Coronavirus: “unlikely refunds” if travelers have to isolate themselves

Tourists will be “taking all the risk” when the getaways return abroad, as they face little chance of reimbursement if they isolate themselves.

Anyone who has coronavirus symptoms at the time they are asked to leave is highly unlikely to get their money back when they cancel their vacation.

Vacation package companies and travel insurance probably won’t pay.

Alex Neill of the Resolver resolution service said UK tourists should be aware that they are “taking a risk”.

“New travel insurance policies are unlikely to cover you if you develop symptoms before going on vacation, and if the flight or vacation package is not canceled then you are not automatically entitled to compensation,” he said.

“While supporting the travel industry is important to the economy, right now it is the customer who bears all the risk.”

• Can I get travel insurance or vacation reimbursement and what are my travel rights?

Starting next week, general restrictions on non-essential foreign travel are likely to ease in the UK.

Travel companies said vacation bookings “exploded” after ministers announced restrictions would be eased.

Interest has been buoyed by the expectation that dozens of countries will be exempt from the travel quarantine requirements.

That should mean that UK tourists returning from low-risk countries won’t need to isolate themselves for 14 days when they get home.

Travel insurance gaps

People traveling abroad are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance, which will cover them in the event of accidents, injuries, loss of luggage, etc. A European health insurance card will also give access to state healthcare in the EU.

Some new travel insurance policies will now cover medical treatment for Covid-19 that was captured while at a resort.

However, people who need to cancel a holiday because they or a loved one develop symptoms before leaving, or are told to isolate themselves at home, are unlikely to be covered.

Similarly, tour package providers are unlikely to give a refund or allow a new reservation if a customer cancels in such circumstances.

There is a risk that people on booked vacations may try to ignore symptoms or dismiss the advice of contact trackers to isolate themselves. The government has said that people have a “civic duty” to quarantine if they receive a call from testing and tracking advisers.

“Most people would behave responsibly, even if it meant missing their vacation, but I would also expect vacation and insurance companies to show a little compassion in these circumstances,” Neill said.

“Pushing consumers to do the wrong thing cannot be an unintended consequence of opening the blockade.”

Insurance companies argue that coronavirus is no longer an unforeseen event, so it may not be included in coverage.

The additional protection generally available when booking with a credit card is also unlikely to be successful in such cases.

When vacations can be protected

There may be better news for people who already had a travel insurance policy purchased or renewed before the beginning of March, as they can still file a claim for such cancellation, but should check their policy.

If the UK, or a destination country, reintroduces travel restrictions as a result of a new outbreak, then a tour package company or airline must reimburse holidays or flights which they must then cancel.

However, refunds are unlikely if a 14-day quarantine rule is returned and, as a result, a tourist chooses to cancel.

People taking a holiday in the UK should consult the terms and conditions when booking for information on their cancellation rights.