Hello,
I think the advantages are as follows:
cover for cancellation of holiday due to illness of self/or v.close relative or business associate,
Cancellation due to Death of close relative or business associate. Cover for missed flights
loss of luggage. Small token cover for money or other valuables stolen.
Of course you are covered for illness or injury on holiday, repatriation if necessary,
and a few other areas. It would take a lot of small print to detail all the benefits.
The most important area that I think most people are concerned about is illness, but if you hold Private Health Ins. you are already covered for such claims, including repatriation.
We had an illness requiring hospital treatment and change of return flights and VHI paid everything, they made no claiam on our travel insurance.
VHI were amazing, from Holland their overseas office, they telephoned the hospital every am. to check on the patients situation and procedures being carried out and reported back to relative on holiday. They gave a medical opinion on the treatment being given.
They paid our return flights, which were delayed as a result of the illness. They also paid for an extra 5 days holiday, which was recommended by the hospital, to allow the patient to recover, the alternative was to fly the patient home air ambulance, which he did not want.
They met the flight to take the patient to hospital here.
I could not speak highly enough of them. I will never change health insurers after their care and attention.
I still take out annual travel insurance.
Most companies offer very reduced rates now if you have private health ins. Browtal