Yesterday we chatted with one of our travelers from Minnesota. She questioned the validity of travel insurance. While traveling in a remote area in Egypt, her husband became ill. They immediately consulted a doctor, who diagnosed a bad case of Covid. The doctor suggested they NOT go to a rural hospital, but hire a nurse and stay in their hotel room. They called their insurer (not the one we recommend); hold time was very long on a US cell phone. They followed the doctor’s advice.
On return, the couple filed a claim for expenses, with their travel insurer. The claim was denied. Our company was not part of that situation or that trip. However we know that travel insurance has rules. If you make decisions outside of written rules in the policy. You risk not being paid. Unfortunately the twosome did not have an agent to help them.
Here is what we did with 2 travelers. The two ladies live in Miami. A hurricane was imminent; but the flight departures from Africa showed as normal. They went to the airport with our group transfer. Their flights were then cancelled. They called the insurer; they held for 20+ minutes again on a US cell phone. They decided on their own to switch to a flight to New York. Our insurer denied their claim. They did not have ‘permission’ to change flights; but their flight was cancelled??? We showed the insurer their cell phone bill proving 20+ minutes hold time crying for help. We proved the imminent weather crisis. The claim was paid, minus hotel night costs in New York.
If you are investing $thousands in a trip, review the insurance and small print up front. If you need ‘permission’ call the insurer, get it verbally and keep their name for a follow up email.
Here is a simple way to respond to some claims. Write down why you are canceling and/or have claimable expenses. Find the exact sentence in your policy that addresses your claim.
List each applicable sentence. Put your proof below it. Examples below:
1—For travel delay, the policy says you must have left home. Answer: here is my taxi receipt to the airport and my paper airline boarding pass from a check in agent at the airport. Delay time: here is my new ticket showing a 24 hour delay.
2—My flight was cancelled. Answer: Here is a photo of the cancellation departures board at the airport and the cancellation text notice in my phone. Of course this means you need to add your cell number to your airline profile.
3—Expenses due to weather delays; let’s say you missed your flight due to a tornado? Answer Include a newspaper headline. In my case one delay was due to a volcanic eruption. I shared a dated newsletter headline and Delta weather warning.
Here are my expenses: Answer 1. taxis 2. hotel 3. cell phone usage ( if overseas). 4. meals if any. Expenses fall within the allowable amount on my policy which are xxxx. Here are receipts numbered according.
Now mail it certified mail even if sent by email. If email, list every item included and ask for confirmation of receipt.
We hope this guideline is helpful. Travel Tips from The Women’s Travel Group, award winning small group tours for women.
Contact us at 646 309 5607 or by email. We are still booking for Santa Fe and a few other tours.
