Travel insurance worthless for stranded

[izzix]

The Sunday Times
December 7, 2008
Insurers won’t pay up for Bangkok blockade

Travellers seeking compensation for expenses incurred during the week-long siege of Bangkok’s airports have been warned they can expect short shrift from insurers.

“In most cases, travel insurance is there to provide delay, cancellation or curtailment cover for the most likely eventualities, such as industrial action or technical failure,” said Malcolm Tarling of the Association of British Insurers. “The airport being stormed by antigovernment protesters is not a likely eventuality, and comes under the heading of civil unrest.”

The Thai authorities provided free accommodation for those stranded, and meal allowances of £40 a day, but the payments applied only to designated hotels and many travellers say they were unaware of the scheme.

Brian McClintock, now back in Leeds, says the crisis cost him dearly. “My wife and I spent more than £500 on hotels before finding alternative flights. Then we spent another £200 on a taxi to Chiang Mai because there was no room on the train, and £100 for an overnight stay before the plane left. I’ve now learnt that none of this is recoverable.”

Hundreds of passengers have lost annual leave and face bills for extended parking, kennels and other expenses.

In a display of festive goodwill, however, BAA said those caught up in the crisis “will not be charged additional parking costs for BAA car parks”.

Meanwhile, the reopening of the airports has caused controversy. The declaration that Suvarnabhumi international airport was fully open prompted the embassies of Australia, Canada, the European Union, Japan, Korea, New Zealand and the United States to deliver a joint letter of protest at the “unseemly haste” in resuming operations before a full safety audit. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) is advising travellers to “avoid air travel into or through Bangkok airports for the foreseeable future.”

Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Gulf Air and Cathay have already resumed flights to the city, with BA restarting today, and despite the FCO’s advice, tour operators are advising passengers due to travel in the next few days that “normal booking conditions will apply” - so they cannot expect a refund if they cancel their trip.

The Thai government has 30 days to find a new prime-ministerial candidate, but protesters say they will reoccupy the airports if they dislike the choice.

times

[darwinian]

My insurance company refused to pay for my purchase of a new ticket on Malaysian Airways to get me home from Cambodia and for additional hotel costs etc.
I may get a partial refund from Thai but I am told it will take a few months before I hear.

[kakariki]

Yes under these circumstances while your stuck you need to eat some suspect food, or get run over so you make a valid claim.

[stattointhailand]

Yes under these circumstances while your stuck you need to eat some suspect food, or get run over so you make a valid claim.

Hey, lets not get carried away here, that sounds DANGEROUS

This is after all Thailand ............. I'm sure that there would be no shortage of doctors willing to give you a letter saying that it is unsafe for you to fly, until the results of the tests that you have just had done, are returned in 7 to 10 days. Cost of tests B500 and letter B1000 maybe

Much cheaper (and safer) than getting run over or eating too much somtam

[Aardvark]

Mmm, B1,500 lets see. You could get a room for the night, a bang up meal and a few drinks not much compo for a ten day overstay

[stattointhailand]

Mmmmmmm Aard, you pay the B1500 to the doctor, and the insurance company then pays for your hotel/food/and reasonable entertainment for ten days.
Your delay was nothing to do with PAD actions, it was because you were ill, and you have a letter from the hospital to prove it

[kakariki]

What I meant was you you have a minor accident where you get knocked over by a couple of cuties on a scooter and one of them accidently kneels on your finger as she's giving you mouth to mouth and you sustain a minor strain-lol

[laphanphon]

guessing most will have to be inventive to be reimbursed from insurance companies for PAD/airport delays.

since most policies have that 'political unrest' exemption, which, unless living in a cave, everyone was well warned against travel to thailand, particuliarly bangkok, especially since that's what happen last time, they interfered with airports. don't know a embassy that didn't warn people. lesson learned. especially since their exemptions don't exactly fall under the 'fine print' description, they are well spelled out.

though sadly, guess most tickets were bought in advance for the discounts, but, lesson learned the hard way, next time, go via KL/HG and enter thru phuket or chiang mai, at least then you'll have an exit, and new place to see if not there yet. best would be via Vientiane. though if me, i would of enjoyed the extra time in country. good excuse not to work.

[WBU ALUM]

I hate having all of my Thai Airways miles go to waste. Looks like every international flight between Asia and the US goes through BKK first.

[laphanphon]

save them to use at hotel, if you get a notice they will expire, burned all mine on last school break. 3 days of luxury in bkk, sheration grand suk, very nice. though still 600 a night for free room, tax charge, but well worth it. just stay clear of the mini bar, unless 140 for can of pepsi and 260 for can of leo isn't too much.