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Reason #678 to appreciate this Forum- check your insurance for changes

Since the issue in the Strait there's been several comments among multiple threads regarding concerns about flight cancellations, delays, changes and insurance coverage. I got around to looking at my travel coverage this weekend and was in for quite the surprise/shock. My private health insurance which also has a non-medical travel rider has been dramatically altered since I last looked at it about 18 months ago. While I'm still covered for the all-important emergency medical coverage, my insurance has completely eliminated non-medical travel coverage such as trip interruption, lost luggage etc.

Then I moved on to what my credit card covers, and while it still has non-medical coverage it has severely cut that back. For example, if I were to get stranded away from home due to a flight cancellation or delay my coverage has dropped from $250/day up to a maximum of $2500, to $150/day with a 2 day maximum.

Both plans keep the coverage in a grey area of what is considered an act of war and if fuel shortages would be covered. To be honest, I'm not that concerned about the lack of non-medical coverage for myself, but if were to happen to someone like my kids who are just getting started in the adult world, it could be financially devastating. It's a good wake up call to keep on top of your coverage before every trip because you may not be in a good state of mind to understand it when you're in a stressful situation.

Posted by
3981 posts

Good reminder, Allan. I've been surprised by some recent forum posts by people who don't read any of the details, they'd be hard pressed in a stressful situation to even know where to begin. For myself, I am going to add "audit travel insurance coverage" to my pre-trip checklist, especially since I recently changed credit cards.

Posted by
523 posts

@ Allan

Your alert is astute and wise.

You and I have the political and legal systems that are remarkably similar.

I think additionally, there is a legal principle that it is wise for one to be aware of: Force majeure.

Here is a Canadian Government paper which was prepared after Covid had affected all manner of contractual arrangements.
https://opo-boa.gc.ca/forcemajeure-eng.html

Most interactions in our daily life involve contracts, both formal and informal. In travel our transport arrangement and insurances are formal and backed by legislation, international agreements and conventions and case law decisions. As are credit cards.

Just offered as an example to widened knowledge in this area. The information on the doctrine of frustration might be worth knowing.

The paper has this disclaimer: This study is not legal advice and should not be relied on as legal advice. Any such reliance will be at the sole risk of the user.

Regards Ron

Posted by
3588 posts

It's a good wake up call to keep on top of your coverage before every trip

Allan, Thanks for the reminder. My Medjet annual policy expires in August. My Italy trip is in September. Not only do I need to renew, but, because I'm now 75 when Medjet's application and coverage changes, I need to compare it with medical evac companies like AirMed. He-who-shall-not-be named's war may be changing medial and security evac coverage.

Posted by
33 posts

Do insurers have an obligation to notify customers about changes to their coverage?