Is travel insurance still valid?
Many travel insurance companies announced they are unable to sell new packages to those travelling after the Word Health Organisation named COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11. However, most travel insurance policies purchased prior to this date will still be valid.
Which? advises: “Admiral, Saga, Direct Line and Churchill have said existing annual policy holders could be covered for UK travel affected by lockdown, but it will depend on the terms of your policy.
“There might be certain conditions you have to meet before you can claim, such as the trip lasting for a minimum number of nights, or the type of accommodation you’ve booked.
“Also, if you have travel insurance included in a packaged bank account, it’s also worth asking if you’re covered for UK travel.”
Policy holders are advised to check the terms and conditions of their policy to ensure both UK travel and “travel disruption cover” is included.
It is always worth picking up the phone and having a chat with your provider to discover the options available to you.
Should I cancel any future travel plans?
As lockdown measures are currently only in place until April 13, there is no answer regarding how things will pan out for holidaymakers. Given the unprecedented nature of the situation, the government’s directives could change at any time.
“If you’re due to travel between 14 April and 30 April, contact your travel company and ask what their policy is,” says Which?.
“Many are being flexible with bookings at the moment and some are allowing travellers to cancel or change existing bookings for free until April 30.”
Should lockdown measures continue, most holidays will be officially cancelled meaning customers will be entitled to a refund.
For holidays in May 2020 and beyond, customers are advised not to cancel their plans yet.
“If you do, you’ll probably have to pay cancellation fees and you won’t be able to claim this back on your travel insurance,” warn Which?.
Customers still paying off holidays should continue to do so, as this is the only way they will be entitled to a full refund if plans are cancelled at a later date.
“Wait it out for now to see if the situation improves,” adds Which?.
“If your trip is cancelled at a later date, you should be entitled to a refund or at the very least, be able to postpone your holiday.”
