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A ski trip goes downhill

While on a ski trip in Japan, Justin’s friend and travel companion sadly committed suicide. Justin took his friend’s ashes back to New Zealand and attended the funeral. Justin’s travel insurer denied his claim for his extra travel costs because an exclusion clause in the policy excluded cover for losses resulting from suicide. Justin thought the exclusion clause should only exclude cover for losses arising from an insured’s suicide.

Infection causers travel cancellation

Michael waited until after he had booked his trip to Europe to organise travel insurance. Michael did not disclose a recent skin infection to his insurer. A short time later Michael’s skin infection flared up requiring serious treatment. Michael had to cancel his trip but his insurer refused to cover his cancellation costs saying the condition was pre-existing. Michael complains this is unfair.

All that glisters is not gold

Did the insured take reasonable care to avoid the theft of jewellery from a locked suitcase in an unlocked room in a private guest house?

New Year’s celebrations in Thailand end in hospital

Amy was in Thailand celebrating New Year when she was admitted to hospital. Although Amy had consumed a considerable amount of alcohol medical opinion was divided about the cause of her hospital admission with pesticide poisoning or gastroenteritis also possible causes. Was the insurer right to exclude Amy’s medical expenses claim?

Be prepared to disclose all pre-existing medical conditions

Caroline and John booked an overseas trip. Before they were due to depart, John suffered a stroke and they had to cancel their trip. Their insurance company declined their claim for cancellation costs under the policy’s pre-existing medical condition exclusion clause.

Travel insurers can skip cover for skipping hearts

Karen’s daughter, Harriet, went to the United Kingdom for a year’s exchange. Prior to Harriet’s departure she suffered a cardiac arrest. Harriet left for her exchange as planned. However her travel insurance company said that any losses resulted from a heart-related event would not be covered.