Travel insurance

Following the announcement that some travel abroad is permitted from 17th May 2021, we are providing details below of how your policy will respond in the event that you have a claim caused by Covid-19. 

Should your travel provider go into liquidation this is likely to be covered by most insurers provided you cannot get their money back from any other source. Please refer to A-Plan for guidance on your policy should this occur.

If your travel provider or airline postpones or cancels your trip and offers a rebooking or credit and no refund this is very unlikely to be covered. Please refer to A-Plan if these circumstances arise.

Since the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advice can differ across countries within the same government travel list, please be aware that claims will be handled in line with the FCDO advice for each destination. This means that you may be able to claim on your insurance as long as you’re not travelling against the FCDO advice, or making a claim for something that is excluded from cover.

If you travel to a destination for which the FCDO advises against all or all but essential travel, no claims will be considered. If you are NOT travelling against FCDO advice, you will have the full benefit of your travel policy.

If you contract Covid-19 or are obliged to self-isolate and are unable to undertake a valid trip, consideration of a cancellation claim for unrecoverable expenses differs between each insurance company; so you will need to refer to A Plan to see if cover is available.

If you are unable to travel due to a change in FCDO advice (including lockdowns, general quarantines or other government restrictions), cancellation cover will not be covered with most travel insurers, however, please refer to A-Plan to obtain advice about what cover is available.

If a local lockdown prevents you from travelling even though FCDO advice is that it is safe to travel to the destination this is very unlikely to be covered. Please refer to A-Plan for advice on your specific policy wording should this occur.

If the entry requirements of the country to which you are travelling require you to self-isolate on arrival, your insurer will not be able to consider cancellation or any other claims, even if the requirements change after you book your trip.

If you contract Covid-19 while on a valid trip, you should contact the 24hr medical assistance line; if your condition requires an early return home, again cover differs between each insurer so you will need to refer to A Plan prior to taking your trip.

Insurers will not be able to consider curtailment claims if you return home early due to a change in the traffic light status of your destination (for example if the government changes it from green to amber or red). Any additional costs incurred due the need to quarantine in the UK on your return will not be met by your policy.

You should always check the FCDO advice for each country you plan to visit on your trip (even if it’s a stopover or transfer) both before you book and before you set off. If you book a holiday in a country that the FCDO advise not to travel to, no cancellation cover will be in force if you cancel the holiday due to Covid travel restrictions.

If you need any help or guidance, please contact your A-Plan branch and we be delighted to help.