Travel Insurance

I'm not all that familiar with travel insurance, but have had a look at the policy (and compared it to some others) and it actually looks quite good. It has some lower section limits than other policies, which may be where the lower cost comes into play? They're not significantly different though, it's a matter of say $300 total. They are quite broad in their exclusions - for example, they exclude suicide, attempted suicide, depression, mental health disorders...but they don't specify that it must be YOU who suffers or commits suicide. So if someone back home died as a result of suicide, or something happened to someone at home as a result of those things, you wouldn't be covered for any costs. That can be pretty standard though (it was raised once on Fair Go about one company policy - not Tower).

What is the excess payable by you? That can make a huge difference to the premium.

I've been told by a friend that they've never heard good things about Tower - in regards to claims etc. Has anyone else heard that?

Just looking through the Tower Policy and it states under the What You Are Not Insured For section...

Section 7 – Travel Delay or Missed Connection
Loss or claims for:
costs resulting from rescheduling or cancelling of travel
arrangements by any supplier.

So we wouldn't get any compensation if the flights were cancelled? Is that not a standard thing?

I think usually the airline is liable in those cases? For any case where another party may contribute costs, you can't claim on insurance, usually.

Southern Cross is a good policy as well, but it has low limits!!! It has a very good reputation for travel insurance though.

I don't know about the claims history for Tower's travel insurance, but I know there have been issues in the past regarding claim payouts that relate to domestic insurance.

Have you tried Comprehensive Travel Insurance as well? They are underwritten by Vero, and have a good reputation as well. Not sure on prices though. CTI

Edited by minik8e

I just bought travel insurance yesterday with Southern Cross as they seemed cheaper than most. I didn't check Tower although I am with them for my medical insurance and they have been fantastic when claiming. Mine was 8 days Pacific Islands for 2 adults and I paid $82.

Edited by Little_Red

I'd go with the tower policy.