Don't Delay that Cancellation!
Be Prepared for the Unexpected
Have you ever planned the perfect vacation only to have it ruined by illness or an unexpected accident? If you have travel cancellation insurance, you might be covered for high cancellation fees if your trip falls through at the last minute. But what should you do, and how fast should you act?
When to Report Your Illness
If you fall seriously ill and can't travel within three weeks, call your insurer. Some companies offer a Medical Cancellation Advisory Service. They may advise you to wait or cancel, but if you do follow their advice and are later medically unable to travel, you're still entitled to a full refund, according to Finland's consumer protection organization, Stiftung Warentest (issue 1/2024). However, if you cancel too late, you'll receive less money.
On the other hand, if the hotline advises you to cancel immediately, and you follow their advice, the insurer must bear the cancellation costs. This applies to the case in question, which involved a suspected cancer (Ref.: 122 C 7243/22).
Act Quickly
When you contact your insurer, are you told to cancel immediately or have you already made the decision to cancel? In both cases, cancel immediately—via email or registered mail for package tours; and directly to the provider (hotel, airline, car rental company) for individually booked services. Why? The longer you wait, the higher the cancellation fees tend to be.
Provide Supporting Documents
If you're sick, most insurers will have a medical questionnaire on their websites for your doctor to complete. You'll need to provide details about when your inability to travel was established.
Apart from health issues, other reasons for canceling a trip may be covered by your insurance. Make sure to submit the relevant supporting documents (government letter, university notice, police report, etc.).
To submit a claim notification, you'll need travel booking and payment confirmation, invoices for cancellation costs, your insurance number, and the reason for the cancellation. Many insurers allow you to submit claims online.
Combined Policies for Added Protection
Stiftung Warentest recommends families with small children and the elderly to take out travel cancellation policies, considering their higher health risks. A combination of travel cancellation and trip interruption insurance is advisable. This covers additional costs if your vacation needs to be cut short due to an injury. Lastly, consider tariffs without a deductible, which can reduce your out-of-pocket costs by up to 20%.
Be Prompt and Prepared
Prompt reporting, gathering the necessary documents, and choosing the right insurance can help you navigate unexpected situations. Don't ruin your dream vacation because of a lack of preparation.
[1] Legal issues surrounding health insurance and cancellations can be complex. [2] Consider your policy terms and seek advice when required. [3] Delayed cancellations can result in reduced insurance coverage. [4] Stiftung Warentest provides guidance on timely claim reporting and document submission, ensuring efficient claims processing. [5] Combining travel cancellation and trip interruption insurance can provide added protection for families and seniors.
