A couple of weeks ago I was meant to be going on a press trip to Tenerife with my family and reviewing a couple of hotels out there. Shortly before we were due to depart, I was looking into travel insurance as I was aware that our annual policy had expired. I contacted the travel insurance company we’d previously had cover from and sent them an email, rather than an instruction initially, because I had a query about the policy that I wanted to run by them.
I never received a reply from that email and, before I knew it, events unfolded shortly afterwards, that were to entirely scupper our plans. Our younger son was diagnosed with HenochSchnlein purpura which left him with a nasty rash on his legs, and resulted in painful swelling on his joints – particularly his ankles – that temporarily prevented him from being able to walk. Our doctor sensibly advised us not to travel.
With this diagnosis, I knew I couldn’t just get travel insurance retrospectively. So I contacted Monarch who I’d booked our flights with, and explained my predicament. They were extremely helpful and understanding and have allowed me to re-schedule the flights for the same time next year so that I can make the trip then – all at no cost.
Of course, all this was the least of our worries. The main thing was that our son made a speedy recovery and I’m pleased to report that he is doing much better now and has even been able to return to school today. That said, it was a very kind gesture from Monarch and gave us one less thing to worry about.
For the record, to my surprise Monarch do have a policy that allows you to amend your flights up to just 4.5 hours prior to your departure, usually at a cost of 27.50 per flight if done online (or 40 if done over the telephone), and you can amend your flight to dates up to a year in advance – a useful feature for anyone else finding themselves in a similar predicament.
A worthy mention also goes toSkyparksecure who I’d booked a ‘meet and greet’ airport parking service with. I contacted them also, and they have simply re-credited our account so that we can re-book with them on another occasion.
And the moral of the story? Even if your travels aren’t imminent, if you have a trip booked, make sure you have travel insurance in place at the time of booking, and not just prior to your departure.
