Rejection of travel insurance claim

Dear Mr. Tan,

I wish to seek your opinion and advice on a recent travel claim.

I bought a Travel insurance coverage for myself and my wife for travel to Spain/Portugal. During the trip, we received an urgent call from the travel agency that my wife's brother had a critical stroke and in coma at a hospital. The tour group were 3 days into a tour of 15 days.

My wife and I took a taxi from hotel to the airport and a shuttle flight to catch the SIA flight back to Singapore. We rushed to the hospital and managed to bid farewell to my wife's brother who passed away on the same day.

I submitted a claim for the taxi fare to the airport, shuttle fare and pro-rated reimbursement of 12 days.

I received a letter from the insurance company stating that:
"a - taxi and shuttlefares as expenses incurred after the trip curtailment is not payable under the policy cover
b - trip curtailment expenses for me as the deceased is not considered as a family member under the policy definition."

I would appreciate you frank opinion on 'a' and 'b' before I pursue the matter further.

LNW

REPLY
In my frank opinion, the insurance company should pay your claim, which is quite reasonable and is connected to a covered event. I am sad that they have rejected the claim, which is not fair to the policyholder.

You can file a complaint with Fidrec, www.fidrec.com.sg