SAGA — Doing things properly

My partner and I had just booked trips to Malta and Australia. However, ten days before we were due to leave for Malta, I fell down some stairs and hurt my ankle. It was swollen and painful, and an initial X–ray suggested it was badly sprained. However, it didn’t get any better and a few days later I was advised not to fly. I was now on crutches and in such pain that I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy the holiday anyway.

Time to call Saga

My partner and I share a joint policy with Saga Travel Insurance. We had shopped around before choosing them, but their premium was very competitive and we were relieved to have such a high level of cover now that we had to make a claim. So I rang the claims line and, within a couple of days, received some forms that the doctor filled out. We were especially pleased that Saga’s claims advisers are based in the UK. The whole experience was so easy and quick. They even gave us a courtesy call to say that the money had been paid into the bank! So we may have missed out on our trip to Malta, but at least we were not out of pocket too.

Another twist in the tale

However, my ankle continued to be extremely painful and – in November – a consultant diagnosed a fractured heel. As it was put in plaster, we had to face the fact that our trip to Australia would also be impossible. This was an even bigger blow, because the plan was to visit my family over Christmas. My mum, brother and daughter live in Australia, and my daughter and son–in–law had arranged to enjoy a week in New Zealand with us first. Usually I have to work at Christmas, but this year I had managed to get the time off. Instead, we had to approach Saga a second time and, once again, they dealt with the claim very sympathetically. We may have had to put our plans on hold, but at least we have drawn some valuable conclusions…

Thank goodness for travel insurance!

Firstly, we would never book a holiday and sort out the insurance later – an illness, accident or other problem can ruin things overnight. In fact, it’s best to have cover continuously in place in case we take advantage of any last–minute holiday deals. It also gives us the freedom to travel at the drop of a hat – if, for example, my mother fell ill and we had to fly to Australia to see her. Travel insurance might be an extra expense if nothing goes wrong, but it’s excellent value when something does. Without our Saga Travel Insurance policy, my partner and I would have really lost out. Instead, we still have the money to go to Malta and Australia in the future. We have therefore recommended Saga to other people and will certainly renew our policy!

Mrs Carey
Surrey

The level of good communication and care I received from Saga was excellent. A doctor was flown out to accompany us home and once she arrived I felt a huge weight had been taken from me. She was incredibly supportive and made the journey home very easy for us.

When we arrived home and made our claim it was simple and payment was made promptly. We chose Saga because the policy covered our needs and it was the right decision to make.

Mrs H Firth–Davies,
York

My wife and I have been very impressed by the prompt and efficient service we have received and, in particular, by the helpful and friendly manner of everyone we have spoken to when we have called for advice and guidance.

It has helped that something which could have added to our worries at a time when we least needed it has been resolved in a satisfactory way by such professional people.

Mr J P Morley,
Nottinghamshire