Ensure you have the right travel insurance this summer

Having the right travel insurance policy in place has never been more important as we reach the peak holiday season and hundreds of British holiday makers could find themselves banned from setting off, or having to cancel their trip as the swine flu pandemic continues to spread.
 
British Airways have recently indicated that they will be testing customers for symptoms of swine flu or H5N1 virus as it’s also known.  Customers who show typical symptoms will be refused boarding and told to contact their doctor for confirmation.  This new rule potentially leaves many travellers out of pocket so it’s vital to have a travel insurance policy in place which covers cancellation, as well as written confirmation from your doctor should the worst be confirmed.

In order to be able to make a claim for cancellation, following the introduction of the National Flu Pandemic Service going live the ABI Association of British Insurers have confirmed that travel insurance companies will need the unique ID number issued by the National Pandemic Flu Service, coupled with the label on the prescribed anti-flu drugs which show the individual’s name and the date of issue.

Whilst cancellations with a doctor’s certificate are valid, anyone not wishing to travel due to fear of contracting the virus will be unable to claim under their cancellation cover as the Foreign Office has not declared any country a no-go zone.  Should the Foreign Office advice against travel to any particular country or destination, then cancellation is outside your control and, travel insurance policies should pay out.

If you are worried that you may be prevented from travelling then the first step is to contact your tour operator or airline before cancelling any plans. 

It is also important to compare the various travel insurance policies available before you buy ensure you have the right level of cover in place that not only doesn’t cost the earth but also provides you with a good standard of medical and cancellation cover.
 

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2009-07-24 11:55:55 © Moneyextra.com