Jul 18, 2008 2:44 pm US/Pacific
Travel Insurance Doesn't Salvage Sunken Plans
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) ―
Doug and Marie Johnson have traveled the world and were looking forward to a European cruise.
But Doug developed a lung problem and his doctor said he shouldn't travel.
"He said, 'I really suggest you not go, period,'" said Marie.
Fortunately, the Johnsons had travel insurance. They booked their $7,500 trip through Grand Circle Travel, paying an extra $760 for the insurance through Trip Mate.
"We thought, 'Thank God we bought the insurance policy. At least we don't lose all our money,'" said Marie.
Marie called Trip Mate to cancel, "I told them I wanted a refund in cash and they actually laughed at me."
She says they claimed Doug must have had a pre-existing condition.
Our sister station in Sacramento called Trip Mate and they issued a statement, saying, in part, "The Johnsons were subject to an exclusion for loss due to a pre-existing condition...additional information was needed to process their claim."
A week after the call, the Johnsons got a full refund, minus the cost of the trip insurance. Doug and Marie are pleased.
So what can you do to "insure" your trip goes smoothly?
Our travel expert says a good policy waives the pre-existing medical condition clause if you pay within 3 days of your final trip payment.
Also, make sure the policy covers more than just the main cities on your itinerary. If you get hurt on a side trip, you want protection.
And the policy should have a bankruptcy clause in case the carrier goes out of business.
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