Travel Insurance and the Case of the Missing Trip Refund

— -- Craig and Pamela Chernick are enjoying life as active retirees and grandparents – and they’ve also developed a real wanderlust. They’ve traveled a lot – to China, Paris, Vietnam and Tahiti, to name just a few spots – and they consider themselves savvy consumers. But when Pamela broke her heel and they had to cancel a trip to the Greek island of Corfu, the couple had a hard time getting a refund, even though they had purchased travel insurance.

Read Craig’s original letter to the ABC News Fixer below, and see how The Fixer helped Craig and Pamela get their money back. Also, check out tips for the next time you plan a trip.

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Dear ABC News Fixer: Last year in October, my wife and I were supposed to fly from Athens to Corfu and back. We had to cancel our trip because my wife had broken her heel.

We had booked the flight on Aegean Airlines and even took out trip insurance issued by the airline. After a number of expensive long-distance calls to Aegean, we were told it would be taken care of. But we still have not received a credit on our card.

Can you help? I have gotten nowhere with this.

- Craig Chernick, Denver, Colo.

Dear Craig: Being a seasoned traveler, you thought you had all your bases covered. And you almost made it! It was just shaking loose that refund that proved difficult.

We were happy to help. We contacted Aegean Airlines and got an immediate response. The airline promised to look at your complaint and within about 10 days, your refund was on its way.

As for the original delay, Aegean didn’t have an answer but said that claims usually take no longer than 15 days to process.

Travel insurance can be a tricky thing. The Fixer’s advice for any traveler is to read the insurance policy carefully before purchasing to make sure it covers the type of emergency you’re worried about. Beware of limits on reimbursements and make sure it doesn’t exclude pre-existing medical conditions.

- The ABC News Fixer

Got a consumer problem? The ABC News Fixer may be able to help. Click here to submit your problem online. Letters are edited for length and clarity. Find the ABC News Fixer on Facebook HERE