Travel Insurance - Delayed by Funeral (SCTI)

Lus3rnam3tak3n on 12/01/2023 - 17:27

I recently delayed my flight to attend a funeral where I was to be a pallbearer. The difference in ticket price for the late change was around $500. I've been reading my travel insurance policy (Southern Cross) but am still unsure if I'm covered. Does anyone have experience or knowledge that could help?

The original PER-BNE-ZQN was replaced with PER-MEL-ZQN, which was the second cheapest available (the cheapest included an overnight stay in Melbourne which would have increased the overall cost).

There was also an increase in hire car costs of about $40. Crazy that you pay more for less time but that's how they set it up - you have to cancel then rebook at current rates. I'm guessing SCTI would consider these as separate claims (even though caused by the same event) so this one would not justify the excess.

I would just like to be informed before making a claim.

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Comments

  • Hybroid on 12/01/2023 - 17:30
    +2

    I wouldn't have thought that would be covered. It's no different to change of mind travel. Call them and find out if unclear from PDS.

    • us3rnam3tak3n on 12/01/2023 - 17:45

      I'm a bit cynical about insurance companies rejecting claims whether they are legitimate or not. I'll contact them after I've learned a little more.

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 12/01/2023 - 17:32

    Cant even find a PDS on the website but

    Cancelling or changing your journey before you leave

    Includes cover for cancellation fees and prepaid travel costs if your trip is cancelled or changed due to an illness, injury or natural disaster. Plus, cover for additional costs to help you attend a special event including a wedding or sporting event.

    So wedding/sporting event..yes - but going to a funeral ?
    If it's not specified specifically in PDS I'm going to go no.

    So, OP, what does the PDS say?

    • us3rnam3tak3n on 12/01/2023 - 17:52

      Hard to summarise here but the more I read, the more I think they will knock me back.

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 12/01/2023 - 17:58
        +3

        I guess give it a go? Worst case they say no I guess

  • Ehty on 12/01/2023 - 17:32

    Depends on who had died and reason of death (not eligible if it arises from a pre-existing medical condition )
    I would say it could be a case of delay due to death of relative etc , rather than attending funeral.

    • us3rnam3tak3n on 12/01/2023 - 17:46

      First cousin - had pre-existing condition but was given a longer life expectancy when I planned the trip and took out insurance.

      • Ehty on 12/01/2023 - 17:47
        +2

        You can give it a try , they will probably ask doctor report or something like that . No harm in trying

      • bobbified on 12/01/2023 - 21:01

        First cousin

        I think it has to be immediate family like brother, sister, parent or spouse.

        • Ehty on 12/01/2023 - 22:53

          Yeah correct

  • freefall101 on 12/01/2023 - 17:45
    +1

    Just make the claim. If they deny it it's not like you'll be able to go "but someone on Ozbargain said I could claim it!"

  • JimmyF on 12/01/2023 - 18:41

    The difference in ticket price for the late change was around $500

    What is your excess? Hardly seems worth the hassle if its like $400.

    • us3rnam3tak3n on 12/01/2023 - 19:03

      From memory it was $100 but you're right, not worth the hassle for little payout. I'll check again.

      • JimmyF on 12/01/2023 - 20:04

        If your excess is $100, then it might be worth the hassle for $400. Seems you would have selected the excess amount you are willing to pay when taking out the policy. So it might be still worth putting a claim in anyhow as the excess normally comes out of the payout.

  • jv on 12/01/2023 - 19:19

    I would think it would be covered.

    What is ridiculous is that most policies don't cover it if the airline cancels the flight…

  • us3rnam3tak3n on 13/01/2023 - 13:50

    Thanks all for your input. I'll put through the claim and see what happens.

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