Will UK travellers face another holiday hurdle if they fail the PCR test?

The on-going confusion surrounding the UK travel traffic light system has left thousands of holidaymakers with added risks, and inevitably added costs, to their holiday experience. With so many popular destinations such as Spain, France, Greece and now Portugal remaining on the amber list of countries, quarantine rules and PCR tests are becoming huge barriers to travel.

PCR tests, in particular, are causing problems at border control due to the variety of suppliers and also the various rules within certain countries on what is a legitimate test, and what isn’t.

Fiona Macrae, head of consumer awareness initiative, travelinsuranceexplained.co.uk offers advice on what happens if you fail your PCR test or the test is delayed and causes your holiday plans to be disrupted:

If I have taken a PCR test before my holiday, and the results have not arrived in time, will I be covered by my travel insurance policy?

PCR tests or Covid-19 results not arriving in time is not something that is typically covered by travel insurance providers. What’s more, test providers are also not liable for the cost of any missed or new flights incurred as a result of a delayed test or result.

Therefore, to minimise any risk of tests or results not arriving on time, we would recommend that anyone looking to travel while PCR tests are mandatory books with a tour operator that offers Covid-19 testing as part of their package holiday deal. Some well-known holiday providers have partnered with Covid-19 testing agencies, so at least this way, if your test doesn’t arrive on time, you have someone to contact to discuss new flights or accommodation.

Additionally, we would recommend taking the PCR or Covid-19 test as early as you can, for example, up to 72 hours before you are due to depart. That way, if your result doesn’t arrive, you have time to search for and secure a new one.

If I have taken a PCR test, but I’m told it is ‘a rogue test’ and not legitimate, would I be able to claim for a new test and any expenses I incur if I’m stuck abroad?

It is down to travellers to check that the company they are purchasing their test through is government approved and also valid in the country they are visiting. While we completely understand that private Covid-19 tests aren’t cheap, we would strongly recommend purchasing with a reputable provider to avoid being scammed.

Unfortunately, in most cases, there is no cover for failure to provide the necessary documentation to enter or leave a country.

If I test positive for COVID-19 after taking my PCR test, can I get cover?

Some travel insurers offer cancellation cover in the event that you test positive for Covid-19 and therefore have to isolate and can no longer go on holiday. However, in order to be able to claim the cover must have been in place well ahead of the positive test result. For example, you wouldn’t be able to test positive, buy cover, and then claim for trip cancellation.

Travellers are also able to get cover should they fail their PCR test before their return journey back to the UK. A few providers will cover the cost of any additional accommodation and transportation costs, in the event that tourists fail their PCR test on their return to the UK and are therefore legally required to isolate at their holiday destination.

Will I be covered to cancel my trip if I am unable to provide the right documentation?

Travellers are now required to provide a passenger locator form, proof of a Covid-19 status, and/or proof of a vaccine to leave the UK and enter most countries.

If holidaymakers fail to provide the required evidence, such as proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken up to 72 hours before departure, and as a result are refused entry to a destination, in most cases, they will not be covered to claim for any lost costs. It is the responsibility of the traveller to make sure they have the correct documentation to leave and enter their intended destination when travelling.