Problems getting travel insurance

bjorn says on Feb 20, 2006, 12:13:

Can't be possible In Norway no part of Colombia is considered too dangerous for travellers by the foreign dep (although they call for caution for some region of course) and insurance companies doesn't refuse to cover travellers to Colombia. The only excepetion is that if you are involved in a war situation (incl kidnapping) your insurance will not cover you. Anything else is covered.
I was also told by my Norwegain insurance comp that they followed the same policy as British insurance comp. So I also find this very strange.

Bjorn

Bjorn

0 funny, 0 helpful.

dblem says on Mar 4, 2006, 15:14:

Don't believe the Hype?? Well, most companies in the UK have "small print"in their policies. Maybe "posh" companies as American Express are more generous than, for example, Columbus Direct, Primary Insurance, Halifax or Norwich Union(the 4 ones I've tried with). I have 2 admit that AGAR (Spanish company) was able 2 give me coverage for 189 Euros/month (excluding bagage, personal effects, lost documents, etc...)
Anyway, I've done a bit of "Cut & Paste" and below is the F&CO travel advice 4 Colombia:

Still Current at: 4 March 2006

Updated: 3 March 2006



Colombia

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary, Terrorism and Health sections. The overall level of the advice has not changed.


SUMMARY

* We advise against all travel to Putumayo, Arauca, Nariño, Caqueta, Guaviare and Norte de Santander departments, and to rural areas of Sucre, Bolivar, Choco, Antioquia, Valle de Cauca, Cauca and Huila departments. We also advise against all travel to southern parts of Meta department and to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (including the ‘Lost City’). There is a high risk to your personal safety in these areas.


* The threat from terrorism is high. You should be extremely vigilant throughout Colombia, particularly when you are visiting or staying in public places used by foreigners, such as hotels, bars, restaurants, nightclubs and shopping-malls, malls, and in the vicinity of government buildings. Terrorist attacks are expected to increase in the run up to the Congressional and Presidential elections due to take place in March and May 2006 respectively.


* There is a serious risk of kidnapping and crime throughout most parts of the country.


* We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see Travel Insurance.

And the list goes on ...

Regards

0 funny, 0 helpful.

dblem says on Mar 4, 2006, 15:18:

Not that extrange... Not that extrange, believe me.

But thanks 4 your coment.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

bickerss says on Mar 5, 2006, 08:46:

Try www.worldnomads.com.au - they cover me here and are quite cheap.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

getting better says on Mar 28, 2007, 04:34:

Still a problem for British tourists Hope you don't mind me dragging up this old thread, as this insurance exclusion is still a problem for British tourists.
Ecoturs Colombia has quite a lot of British people wanting to visit the ProAves nature reserves in Antioquia, Norte de Santander and Nariño. To my knowledge these are safe.
As I read it you are correct on American Express, thanks for that.
Two questions:
1. Does anyone have any other travel insurances for UK people that don't exclude areas against the FCO advice?
2. Does anyone have a view of whether they would be likely to invoke the exclusion in reality, if the claim was not related to public order problems?

0 funny, 0 helpful.