Steve,
Help! Here is my dilemma… I am scheduled to leave in 5 weeks for a 3 week trip. I paid my Initial Deposit on April 10, 2012 and my trip is paid in full. My brother was just diagnosed with brain cancer. What are my options since I may have to cancel my trip? I don’t want to lose the $3000 I paid. In addition, are there any plans that will cover me if my brother passes away before or during the trip because of his pre-existing medical condition? Mary F. in California.
Hi Mary,
I’m sorry to hear about your brother.
Since your initial trip deposit date was on April 10, 2012 and your trip is paid in full, I do not know of travel insurance plans that will absolutely guarantee you, in writing, that your claim will be paid for trip cancellation or trip interruption coverage for anything related to your brother’s illness. That includes his death.
The reason is because Travel Insurance just covers “Listed Unforeseen Events”.
What does “Listed Unforeseen Events” mean?
This means that if the event’s not specifically named as a covered reason, you won’t have a payable claim. Or, put another way: a travel insurance plan only covers you for the perils or events that are listed in its Description of Coverage. If it’s not listed (or specifically excluded) it’s not covered.
What does “Unforeseen” mean?
Unforeseen means: Situations or losses that result from sudden and unforeseen conditions or events. Travel insurance does not cover conditions or events that, on the date of purchase, are known to You. If something happens that was expected which results in a claim, your claim will not be paid. It’s like wanting to buy Fire Insurance when your house is on fire.
Unforeseen is especially important when you want to cover a Pre-Existing Medical Condition. That’s because the claim will probably be denied if there’s not “a turn for the worse”. In other words, if the person with the pre-existing condition has already had “a turn for the worse” prior to you buying your travel insurance, there won’t be any coverage.
You can go here to see more about What Travel Insurance Doesn’t Cover (Exclusions): http://www.tripinsurancestore.com/travel-insurance-exclusions/
If someone tells you that you will be covered, I suggest you have them put it in writing.
I hope this makes sense. If you want the right travel insurance advice, call us at 1-888-407-3854 and we'll help you figure it all out.
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