Does travel insurance cover coronavirus and can I cancel my holiday? Your rights as a traveller explained
TRAVEL insurance is on the mind of dozens of holidaymakers, as more and more people catch coronavirus around the globe.
Some may wish to cancel their holiday and stay at home instead but can you claim on your travel insurance for any losses? Here we explain your rights.
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The deadly coronavirus has quickly spread across the globe, currently with more than 189,000 cases reported worldwide at the time of writing.
Holidaymakers should be aware that some insurance companies have altered their coverage following the outbreak, with some companies stopping the sale of new policies altogether.
Below we explain what to do if you're keen to cancel your holiday due to the outbreak.
Can I get a refund if I cancel or rearrange my holiday due to the coronavirus?
The today (March 17) today changed its recommendation to advise against all but essential international travel.
It said in a statement: "As countries respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, including travel and border restrictions, the FCO advises British nationals against all but essential international travel.
"Any country or area may restrict travel without notice."
The restriction will be in place for a 30-day period but this could be extended.
This means if you already have a trip booked and you're due to depart before this date, you may be able to get a refund from your airline or travel provider if your flight has been cancelled.
You may also be offered the choice to reschedule your trip to a later date.
If you have travel insurance, you might be covered if your policy was purchased before the FCO rules changed.
Check the small print of your policy to be sure. This includes annual-policy cover, as this may not cover new trips if you booked during the middle of the coronavirus outbreak.
New policies are less likely to offer protection as most providers are now refusing to cover coronavirus-related claims.
Some policies may provide cover for event cancellation, Stuart Lloyd, travel insurance expert at Columbus Direct, told The Sun.
It's important not to ignore travel advice by the FCO, or you risk invalidating your insurance policy if you decide to act against it.
Your refund rights if the area you're travelling to has been declared an "all but essential travel" zone depends on how you booked your holiday.
It's up to the discretion of the airline on whether they'll give you a refund or agree to change your flights.
But if you booked a package holiday then you have the right to a refund from the tour operator or travel agent.
Alternatively, they can offer you a suitable replacement holiday elsewhere but you don't have to accept it if you don't want to.
What happens if I don't have any travel insurance?
If you don't have any travel insurance, you'll find it hard to find adequate cover while the latest FCO rules are in place.
Some insurers have changed their policies because of the outbreak, so if your insurance doesn't cover coronavirus cancellations, it's worth getting in touch with your travel operator.
You're not guaranteed any help but it might arrange an alternative holiday or allow you to rebook at a later date.
Free cancellations aren't guaranteed if you've booked through an ATOL-protected tour operator either.
What should you look for in a good travel insurance policy?
TRAVEL insurance policies can vary a great deal, but here are some 'must have' features you should look out for from the Money Advice Service.
- Medical expenses - A good policy will give cover of £1million or more for travel in Europe and £2million or more for the USA
- Repatriation service - The costs of getitng you back to the UK for medical reasons should be covered automatically by your policy
- Cancellation and curtailment - A good policy will cover you for £2,000 or more if you have to cancel or shorten your holiday
- Missed departure - Covers additional accommodation costs and travel expenses up to £500 or more if you miss your flight due to circumstances out of your control
- Delay - You'll usually be covered for £250 or more if your travel plans are delayed due to circumstances out of your control
- Baggage cover - Covers you if your baggage is lost, damaged or stolen. Look for policies that have cover of £1,500 or more.
This is because the protection is against the failure of the package holiday provider, and not for a major medical outbreak like the coronavirus.
Some travel companies are still offering worried holidaymakers help where possible.
For example, Greek airline Aegean Airlines is offering customers with flights to any destination before March 20 the chance to rebook for free.
If you've booked flights and accommodation separately, ask the airlines and hotels if they can help.
We've made a round-up of what your travel insurer, package holiday provider and airline will cover if your holiday is affected by coronavirus.
If you're worried about travelling due to existing age and health concerns
Coronavirus is said to be deadly for those who have existing medical conditions or the elderly so it's understandable if you want to cancel your trip to affected areas to avoid the risk.
Unfortunately, you don't have the right to an automatic refund if you cancel your trip because of this.
But the decision will be down to the discretion of the airline or holiday companies so it's worth talking through your options with them.
To do this, you might need to provide health certificates to make your case stronger.
If they refuse, double check with your travel insurer as your policy may cover it.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) says that most of its members will cover trips if you have to cancel because of a pre-existing condition that's declared on your insurance.
In this scenario, you could get a full refund if your condition could put you at greater risk of contracting coronavirus.
But the ABI warns that this will be on a case-by-case basis and whether you're covered will depend on both your policy and your medical condition.
Some insurers will require proof of this from your GP, and be aware that if the people you're travelling with have a separate insurance policy, they might not be able to cancel and get a refund just because you have.
What happens if I get ill while on holiday?
Your travel insurance should pay for the medical costs of being treated for coronavirus, but generally not if you get ill in a country the FCO has advised against travelling to.
Most travel insurers offer a 24-hour emergency medical advice hotline, so if you feel unwell contact your provider straight away.
The symptoms are similar to a common cold, and include a runny nose, headache, cough, fever, shortness of breath, chills and body aches.
But if a coronavirus infection spreads to the lower respiratory tract (your windpipe and your lungs), it can cause pneumonia.
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If you're put in quarantine while on a package holiday then you won't be entitled to any compensation from the provider, even if you feel like your holiday has been ruined.
But the holiday provider is obliged to provide assistance and rearrange alternative flights home if being in quarantine means you've missed yours.
Your travel insurance is much more likely to pay out in cases like this so it's worth letting them know about the situation.
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