Topic: Travel Insurance

Rabindra placed valuable items in his checked-in luggage because he thought that this was the safest way to transport them. When he arrived back in New Zealand his valuable items were missing. Rabindra’s travel insurance company declined his claim because it considered he had not taken “reasonable care” by placing valuable items in checked-in luggage. Was the insurance company entitled to decline his claim?

An insurer declines the travel expenses associated with a son’s return home for his father’s funeral because the father’s death was indirectly caused by a pre-existing medical condition

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.