My elderly parents were coming to see us last September - an adventure on the train via the Eurostar, Paris and the TGV to Avignon. A couple of weeks before my mother had a heart attack and all had to be cancelled - awful for them - as my father said the worst of it was missing his longed for glass of champagne in Paris.
But, they are insurance 'nutters'. If they go on a coach trip to the coast they take out insurance. They have warranties on their warranties.
They'd like to re-book, but the Co-Op (who else) has quoted £850 for insurance for a week's trip.
They're in their 80's, my dad had a heart attack and cancer of the eye (AGGGH) many years ago, and my mother had the problem as above but is now 'fit to travel' according to the specialist. Apart from that they are very sprightly, fit and happy. Their doctor says 'Go, Go' (as realistically any other major issue will probably kill them... her words)
I'm trying to persuade them that they are European citizens - and specifically as they're pensioners they will not have to bear the costs if anything happens. And even if we have to pay up front for anything they don't need Health Travel Insurance.
We went to Turin last week for a few days and didn't take out health travel insurance - just because they are old and travelling over water why should they?
Is it such a waste of money? - it would quadruple the cost to come and see us.
All and any advice and experience appreciated
x teresa
(car insurance, house contents & top-up health - that's all!)