Swine Flu: Travel update
Am I covered to cancel my holiday?
If you have been diagnosed with Swine Flu, and need to cancel your holiday, the
condition will be treated as any other medical condition, and we will consider a
claim within the terms and conditions of the policy.
How do I claim?
You will be required to provide a medical certificate from your GP or medical practitioner.
If you cannot see a GP or a medical practitioner, you will be required to supply
the unique ID number generated by the National Pandemic Flu Service, together with
the original label on your anti-flu drugs (This will confirm your name and date
of issue) as proof of diagnosis to validate the claim.
Will I be covered if I think I've got swine flu, and decide not to go on holiday?
If you think you have Swine Flu you need to contact the National Pandemic Flu Service
for advice and a diagnosis. You will need to follow the same outlined procedures
as above.
What happens if I contract swine flu while I'm on holiday?
A claim will be considered for the relevant medical expenses associated with the
treatment for swine flu while you are on holiday. If you need to remain abroad until
you recover which is a precaution that is advised by the British Government, you
may claim for cancelled or rescheduled flights and the cost of additional accommodation.
To satisfy a claim, you must contact, and have agreement from, the 24 hour worldwide
emergency assistance company to either extend your stay or be repatriated early.
Their contact numbers are located on your certificate and are also located in your
policy terms and conditions.
What happens If I contract swine flu and become quarantined on holiday?
If you are quarantined overseas because you have Swine Flu or because you have been
in contact with someone who has swine flu you may claim for cancelled or rescheduled
flights and the cost of additional accommodation. To satisfy a claim, you must contact,
and have agreement from the 24 hour worldwide emergency assistance company to either
extend your stay or be repatriated early. Their contact numbers are located on your
certificate and are also located in your policy terms and conditions.
Am I covered if I go to the airport and they do not allow me to board the plane?
If you are refused boarding because you have swine flu, which is subsequently diagnosed
by a medical practitioner or by the National Flu Service, then a claim will be considered
under the terms and conditions of the policy. Refer to the 'How do I claim' information
above.
If refused boarding and there is no evidence of swine flu, you would need to make
a claim against the airline as you were fit to fly.
Will the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) cover me for swine flu?
If you are travelling within the EU make sure you have your European Health Insurance
Card (EHIC). The card is free for all UK residents and entitles you to the same
medical treatment as that received by the locals of the country you are visiting.
If you are diagnosed with swine flu whilst in the EU the EHIC will allow for free
emergency medical treatment. However, the EHIC is NOT a substitute for travel insurance
and instead complements it. Travel insurance provides cover for the costs of having
to reschedule flights, repatriation or extend your visit to allow you to recover
from an illness or injury if required. However, you must contact and have agreement
from the 24 hour worldwide emergency assistance company to either extend your stay
or be repatriated early.
What cover is offered by private medical insurance?
Private medical insurance will only ensure you receive treatment in the UK, unless
you take out an international policy, but this is really only necessary if you are
a UK national that lives or works abroad. However, private medical insurance will
not cover other associated costs, such as extending your stay or having to cancel
or delay flights - you'll need travel insurance for this. You should check directly
with your insurer for clarification.
For customers who would like additional information, please use the links below
to access the FCO and ABTA websites:
www.fco.gov.uk/travel
http://www.abta.com/about/news/view/157