

Zika Virus and the UK Travel Insurance

December 17th, 2019

What are the effects of the Zika virus?

The Zika virus has created a cloud of fear in people. The virus infecting people through carrier mosquitoes can cause fever, rashes, joint pain, conjunctivitis and headache. In extreme and rare cases, it can cause nerve damage, muscle weakness and even death. The worst part is that it may cause congenital issues in unborn babies. Pregnant women when get infected by this virus have given births to babies with microcephaly.

Microcephaly is a neurological condition in which the children show low brain development. Even the size of their heads is much smaller than the normal head size. This can result in improper cognitive function and abnormalmental and physical development. This scenario has put travellers in a dilemma. People who have plans and bookings to travel in Zika infected places are now reconsidering their plans.

Can one cancel a travel trip that was scheduled at Zika infected places?

The important question here is whether they will get a refund of the cancellation charges or not. What should they do in case of unavoidable circumstances that compel them to travel? These and many more questions are cropping up in people’s minds. Well, the best thing is to consult your travel insurance provider. As per a general survey, most travel and holiday companies are dealing with this on a case-by-case basis.

The companies suggest that the customer can rebook if their Doctor advises them to not travel. So, if you want to rearrange the trip then you need to show a note from the doctor suggesting that you cannot travel to Zika infected areas. In such cases, you will not get charged for the amendment fees.

Another option that is suggested by most of the travel companies is that you book for an alternative holiday destination. If your trip date is a month later then you can rearrange it. If the alternative destination is cheaper then, the company will refund the balance. If the travel cost to the alternative destination is higher than your current booking then you will have to pay to bare the difference.

Most of the holiday companies do not guarantee a refund on cancelling a trip. They would check your case and the gravity of the reason behind cancellation. The decision would be solely in their hands and so, you need to have travel insurance for every trip you plan.

Zika Virus and the UK Travel Insurance:

According to the Association of British Insurers, some of the insurers will offer you cover if the cancellation is due to the advice of the medical examiner. Pregnant women also fall into this category. If they have to travel to Zika infected places then companies will offer them cover. In normal cases, travel insurance companies will not offer you cover if you are suddenly showing disinclination towards travelling due to the fear of the Zika virus.

Travel insurance companies will not offer you cover in case the destination country was already an infected place when you bought the policy. So, check with your insurance provider and find out whether it is offering a cover or a refund.

For more details about travel insurance providers, their quotes and booking details, check our website freepricecompare.com. You can also call us on 02034757476.

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