Which? responds to ongoing concerns around coronavirus and travel rights

Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said:

“People are understandably concerned about how their travel plans will be impacted by coronavirus, and a lack of clear and timely information has left many travellers confused about their options. 

“While the government has now updated its advice to cover the Italian locations that have experienced an outbreak, those travelling to nearby cities like Milan or Verona still won’t be able to cancel and claim on their travel insurance, nor will those travelling to Tenerife. However, if you have a pre-existing medical condition, you may be able to cancel and claim on your travel insurance based on advice from your doctor. 

“With thousands of holidaymakers already worrying about whether to cancel upcoming holidays, the government must ensure it is reacting quickly to developments in the spread of the virus to avoid any further confusion for travellers.”

–ENDS–

 

Advice for travellers:

  • If you’re worried about travelling to an area affected by coronavirus and want to cancel your plans, with the exception of travel to/via China or to the affected regions in Italy, you won’t be entitled to a refund, or be able to claim on your travel insurance in most circumstances. 
  • Instead, you will have to rely on your travel operator’s or airline’s goodwill if you want to arrange an alternative holiday or rebook a flight at a later date. Some travel agents and airlines are offering worried travellers the chance to change plans where possible.
  • If you have an internal flight across Asia or Italy, check if your flight is still going ahead – some carriers are running reduced services.
  • If your travel company can’t help, contact your insurance provider directly to find out if they will cover you as some insurance companies will review scenarios on a case-by-case basis
  • If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you may be able to cancel and claim on your travel insurance based on advice from your doctor. Contact your insurer to discuss this. 
  • For updated advice as the story develops, visit: https://www.which.co.uk/news/2020/02/coronavirus-outbreak-advice-for-travellers/

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