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Holiday Cancellation Insurance

Discussion in 'Finance, Property, Law' started by wg100, Oct 25, 2006.

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  1. wg100

    wg100 War Hero

    Can anybody point me to an insurer which will provide holiday cancellation cover in the event that your R&R flight doesn't make it back?
    I'm due to fly out at the end of December, and I'm concerned that snow might have an impact on getting out of theatre.
    The insurers I've looked at so far, only allow flight cancellation as part of a package holiday deal.

    Many Thanks
     
    wg100, Oct 25, 2006
    #1
  2. The_Duke

    The_Duke LE Moderator

    wg100,

    It depends what you are trying to get insurance for. Cancellation cover is for the financial loss you suffer in the event that you are unable to go on holiday for reasons outside of your control.

    If you were in the UK, and had booked a holiday but had to cancel due to a death in the family for instance, the insurance will pay for any part of your holiday cost which you still have to pay.

    If you intend to book a holiday to take during your R&R I would advise that you get it confirmed in writing that failure to return for R&R on time will constitute a valid reason for cancellation. I think you will struggle to find anyone who will offer it, because we know it is likely to happen!

    If you are looking for a cash claim because your 14 day R&R becomes 8 days because of delays, you are not going to get insurance for it because there is no financial loss to you.

    From bitter experience, if you want to go on holiday during your R&R get home and then get straight onto teletext, expedia or similar and pick up a next day departure - you have no chance of missing it then!

    Duke
     
    The_Duke, Oct 25, 2006
    #2
  3. wg100

    wg100 War Hero

    I am looking to book a holiday over the New Year period (package, going with a group of mates). I've allowed up to four days for the RAF to screw up, so I am pretty much at the mercy of the weather.

    I am looking for insurance to cover the cost (which has to be paid at the beginning of December) in the event that the airport here is snowed in.
    I'd say that an airport being closed due to snow, therefore preventing me from getting back to the UK and starting my holiday is a reason beyond my control...

    Any ideas? Or am I flogging a dead horse?
     
    wg100, Oct 25, 2006
    #3
  4. The_Duke

    The_Duke LE Moderator

    wg100,

    You need to check the specific wording of the travel insurance product you are looking at. One type of exclusion would be:

    "The insurers shall not be liable to pay for:
    • any claims attributed to any condition or set of circumstances known to the insured person at the time of booking a trip, where such condition or set or circumstances could reasonably have been expected to give rise to cancellation or curtailment of a trip,"

    Insurers would probably consider that the delay in returning for R&R would fall under the exclusion above, in that it is reasonable to expect that the requirements of the service, flight delays etc mean that it is not possible to guarantee yout R&R dates. You could argue the case, but I would not advise taking out insurance on the basis that you will argue about the claim at the time it comes.

    I would suggest that you compare various travel products and look for the one with the most user friendly cancellation clauses, and then press them for a specific agreement in writing. You might find some that will cover it. Feel free to PM me and I will advise on the wordings if I can, but it is advice only and the ultimate decision must be yours!

    Also check with your Chief Clerk - the army have repaid my holiday cost before because I was unable to get insurance because of this reason, and I had to cancel because of a sudden deployment. I cannot advise on that one, as I am not sure of the regulations.

    Duke
     
    The_Duke, Oct 25, 2006
    #4
  5. ViroBono

    ViroBono LE

    There are a number of insurers who provide specific cancellation cover for 'the exigencies of HM Armed Forces'. However, whilst this would provide cover if an individual was posted or deployed at short notice, I doubt it would extend to cover a delay caused by delays to AT flights.

    The exclusions below are the ones insurers are likely to use - the example is from an insurer claiming to be a forces' specialist - but I can't think of any policy that doesn't feature it:

    I suspect that the insurer would argue that cancellation due to a delayed mil flight could be declined as it would be a loss consequential to hostilities.
     
    ViroBono, Oct 25, 2006
    #5
  6. fashionqueen

    fashionqueen Swinger

    I did once find an insurer who covered forces personnel, if they were called up to do unexpected duty. however im not sure if that would cover you returning from somewhere/if that would count.

    I cant remember who it was, but it was a normal civvi company, someone like norwich union, direct line etc.

    What about naafi insurance?
     
    fashionqueen, Nov 1, 2006
    #6
  7. Forces_Financial

    Forces_Financial Old-Salt

    Fashionqueen

    You’re right, Forces Financial do have excellent travel insurance that includes the added benefit of cover against the event of military call up, something that is not traditionally covered by civilian travel insurance. However, we did check out this particular dilemma when it was originally posted and, unfortunately, we are unable to extend the insured perils under the cancellation section to include the delay or cancellation of an R&R flight.


    Forces Financial is a trading name of Stuart Harvey Insurance Brokers Limited who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registration number 301858. Registered Office: Globe House, 24 Turret Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 1DL
     
    Forces_Financial, Nov 6, 2006
    #7
  8. ViroBono

    ViroBono LE

    Have Close Brothers sold NAAFI Financial?
     
    ViroBono, Nov 6, 2006
    #8
  10. Forces_Financial

    Forces_Financial Old-Salt

    Hi ViroBono

    Follow the Forces Financial link at the top of this thread and on the Finance Forum homepage to read about recent developments.


    Forces Financial is a trading name of Stuart Harvey Insurance Brokers Limited who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registration number 301858. Registered Office: Globe House, 24 Turret Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 1DL
     
    Forces_Financial, Nov 7, 2006
    #9