need to cancel trip/airfare

Start the claim when you cancel the air.

Take care Paul! I know you were looking forward to this trip! Hoping you'll be able to reschedule for a time sooner rather than later.

Sharon

Paul,
So sorry...

It's unfortunate that you'll have to postpone your trip for now...

I'd suggest you call the travel insurance & find out how to proceed.
You may need a note from your doctor or surgeon verifying your inability to travel at this time.

May your surgery go well, & may you recover quickly & completely, so you can go on your trip soon :)

Thank you for the sentiments. Yes, we were so looking forward to getting away and visiting our favorite places again.

Just thought someone may have gone through this recently.

I printed out the forms. Filled out my parts, which included every dr. appt., and result of such, for the last 180 days. Names, addresses, etc. for all doctor visits. Glad I'm very organized! Need the doctor / surgeon to fill out their parts. I'll call. I do need to cancel the flights though.

Good luck with it all, Paul! You'll be back in the swing soon!

Paul,

Bought Travel Guard Platinum trip ins. Only out of pocket/non refundable cost is the airfare, r/t NY to Munich in Premium Economy.

I don't understand why Travel Guard won't reimburse you for the cost of the flight (?)

Here's another thought...

Ask the airline if they can credit the $ for a future flight.
The airline may be able to do this due to your medical reason...It's worth a try!

You may consider writing to the airline's customer relations department, explaining your circumstances, & you may get a partial credit for a future flight.

So sorry, Paul. Having to cancel a trip is so tough. We had to cancel flights to Europe at the very last minute (medical situation after boarding) and the airline gave us a credit for the amount we paid, to be used within a year, I think. It's been several years, so I can't remember the exact details, but I thought the airlines were very fair. (How often do we get to say that?).

Priscilla,

I didn't mean to imply Travel Guard wouldn't reimburse us. We haven't filed a claim yet. I just found out that I wouldn't be able to take the trip and was wondering if anyone else had done this recently.

Nancy,

I don't believe I've ever heard that sentence about an airline!

I don't think heis saying the insurance will not reimburse. The only expenses travel insurance will cover are non-refundable ones which you have already paid " out of pocket.". In Paul's case that is only the airfare---apparently he can cancel other arrangements ( lodging, etc.) without penalty.

I just hope this won't be viewed as a "pre-existing condition" or if itis, that you bought the travel insurance within the applicable window---generally around 14 days after incurring the first non-refundable expense.

Yes, we do have the pre-existing ins. We paid for the insurance 1 day after buying the airfare.
We were staying at places we have stayed many times before, so no deposits were required. The car, that's through gemut.com, so that is refundable.

I'm sorry that this is happening to you, Paul. Keep looking forward and not back.

You and your wife are very lucky that you are so organised. Want to come and take care of my paperwork?

OK, sounds like you are all set with a valid claim.

The only personal experience I can relate is that we did two trips---New Zealand and UK/Italy ---while my husband was facing hernia surgery. It was not urgent but there was a possibility of it turning bad ( incarcerated) at any point so we made sure our trips were insured. Then he scheduled the surgery for a time when it fit our other plans. The procedure was day surgery and he recovered quickly with minimal discomfort. I wish the same good outcome for you!

Lola,
That's about the exact same scenario we have. Thank you for relaying the story and the well wishes. Right now it is maybe a 35 minute operation. Dr suggested it wouldn't be a good idea to travel with bags and especially since my wife needs a wheelchair.

Nigel,
No thank you... I can barely keep up with ours! Since my wife has many problems, I started keeping a running log on our iPads (it's all shared between our two iPads). I make notes either at or immediately after each doctor appt., etc. Now it's simple... date, dr's name, reason for going and diagnosis, prescriptions if ordered. Very handy.

Wait, on second thought... how am I getting to you and where are we staying? If it's paid for...
See you in two months LOL.

Although it was for a different type claim (we had an injury and medical expenses while out of the country) we had no problem getting reimbursed. We just called Travel Guard, explained the situation, and they walked us through the claims procedure. The documentation they required was not at all unreasonable. I'd suggest calling them and seeing what they need for the reimbursement.

Hello Paul,

My apologies... I misunderstood what I read on your post... My brain focused on the word, "non refundable", & then it tried to find some solutions.

Anyway, it sounds like you've received some helpful answers.

Wishing you the best on your surgery & recovery!

Thank you all for the replies, help and good wishes.