Have you ever felt short-changed when traveling? We asked viewers to tell us about their travel trials and tribulations, and our expert, Loren Christie has the answers to guide you to knowing your rights on the road.
Q: I'm just wondering if you might be aware of any travel insurance that is available for those who wish to travel who have terminal cancer. Although this patient has been diagnosed for over a 12 month period and is still living an exceptional quality of life, unfortunately we cannot leave Canada for a vacation due to the non-existence of this insurance. I'm wondering why, with so many people diagnosed with cancer and who struggle valiantly to beat this menace, they still cannot travel to a warmer destination because of the uncertainty of not having this coverage.
Thanks so much,
D, Andrews
A : Most insurance companies rate it automatically too risky to insure anyone with terminal cancer. Insurance is available to non-terminal cancer patients, but requires an intense questionnaire to be filled out by your physician, but if you are terminal it means you will be turned down.
However, the key is to figure out a solution that works for you. Like you manage your illness, you manage your trip possibilities.
For example, for trip cancellation insurance. A terminal prognosis means a no go. However, think about the travel supplier. Many hotels and resorts offer a bereavement policy that can include a full refund to your family if the supplier is able to re-sell the booking. It's not insurance based - but it is supplier based!
Consider that some companies will offer "travel health" insurance to you for anything not related to the cancer. (Be careful as this usually includes any immune issues). This will mean some protection for you.
Additionally, consider your destination. Go to a place where you know the health facilities are good and make pre-arrangements with local doctors to alert to your condition, a mid-trip check up. Negotiate in advance with health care provider for a better rate ie. In the US.
The Canadian Life & Health Insurance Ombudsservice offers info on travel insurance.
They can link with providers who are willing to work with you
One very reputable one here in Canada is Ingle International who works on solutions for many charities like Make-A-Wish. Visit
Q: My husband and I attended a family wedding a year ago. We left on June 8th and were to return to Halifax from Philadelphia via Washington (Dulles) on the 11th. The night before we were to leave, United Airlines called us and told us the flight from Philadelphia was cancelled due to under booking but that we could catch the flight from Dulles if we drove to Washington. We left that evening and drove a rented car all night to Washington to catch our flight home. I contacted the travel agent that we used to see how United could compensate us for expenses and to see if we could be reimbursed. We never heard back.
I'm not even certain if we actually were treated unfairly. People tell me that this is just what to expect when traveling by air - disappointment. Any advice?
Kris from Halifax, N.S.
A: I would say yes. On different levels you were treated unfairly.
Always check the condition of carriage. United's is 46 pages! Airlines do have a lot of leeway in changing their schedules, but they do owe you an alternative flight. Driving does not cut it. There are a few details missing from your story, (perhaps you couldn't extend your trip because of your sons? Perhaps United offered a flight the next day?) but regardless it is worth following up. Based on what you have told me it sounds like you should have been offered a different flight or a refund.
Second of all, your travel agent should have called you back to clear up the confusion for you and if appropriate advocate on your behalf to the airline. That's one of the best reasons for using a travel agent in the first place. I would call the travel agency back and speak with a supervisor. Your travel agent should be helping you!
Q: I recently arrived at my hotel to discover my hotel room had been cancelled. The hotel was sold out and the only room I could find was out of the downtown core. I had to be downtown for meetings, so I ended up paying an extra $60 in cab fares. Shouldn't my original hotel be paying for that?
Sean from Calgary, AB
A: The hotel only owes you something only if you had guaranteed your hotel room with a credit card. If you never guaranteed the room, you actually never completed "the contract" and unfortunately you are out of luck.
If you did indeed guarantee the room with a credit card, then yes, absolutely they owe you something. Most hotels have a "walk policy" that includes putting misplaced guests in similar level accommodation, often for free, and definitely additional cab fees and often a phone call are included for free to address the inconveniences.
Q: Last winter, I made a reservation for an all-inclusive in the Dominican Republic with a Canadian tour operator. I needed to check the dates with my family and work before confirming. In the few days that it took me to do that the price went up by $100. It's not all that much money, but is that right?
Becky B from St. John's, N.L.
A: Most likely there was a caveat which you do find often with all-inclusive packages and airlines that prices are not guaranteed until "time of booking." You can be quoted a rate but if you haven't done something to guarantee that rate it is similar to the situation issue with the hotel room as rates can often change. This can happen sometimes in five minutes on the Internet! The lesson to be learned. If you see it, be ready to grab it. Have those work and family discussions in advance!
