Sterling service from Sterling! (Travel Insurance in general)

Member Name: sue.51

Product:	Travel Insurance in general
Date:	09/05/01 (592 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good and efficient in dealing with claims

Disadvantages: None yet

Six weeks before we were due to go to Tunisia for a Winter holiday, my sun-loving partner was identified as having possible melignant melanoma requiring a major operation and skin graft, to remove the offending article, sadly the predicted diagnosis turned out, on this occasion, to be spot-on.

Bearing in mind my history with Thomsons, and their habit of cancelling our holiday at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances, we thought that they may be a little sympathetic to our plight.

My partner and I trawled through the brochures looking for an alternate holiday later in the year and once decided, I sauntered off to the Travel Agents (Travel House) to ask for their help, and advised them we would be quite happy to pay any amendment charges and extra holiday costs. They were very helpful, provided the costings and proceeded to contact Thomsons, their parent company, to request their assistance, they didn't want to know.

We contacted Thomsons Customer Services Manager, who advised us that there was no way they would be able to accommodate us, as they would not be able to sell the holiday in the time allowed, for the February half term period, something I find very difficult to believe.

At this point we honestly believed we were going to lose our money, it didn't even occur to me about the Travel Insurance provided free with the holiday, which, for some reason, I had taken out the excess policy at the time of booking, something I have never previously done.

We proceeded to cancel the holiday, not knowing whether we were going to get a refund or not, and the travel agent sent off the details to the Insurance Company. One week later, we received around 40% of the monies paid back from Thomsons, and also a form from Sterling, asking for the details and reasons for cancellation.

We completed the relevant sections of the form, and submitted it to our GP for medical reports and completion, a very painles
s and quick procedure that cost us £15. We posted the form off, and 3 weeks later received a check for the full and final balance of the holiday costs, less the airport tax (£60), which I believe we could also have claimed back, but fels satisfied with the overall outcome of the situation, which initially made us think we were going to lose every penny.

I have always been cynical of travel insurance, and most of us never think we are going to need it, and certainly not before we even left the house. We found the procedure, quick, painless and helpful at a very difficult time. The company will not cover you for pre-existing medical conditions if you have not advised them prior to travel.

Fortunately, I have never had to use insurance abroad, but in the light of the events that happened to us, I would certainly recommend paying the small amount extra for the excess (something which all insurance policies carry). I have always understood most minor medical procedures abroad not covered under the E111, require you to pay out first, and claim it back upon your return home.

I will update this op, when I gauge the response from them when we advise them that we are due to travel under one of their policies in the near future.

When booking insurance through this company, you are issued with a brochure that informs you of all coverage details, maximum benefits proferred, numbers for calling when abroad and other useful telephone numbers.

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Sterling Travel Insurance Services
General Enquiries: 0161 475 6000

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