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
