Fair for one that buys Travel Insurance to get same treatment as one that doesn't buy the Ins.?

Question

Do you think that if a person purchases Travel Insurance and another doesn't should they get the same treatment as far as cancel penalties are concerned?

All vendors have cancel/interuption penalties. They just vary depending on the company on how strict they are. Years ago companies tended to be more lienient and feel for one who say had to cancel due to a car accident prior or had to come home early for a funeral for example. However now most of them now aren't feeling sympathetic at least when it comes towards money back. There were to many complaints of "Hey I bought Insurance for X amount, why do they get the same treatment and didn't spend that additional money for Insurance?

I have to agree. If I spent $200.00 bucks(for example)on Insurance and someone else didn't at all, but yet they were fully remebursed I would be upset! How about you?

Question is prompted because of a client of mine who had to come home early due to her Mothers death.

Fortunately she was able to get 1,800 back in unused hotel nights (due to the limited penalties), but the air was non-refundable. She had to buy a new one way ticket. She feels that even though she didn't buy insurance, due to her needing to come back for a funeral she deserves a break or compensation. She said the 3 seats were already paid for and no one in them.

Anyways, I truly feel awful anytime anyone has a tragic event happen, but that is why Insurance can be SO important. No one cancels for "no reason". It is for in case of emergencies.

Your Thoughts?

Sena, your father having travel ins. is what allowed him to get a "full refund". Less the Travel Ins. of course.

This is actually one of my clients who didn't purchase insurance, but due to what happend feels she is entitled to compensation. I just feel it isn't fair for those that bought insurance is all.

Even though I do feel for her, but I don't make the rules.

Thanks for your post! Nice to see some out there understand the importance of travel insurance.

Answer 1

How much red tape did your friend have to go through?

My father found out 3 weeks before he went on a trip that he had cancer. The travel agent told him to have the doctor fax them a verification. The doctor did, and he had a full refund( except for the travel ins cost) in a week.all he had to do was make these 2 calls.

Answer 2

If you buy a refundable ticket, you can get your money back. Problem is, nowadays, everyone is looking for the cheapest fares and that is one of the risks you take when you purchase the cheap fair 21 days in advance, or whatever. It says when you're buying the ticket that you are purchasing a non-refundable ticket.

Years ago, companies weren't really any more lenient. They just had one ticket price and not all the purchase in advance options they have now. You can still buy a full price ticket but noone really does that except business travelers as they are frequently double the price. So I guess if you want to pay more up front, you have the added security of being able to get a refund if you need to.