Originally Posted by
Helsinki Flyer
I have a hard time believing an insurance company is willing to pay a business class ticket unless absolutely needed because of madical reasons. And even then, would they pay for someone escorting the sick person?
Actually, if it is a real emergency, class of ticket is irrelevant. People are being transported home by an ambulance plane if necessary, costing considerably more than a 1st class ticket. But this is where you should read the small print in your travel insurance policy. And you should never make the booking yourself but have the insurance company do the paperwork and payment. Most travel insurance policies that I know of include covering the costs of an accompanying traveller if the tickets were sold together or if the two travellers live together as in the case of spouses.
I once had the unfortunate experience of suddenly having to return home from a holiday in Asia due to a sudden death in my family. When I heard about it I immediately contacted my travel insurance company, and they figured out how to transport me home as quick as possible. I got 1st class tickets for the next day, although I only held economy tickets. And since I were only able to have 10 days out of a planned 40 days holiday in Asia, I got a second holiday with return tickets free of charge, equivalent to my intended journey. I guess altogether, it cost the travel insurance company lots and lots of money. You should always plan for the unexpected and I would never travel anywhere without a travel insurance scheme