HELP!! I've had to cancel my December cruise plans because I got a December 8th surgery date. Now I need to have my surgeon write a letter to the travel insurance company explaining why this surgery is medically necessary and why the surgery has to be done on this date, in order for me to get the remainder of my travel fees refunded (cruise line will refund half and travel insurance company will reimburse other half for "covered event.") Does anyone have such a letter they could share with me, please? My surgeon's nurse told me to let her know what the letter had to say and she would take care of it. I'm not sure just how much information needs to be included in the letter, or exactly what to say. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks!

Try Googling online... I found these samples using the phrase "travel insurance refund surgery":

http://www.examplesof.com/business_letters/letter_to_travel_agency_cancelling_trip.html

Also check with the traveller's insurance policy -- call them and ask what they require as proof for a covered event. Most of the things I found online said the letter needed to be on the doctor's letterhead. I don't think your doctor should have to say anything about the type of surgery or why you need it. Just something like "My patient, xxx, requires surgery on December 8th and will be unable to travel from this date to this date.

I wouldn't go into detail with the insurance company... I don't think they can legally ask for details regarding the surgery or medical necessity as long as your doctor says it's medically necessary. Don't offer any more information than the minimum unless they come back asking for more details.

Good luck! (and btw, your surgery date is my birthday!)

Thanks for the suggestions, Ginger Snaps. I tried googling last week and came up empty handed; tried again today with different phrasing and got some info as well as accessed the website for the travel insurance co. the policy is through where I found a physician statement form and list of documents required when submitting a claim. I may not even have to have my surgeon write a letter. I'm sure there are bound to be others out there on BariatricPal who may find themselves in a similar situation. Hopefully all the info and suggestions posted here will help them out as well. BTW - ginger snaps are my husband's favorite cookie currently

Try Googling online... I found these samples using the phrase "travel insurance refund surgery":

http://www.examplesof.com/business_letters/letter_to_travel_agency_cancelling_trip.html

Also check with the traveller's insurance policy -- call them and ask what they require as proof for a covered event. Most of the things I found online said the letter needed to be on the doctor's letterhead. I don't think your doctor should have to say anything about the type of surgery or why you need it. Just something like "My patient, xxx, requires surgery on December 8th and will be unable to travel from this date to this date.

I wouldn't go into detail with the insurance company... I don't think they can legally ask for details regarding the surgery or medical necessity as long as your doctor says it's medically necessary. Don't offer any more information than the minimum unless they come back asking for more details.

Good luck! (and btw, your surgery date is my birthday!)

you should still be able to go on a cruise shortly after surgery...or why don't you change the date of surgery to right after the cruise? Either way, good luck