Buying $5 per room per night insurance?

[abcd1120]

I am beginning to work on bidding for a hotel in London. I know that Priceline and Hotwire are non-refundable, but it appears that you do have the option to purchase insurance that enables you get a refund in case of injury or illness or death. I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions. It seems like a very reasonable option for those of us who consider travel insurance something to look into. Thanks so much

[thereuare]

It's a personal choice... for me, if my hotel costs are $100/nite, i assume there is a less than 5% chance that i'll need to cancel due to a condition covered by the insurance, so i dont' take the insurance.

[audiTT]

I used to buy it regularly, but the first time I tried to use it was when my pregnant wife was having early contractions. Even with documentation from the hospital she was admitted to and her OB, they denied the claim saying her pregnancy was a pre-existing condition. :) Ever since then I've avoided it and if I miss 1/10 stays, I've already saved WAY more than I've lost compared to refundable reservations.

[abcd1120]

Wow... that's unbelievable that they would deny your claim. Pretty discouraging. I did decide to take the insurance, and hopefully I won't have to use it. With my youngest "baby" being 24, pregnancy problems aren't going to be an issue!

[audiTT]

The claim was for one night at $65, so I didn't press it beyond the initial denial (probably what they were looking for) but it has soured my taste for the entire concept. If it were a multi-night stay at a 4* or 5* property I might consider it again, but I usually end up using hotel points for that kind of stay.