Refund for illness?
Jan 5, 2016 | 4:27 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: Mileage Plus
Posts: 186
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.
Jan 5, 2016 | 4:55 pm
#2
In memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2005
Location: PIT
Programs: DM life is over 2MM PM now & NW MillionAir Wyndham Rewards Plat -Hotels.com Silver -Accor Silver
Posts: 15,407
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.
Jan 5, 2016 | 5:23 pm
#5
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: MCO
Programs: Delta - PM, HH - Gold, SPG - Gold, Marriott - Plat
Posts: 1,060
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.
Jan 5, 2016 | 5:36 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Nashville -Past DL Plat, FO, WN-CP, various hotel programs
Programs: DL-MM, AA, SW w/companion,HiltonDiamond, Hyatt PLat, IHF Plat, Miles and Points Seeker
Posts: 11,405
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.
But - if they were to give refund for illness, way less people would buy insurance, and more people would buy non-refundable tickets.
Jan 5, 2016 | 6:07 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: DSM
Programs: UA 1K MM, AA EP 250K, DL PL 750K, HH Dia, Marriott Gld, Natl Ex
Posts: 794
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/
http://www.travelguard.com/
Jan 5, 2016 | 6:30 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, MM, NR; HH Diamond, Bonvoy LT Gold, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Diamond, others
Posts: 12,163
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.
Jan 5, 2016 | 6:33 pm
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
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.
Jan 5, 2016 | 6:42 pm
#11
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,253
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.
Jan 5, 2016 | 9:25 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Southern California/In the air
Programs: DL
Posts: 10,380
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.
Jan 5, 2016 | 9:41 pm
#13
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: AUS, LAX, LAS, LHR, WAS
Programs: AA GLD
Posts: 161
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
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
Jan 5, 2016 | 10:06 pm
#14
In memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2005
Location: PIT
Programs: DM life is over 2MM PM now & NW MillionAir Wyndham Rewards Plat -Hotels.com Silver -Accor Silver
Posts: 15,407
Jan 5, 2016 | 10:28 pm
#15
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NJ
Posts: 3,343
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/
http://www.travelguard.com/