From the 17th March 2020 until the 1st September, our policies do not provide cover for any claims arising from or in connection with the COVID-19 virus after the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) advised against all but essential travel.
From the 1st September, the following cover is available under the policy for trips booked to the list of countries which are exempt from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) restrictions:
- Full benefit of the medical expenses section of your policy, which will also apply if you contract COVID-19.
- If you, a travelling companion, or immediate relative become ill and are unable to travel for a medical reason (including COVID-19) then you will be able to make a cancellation claim.
For more information please check our list of FAQs below:
I wish to book a new trip, will my policy cover me?
Your policy excludes cover if at the time of scheduled departure the FCO advises against all but essential travel to the country to which you are travelling. On 17/03/2020, the FCO issued advice against all but essential international travel, which remained in place until 04/07/2020, when certain countries were exempted. For a list of these countries – which is subject to change at short notice – please consult the FCO website.
Am I covered for cancellation costs if the FCO changes its advice and restricts travel to my destination?
We may consider cancellation claims for unrecoverable costs if the FCO advises against all travel to your destination and:
- You booked your trip prior to the 13/03/2020 and the FCO directive is in force at the point of your departure.
- You booked your trip after the 4/07/2020 to a destination that the FCO allowed international travel and the FCO subsequently changes it advice to restrict travel to that destination.
Please note that your policy has a general exclusion for any claims relating to an epidemic or pandemic. On 11th March, the World Health Organisation declared Coronavirus a pandemic. Unfortunately, due to this we cannot guarantee that we are able to cover your claim.
Will you cover me if I have had Covid-19?
We will be able to cover you if you have had Covid-19 and can meet the following criteria; have fully recovered from COVID-19 for two months or longer and; have no residual complications and; have had a period of 2 months or more from testing positive and/or the latest test is negative. If you can meet this criteria please ensure you declare this condition and answer all the questions. If you cannot meet this criteria in full, we are not able to offer cover, please return to us when you can.
What happens if the NHS tell me to quarantine – will I be covered?
If the government has requested you or a member of your travelling party specifically to quarantine before you travel due to being exposed to Covid-19 then yes you will be covered.
What if I am asked to quarantine whilst on holiday? No cover is provided if you are requested to quarantine whilst on holiday.
Will I be covered if I catch Covid-19 whilst on holiday? Yes we will provide emergency medical treatment if you should contract Covid-19 whilst on holiday. It is important that you contact the assistance team to help you get the best help for look after your medical treatment.
What if I’ve been left stranded abroad due to COVID 19?
If you travel to a country to which international travel is permitted by the FCO, and the UK Government subsequently issues advice to return to the UK, we may consider claims for reasonable additional, unrecoverable, travel expenses for the curtailment or extension of your trip. We recommend that you:
- Continue to liaise with your travel provider to see what options may be available
- Continue to refer to FCO and other websites offering advice on the potential repatriation of stranded UK nationals overseas
- Minimise any additional costs that you incur
- Keep receipts for your additional costs
I am being asked to pay the final instalments of my holiday but I am uncertain my holiday will proceed due to COVID 19.
If you have not yet made the final payment for your booked trip and your travel provider is asking you to make your payment, we suggest you proceed as follows:
- Contact your provider to see if the date of final payment can be amended in light of the current circumstances
- If this is not possible and you expect the trip to go ahead, then we recommend that you make your final payment as required. Your trip will still be insured.
- If your travel provider subsequently cancels your trip, they must offer you a full refund.
- Please be aware that your policy only covers unrecoverable If you accept an offer of credit or a voucher, this will be considered as a cash equivalent. If you require a cash refund you should insist on one from your travel provider.
We may consider cancellation claims for unrecoverable costs if the FCO advises against all travel to your destination and:
- You booked your trip prior to the 13/03/2020 and the FCO directive is in force at the point of your departure.
- You booked your trip after the 4/07/2020 to a destination that the FCO allowed international travel and the FCO subsequently changes it advise to restrict travel to that destination.
Instead of a refund my tour operator is offering the same trip at a later date. Can I defer my travel insurance?
For annual multi trip policies, we look to cover the deferred trip on the basis of the original booking as long as the destination and trip duration remain the same. Under our policies cancellation cover effects from the time of booking the trip, which will remain the original date, and all other sections come into effect once you leave or home or place of business to commence the trip.
I am unable to return home due to reasons beyond my control and my insurance is about to expire?
If you become stranded overseas, your policy (or trip limit) will automatically extend by a period of up to 60 days so you will continue to have cover while you are stuck abroad. However, if you remain overseas by choice, the above terms will not apply.
I am looking to book my holiday for the end of the year/next year. What are my travel insurance options?
This is an unprecedented and dynamic event that we appreciate is of great concern to our customers. It is impossible for us to give definitive statements to every set of circumstances.
Before booking any trip, please check with the FCO to ensure that there aren’t any restrictions to the destination. If you travel to a country to which international travel is permitted by the FCO at the time of booking and the FCO travel advice subsequently changes, you may be covered for refundable costs.
If the country does not appear on the list of exempted countries at the time of booking, then we will not be able to consider a cancellation claim