Coronavirus – it’s the potentially deadly disease that is currently sweeping the globe. If you’re due to travel in the near future and are unsure about how much cover you are protected by, read on to hear the answers to your most asked questions…
Q: I’m due to travel to a destination in the near future where the FCO is advising against all travel / all but essential travel. Am I covered and what should I do?
A: They can only claim for cancellation of the trip if it’s within 31 days of departure and the advice was not in place when the travel cover was added or the trip was booked, whichever is later.
Q: I’ve booked a holiday and will be travelling through a country / region where the FCO have advised against travel, or all but essential travel, to reach my destination; can I cancel or reschedule my trip?
A: You will be covered if you wish to cancel your trip if:
It’s important to note that some travel insurers are now not offering clients cover to France, Italy, Spain, China or Korea for any new policies being taken out, due to the continued spread.
Q: I have an existing medical condition and my doctor has suggested that I don’t travel as I’m at a higher risk of catching COVID-19, can I cancel my holiday?
A: This would not generally be covered.
Q: I’ve paid a deposit for my holiday to an area the FCO have advised against travelling to. I don’t go on holiday until later, should I pay off the balance? if my holiday is cancelled, am I covered?
A: They will be covered for the full costs should they pay the balance.
Q: I’ve decided to travel against the FCO advice, am I covered if I catch COVID-19?
A: We would urge customers to follow the advice as outlined by the FCO / local authorities and not place themselves at additional risk. However, they would still be covered by Aviva travel insurance if they did choose to travel.
However you should be aware that treatment is subject to the locally available facilities and medical repatriation or transfer to alternative medical facilities will be subject to any travel restrictions which are in place.
Q: I’m going to an area affected by the COVID-19 but there is no FCO advice in place against travelling. Am I covered if I want to cancel my trip?
A: We are monitoring the situation closely, but if you are travelling to locations not listed by the FCO, you would not be covered if you wish to cancel your trip or return earlier than planned.
Q: I’ve been in contact with friends who have just come back from an affected area. My employer has asked me to take two weeks self-quarantine as a precaution. I want to cancel my upcoming trip just in case I’m contagious, can I claim?
A: No, unless the customer has shown signs of illness and has been declared medically unfit to travel by their GP.
Q: I have been quarantined on a cruise ship for 14 days. I was due to have onward travel to other countries. Can I claim for my unused travel and accommodation costs and additional costs I have to pay to get home?
A: Customers would be covered for these costs under the cancelling and coming home early section and up to the limits of the policy.
If you have any queries about the impact of Coronavirus on your insurance, please do get in touch. One of our insurance specialists would be more than happy to help assist you.
Give us a call on 01403 785775 or send an email to info@omnidavis.co.uk.
