Refund for illness?
 

Both my wife and I have potentially serious "pre-existing medical conditions." For the time being we are both physically fit and totally able to travel. We usually buy medical travel insurance for going overseas but the policies seems to exclude pre-existing conditions. If we buy Delta "non-refundable" tickets, if one of us becomes medically unable to travel (as verified by a treating doctor) will Delta likely refund our tickets (on one PNR)? Thanks.

They don't even do that for us top level frequent flyers. They will occasionally waive the penalty that's deducted from the balance of the value of the ticket when you want to reuse it. You could humbly ask for that. I think that's about the best you're likely to get.

:)

Go for the insurance if the fares are high and the likelihood of using it is high!

Go back and read the OP.

Delta has been accommodating with changes for medical reasons, but I have never heard of a refund.

Hope you get lucky, or healthy.

But - if they were to give refund for illness, way less people would buy insurance, and more people would buy non-refundable tickets.

When needed, we have bought TravelGuard insurance. It has been a while, but if I remember correctly, if you buy the insurance within x number of days of paying for the trip tickets, you are covered for pre-existing conditions. Call them and ask regarding your circumstances. :)

http://www.travelguard.com/

There is some chance that Delta will give you a credit for the full amount you paid. They'll decide at the time.

Ask your usual carrier to price a policy that includes pre-existing conditions in the relevant timeframe of travel, or find a new insurance carrier. Policies that cover pre-existing conditions do exist.

My family has seen some DL generosity with medical conditions but the times have involved immediate surgery and hospital admission, not 'shouldn't travel' notes from a doctor.

I've had to ask DL twice. Both times they credited me for the itinerary after taking doctors information. No refund, but it went to my wallet

There are policies which cover pre-existing conditions so long as those have existed for some period of time. You just need to do some shopping and be willing to spend more than on a standard policy.

You should be commended for your honesty regarding this. Some people might simply find a doctor willing to write an excuse for the insurance citing an ear infection as the reason for being unable to travel...

Like other pax, Delta accommodated changes at no charge when my father was admitted to the hospital and when my son had surgery. I wouldn't chance it though and get travel insurance.

The only time I bought travel insurance was for my honeymoon - and I ended up in the hospital the morning of my wedding! Best use of $100. Still haven't taken the honeymoon years later :(

But, what happened to the wedding? ? ?

This.