ABI travel insurers provide cover for emergency medical treatment needed overseas, including relating to Covid-19. For new policies, many travel insurers also now provide cancellation cover due to being diagnosed with Covid-19, often within two weeks of being due to travel, but it is always important to check your policy to understand any exclusions. Be aware that many insurers will require proof of a medically approved positive Covid-19 test, for example a lateral flow test or self-diagnosis would usually not be accepted.

In the first instance, a refund should be sought from the airline, accommodation provider or tour operator. Following that, any bookings made through a credit card may also be able to have costs recovered through section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act or via a 'chargeback claim'.​

Travel insurance may cover non-refundable cancellation costs, in specific circumstances, only when other consumer protections do not apply. This may include medical advice that means you or a member of your group is unable to travel. Check your travel insurance policy for the scope of cover.

Travel insurance may cover non-refundable cancellation costs, in specific circumstances. These may include medical advice against you or a member of your group from travelling. Check your travel insurance policy for the scope of cover. For new policies, many travel insurers also now provide cancellation cover due to being diagnosed with Covid-19, often within two weeks of being due to travel, but it is always important to check your policy to understand any exclusions. Be aware that many insurers will require proof of a medically approved positive Covid-19 test, for example a lateral flow test or self-diagnosis would usually not be accepted.

You should speak to your tour operator, travel agent or airline about any refunds or making alternative arrangements – many airlines and travel operators offer customers flexibility to change the date of your holiday.

For new policies, many travel insurers also now provide cancellation cover due to being diagnosed with Covid-19, often within two weeks of being due to travel, but it is always important to check your policy to understand any exclusions. Be aware that many insurers will require proof of a medically approved positive Covid-19 test, for example a lateral flow test or self-diagnosis would usually not be accepted.

If you test positive for COVID-19, and are unable to travel, then you should first speak to your tour operator, travel agent or airline about any refunds or making alternative arrangements. Travel insurance may provide some cover for cancellation if you are unable to travel due to medical advice.

For new policies, many travel insurers also now provide cancellation cover due to being diagnosed with Covid-19, often within two weeks of being due to travel, but it is always important to check your policy to understand any exclusions. Be aware that many insurers will require proof of a medically approved positive Covid-19 test, for example a lateral flow test or self-diagnosis would usually not be accepted.

It is your responsibility to comply with any border restrictions in place at your destination country (i.e. negative COVID-19 test, vaccine). If you do not comply with these requirements, then you will need to return home at your own cost.

All ABI travel insurers will continue to provide cover for emergency medical treatment, including relating to COVID-19, that you may need overseas. If you are unsure if you have this cover, you should check the position with your insurer.

• If you are required to be quarantined while abroad, you may be covered by your insurance policy, including any relevant medical expenses that are required, provided that there is no COVID-19 exclusion. This may also include additional accommodation and travel expenses. Check with your insurer if you have any questions.
• Many policies can be extended for a specific period, if you are unavoidably detained from returning to the UK. If this happens, then check with your insurer.

Most travel insurance policies already automatically extend so you are still covered against the risk of emergency medical treatment when you are stuck abroad due to ongoing travel restrictions. Given these exceptional circumstances, leading ABI members will look to extend this protection to cover the risk of emergency medical treatment for up to a minimum of 60 days, provided you are making every effort to return home. If you are unsure if your insurance coverage will be extended, you should check with your insurer as soon as possible. 

You will be covered for the duration of your trip under the same terms as when you took out the policy, including cover for emergency medical treatment.

Pricing is a commercial decision for individual insurers. Travel insurance is a competitive market, with travellers encouraged to shop around to get the policy at the best price that is most suitable for their own circumstances.

You should check with your travel insurer if the reasons for your trip would or would not invalidate your travel insurance. A holiday to the area would not be considered as essential. 

• The new GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) provides you with the same medically necessary state-provided healthcare that you were able to access with an EHIC when travelling to the EU. Your EHIC card will be valid until it expires, and you can continue to use it when travelling to the EU.
• GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance as it will not cover you for all medical costs or the cost of emergency repatriation back to the UK.