Travel Insurance

[Eibhlís]

What is the best insurance to take out for walking the Camino Frances? I live in Adelaide but I am an Australian and Irish citizen.

 

[Ian Mackenzie]

Hi Eibhlis,

Last year when walking the French Camino I used Southern Cross Travel. I hope to walk the VDLP starting late March/April next year and will use the free travel insurance with my Mastercard. I live in Maitland NSW and am 69 have had some previous health issues requiring me to pay an extra fee but it is not to costly compared to a regular travel insurance company. I don't think you will know which is best till you need one. Touch wood I have never needed one. Enjoy your Camino.

 

[Eibhlís]

Hi Eibhlis,

Last year when walking the French Camino I used Southern Cross Travel. I hope to walk the VDLP starting late March/April next year and will use the free travel insurance with my Mastercard. I live in Maitland NSW and am 69 have had some previous health issues requiring me to pay an extra fee but it is not to costly compared to a regular travel insurance company. I don't think you will know which is best till you need one. Touch wood I have never needed one. Enjoy your Camino.

So are you just getting regular travel insurance?

 

[Jeff Crawley]

If the Australian market is anything like the UK then it's really only a handful of insurance companies and you'll be delaing with a broker - look to see who is underwriting the policy. Don't necessarily go for the "cheapest" - saving a few $$ now will be a mistake when the medical bill comes into $10,000s; make sure that you declare ALL previous conditions - a friend was hospitalised and couldn't fly out to Thailand to see her son but had her claim turned down as she hadn't declared a totally unrelated illness from 8 months previous; make sure they don't consider walking through the Spanish countryside and mountains a "high risk" activity - "Crossing the Pyrenees? Will you require cover for specialist mountaineering equipment?"
You might also ask if, in the event that something does happen, whether you'd be covered if a relative needed to come to Europe to accompany you home.
Interestingly, in the French language they say "assurance" looking at it that way every $ spent is an investment!

 

[Ian Mackenzie]

So are you just getting regular travel insurance?

So this time I am using the Mastercard Insurance

 

[Eibhlís]

So this time I am using the Mastercard Insurance

I have no idea where to start looking. Particularly because I will be booking my flights using points.

 

[HikingGeo]

If the Australian market is anything like the UK then it's really only a handful of insurance companies and you'll be delaing with a broker - look to see who is underwriting the policy. Don't necessarily go for the "cheapest" - saving a few $$ now will be a mistake when the medical bill comes into $10,000s; make sure that you declare ALL previous conditions - a friend was hospitalised and couldn't fly out to Thailand to see her son but had her claim turned down as she hadn't declared a totally unrelated illness from 8 months previous; make sure they don't consider walking through the Spanish countryside and mountains a "high risk" activity - "Crossing the Pyrenees? Will you require cover for specialist mountaineering equipment?"
You might also ask if, in the event that something does happen, whether you'd be covered if a relative needed to come to Europe to accompany you home.
Interestingly, in the French language they say "assurance" looking at it that way every $ spent is an investment!

I second all of the above. Do not skimp on your travel insurance selection! My wife and I visited Switzerland recently. Two days before our scheduled return, she came down with a serious case of pneumonia. She had to be transported to the hospital by ambulance where she was hospitalized for ten days. We were reimbursed for every penny of her medical expenses, our airline change fees and most of my lodging and extended car rental costs. The total payout by the insurance company was over $12,000. Without the insurance, we would have been stuck with all of those expenses. In addition, if you plan to use the insurance provided by your credit card company, be sure to closely check the coverage limitations to make sure they are adequate for your needs.

 

[MaineSally]

I second all of the above. Do not skimp on your travel insurance selection! My wife and I visited Switzerland recently. Two days before our scheduled return, she came down with a serious case of pneumonia. She had to be transported to the hospital by ambulance where she was hospitalized for ten days. We were reimbursed for every penny of her medical expenses, our airline change fees and most of my lodging and extended car rental costs. The total payout by the insurance company was over $12,000. Without the insurance, we would have been stuck with all of those expenses. In addition, if you plan to use the insurance provided by your credit card company, be sure to closely check the coverage limitations to make sure they are adequate for your needs.

Smart couple. I had to leave the Portuguese Camino due to massive casualties on my feet. I was reimbursed for my rebooking, hospital emergency room expenses, prescriptions, and...my friend who was due to arrive in Porto cxld as a result of my injury. Her insurance made her whole. I simply had to provide her with copies of expenses, reports, etc. I would never travel overseas without trip insurance. Worth every penny.

 

[Marbe2]

Allianz is a company I use in the USA...not sure if they are in other countries. My sister also got pneumonia is Switzerland. The ambulance alone cost 1000 euros..as we were staying at a mountain resort. Bills were a total of about $15,000....5 nights hospitalization!
Another factor to consider is the amount of time the insurance company will payout. Some companies limit payout time to 3months. It takes a while to get bills from Europe sometimes! Allianz had no time limitation of payout.

 

[C clearly]

I have no idea where to start looking.

Go to the agent who handles other insurance for you - for example, house or car. Ask questions about different policies. Or go to a travel agent and ask if they have a recommendation. No matter who makes a recommendation, get several alternatives, read the fine print, and compare.

 

[wjohnk]

I had a Similar problem a couple of years ago. There was a good offer but it did not cover any walking above 6000ft (1800m). The stroll between Kleine Schiedegg and Mannlichen would not have been covered.

 

[Scotty100]

What is the best insurance to take out for walking the Camino Frances? I live in Adelaide but I am an Australian and Irish citizen.

Agree with Jeff in regards to making sure it covers those additional things. Also helpful to have insurance as soon as the tickets are booked incase you are unable to travel due to illness, as well as repatriation in case you need to get home. We are from Australia and use MasterCard travel insurance. We have unfortunately needed to claim a few times. Twice we had to cancelled trips due to illness (broken foot etc). Also again this year we had to leave the Camino early (@ 250km) because our daughter was sick in hospital at home. Always same insurer and they have paid all expenses on all occasions, and very quickly. None of the conditions were pre existing and none will impact ongoing insurance.

 

[C clearly]

it did not cover any walking above 6000ft (1800m).

No part of the Camino Frances goes that high.

 

[LesR]

What is the best insurance to take out for walking the Camino Frances? I live in Adelaide but I am an Australian and Irish citizen.

My two bobs' worth....

Perhaps look at what CHOICE and other consumer groups have to say about travel insurance? Would appear that credit card travel insurance comes only if you use one of the premium (ie. high fee) cards.

Good luck with comparing travel insurance policies - they make an art form of obfuscation and detail, no doubt designed to discourage shopping around.

Good luck also with obtaining advice fro a travel agent as they, no doubt, receive a commission for any sales, and their advice may be coloured by the magnitude of the commissions offered (remember the banks!).

I travelled to Thailand some years ago and, for want of anything else, arranged travel insurance from CoverMore on the advice of the travel agent I book the fares through. As it turned out, this was a good investment an younger daughter came down with a severe case of gastro, and I was able to get advice from a qualified CoverMore nurse in Australia by phone. This service alone justified the purchase of Travel Insurance for that trip!

Recent 2017, 2018 and 2019 caminos - I have taken out travel insurance from the same company but fortunately not required to make any claims.


All that said, remember the advice from your government: if you cannot afford travel insurance, you cannot afford to travel... For once, I believe them!

 

[Tassie Kaz]

What is the best insurance to take out for walking the Camino Frances? I live in Adelaide but I am an Australian and Irish citizen.

Last year when walking the French Camino I used Southern Cross Travel.

I'm an Aussie & I used WorldCare for over a decade. I had to make a claim (snapped ankle ligaments in Innsbruck, Austria) & they paid up in full quickly without any hassles. As it wasn't a major incident & I was able to continue travelling (somewhat altered though!), I paid all the bills at the time (aprox €500), got receipts (in German) & submitted my claim on return home. Worldcare accepted my handwritten translations of the receipts.

This year I switched to Southern Cross Travel Ins to walk the Via Francigena (London to Rome). It was a four month trip & SCTI were heaps cheaper. My journey was thankfully incident-free so I can't speak of their claims process. I have chosen SCTI again for 2020 but as my trip is to Israel, there are insurance 'issues' & I'm concerned it's not worth the paper it's written on. SCTI have done nothing to quell my concerns repeatedly saying they 'cannot confirm or deny'....

In a nutshell, my advice/opinion is;
- always get a Comprehensive policy
- check SmartTraveller for warnings. If your destination is green (which Spain is): 'Exercise Normal Safety Precautions'...you can have..er..how should I put this?...more confidence in your policy/claims being honoured!

 

[Eibhlís]

Go to the agent who handles other insurance for you - for example, house or car. Ask questions about different policies. Or go to a travel agent and ask if they have a recommendation. No matter who makes a recommendation, get several alternatives, read the fine print, and compare.

Thank you for your advice. I really appreciate it.

 

[Eibhlís]

Go to the agent who handles other insurance for you - for example, house or car. Ask questions about different policies. Or go to a travel agent and ask if they have a recommendation. No matter who makes a recommendation, get several alternatives, read the fine print, and compare.

Thank you for your advice. I really appreciate it

I'm an Aussie & I used WorldCare for over a decade. I had to make a claim (snapped ankle ligaments in Innsbruck, Austria) & they paid up in full quickly without any hassles. As it wasn't a major incident & I was able to continue travelling (somewhat altered though!), I paid all the bills at the time (aprox €500), got receipts (in German) & submitted my claim on return home. Worldcare accepted my handwritten translations of the receipts.

This year I switched to Southern Cross Travel Ins to walk the Via Francigena (London to Rome). It was a four month trip & SCTI were heaps cheaper. My journey was thankfully incident-free so I can't speak of their claims process. I have chosen SCTI again for 2020 but as my trip is to Israel, there are insurance 'issues' & I'm concerned it's not worth the paper it's written on. SCTI have done nothing to quell my concerns repeatedly saying they 'cannot confirm or deny'....

In a nutshell, my advice/opinion is;
- always get a Comprehensive policy
- check SmartTraveller for warnings. If your destination is green (which Spain is): 'Exercise Normal Safety Precautions'...you can have..er..how should I put this?...more confidence in your policy/claims being honoured!

What do you mean by Spain being a Green Destination?

 

[Tassie Kaz]

Thank you for your advice. I really appreciate it

What do you mean by Spain being a Green Destination?

The Australian government (Dept of Foreign Affairs/Smart Traveller) colour-code countries based on current threat & general safety levels. It basically follows the traffic light system;
green=go, yellow/orange=caution, red=stop.
Spain is currently rated green; 'exercise normal safety precautions'.
My next trip is to Israel; parts are yellow 'exercise high degree of caution', parts orange 'reconsider your need to travel' & parts red 'do not travel'.
Have a look at: www.smartraveller.gov.au
for more info.
You'll find most (if not all) Aussie travel insurance companies will direct you to Smart Traveller for country warnings as part of their Terms & Conditions of coverage.

 

[Eibhlís]

Thank you for this.

 

[OzAnnie]

So are you just getting regular travel insurance?

Hi @Eibhlís
Reading responses above; I’m not clear that you have understood about complimentary CC travel insurance. ?

Do you have a credit card. I use the complimentary (FREE) travel insurance ; which is an inclusion with some bank credit cards. For example: MasterCard / although my initial level did not cover it. ; if your card is a certain level ie ‘Diamond’ ... you just need to activate the insurance by calling them. They will send the policy to your email. Contact your bank to find out if your credit card qualifies. The insurance is underwritten by well known insurers. (They sometimes change but I have had Allianz before ). I was also advised last year that I would still qualify at 70. Whereas some insurers add extra costs after 70.



Apart from them if you don’t qualify for complimentary insurance. The travel agents all issue cover - eg Covermore is one that comes to mind.

Also in the past., before using complimentary CC travel insurance ... I contacted ‘Columbus direct ‘. Google and email or call .. their costs weren’t bad.

Buen Camino & Good luck but remember : don’t depend on luck, Always have travel insurance.

Annie

 

[LesR]

Hi @Eibhlís
Reading responses above; I’m not clear that you have understood about complimentary CC travel insurance. ?

Do you have a credit card. I use the complimentary (FREE) travel insurance ; which is an inclusion with some bank credit cards. For example: MasterCard / although my initial level did not cover it. ; \

Read this (https://www.comparetravelinsurance.com.au/travel-insurance-tips/credit-card-travel-insurance) if you plan on using complimentary credit card travel insurance cover...

Credit card travel insurance vs standalone travel insurance: how do they compare? see https://www.finder.com.au/credit-card-vs-standalone-travel-insurance-pros-cons-reviewed (but bear in mind that this website makes its money from commissions and complimentary travel insurance will not generate it any commissions..

 

[Eibhlís]

Hi @Eibhlís
Reading responses above; I’m not clear that you have understood about complimentary CC travel insurance. ?

Do you have a credit card. I use the complimentary (FREE) travel insurance ; which is an inclusion with some bank credit cards. For example: MasterCard / although my initial level did not cover it. ; if your card is a certain level ie ‘Diamond’ ... you just need to activate the insurance by calling them. They will send the policy to your email. Contact your bank to find out if your credit card qualifies. The insurance is underwritten by well known insurers. (They sometimes change but I have had Allianz before ). I was also advised last year that I would still qualify at 70. Whereas some insurers add extra costs after 70.



Apart from them if you don’t qualify for complimentary insurance. The travel agents all issue cover - eg Covermore is one that comes to mind.

Also in the past., before using complimentary CC travel insurance ... I contacted ‘Columbus direct ‘. Google and email or call .. their costs weren’t bad.

Buen Camino & Good luck but remember : don’t depend on luck, Always have travel insurance.

Annie

Hi Annie,
Usually when I travel I tend to rely on the complimentary insurance offered by my credit card company sand book my flights using that credit card.
However I will not be using my credit card to book my flights except to pay for the taxes as I will be using velocity points accrued with Virgin Australia.
I din't know if any company will pay for emergency flights if I haven't already paid for the flights.
I really am not good at this sorry of the thing and feel I'm entering this phase of my Camino preparation blindly.

 

[OzAnnie]

Hi Annie,
Usually when I travel I tend to rely on the complimentary insurance offered by my credit card company sand book my flights using that credit card.
However I will not be using my credit card to book my flights except to pay for the taxes as I will be using velocity points accrued with Virgin Australia.
I din't know if any company will pay for emergency flights if I haven't already paid for the flights.
I really am not good at this sorry of the thing and feel I'm entering this phase of my Camino preparation blindly.

I would still contact your bank /credit card ..insurer. I understand what you are saying and initially you had to pay at least $1000 per person for flights or tours with your credit card to qualify. I may have it wrong but I’m sure my bank told me that this was no longer a requirement to qualify. You do now have to activate it though by calling the insurer with dates , where to etc. you could ask them then. Worth a try.
Annie

 

[Eibhlís]

I would still contact your bank /credit card ..insurer. I understand what you are saying and initially you had to pay at least $1000 per person for flights or tours with your credit card to qualify. I may have it wrong but I’m sure my bank told me that this was no longer a requirement to qualify. You do now have to activate it though by calling the insurer with dates , where to etc. you could ask them then. Worth a try.
Annie

Yes I will do that in the New Year when things are back to normal. I'm the meantime I will do as much research as I can.
I really appreciate your advice and help.

 

[mmmmartin]

Your insurance needs will be only repatriation and gear theft if you have an Irish passport. As an EU citizen you have the right to the same health care as the locals. This is universal across the EU, for all EU citizens in all EU countries. So whatever happens to you you'll pay the same as the locals: which I think in Spain is zero. Obvs the locals will not be flown to the States after an illness so your insurance needs to cover that unlikely eventuality. And gear theft: but the most valuable thing you'll carry is probably your mobile phone. You're unlikely to have kit worth more than a few hundred quid.

 

[Eibhlís]

You're insurance needs will be only repatriation and gear theft if you have an Irish passport. As an EU citizen you have the right to the same health care as the locals. This is universal across the EU, for all EU citizens in all EU countries. So whatever happens to you you'll pay the same as the locals: which I think in Spain is zero. Obvs the locals will not be flown to the States after an illness so your insurance needs to cover that unlikely eventuality. And gear theft: but the most valuable thing you'll carry is probably your mobile phone. You're unlikely to have kit worth more than a few hundred quid.

I'm a European citizen (from Ireland) but I live in Australia. Did that mean I'm still entitled to the same health care as the locals?

 

[Eibhlís]

I'm a European citizen (from Ireland) but I live in Australia. Did that mean I'm still entitled to the same health care as the locals?

Does*

 

[Kathor1]

I'm a European citizen (from Ireland) but I live in Australia. Does that mean I'm still entitled to the same health care as the locals?

I have my doubts. Check whether you fulfil the conditions of Ireland for obtaining an EHIC card which proves that you qualify and that you are covered by the Irish healthcare system. You would need to show your Irish issued EHIC card to a Spanish doctor or Spanish hospital. Check here: https://www2.hse.ie/services/ehic/ehic.html

The general rule is that you have to be a member of a national health care system of an EU country, and the conditions for membership vary considerably between EU countries. Usually, proof of residency in the EU is one of the requirements. Nationality doesn’t matter.

 

[Eibhlís]

I have my doubts. Check whether you fulfil the conditions of Ireland for obtaining an EHIC card which proves that you qualify and that you are covered by the Irish healthcare system. You would need to show your Irish issued EHIC card to a Spanish doctor or Spanish hospital. Check here: https://www2.hse.ie/services/ehic/ehic.html

The general rule is that you have to be a member of a national health care system of an EU country, and the conditions for membership vary considerably between EU countries. Usually, proof of residency in the EU is one of the requirements. Nationality doesn’t matter.

Yes I think that is probably the case.

 

[LesR]

Does*

Refer https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=559 for some general advice. Note particularly the para "Please note: when you move your habitual residence to another country, you should register with the S1 form instead of using the EHIC to receive medical care in your new country of habitual residence. " Not clear to me how this relates to your proposed travel plans back to Spain, but perhaps a check with the embassy relevant to your citizenship might clear some things up?

 

[mmmmartin]

These sound very sensible points: I'd assumed citizenship not residency mattered, but that's because I'm an EU resident. For the next 34 days, anyway. After that I'm not.

 

[Kathor1]

These sound very sensible points: I'd assumed citizenship not residency mattered, but that's because I'm an EU resident. For the next 34 days, anyway. After that I'm not.

As far as EHIC cards and their benefits are concerned and if everything goes according to plan from now until the end of January, you will not be treated any differently for the next 34+366=400 days.

 

[RRat]

I second all of the above. Do not skimp on your travel insurance selection! My wife and I visited Switzerland recently. Two days before our scheduled return, she came down with a serious case of pneumonia. She had to be transported to the hospital by ambulance where she was hospitalized for ten days. We were reimbursed for every penny of her medical expenses, our airline change fees and most of my lodging and extended car rental costs. The total payout by the insurance company was over $12,000. Without the insurance, we would have been stuck with all of those expenses. In addition, if you plan to use the insurance provided by your credit card company, be sure to closely check the coverage limitations to make sure they are adequate for your needs.

Can you please explain the term "reimburse"? Did you have to pay the $12000 out of pocket and then submit a claim for reimbursement?

 

[Kathor1]

Yes I think that is probably the case.

Not sure what you mean by this. I see that Ireland and Australia have a reciprocal health care agreement. That doesn’t mean that you are covered by the Irish health care system in the meaning of the protection of the EHIC card!

EHIC is for people who primarily live in one EU country (plus in the rest of the EEA + in CH) and who travel for a while in another of these same countries. It is not for visitors from outside this area, such as from Australia. I would advise you to get proper travel insurance.

 

[Eibhlís]

Not sure what you mean by this. I see that Ireland and Australia have a reciprocal health care agreement. That doesn’t mean that you are covered by the Irish health care system in the meaning of the protection of the EHIC card!

EHIC is for people who primarily live in one EU country (plus in the rest of the EEA + in CH) and who travel for a while in another of these same countries. It is not for visitors from outside this area, such as from Australia. I would advise you to get proper travel insurance.

What I mean is that it's probably the case that I do not have the same EU entitlements anymore because I no longer reside in Ireland.

 

[Marbe2]

when taking out insurance check to see if the coverage is primary or secondary.

 

[Eibhlís]

when taking out insurance check to see if the coverage is primary or secondary.

I've never heard of those terms when taking out insurance before.

 

[Marbe2]

I've never heard of those terms when taking out insurance before.

This will help explain the difference

Primary vs Secondary Medical Coverage While Traveling

Primary & Secondary medical coverage affect travel insurance differently. Before traveling, find out the difference between coverages & the applicable rules.

www.insuremytrip.com

 

[CWBuff]

I use Travelex for all my trips. If you get the policy within 1 week of buying your 1st "whatever" of the trip - they give you the right to cancel for no reason. Works for me since most of the time I will zero-in on the flights and add hotel later
So, i bought an airline ticket and got the policy. Usually start with $1,000.00 limit but if I see that my expenses (esp. prepaid) are going over - I just call them and up the limit (they do it in $500.00 increments)
I've also spoken to them about the Camino and they assured me that is it not considered to be something 'extra' due to activity. Hiking even over the Pyrenees is not climbing them so everything would be covered in case of some mishap.

 

[Ksalud]

What is the best insurance to take out for walking the Camino Frances? I live in Adelaide but I am an Australian and Irish citizen.

 

[Ksalud]

Geo Blue by BCBS
Good rate for extending policy for a frequent traveler. Have had for 4 yrs but no claims necessary but at 75 feel secure with it.
Just keep on Truckin!

 

[DoughnutANZ]

I used my CC "complimentary" insurance for my Camino in April. This was then fullfilled by Allianz. I caught Legionella and was hospitalised for a week in intensive care. Allianz paid out in full and I didn't need to pay anything upfront but I was very unhappy with them.

My policy specified that I needed to contact them before seeking medical attention. I collapsed in a remote part of the Camino just after O Cebreiro and tried to call their emergency number in Australia from my mobile phone.

I eventually got through to the emergency number but they refused to do anything without my policy number. My policy number was buried in the bottom of my backpack and I needed urgent medical attention. Despite identifying myself and giving my mobile number when my mobile credit ran out while I was trying to dig out my policy number they didn't even bother calling me back to see if I was okay.

Later when I called them again from hospital, with the policy number, they insisted that they couldn't guarantee that I was covered until I photocopied my admission record even though I told them that I was in intensive care, on intravenous antibiotics and couldn't get out of my bed!

Then, to finally destroy any possible confidence in them, one of their agents called the hospital pretending to be my wife so that the agent could speak to my doctor. While they were on the line one of my nurses rushed into my room, excited, saying my wife was on the phone. This puzzled me but I let the nurse get me a portable IV and portable oxygen so that I could go to the phone only to discover that it s was the insurance company agent fraudulently claiming to be my wife.

I was furious and the hospital staff were agast!

The agent then tried lying, saying that they had never said that they were my wife but both the nurse that first took the call and the doctor insisted that she had clearly Identified herself as my wife.

This was such a Mickey mouse organization that I will never use them again.

Doug

 

[J Willhaus]

I have always had travel insurance, but only used it once. In July 2019 I had to change my flights and plans and come back home 10 days earlier than planned. I am still waiting on the reimbursement. I had to submit many forms that did not apply (pet insurance form, tour cancellation form, etc). Every month or so I get notice that the company is requesting some additional form or information. I am fortunate that I can wait on the reimbursement and could pay the change fees and ticket losses up front. What a headache on top of a family emergency. I am unlikely to use this company again despite the fact it was recommended by USAA which is usually a reliable source.

 

[Eibhlís]

I used my CC "complimentary" insurance for my Camino in April. This was then fullfilled by Allianz. I caught Legionella and was hospitalised for a week in intensive care. Allianz paid out in full and I didn't need to pay anything upfront but I was very unhappy with them.

My policy specified that I needed to contact them before seeking medical attention. I collapsed in a remote part of the Camino just after O Cebreiro and tried to call their emergency number in Australia from my mobile phone.

I eventually got through to the emergency number but they refused to do anything without my policy number. My policy number was buried in the bottom of my backpack and I needed urgent medical attention. Despite identifying myself and giving my mobile number when my mobile credit ran out while I was trying to dig out my policy number they didn't even bother calling me back to see if I was okay.

Later when I called them again from hospital, with the policy number, they insisted that they couldn't guarantee that I was covered until I photocopied my admission record even though I told them that I was in intensive care, on intravenous antibiotics and couldn't get out of my bed!

Then, to finally destroy any possible confidence in them, one of their agents called the hospital pretending to be my wife so that the agent could speak to my doctor. While they were on the line one of my nurses rushed into my room, excited, saying my wife was on the phone. This puzzled me but I let the nurse get me a portable IV and portable oxygen so that I could go to the phone only to discover that it s was the insurance company agent fraudulently claiming to be my wife.

I was furious and the hospital staff were agast!

The agent then tried lying, saying that they had never said that they were my wife but both the nurse that first took the call and the doctor insisted that she had clearly Identified herself as my wife.

This was such a Mickey mouse organization that I will never use them again.

Doug

Wow!
That is

I second all of the above. Do not skimp on your travel insurance selection! My wife and I visited Switzerland recently. Two days before our scheduled return, she came down with a serious case of pneumonia. She had to be transported to the hospital by ambulance where she was hospitalized for ten days. We were reimbursed for every penny of her medical expenses, our airline change fees and most of my lodging and extended car rental costs. The total payout by the insurance company was over $12,000. Without the insurance, we would have been stuck with all of those expenses. In addition, if you plan to use the insurance provided by your credit card company, be sure to closely check the coverage limitations to make sure they are adequate for your needs.

Who did you take out your insurance with?

 

[Trude]

What is the best insurance to take out for walking the Camino Frances? I live in Adelaide but I am an Australian and Irish citizen.

For Residents if Australia you can’t beat Woolworths Travel Insurance......

 

[Eibhlís]

For Residents if Australia you can’t beat Woolworths Travel Insurance......

Really? I didn't even know they did travel insurance. I will call them tomorrow.

 

[Trude]

Really? I didn't even know they did travel insurance. I will call them tomorrow.

You just go online the basic is unlimited medical and $2000 luggage that’s the one I get. I really just want medical but luggage comes with it am in USA for 6 weeks the most expensive Country for Medical and it was about 220 with a 200 excess

 

[Eibhlís]

You just go online the basic is unlimited medical and $2000 luggage that’s the one I get. I really just want medical but luggage comes with it am in USA for 6 weeks the most expensive Country for Medical and it was about 220 with a 200 excess

Gosh! That's very good!

 

[Eibhlís]

For Residents if Australia you can’t beat Woolworths Travel Insurance......

I haven't called them yet but I have called 9 other companies. I have a pre existing medical condition that some of the companies I called won't cover and the ones that do are quoting $900+ which I simply cannot afford.

 

[Lleslie]

Hi, I'm also from Adelaide we have always used Onecover, but fortunately have never had to make a claim. They have a list of pre existing medical conditions that are automatically covered, maybe you could see if your condition is listed there.
Buen camino, Linda

 

[gerardcarey]

Here In Australia, I got online quotes from at least fifteen companies for Basic insurance. (I couldn't get the site for Woolworth's Travel Insurance, which some have recommended, to operate)
To enable easier comparison I stated;
Travel to be from Sep 1st 2020 to Sep 30th 2020. (Working out a per day cost would help with budgeting)
Countries to be Spain, France and the UK.
My age to be 75 years. (Some replied immediately saying they had no suitable Policies)
I thought to investigate the situation re existing medicals concerns after the $ figures were sorted.

And my winner, sometimes by an unbelievable margin, remember now, for Basic cover, was,
https://world2cover.com.au/ at $164.37. So about $5.30 per day.
NB. I have no idea as to the financial standing, ethics, customer service, or any medical exclusion policies, of this company.

But initially, the price looks pretty damn good to me!
So, further investigation is required.
Regards
Gerard

EDIT
Boy oh boy. Am I getting swamped with adverts for health insurance now!

 

[Eibhlís]

Hi, I'm also from Adelaide we have always used Onecover, but fortunately have never had to make a claim. They have a list of pre existing medical conditions that are automatically covered, maybe you could see if your condition is listed there.
Buen camino, Linda

Thank you for that. I will check them out. I'm being quoted $1000 be some and the others won't cover me.

 

[Eibhlís]

Here In Australia, I got online quotes from at least fifteen companies for Basic insurance. (I couldn't get the site for Woolworth's Travel Insurance, which some have recommended, to operate)
To enable easier comparison I stated;
Travel to be from Sep 1st 2020 to Sep 30th 2020. (Working out a per day cost would help with budgeting)
Countries to be Spain, France and the UK.
My age to be 75 years. (Some replied immediately saying they had no suitable Policies)
I thought to investigate the situation re existing medicals concerns after the $ figures were sorted.

And my winner, sometimes by an unbelievable margin, remember now, for Basic cover, was,
https://world2cover.com.au/ at $164.37. So about $5.30 per day.
NB. I have no idea as to the financial standing, ethics, customer service, or any medical exclusion policies, of this company.

But initially, the price looks pretty damn good to me!
So, further investigation is required.
Regards
Gerard

EDIT
Boy oh boy. Am I getting swamped with adverts for health insurance now!

Thanks so much Gerard. I'm being quoted $1000 by the companies that will cover me for my pre existing conditions and most won't cover me. I will check out World2Cover. Thank you for letting me know and apologies about the advertising

 

[William Marques]

Information on the EHIC card for UK citizens.

Brexit: Will the EHIC still be valid and what is the new GHIC card?

A new Global Health Insurance Card is replacing European Health Insurance Card from this year.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Kanga]

Last year we wanted to ensure we would have travel and medical cover while we were motorbiking, after I finished my camino. It took a lot of searching to find an insurer, but eventually we did. Not cheap, but worth it for the peace of mind.

 

[J Willhaus]

I have always had travel insurance, but only used it once. In July 2019 I had to change my flights and plans and come back home 10 days earlier than planned. I am still waiting on the reimbursement. I had to submit many forms that did not apply (pet insurance form, tour cancellation form, etc). Every month or so I get notice that the company is requesting some additional form or information. I am fortunate that I can wait on the reimbursement and could pay the change fees and ticket losses up front. What a headache on top of a family emergency. I am unlikely to use this company again despite the fact it was recommended by USAA which is usually a reliable source.

I posted this a month ago and our travel insurance is still dragging its feet. Still no payment and all I have asked for is to reimburse me for my non-reimbursable ticket (which the insurance is supposed to cover) and the cost of a new ticket to return early for a family emergency (which the insurance is also supposed to be covered). Every 3 or 4 weeks I get a notice that they have "requested more information" and a reminder that the claim must be settled within 15 months. At this rate, it may take 15 months. Sorry for the rant. It is frustrating. I can't say that it is giving me any peace of mind at all.

 

[J Willhaus]

Also has anyone ran into a case where a person over 70 could not be covered for medical? I ran a quote for my husband who is considering a winter 2020 Camino with another company (not the slow one I mentioned above) and it said he could not be covered because he will be 70+.

 

[Sri]

I'm starting my first Camino France in April. I bought my ticket using a visa credit card which has a complimentary travel insurance. I'm still tossing whether to get another separate travel insurance. My friends used Australia Post comprehensive travel insurance, but luckily they didn't need to claim anything.

 

[wjohnk]

In the UK you can still get medical cover when well over 70 - It just costs more.

 

[gerardcarey]

Also has anyone ran into a case where a person over 70 could not be covered for medical? I ran a quote for my husband who is considering a winter 2020 Camino with another company (not the slow one I mentioned above) and it said he could not be covered because he will be 70+.

I have struck this several times over recent years.
It is usually disguised by such replies as;
We have no policy suitable for your requirements, or
At this time we are unable to meet with your request.
Regards
Gerard

 

[Kanga]

Yes, indeed, some insurers do have age limits, and also exclusions for many pre-existing conditions. We used to rely on the travel insurance that came with our credit card, but after carefully reading all the terms and conditions we realised that we would be excluded from claiming because of (a) our age (b) pre-exisiting medical conditions and (c) some of our "dangerous" activities.

We still get insurance, but extensively research to find the right policy, and then pay a hefty premium.

 

[Josefus]

I just came across this:
A Health Insurance for "incoming" travelers starting at 16€.
https://www.allianz-reiseversicherung.de/en/travel-insurance/incoming/93-days/
BTW: I don´t get royalties from that company ;-)

¡Ultreia!

 

[Former member 49149]

I posted this a month ago and our travel insurance is still dragging its feet. Still no payment and all I have asked for is to reimburse me for my non-reimbursable ticket (which the insurance is supposed to cover) and the cost of a new ticket to return early for a family emergency (which the insurance is also supposed to be covered). Every 3 or 4 weeks I get a notice that they have "requested more information" and a reminder that the claim must be settled within 15 months. At this rate, it may take 15 months. Sorry for the rant. It is frustrating. I can't say that it is giving me any peace of mind at all.

Insurance is a minefield. You know that, sorry to repeat it. I am sorry that you are still trying to deal with the after effects of two summers ago. Maybe a rash of requests to the gods of insurance will work wonders. I truly am not making light of your problem - you know I was there for a couple of days when you had to rush home. I hope that you get this resolved before the 15 month time limit expires.

or was it just last summer???!!!

 

[J Willhaus]

Yes it was July 2019 so just last summer. We so much appreciated your help at the albergue when I had to leave for a family emergency. Just wish there was a way to know before you need to use the insurance which companies are easiest to deal with and speedy with reimbursement. Afterall, we pay up front for the coverage and also the tickets.

 

[peregrina2000]

I’m going to close this thread, because it is pre-pandemic and the info is surely out of date.