Terminal 5 - are you covered against chaos?

16th April, 2008

James Harrison, chief executive of Insurancewide.com, the online insurance comparison service, advises travellers:

"If you're planning to travel from Terminal 5 and don't yet have an insurance policy, you are unlikely to be able to buy cover from any insurer as the issue has been deemed an "uninsurable risk". If you have a policy already, be aware that many travel insurance companies are threatening not to pay out on claims for lost baggage if it gets lost in T5 before they took off."

"If you've already been delayed as result of the Terminal 5 chaos, call your airline first to discuss short term compensation and to get written confirmation of the delay, reasons for it and exact length. Depending on the length of the delay your airline should provide you with compensation for 'reasonable provisions' for food and drink, two free phone calls, emails, faxes and overnight accommodation where necessary."

"Then call your insurer about your ability to make a claim. Monetary limits and deadlines vary between insurers so you need to check your policy with a fine toothcomb. Your flight or luggage may have to be delayed for more than 12 hours before your insurer will pay out."

"If you've lost luggage, keep receipts, valuations and photographs of any items. Valuable items are not usually covered by travel insurance policies if they are in the hold. Always pack valuable items in hand luggage or keep them with you during the flight."