs to fully understand the "Product Disclosure Statement" or PDS that must be provided for every policy.

This is true for any aspect of a policy, including "activation", insured events, exclusions and cover levels.

This is rather better discussed here:

• http://www.australianfrequentflyer....el-insurance-options-annual-policy-25079.html

Personally, I have do not have any reliance on CC based policies (although the Amex Platinum Charge card seems reasonable) and use an annual policy costing around $300.

Serfty, who do you use for your annual policy for $300?

 

[serfty]

Serfty, who do you use for your annual policy for $300?

Columbus Direct using the AFF 20% gold member discount.

 

[dfcatch]

Thanks Serfty,

I may need to upgrade my silver membership

I currently just use my CC insurance (ANZ Platinum or CBA Platinum), but always on the lookout for a more comprehensive policy.

 

[Raycruz]

Columbus Direct using the AFF 20% gold member discount.

Suggest you check the policy cover before buying and compare with other Insurance companies.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Is anyone aware of a benefit by benefit comparison with the particular exclusions noted on a benefit/ clause basis.

 

[munitalP]

I always purchase the QBE policy through Qantas when travelling (OS), always full comprehensive but always excludes existing medical conditions.

I usually pay about half serfty's premium per policy

 

[serfty]

I always purchase the QBE policy through Qantas when travelling (OS), always full comprehensive but always excludes existing medical conditions.

I usually pay about half serfty's premium per policy

$150 seems a little light for a QBE policy through qantas for two or three weeks.

My policy is annual..

I am FULLY aware of what is covered, activation and benifit limits.

Any who purchase a TI policy through a TA or an airline offering will be generally paying far more than they need to; merely lining the pockets of the TA/Airline through surprisingly large commissions.

 

[munitalP]

This is the entire policy - page 2 lists international phone numbers only

 

[serfty]

Fair enough, but that's for Asia only, the policy I purchased was a world wide policy.

FWIW, a World Wide policy purchased from QBE via Qantas for the same period of time would set you back $252. It would cover the following: https://tpos.qbe.com/qbe/QBETravel?getDoc=true&documentid=41356

Now, back to Asia. Here's a "Columbus" Quote with the AFF discount. This is for the same length of time, one month later in December, Asia only.

(Like any of these policies, the PDS needs to be read and understood before purchasing.)

Criteria:


Quote:


Now while this Columbus Asian policy does not provide as much cover as the QBE, there's sufficient to cover the needs of most people.

$79.00 or $63.20 with the AFF discount is nothing to be sneezed at.