Topic: Travel Insurance

While Graeme was on holiday in India he underwent emergency surgery for a detached retina. Once he returned to New Zealand Graeme required a second surgery to further restore his vision. Graeme’s travel insurance covered his medical treatment in India but did not cover the cost of the second surgery in New Zealand.

While overseas you go to a busy restaurant. You sit down, order and place your handbag on the table. After enjoying your meal, you notice that your handbag is gone. You report the theft immediately to local authorities and notify your insurer and bank. Your insurance claim for the money in your handbag is declined because the money was not ‘on your person’ at the time of the theft. Is this fair?

While Andrew and Penny were on a cruise they both fell ill and were quarantined on the ship for 5 days. Their claim for medical costs was declined because both Andrew and Penny were aged over 75 years.

While travelling back from Australia, Sally discovers her jewellery is missing from her handbag. FSCL weighs the evidence and decides John and Sally’s travel insurance claim to replace the jewellery should not be upheld.

While on holiday in Thailand, Eric’s tooth fell out. Eric received dental treatment in Thailand. Upon his return Eric made a claim to his insurer for his dental treatment. However, his insurance company declined his claim.

You have complimentary travel insurance with your credit card, but the length of your trip exceeds the policy’s maximum 35 day limit on cover. You change your flights for health reasons and re-book to be away for less than 35 days, but the insurer declined your claim for the change costs. Is the insurer able to do this?

Whilst on a cruise in the United States, Barry became ill. Barry incurred hefty medical bills for his overseas treatment. He made a claim to his travel insurance company for his medical bills. However, his claim was declined.

Damage to bike not covered by insurance policy because the bike was not transported in a hard case as required by the policy.

You crack your tooth on a hard piece of lobster shell while on your cruise and suffer through the next few days before returning home. Once at home you see your dentist and they complete a root canal on the injured tooth. Your dentist bills you $1,900 for the procedure and you claim for the cost under your travel insurance. Can your policy respond?

Fred has routine prostate surgery and then suffers unexpected post-operative bleeding. As a result Fred and his wife are unable to travel to Australia and submit a claim to their travel insurance company for cancellation costs which is declined on the basis of an exclusion clause about pre-existing medical conditions.