Outbreak of infectious disease
If you have to cancel your holiday, due to contracting an infectious disease such as swine or bird flu, Saga Travel Insurance will provide cover up to £5,000 for cancellation of your holiday providing you have been diagnosed by a medical professional and a medical certificate is provided as evidence. If you just have a simple cold then cancellation of a holiday is not covered.
Customers who have booked a holiday independently and are due to travel to a country where the World Health Organisation (WHO) have advised against travelling to
If you have booked your holiday independently i.e. not through a bonded tour operator, and you are due to travel to a country where the WHO has advised against all travel or all but essential travel (providing such advice came into force after you purchased this insurance or booked the trip, whichever is later), Saga will provide cover under the Cancellation section of the policy. This cover will pay up to £5,000 for any irrecoverable unused pre-paid accommodation, car hire, flights or other travel arrangements, where you cannot obtain a refund. In order to make a claim you will need to obtain proof of unused pre-paid costs.
Customers whose airline refuses boarding due to suspected symptoms
An airline can refuse boarding if you are showing symptoms of an infectious disease. It is at the airlines discretion as to who they refuse to board a flight, although some airlines will opt to screen passengers before allowing them to board.
If it is identified that you have a previously undiagnosed communicable disease, you should call the medical emergency helpline provided in the policy booklet for initial advice.
Customers who contract an infectious disease whilst abroad
If diagnosed whilst abroad, you or a relative should call the medical emergency help line provided in the policy booklet for initial advice. Full cover will be provided for medical expenses incurred whilst abroad, including repatriation, should it be necessary.
As long as you or a relative calls the medical emergency help line for initial guidance and you are then diagnosed by a medical professional with the relevant certificate, then all medical costs, including repatriation if necessary, will be covered.
Further advice and up to date information
The link below contains up to date information on alternative travel options, passenger rights and contact details for the FCO and its embassies overseas.
www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-news/