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canasta | 10:53 Wed 29th May 2013 | Travel
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We have annual worldwide travel insurance which has covered all our existing conditions at no extra charge and which, up to now we have never used.

WE booked a cruise about three weeks ago which leaves on 18th June. I have developed a chest infection for which I am taking antibiotics and a short course of steroids. When we informed our insurers they asked for a further £168 to continue the cover. We have no other trips planned. When my husband protested they suspended my cover and i have 24 hours to decide whether to pay up or go through the med screening and set it back up when I am better.

Even though the policy has been cancelled for me apparently the amount we have paid for the cruise is covered if I am still ill and unable to travel.

Is it worth paying the money now and having continuous cover or waiting till I am better and reapplying for the insurance?
I have about an hour to decide..Help
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As your in a hurry it would take too much time to look at your options.

Your ages and your medical history would all need to be known.
this sounds odd. If you were already covered before you booked the holiday, then you're insured. I'd be surprised if there was anything in the T&C saying "We reserve the right to double the premiums if you get sick" since, er, that's what you're already insured against.
I would agree with jno – the insurance premium will have taken into account of the fact that you might become ill at anytime during the insured period, when deciding the cost of the insurance.

I would suggest you complain to the insurer, and if you get nowhere elevate that matter to the financial ombudsman. I would expect the financial ombudsman to take a very dim view of the insurance company unilaterally voiding your policy for no good reason.

In relation to ensuring that you have adequate insurance cover for the cruise; you have a couple of options:-
Pay the requested additional premium (under duress) – with the full expectation that it will be refunded following your complaint.
Take out alternate (equivalent) cover with another insurer – and claim the cost of this cover from your insurer.

Given that the insurance ombudsman would reasonably expect you to minimise costs – you should select the cheaper of the options.

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