Travel insurance

I have had the very unfortunate experience of an Allianz policy which I now find is Tower. I had a medical emergency last Thursday and am alone in a Canadian hospital. Despite my pain I have decided while I lay in bed to warn others off Tower insurance and its brands.

Here is what they don't tell you when they take your money -

1. what is the average time it takes to approve a claim? This is impt as until they approve it it is still in what they call "review" and up till then you are entitled to NOTHING. This is the period you have to pay for yourself. You need credit card cover and cash resources for this time. Doctor fees are separate to hospital fees and they do not accept credit card.

I have been gaslighted on this question and still don't know the answer. In my case its been six days to get this "review" done. There is only question they have to check - did you have pre existing conditions?. Despite the seemingly easiness of this to prove it has taken 6 days to get this approval and it does not include approval to have surgery which is scheduled for me for tomorrow. I have had to borrow money in the interim to pay doctors fees thus far.

2. What is the cover in NZ over weekends and holidays? I can tell you there is none. It gives Allianz which is operated from a call centre in Australia the perfect excuse to do nothing. Every day I got told that technical approval had to come from New Zealand. However the NZ ers were never there. What is technical approval? I never found out.

3. Will I have a case manager? Well my claim letter last Friday said Jason - whom incidentally was never there and I don't believe I have ever spoken to. I have however spoken to a range of others who have no responsibility to help as its not their case.

4. Will my case manager be proactive? I asked and asked for them to call me but never got a call. Nothing ever appeared to be done unless I phoned to follow up - all I got was I am escalating this to my manager.

5. Will the people I deal with have empathy? Well in my experience these people have no idea what it is like to be seriously ill, alone in an overseas country and stressed over paying bills because they couldn't be bothered to process the claim within reasonable time. I have already had to borrow money and I cannot be released until the bills are paid. Do they realise the stress and distress this causes? No is the answer and they dont care.

Isn't the reason you pay for travel insurance is - to avoid all this - the stress and cost of getting sick? To feel you are in good hands and cared for? These people just dont get it.

A couple of times I have asked them if they know what it is like but they continued on their hardnosed not my fault explanations.

My policy provides for an accompanying person for me but they refuse to provide any approval for that or even answer the questions asked days ago. Anything to increase corporate profit hey Tower and not fulfill the contract you sold me.

What is written on paper is not what you get. I now cannot progress with urgent surgery as the insurance company hasn't given approval. This situation STINKS. So I lie here distressed and in pain waiting for the insurance in their own good time get to my file. I wait alone and upset because they haven't approved anyone to help me despite it being covered in my policy. They require all covalescing expenses to be approved in advance but haven't given for that approval either. So here I am, not knowing whether I am having surgery, where I go after this, or have anyone to help me ALL because of an insurance company that lied to me as to what service it really provides. It's not the words on the paper that count. They mean NOTHING. It's the actions that count. And this company's lack of action is just making me sicker. Avoid TOWER travel insurance at all costs. If anyone can help me with this. Please comment below.

I'm writing this as I am approaching a very important anniversary in my life

7 years ago, my husband and I were off to Seattle to venture on a family cruise. My parents, sister and BIL were all going to meet up on embarkation day but my husband and i decided to visit Seattle a couple of days earlier

We got to Seattle and had dinner and went to bed. The next morning, we intended to take on the Space Needle. We never made it.

My husband collapsed in our AirBnB. With some fast thinking i called 911 and stated CPR at the dispatchers urgence. I had no idea what i was doing but the EMT got there within minutes. Come to find out my husband had a massive heart attack and was defibbed twice in the field before they got a pulse and got him in the ambulance.

An emergency cath lab experience and 3 stents later, his first day of emergency care was billed to our insurance company at over $250K. He spent 5 days in ICU and 3 more in step- down. Now here's where the insurance kicked in.

My mom called the insurance company immediately to tell them what happened. They immediately cancelled our cruise for me, my husband and my parents without question. We all insisted my sister and BIL still go, so they did.

Their medical team reached out to me. They were so helpful in navigating everything for me while my husband was intubated and unconscious and in critical condition. They coordinated care with the hospital to ensure my husband's care was well taken care of. They reviewed the hospital's records daily on my husband's treatment (with my consent) and consumed with the doctors to make sure nothing was missed. They called me every day to check in, see how i was doing and get updates about my husband. When my husband finally woke up, extubated, and recovering and went to step- down, the insurance medical team coordinated his upcoming discharge plans. They told me they would arrange an RN with oxygen if it was needed (thank goodness it wasn't) and a wheelchair escort upon getting to the airport on our way home. When we left the hospital and went to a hotel for a couple of days before returning home, the medical team continued to check in. Never did they abandon me. That comfort alone was with more than the cost of the insurance alone.

Once we got home and the medical bills began to roll in, with each payment we made, receipts were turned in and the insurance reimbursed us every last penny without question or hassle.

The point is, for a small percentage of your trip, the insurance is priceless on so many levels of G-d forbid you need it. Hopefully you'll never experience the hell we went through, but 7 years later my husband is in better shape now than he had been in 25 years.

UPDATE: Thanks to the many people who have offered kind words about my husband. Much appreciated!

For those that want to know where I went for insurance, I don't want to put the company in this post for fear it'll get flagged and removed. However, I responded many times to individuals in comments below the process I used. 😊😊

I know this is a drum that everyone beats on this sub, but just adding this here for extra motivation for everyone.

Before our cruise a few weeks ago, my son had a cold. It was fairly minor and he was recovering just fine so I didn't think much of it when we were embarking. A few days into the cruise his cold turned into post-nasal drip which turned into a pretty nasty cough which was getting worse and worse. At a certain point I became concerned that it may be turning into something serious and so had no choice but to take him to the ship medical center.

At the medical center he was examined, the doctor thought he may be developing bronchitis and prescribed him an antibiotic and a cough suppressant. The final charge for the exam, medications, etc.? $482.

I knew the cost of medical procedures on the ship was quite high and was prepared for this just in case, however we also had travelers insurance + medical for this eventuality.

When we came home I filed the claim and within 2 days $432 was deposited into my bank account ($482 - $50 copay). No muss, no fuss, no tears. I sent them the paperwork, and they immediately approved the claim.

That's all. Just came here to say: I hope you never need the medical center on a ship (although they're all qualified and it feels just like any medical center you'd go to), but just in case: get travelers insurance. It's worth it!

Did everyone else know this already?

My luggage was delayed on a flight. I didn't pack any spare clothing or underwear in my carryon, and I literally smelt like someone who just got off an overnight flight!

So I had to go buy myself some clothing. I actually bought really nice stuff - all brand names, expensive underwear etc because of the area I was staying in. I also bought a full set of toiletries. I spent over $400.

Anyway I decided to try to claim it on my travel insurance and the entire cost was covered. Nice!

I guess this is actually what travel insurance is for, but I've had bags delayed so many times and i never realised they would pay for this.

Maybe some of you also don't know, so I wanted to share!

I am going to travel to the US for a couple of days as a Canadian, and I have a basic credit card that states it covers travel insurance, the CIBC Aventura. I am not completely sure of what exactly it covers. Do I need to purchase any additional travel insurance? I feel like it is a waste of money for any baggage or flight insurance, but medical insurance seems like it may be worth it.

Depending on your trip, you may not need any additional insurance or you may have items covered under the credit card you purchased your airfare with. Each trip is obviously unique and you’d have to decide your level of comfort. What happens if you have a health emergency outside if your home country? Are you going somewhere remote enough to require medical evacuation coverage?

I’m not a travel insurance expert or agent…I’m simply a traveler. Over the years, I’ve purchased my share of policies that can be inexpensive and provide piece of mind. Other trips, the insurance with my credit card is enough. If a separate policy is purchased, I normally store it digitally but also write down the contract number and main phone line on paper to put somewhere in my bag.

It may not be an exciting or glamorous part of travel, but it can be a very important part.

Edit: if you are unfamiliar with travel insurance and the different types, that provides an overview.

My wife and myself had fully paid for flights and accommodation to Vanuatu for a friends wedding however the day before we were set to leave the airline went into voluntary liquidation. We had paid for insurance but they have a policy stating they will not pay in the case of an airline going into financial hardship which puts us 3k in the hole with what seems like no chance of getting any money recovered. Has anyone been in any situations like this before? Or have any ideas on recovering any sort of cost?

Hey, I'm really sick in Ubud currently. A doctor came to my hotel room. Some kind of bad flu. They're offering intravenous treatment...should I accept? I got it in an emergency/life or death situation in Thailand in 2012 and was fine but I'm sketched out. Should I be? I'm supposed to check out of my hotel in Ubud today and go north but this is bad. I can barely walk.

Any advice? Traveling alone

EDIT: What is corditex? Struggling with Google to find out what it is. Also, sorry for any typos or confusing writing (I'm doing my best), and thanks for the kind and informative advice so far

EDIT: Guys, it's too late for travel insurance. Badgering me about not getting it this time around is not helpful (had it last time I was in SEA). It's just spammy and mean. I feel like shit, ease up on me. It's been a tough year, and it slipped my mind. I'm not even used to having health insurance in my own country due to the prices (didn't have it for 6 years, just got it again this January). Sorry you're clearly upset about other things or maybe just like being stereotypical Redditors. Maybe don't take it out on a sick person traveling alone who can't magically conjure travel insurance out of thin air...which won't even heal them, btw. Money is not an issue here. If you've got no advice, take your shit elsewhere, please. I really don't need it right now, and it isn't relevant to my post.

I have a Cruise coming up next may. I didn't get travel insurance because I thought it would be expensive but everything i'm reading and watching is telling me to get travel Insurance My cruise 3000 for 2 people I juts don't have another 1000 laying around right now I wish we could have made payments on cruise

Hello! I’ve never been to international flight, kaya I did research kung ano ba yung procedure for first time international travelers. Mostly yung nakita kong mga vlog/blog ang sinasabi nila is KELANGAN ng travel insurance ni IO? Base sa kanila, hinahanapan sila ng travel insurance… how true? Is that necessary to get a travel insurance? If yes, what can you recommend na travel insurance? Where to get for solo travelers. Tia!

Hi! My husband and I (both in late 20's) live in one Canadian province and we will be traveling to another province next year for our honeymoon (budget between $10K-$18K)

My travel agent quoted us $600 for travel insurance. This seems really high to me. Is this a normal quote? Should I try to get travel insurance not through my travel agent?

Thanks in advance!

Edit. I wanted to provide the details of what I was quoted below (which didn't paste well -- sorry I'm on mobile)

Single Trip Comprehensive Package

Quoted premium (for all travellers incl. tax) $600.11

Emergency Medical - $10 million

Trip Cancellation

• Sum Insured

• Cancel Anytime

Trip Interruption – Prepaid Expenses

• Sum Insured

Trip Interruption – Transportation Expenses

• Unlimited

Travel Delay

• $350 per day up to a maximum of $1,500 Minimum Required Delay – 3 hours

Baggage Loss

• $1,000 Maximum benefit for all high value items: $500

Baggage Delay

• $400 Minimum Required Delay – 12 hours

Travel Accident

$100,000

I went on 3 cruises so far and had it every time but never needed it. So I'm thinking....

I want travel insurance mostly for the medical insurance when in Mexico. Our hotel was paid a long time ago by buying someone's time share week. Our flights are Southwest so we can cancel up until 10 minutes before takeoff and get our points back. So I'm mostly worried about medical insurance. When do you usually buy your travel insurance?

A family member is suffering a very serious medical emergency on another cruise line. The ship dr’s are doing all that they can but there is only so much that can be done on board. They are all disembarking and going to the hospital at the upcoming port.. the family member is apparently too ill to be airlifted (hooked up to top many things is what I was told).

Anyway it is a good reminder to protect yourself and your family. I just went ahead and purchased travel insurance for my upcoming virgin trip, and hopefully will never have to use it. Maybe even your travel credit cards have built in protection you should check if they do.

I have been researching this all morning and this type of thing happens ALL the time it’s crazy. Heart attacks, death, accidents, strokes, you name it. Granted I do think it’s usually elderly people but still. Statistically with so many people on board it makes sense.

Please send out good energy my family would greatly appreciate it.

Edit: unfortunately they have passed on, hug your family tight everyone.

Hosts are not your insurance policy on your vacations or travel plans.

We are not responsible if your child is too sick to travel. We are not responsible if your grandma broke her hip. We are not responsible if your flight was cancelled. We are not responsible if your car rental is not available. We are not responsible if the weather is poor. We are not responsible if your sporting event or concert was cancelled. We are not responsible if you booked the wrong dates. We are not responsible if you are getting a divorce. We are not responsible if your mother doesn't like our decor in the listing and wants to cancel. We are not responsible if you couldn't find a dog sitter. We are not responsible for traffic. We are not responsible if you got into a car accident. We are not responsible for the laundry list of ailments you just came down with. We are not responsible for your allergies. We are not responsible if you forgot about your reservation. We are not responsible if you got pregnant. We are not responsible for the alignment of the celestial bodies.

If you book a vacation, get travel insurance.

I missed my miami cruise a few weeks ago because of a plane crash I was flying the plane personally because the original flight got canceled i decided to take my plane so It wasn't booked by the cruise line.

I didn't get travel insurance so I'm basically receiving no compensation and the cost was about 2600 dollars total and I could have received most of it or atleast some of it had I gotten travel insurance.

So get travel insurance it's not worth the risk and also book through the cruise line if possible.

My wife and I recently retired, we are both in our early 60's. While we physically can, our intention is to do longer distance travel at least 4 times a year with a mix of international and domestic locations, including a 2 month rental somewhere south US during the winter. We are both in relatively good health but you never know what the future brings. We also have a 90 yo parent who is in declining physical and mental health. The risk is that we would have to leave on a moments notice.

We have started looking at annual plans which will cover all of our trips with payout limits. The minimum we would like the plan to provide is emergency medical coverage for out of plan areas (we are not on Medicare yet), cancel for any reason, etc. Are these plans worth the cost? Any good, bad, or uglies? TIA

Revolut's travel insurance is not to be relied on. I bought a premium plan for travel insurance, but when I claimed nothing was paid out. Revolut places the blame on Allianz and is not willing to assist with the claim. They have promised on more than 6 months that the issue will be resolved withing 2-3 days, but nothing happens.

Would not recommend!!!

Just posting to remind people to get travel insurance since I see so many post about incurring additional costs due to travel delays.

I’ve had annual policy for a few years now and this is the first time I’ve ever filed a claim.

I was one of the unfortunate people stuck in Miami overnight on Monday. My first flight into Miami was on time, but my flight home was cancelled. I just got myself a seat on a flight home the next day, then booked a room at a nearby hotel.

This delay was weather-related so I though, oh well, guess I’m on the hook for this… The next morning I remembered that I have travel insurance so there was some hope!

After I got home on Tuesday I pulled all of my receipts/emails together and submitted my claim.

It’s Friday, and I already have the money in my bank account!! Travel insurance for the win!

We're in Hawaii for a family wedding. My mom is 69 and usually buys Traveller's Insurance any time she's away. This time my sister booked the flight, accommodations and everything for her so she forgot. We were splashing around on a beach and she was overtaken by a pretty big wave, ended with a tibial plateau fracture. One hour visit to emergency was $1600 and the ambulance ride is anywhere from $1500 - $2000.

The ambulance was really accommodating, asked if we just wanted us to help her to a car and then we could follow them to emergency but in the moment without really thinking about it, she said she wanted to go in the ambulance.

Thankfully, we're pretty good savers so while a big expense, it's not going to change our lives. But $3000 is a significant amount of money.

Buy travel insurance when you go on holiday. Or make sure you have a credit card that covers you.

Edit: Not sure if I can edit the title, but comments recommend I change it to Travel Medical Insurance.