Help Travel Insurance Problem

[canasta]

We have annual worldwide travel insurance which has covered all our existing conditions at no extra charge and which, up to now we have never used.

WE booked a cruise about three weeks ago which leaves on 18th June. I have developed a chest infection for which I am taking antibiotics and a short course of steroids. When we informed our insurers they asked for a further £168 to continue the cover. We have no other trips planned. When my husband protested they suspended my cover and i have 24 hours to decide whether to pay up or go through the med screening and set it back up when I am better.

Even though the policy has been cancelled for me apparently the amount we have paid for the cruise is covered if I am still ill and unable to travel.

Is it worth paying the money now and having continuous cover or waiting till I am better and reapplying for the insurance?
I have about an hour to decide..Help

[arwyn]

As your in a hurry it would take too much time to look at your options.

Your ages and your medical history would all need to be known.

[jno]

this sounds odd. If you were already covered before you booked the holiday, then you're insured. I'd be surprised if there was anything in the T&C saying "We reserve the right to double the premiums if you get sick" since, er, that's what you're already insured against.

[Hymie]

I would agree with jno – the insurance premium will have taken into account of the fact that you might become ill at anytime during the insured period, when deciding the cost of the insurance.

I would suggest you complain to the insurer, and if you get nowhere elevate that matter to the financial ombudsman. I would expect the financial ombudsman to take a very dim view of the insurance company unilaterally voiding your policy for no good reason.

In relation to ensuring that you have adequate insurance cover for the cruise; you have a couple of options:-
Pay the requested additional premium (under duress) – with the full expectation that it will be refunded following your complaint.
Take out alternate (equivalent) cover with another insurer – and claim the cost of this cover from your insurer.

Given that the insurance ombudsman would reasonably expect you to minimise costs – you should select the cheaper of the options.