Topic: Travel Insurance

Is it reasonable for your travel insurer to cover costs you incur in changing your travel plans after you relinquish your New Zealand passport to the UK authorities, and do not receive it back before your scheduled return flight to New Zealand?

Bag stolen while being unpacked from a bus didn’t reach the threshold of “unattended”.

In January Mei’s unlocked flat was burgled. After claiming for burgled goods under her international student insurance policy, Mei’s claim was declined because of an exclusion clause in the policy. Mei was disappointed with this, and claimed she had not received the insurer’s policy wording or an explanation of her policy.

While travelling in the United States, Dana’s 14-year-old son consumed a large amount of alcohol, sleeping pills, and cough medicine and needed to be hospitalised. Is there cover under Dana’s travel insurance policy?

Colin was unable to travel after an adverse reaction to medication prescribed to treat a pre-existing medical condition. Was Colin covered for cancellation costs?

Julie’s mother suddenly passes away the day before she and her husband Kevin leave for Europe. Kevin and Julie read the wrong insurance policy and thought they would be covered if they cancelled their flights and rebooked for a few days’ time. When Kevin and Julie spoke to an operator from the insurance company they thought the operator affirmed they would have cover.

Tanya unexpectedly finds out she is pregnant, having been told she could not conceive naturally. Tanya and her husband Steve cancel their holiday and claim on their insurance.

Shane cancels his family’s trip when he can no longer afford to take it, after receiving a large IRD bill.

Under duress, Steve is forced to sign a credit card voucher authorising a payment of $2,500 while in a bar in Shanghai. We look into Steve’s travel insurer’s decision to decline the claim.

James and Julie had to cancel their European trip when their son’s heart condition suddenly needed surgery. Are the exclusions in the travel insurance policy clear enough for the insurer to decline to pay?