The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) is receiving a worryingly high number of complaints about travel insurance claims that aren’t being upheld.
The FOS is currently receiving approximately 40 complaints per week, about travel insurance companies that aren’t paying out the compensation that their customers believe they deserve.
“We’ve seen examples of good practice by insurers, but a disappointing number of bad ones still arrive every year,” a spokesman for the FOS said.
This makes travel insurance one of the most complained about insurance products, and, arguably, is one of the most stressful to get denied. Being trapped in a foreign country receiving medical care is stressful enough without having to pick up the often extortionate bill if insurance companies won’t pay out.
Around a quarter of these 40 complaints per week are related to winter sports, skiing being a major contributor.
Luckily however, the FOS is supporting a lot of consumer complaints, and helping people to get their money, even for things such as taxi fares to hospitals.
The spokesman added: “Getting into trouble abroad can be scary and stressful, so we expect to see the insurer has done all it can to honour their policies quickly while never losing sight of the impact on the person who’s seeking their help,” and that insurers need to make sure they are “honouring the essence of the contract.”
Of course, it is incredibly important to make sure that you are covered if you go abroad, especially if you have a condition like diabetes. This can make you more prone to injury and to high medical bills while away. Make sure you read all the small print, ensure it is all relevant to you and covers any medical conditions you have, and know how to contact the FOS should the worst happen and any claim you make is rejected.