Overloading car means no travel insurance cover

A travel insurance company has refused to pay for medical treatment for a teenager seriously injured in a car crash because he was not wearing a seatbelt and the car was overloaded.  The accident occurred in France when six people were travelling in a Peugeot 206 that veered off the road and overturned.  The injured young man may have to been repatriated which will cost thousands and the insurers say they will not pay.  travel insurance policies normally have exclusions aimed at avoiding cover if you engage in criminal acts or deliberately place yourself in danger.  Policy wordings vary but there will always be a complaints procedure and if a dispute cannot be resolved it can be referred to the Ombudsman,

On the subject of accidents on holiday the Foreign and Commonwealth Office says that Thailand is the most dangerous destination for British tourists. In 2008, 269 British people died there and there were hundreds of hospitalisations. Motorbike accidents are very common in Thailand with something like 38 people dying in this way every day.

These two stories go to show how important it is to have travel insurance and to make sure you keep yourself safe when abroad.

Let us know your thoughts on the above – do you agree with the insurance company?