Mike Cross
Yep, that's it in a nutshell.
You are absolutely 100% entitled to ask for evidence of insurance from the club and if it is not forthcoming or you are not satisfied you should go elsewhere.
Absolutely, but it seems clubs and flight schools are writing this into the 'small print' of their Terms and Conditions.
However, to be fair, the flight school whose Terms and Conditions I quoted above do make it clear (and reiterate bold text) precisely what the situation is when you fly with them.
Whether this change from 'full' cover has been insidious or a general trend I don't know?
In the States cover is widely available, in the UK AOPA provide insurance for instructors and examiners - but no mention of the private pilot (as far as I could see?).