Don't jump ship over Swine Flu fears
Shropshire holidaymakers who fear their travel arrangements may be hit by the Swine Flu epidemic should check the small print before acting hastily.
The warning comes from Tony Conlon, of Henshalls Insurance Brokers in Newport, as the illness continues to affect a growing number of people across the world.
"Although travellers may be concerned about the outbreak, and feel they would be happier staying at home, it's vital you don't cancel any of your arrangements without checking with your insurers first.
"Most insurers will not accept your fears about travelling as a valid reason and so you won't be covered if you cancel.
"If however you are due to travel soon, and you are actually diagnosed by a doctor as having the illness, you'll need to submit a doctor's certificate with your claim and the cancellation should be covered."
But Tony warned that a self-diagnosis through the online advice service would not be good enough - a medical certificate from your doctor confirming that they recommended you cancel on medical grounds would be required.
If you're abroad when symptoms are confirmed, it's also vital to refer to your policy documents as soon as possible.
"If the airline refuses to let you board your return flight because they think you may have Swine Flu, their medical officer will need to provide written confirmation of their reasons for preventing you travelling.
"Then, if it's confirmed that you didn't actually have the illness, you can claim against them for 'failure of service'. And if you are quarantined abroad, even after your scheduled return date on your insurance policy, cover will be extended until you return home.
"This will include the unexpected accommodation costs or hospital fees, and the cost of arranging new flights. But you must make sure you approve and make the arrangements through the emergency medical assistance company named in your policy."
Tony also said insurers were generally treating Swine Flu as they would any other medical risk. "So if your policy usually provides cover for a travelling companion to remain with you in the event of illness, that would also be the case if you contract flu symptoms and a doctor recommends it.
"Check your policies before you travel and ensure you are prepared for any situation that may occur - it's better to be sure of what cover you have in advance than panic when things get stressful."
