COVID-19 crisis – is a staycation the best holiday for those with existing medical conditions?

As the government implements its ‘battle plan’ to deal with the escalating numbers of people diagnosed with COVID-19, those with existing medical conditions have been identified as the travellers at greatest risk from infection.  Rebecca Kingsley, brand manager of consumer awareness initiative, Travel Insurance Explained gives advice to those who wish to still travel abroad but also suggests a staycation might be the best option for those with underlying health problems:

 What if I am diagnosed with a condition after I’ve bought my policy?

If you are diagnosed with, or are undergoing investigation for, a medical condition or sustain an injury after you buy your travel insurance policy, always call your insurer and provide an update. You will be asked to complete a medical declaration; this will assess the associated risks and there may be an additional premium to pay for the extra cover. In the unlikely instance that your medical situation voids the policy and cover can no longer be provided you should be entitled to a pro-rata refund or given the option to cancel the holiday and claim on the policy. Refund amounts and conditions will differ between insurers so it is best to check their individual process.

 What happens if I am quarantined on holiday? Will my travel insurance policy cover me?

Travel insurance policies will cover emergency medical expenses and repatriation costs if treatment is needed as a result of the coronavirus. Policies may also be extended should you be unable to return on your scheduled date, due to quarantine restrictions.

There are some travel insurance policies that may also include cover for additional costs incurred, such as accommodation and food, if you are quarantined while on holiday. It’s worth checking your policy wordings to find out exactly what your policy covers you for. Of course, any existing medical conditions must have been declared before travelling.

 What is the impact of not declaring your medical condition to your travel insurer?

Anyone purchasing travel insurance will be asked whether they need to complete a medical screening. The insurer will usually ask if you meet any specific criteria (for example if you are taking any regularly prescribed medication) and will then complete a medical questionnaire. Travel insurers will use this to assess any associated risks and adjust the premium accordingly. Depending on the condition your insurer may ask that you pay an additional premium or they may add a medical excess to the policy (only to be paid in the event of a claim related to the declared condition).

Some people wrongly assume they do not need to declare anything, or they avoid declaring their conditions thinking this will save them money. However, if they needed to submit a claim due to the condition or any related side effects, then that claim may be denied and they will be left to pay the bill themselves, regardless of whether the claim was for cancellation, medical expenses, or needing to come home early.

 What happens if I’m on holiday and run out of my prescription medication or lose them?

Travellers must not assume that when travelling with medication they can easily replace them at a high-street pharmacy as they would in the UK. It is not hassle-free – you should remember to carry your original prescription, the medication either in the prescription box which has your details documented on the side, and/or a note from your doctor stating the reason for the medication. Many prescription drugs and over the counter medications which are legal in the UK may be illegal in other countries – especially if you are travelling to the Middle East and certain parts of Southeast Asia. Always take a few extra medicines in case your stay is extended or you lose the medication for whatever reason.

 I’m due to travel abroad for the Easter holiday, is there anything additional I need to look for on my travel insurance policy?

Yes, ensure that you have the cover for anything beyond your reasonable control, but also check that this covers you on both the outbound and return journey, not all travel insurance policy offer cover for delays to the return journeys.

 Can I still get insurance cover if I take a staycation in the UK?

Travel insurance may not seem necessary when holidaying in the UK. However there are still instances that arise where you will be left out of pocket without the right protection. Although we have free medical care in the UK, travel insurance will cover you if you need to cancel your holiday or return home early and cannot claim back the cost from elsewhere. In addition, some travel insurance policies will offer to cover the cost of pre-paid, non-refundable excursions and car hire if you are unable to make your trip.

When looking for a policy, most travel insurers will only cover UK holidays if they are more than two nights in duration and you are staying in pre-booked accommodation. There are a few policies out there that do not have a minimum duration so this is cover worth looking for if you are only going away for a weekend, plan to stay with friends and family or pay for your accommodation on arrival.

With the cost of some UK breaks costing the same as heading abroad, travel insurance should still be a travel essential.