A Woman’s Battle with Travel Insurance After Injury
Injury Forces Trip Cancellation
Patrice Stewart from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, faced a frustrating struggle with her travel insurance after a severe back injury led her to cancel a planned trip to Florida. Despite purchasing insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances, the claim process proved to be a challenging ordeal.
“I couldn’t even get out of bed, I couldn’t sit down, I couldn’t stand, I couldn’t walk,” Stewart recounted, explaining her condition before canceling the trip on her doctor’s advice. Following the cancellation, she filed a claim through her TripMate travel insurance policy.
The policy stipulates that reimbursement is available for injuries that prevent travel, provided it’s supported by a physician’s written opinion.
Claim Delays Lead to Frustration
Stewart believed she had followed all necessary procedures, but the claim process quickly became overwhelming. One major point of contention was the policy requirement for “in-person treatment.” The insurer questioned whether Stewart had met this requirement given her inability to visit the doctor’s office.
“They were saying, ‘Well, no, you actually didn’t go into the doctor’s office,’ and I said, ‘I couldn’t. I couldn’t get over there,’” Stewart expressed her frustration.
After months without resolution, Stewart felt hopeless about the situation.
Turning to In Your Corner
Desperate for a resolution, Stewart reached out to In Your Corner, a consumer advocacy program.
“This was going to be my last resort,” she noted.
CBS News Philadelphia contacted TripMate’s parent company, Generali Global Assistance. While the company declined to comment on Stewart’s specific case, they assured they would reach out to her directly. Remarkably, within 48 hours, Stewart received news that her claim had been resolved and she was issued a full refund of about $1,400.
What Travelers Should Know About Travel Insurance
Consumer advocates caution travelers to be aware of the exclusions, requirements, and limitations that often accompany travel insurance policies.
Nonprofit Consumers’ Checkbook advises individuals to carefully review policy language and understand the documentation needed for potential claims. Comparison tools like InsureMyTrip and Squaremouth assist consumers in comparing policies. Additionally, travelers may want to check their credit card benefits, as some cards offer coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Patrice Stewart’s experience highlights the significance of thoroughly understanding travel insurance policies before making a purchase.
“Reading the fine print. I think doing your homework and research,” she concluded, emphasizing the importance of being informed.
If you need help with a consumer issue, you can submit a complaint to In Your Corner.
