Topic: Travel Insurance

Ken had to return home early from a trip to Peru because his mother died. She was 82 and had dementia. Ken claimed insurance for the cost of curtailment. His claim was denied on the basis that his mother’s dementia was a pre-existing medical condition. Ken claimed that when he booked the travel, some 6 months earlier, he could have no idea that his mother would pass away during the three weeks he was away.

Gerry applied for a visa online for his trip to India. He received a reply which stated his ‘application’ was confirmed. Gerry had received a similar response for his visa to Bhutan so thought he had all the necessary documentation. Gerry was denied permission to board his flight in Abu Dhabi because he didn’t have a valid visa for India. He claimed insurance for the costs of having to stay in Abu Dhabi for an additional 4 nights, and rebooking a new flight.

John and Beryl had to cancel their $40,000 South American cruise when Beryl fell ill. The couple’s insurer only reimbursed them $20,000 because of a cancellation limit in their insurance policy. Was the insurer entitled to do this?

A person mistakenly takes the wrong bag from a baggage carousel. Is there insurance cover?

Should an exclusion clause for suicide allow an insurer to decline cover when a family member unexpectedly kills himself?

Pavati is pregnant and is told to have surgery on her varicose veins, while in India. Were the surgery and flight-change costs covered by an insurance policy?

Aja’s work travel was covered by her employer’s group insurance policy. Whilst overseas Aja needed monthly check-ups (and prescriptions) for ADHD and claimed the expenses under her insurance policy. The insurer declined the claim saying a number of exclusion clauses applied. Aja disputed the declinature.

Leonie doesn’t wear her rings during flights because her fingers swell; she keeps them in a black pouch in her handbag instead. Should her travel insurer pay out when the rings go missing?

Darshan was holidaying overseas when was told that his dog was ill. In order to ensure his dog was okay, Darshan flew home and resumed his trip at a later date. Can Darshan claim insurance for this interruption?

Kurt’s insurer declines his claim for lost income, because he made an ACC claim. Did the insurer interpret the policy exclusion correctly?