I decided to call again last night, and spoke with a different person. She confirmed that the insurance would start immediately, not at the end of my current insurance. I was assured that if I was stuck overseas, due to strike action, and the insurance expired, I would still be covered. Hmmm, perhaps for certain things, but not sure what would happen if I fell ill a day out of the insurance cover.

I've decided to go back to Boots insurance, they don't have a problem starting it from the expiry of this one, and at least I know that any medical problems will be covered.

To be honest, I'm just hoping my outbound flight is cancelled if strike action goes ahead, I don't want to be worried about getting stranded, with no insurance cover for hotels, and not getting back to work. I doubt that Boots will cover potential strike action, even though the dates haven't been announced. If I get the option, I'll cancel the trip.