Important Swine Flu information
AIS is currently experiencing unprecedented call levels regarding swine flu. We apologise if you have had to wait slightly longer than usual to contact our call centre, however, we hope to cover many of your questions relating to swine flu and travel insurance in our guide below.
Advice remains the same that you should NEVER travel without insurance, but the swine flu pandemic makes it even more important than ever before to purchase travel insurance
Swine Flu claims will be considered under the terms and conditions of your insurance policy. Please refer to the relevant section of your policy wording.
However, to be sure that you take all necessary steps to ensure your claim is valid, please read our important information below. Please note that there are new guidelines with regards to proof of diagnosis following the set up of the National Pandemic Flu Service Line in England. You can call for the most up to date information relating to Swine Flu on 0800 1513100.
You may have heard the term pandemic exclusion. Some travel insurance companies have enforced this exclusion, however we would like to reassure you that this is not an exclusion on our policies.
We have tried to make it nice and easy for you and come up with some frequently asked questions relating to swine flu and your travel insurance policy, which cover various subjects relating to before and during travel.
Before travel:
I am due to go on holiday very soon. What should I do?
Nothing has changed in the advice that you should take sensible precautions. Know where you will be able to get travel advice and take suitable medication away with you. If you are travelling in the UK, make sure that you have the National Pandemic Flu Service Line number close to hand.
Overall ensure you have a reputable travel insurance policy to cover your travels.
I am travelling overseas this year, and haven’t purchased my travel insurance yet.
If you are travelling this year, our advice is to purchase your travel insurance as soon as possible. If you do not have travel insurance, then you will be unable to claim should you have to cancel your holiday due to contracting swine flu.
I have already purchased my travel insurance from AIS. Does it cover me for swine flu?
Swine Flu will be considered under the terms and conditions of your insurance, as long as your insurance cover starts in advance of your trip and you contract the virus after the date the insurance commences.
Where can I check to see if where I am travelling to has any swine flu issues?
Make sure that you check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website regularly and the World Health Organisation to check that there is no advise issued against travel to your destination. If the FCO advises against travel – your travel insurance policy will NOT cover you!
Is there anything else I can do in addition to purchasing travel insurance?
Yes, we strongly advise that you obtain a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The forms are available from the post office or you can apply online at www.ehic.uk.com. These forms cover any state-provided medical treatment needed during your trip in Europe due to illness. It is worth noting that this doesn’t necessarily cover everything that you would get free in the UK.
Am I able to travel if I contract swine flu?
The advice currently being issued is not to travel if you contract swine flu due to the infectious nature of it. Some airlines are also preventing travel, so please check with your airline prior to travelling if you are showing any symptoms. If you travel knowingly with swine flu symptoms, your AIS travel insurance policy will NOT cover you.
I have contracted swine flu and am due to travel within the next few days and need to cancel my holiday. What should I do?
In order to claim on your travel insurance, you will need to obtain proof of diagnosis. In England, since the launch of the new National Flu Service (as of 23 July), anyone suffering will no longer call their GP but should contact the dedicated Flu Line. If you do have the correct symptoms, you will be issued with a unique voucher number and advised to send someone to a local collection centre to collect the Tamiflu prescription. This prescription will include a label showing the name and address of the sufferer and the date of the prescription.
As long as you can produce the original label on the Tamiflu prescription, showing the name, date and address and is within 7 days of planned travel, this will be accepted in lieu of a medical certificate. If you cannot produce this label, you will still require a medical certificate from your doctor.
If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales you should still contact your GP to obtain a medical certificate. AIS will require proof as stated above, self-diagnosis will not be accepted.
Once you have the necessary documents, in order to make a claim, please contact our claims line +44(0)1444 442277 or email claimsgeneral@europ-assistance as soon as possible prior to departure.
I'm worried that I might get swine flu. Can I cancel my holiday
No, you will only be able to claim back on holiday cancellation if you actually contract swine flu and have proof of diagnosis. If you cancel for fear of contracting it (disinclination to travel), you will not be covered by your travel insurance.
What happens if my airline won’t let me board due to swine flu?
Some airlines have now confirmed that passengers with swine flu will be stopped from boarding flights or indeed if you are showing signs of swine flu. If you are refused boarding, then you must a) demand a certificate from a member of the airlines medical staff confirming that you are unfit to travel and b) request a refund.
What happens if someone that I am travelling with in my party gets swine flu?
If you are unable to travel due to unforeseen illness, injury or death of you, a close relative or any person with whom you have arrange to travel or stay with during the trip, then you will be able to claim for cancellation or curtailment due to swine flu.
During your trip:
Am I covered for curtailment and medical costs if I contract swine flu whilst overseas?
If you are unlucky enough to contract swine flu whilst you are overseas and did not travel with the symptoms, providing you have adequate medical cover you should be covered. Equally if you are required to fly home early and curtail your trip, once again provided you have adequate cover, you should be fine. If you travel with swine flu symptoms, you will not be covered. You will however need to provide any relevant documents and medical certificates that you receive whilst overseas to support the claim.
What happens if I get swine flu whilst overseas, and get quarantined?
If you know that you are heading to a destination that is enforcing quarantine rules, then do contact your travel insurance company to check cover prior to travelling.
However, if you do get quarantined but not hospitalised, and your return is delayed due to being quarantined then you should be covered for any additional accommodation and food costs incurred for the patient. Equally if you have to curtail your trip due to contracting swine flu, generally if your policy covers you for cancellation and curtailment, then you should be able to claim against the cost of your accommodation and flights home. However, do keep any official documentation that you are given as this will help with your claim. If you are quarantined and then are not diagnosed, you may not be covered. Check with your travel insurer prior to travel.
Am I covered if I travel knowingly with swine flu symptoms, and get turned back when I arrive?
No. Our curtailment cover applies if you are forced to cut short a trip you have commenced, and have to return home due to unforeseen illness, injury or death or you or a close relative. Insurefor.com would not cover you in this event, as the illness causing the cancellation was not unforeseen.
What happens if the FCO recommend evacuation from the country whilst I am there?
Should this situation occur, please contact your travel and accommodation providers locally to arrange early repatriation to your country of residence.
It is important to remember that in the majority of cases, swine flu causes mild symptoms, however, there are some sensible precautions that you can take,
What is swine flu and what are the symptoms?
Swine flu is a respiratory disease, which can be passed on by coughing and sneezing. The symptoms of swine flu are broadly the same as those of ordinary flu, but may be more severe and in some cases can cause more serious complications.
The typical symptoms are:
- sudden fever, and
- sudden cough.
Other symptoms may include:
- headache,
- tiredness,
- chills,
- aching muscles,
- limb or joint pain,
- diarrhoea or stomach upset,
- sore throat,
- runny nose,
- sneezing, and
- loss of appetite.
Many people have had mild symptoms and recover within a week and the incubation period can be just two days.
If you are in any doubt what your policy covers you for, please refer to your policy wording.