Insurance

[suede apple]

As I have just purchased a new wheelchair I am wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction as to where I can get insurance for it. I will be travelling to Tenerife next week and am anxious to get insurance for it before I go.
Thanx to anyone who can help.
Barb

[Pete]

Just google "wheelchair insurance", thee seems to be lots of links

[suede apple]

Hi Pete
Thanx for that. I have tried these and several of them are all the same company under a different name. However they say chair not covered if travelling to North America(we are going to Florida in September) and not covered if damaged by baggage handlers. This is why we want the insurance in the first place.
I find it hard to believe that it costs at least twice as much to insure a wheelchair than it does for a human - seems daft to me:019:

Barb

[Travelling Blackbird]

If you've ever seen the way some baggage handlers throw manual wheelchairs up onto the belt to take it up into the hold of the plane, you'd understand why insurance companies are reluctant to cover you! It's crazy how disrespectful people are of such an essential piece of equipment.

However, there is good news on that score: when you check in, you should be asked if your wheelchair is in working order, and then, when you land, if there's any damage or issues, the airline/airport authority will have to pay for it. When my brake came off between Dusseldorf and Barcelona, the airline compensated me.

As for insurance for North America, I've found that most insurers are reluctant to deal with anything medical related in the US under a normal policy. My worldwide medical insurance has all these exemption clauses for the US...

[suede apple]

Many thanx TB

Having looked into it again I approached my insurance company and asked if the chair would be covered on my contents policy even though we were going out of the country. I was told 'yes it is covered'. With that in mind we then purchased a carry/transport bag to help with protection of the chair. Lets hope that will help. I have never been asked if my chair is in working order all the years I have been going abroad, but then I am usually sat in it at the checkin desk so I guess they can see it working.
To some degree I suppose I am fortunate as I am not Wheelchair dependent although I have walking difficulties due to arthritis.
The only reason I am so concerned is because it is a brand new chair and is expected to last at least 5 years. Lets hope all goes well.

Barb:dft003:

[Travelling Blackbird]

Enjoy the trip, and best of luck. I'm sure everything will be fine.