PSA Be sure you know travel insurance exclusions

[mystang52]

I'm sure there's more to the story, but this article describes a tragic accident to a British tourist in Thailand, and the travel insurer's refusal to pay for medical treatment due to the woman's "reckless behavior." She severely injured her neck and the Thailand hospital apparently won't operate without prepayment, and the family is looking to fund a special air ambulance to get her home.


https://www.foxnews.com/travel/tourist-stranded-in-thailand-and-may-never-walk-again-after-diving-into-pool



Years ago I had a 100% covered claim for trip cancellation, and even then the insurer had me jump through hoops before they paid. In this case, the exclusions (presuming the story is accurate) could cost this woman and family huge amount of money, never mind the delay in critical treatment. Another caveat to read any trip insurance policy very carefully, especially the exclusions.

 

[Teacher Terry]

My friend had cancer which became terminal before our trip and he was too sick to go. The wife couldn’t go without him because she had Alzheimer’s. We all had trip insurance and he never collected. They kept saying they never received the letter from the doctor although I faxed it and mailed it numerous times. I gave up and his son dealt with it but last I knew never collected.

 

[Sunset]

My friend had cancer which became terminal before our trip and he was too sick to go. The wife couldn’t go without him because she had Alzheimer’s. We all had trip insurance and he never collected. They kept saying they never received the letter from the doctor although I faxed it and mailed it numerous times. I gave up and his son dealt with it but last I knew never collected.

It would be hard for them to deny getting a registered letter as someone has to sign for it.

But the quickest way for an insurance company to increase profit and the workers to get bonuses is to not pay out any money.

 

[Teacher Terry]

My friend died 3 years ago and I lost contact with his son.

 

[candrew]

But the quickest way for an insurance company to increase profit and the workers to get bonuses is to not pay out any money.

+1

Unfortunately, there are some insurers that will outright deny a claim expecting that the policyholder will accept the decision, even if the company should pay out.

In the case of this particular incident, it seems that the mere act of engaging in swimming activities is not specifically excluded in the policies of the insurer, Insure and Go. The young lady claims that she misjudged the depth of the pool where she dived in.

But as the OP indicated, the devil is in the details when it comes to making certain of policy exclusions.

 

[mystang52]

OP here. The possible reason I finally got paid on my claim years ago was two-fold. I worked in the insurance industry so know about coverages, claims etc. And, as luck would have it I had a business trip with a layover in Denver (where the insurer was located). I told the insurer I would be personally stopping by the Colorado Insurance Department, and that I suspected such a visit from an insurer Vice President of Claims would likely spur some investigation. Got the check within a week.
Another effective technique is calling your local Congressperson for assistance.

 

[COcheesehead]

My in laws took a cruise on the Croatian coast. My MIL fell and broke her leg. They were transferred off ship to a hospital in Dubrovnik. She stayed there for several days and had to have a medical escort to fly back home. The bill totaled over $60,000. My FIL told us because he had trip insurance, his out of pocket was $500.

 

[brett]

We view out of country medical as the biggest financial risk that we have. We are both in our late sixiites and relatively healthy.

The one thing that we have noticed when shopping for insurance is the easier to get, the more expensive it is and the less the coverage is. Especially those policies that are sold be travel vendors. Most of the salespeople have not even read the T's and C's. Their focus is on commission earned.

 

[candrew]

We view out of country medical as the biggest financial risk that we have. We are both in our late sixiites and relatively healthy.

I think you'll find travel insurance nearly impossible to purchase at age ≥70. Certain Medigap plans offer a 50K lifetime travel medical benefit, though.

 

[jimnjana]

I think you'll find travel insurance nearly impossible to purchase at age ≥70. Certain Medigap plans offer a 50K lifetime travel medical benefit, though.

No this is not the case. Have to know pre existing conditions exclusions which might impact some provider choices.

 

[PandaBear]

I purchased travel insurance for my mom and myself (she’s 83). Pre existing conditions covered when you purchase within 2 weeks of The first travel expense. I also purchased medical which was primary (not secondary).

I felt the cost was quite reasonable for the peace of mind.

 

[easysurfer]

When I went on a cruise a few years ago and thought about travel insurance, there was so much fine print that I didn't understand, I passed on the travel insurance and got medjet type insurance instead to get me back to a preferred hospital near home. I didn't have use, so can't speak about actual experience of that, but at least the coverage seemed more upfront and understandable to me.