Question: My travel insurance claim has been denied, and so have my appeals. I hope you can help us.
My husband and I were scheduled to visit India last Thanksgiving, the day after the horrific terrorist event began. British and Americans were being singled out and murdered, hotels were being burned, and threats were made of hijacking and attacks on airports and train stations in the country.
We were terrified of the unfolding events, and canceled our travel plans. We had purchased a travel insurance policy through Access America. One of the named perils is a terrorist event.
Access America has denied our claim because we were scheduled to travel to New Delhi, and the hotel that was under siege was in Mumbai. I believe that the definition of destination — according to their policy and the online dictionary — includes the entire country. Plus, as part of the terrorist activity, impending threats were made to airports, train stations and other places throughout India.
We’ve lost about $7,300. Is there anything you can do? — Diane Gandara, Napa, Calif.
Answer: I agree with your definition of a destination. Access America should have refunded the money you spent on your vacation.
Why didn’t it? I asked the company, and a representative told me that in order to make a successful claim, the terrorist event would have to occur in the city you were traveling to. Since you were on your way to Delhi, not Mumbai, the claims examiner was technically correct to deny your request.
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