Swine flu and insurance

Frequently asked questions

Will travel insurance policies cover swine flu?

Yes. Policies should cover cancellation, medical treatment needed overseas and additional costs if placed in quarantine due to diagnosis of swine flu while abroad. Cover will apply to each member of the travelling party.

Do any policies have a pandemic exclusion clause?

Very few travel policies have a pandemic exclusion, and all ABI members will cover valid claims for swine flu and other pandemic illnesses. A couple of ABI members who had previously included a pandemic exclusion have since removed it and are dealing with claims for swine flu. 

If I cancel my holiday because I am diagnosed with swine flu symptoms will I be able to claim on my travel insurance?

Yes. ABI members will cover the cost of holiday cancellation. You will also be covered if you have to cancel due to diagnosis of any person covered by the policy, and close relative, such as a child, and business partner (your policy will set out who is covered).    

What proof will insurers accept for cancellation?

Normally insurers require written confirmation from your GP that you are unfit to travel. However, as this may not be available, they will accept as medical certification of swine flu diagnosis from the National Pandemic Flu Service, together with the unique ID number and the label on the prescribed anti-flu drugs that will include an individual’s name and date of issue.

 

When should I contact my travel insurer if I think I might need to cancel?

You should first contact the National Pandemic Flu Service. If they authorise anti-flu medication, contact your insurer to make a claim. Make sure that you keep all the documentation, including the label from the medication, as this will be needed to validate your claim. 

 

Can I claim on my travel insurance if I am well, but want to cancel, as I am worried about contracting swine flu when abroad?

You will only be covered for cancellation if you are medically unfit to travel as set out above. Being disinclined to travel is not covered by travel insurance.

 

What if I am turned back at the airport, either on leaving the UK or on arrival at my destination?

Airlines should have medical teams available to assess if a passenger is unfit to travel for whatever reason. If you are assessed as being unfit to travel due to swine flu symptoms then travel insurance should pay the costs of cancelled holidays and flights. You will need written confirmation from the airline’s medical advisers to validate your claim.    

  

What if I contract swine flu when abroad?

Travel insurance will pay the cost of medical treatment if you contract swine flu while on holiday. It will also cover the cost of rearranged flights and accommodation for anyone covered by the policy. Before you travel, make sure that you take with you details of the emergency medical helpline service provided by your travel insurer.

Travel insurance should also cover the costs of accommodation and rearranged flights if you are placed in quarantine abroad and have to stay beyond your planned departure date. Those who are quarantined as a precautionary measure may be covered – insurers will consider claims individually. Your insurers will need written confirmation of the quarantine.

 

Will I be covered if I have been diagnosed with the symptoms of swine flu when I take out the policy?

No. Travel insurance is designed and priced to cover risks not known to you when you take out the insurance. So if you (or any member of your travelling party covered by the policy) have swine flu when you take out travel insurance you will not be covered for cancellation on medical treatment costs.

 

What if the Government advices against travel to a country due to the swine flu pandemic?

If you are concerned about travelling to a particular country or region, talk to your tour operator or air carrier about whether it is safe to travel, and listen for any Government advice. If you need to make alternative travel arrangements, insurance policies will usually cover the new destination. If the Government advises against travel, check your travel insurance policy, as some (but not all) may cover cancellation costs. 

 

The ABI has also issued two news releases clarifying the situation on swine flu and insurance click on the headline below to view:


National Pandemic Flu Service – the travel insurance position

Swine flu – Travel insurance information from the ABI