A travel insurance consumer awareness group has alerted travel agents to the possible implications for travel insurance policies for clients who are either on holiday in Spain or looking to book a trip to either the mainland or the island destinations.
Rebecca Kingsley, brand manager, Travel Insurance Explained, said the UK government's decision to remove Spain and its islands from the air corridor policy had "sent shockwaves through the travel sector" and warned that clients travelling against FCO advice will invalidate travel insurance.
?Several travel insurers do offer medical cover for Coronavirus ? but at the moment no-one is offering comprehensive curtailment or cancellation cover should things suddenly change at your destination. Travelling uninsured is extremely dangerous if something does happen and you need medical assistance," Ms Kingsley explained. ?If your travel insurance is invalid you could face medical and assistance bills that could run into thousands of pounds. If you?re planning a holiday abroad, there will be many new rules to follow and you may not have the freedoms you are used to when enjoying your holiday. However, remember that no travel insurance policy will cover ?loss of enjoyment? of a holiday or to return home early if the holiday isn?t as expected.?
Several companies have added a COVID-19 component to their travel insurance policies, but agents are advised to check closely as changes in FCO policy during holidays may not have made it to the fine print. However, there are policies which cover travellers who get ill on holiday, require repatriation or need to cancel before taking a trip.
Not Just Travel is offering coronavirus protection, which includes coverage for illness, repatriation, cancellation, curtailment, quarantine and cruises.
Co-founder of Not Just Travel, Steve Witt said, ?When it comes to booking a holiday, insurance is important, right from the time of booking. Although we never plan for things to go wrong, sometimes they do. With a great range of cover available, including add-ons, travel insurance gives you a peace of mind from the moment you book your holiday, and throughout your holiday itself.?
The Not Just Travel policy will not cover travellers who choose to remain in a country or region where the FCO has advised against all non-essential travel, indicating that agents should advise any clients currently on holiday in Spain to return to the UK as soon as possible.
Co-op Holidays has launched the ?Co-op Holidays Promise?. The initiative, launched alongside a COVID-19 inclusive travel insurance policy in conjunction with Rock Insurance, has been developed in response to coronavirus-linked uncertainty for holidaymakers. The Rock Insurance policy includes automatic cancellation & medical cover for COVID-19 at no additional charge, with Rock agreeing to backdate the cover to all policies issued since April 14 this year, where EIG is the underwriter. These customers will automatically receive the enhanced cover at no additional charge.
AITO chairman Chris Rowles urges travellers to be responsible if they are travelling to European destinations: ?Our responsibility as individual visitors to European destinations is clear. Firstly, do not travel if you feel unwell or have any symptoms. A good insurance policy should cover your holiday costs if you cancel. Secondly, stay alert and avoid crowded areas where social distancing is more difficult, and, thirdly, wear a face mask whenever indicated."
