With the holiday season upon us and increasing numbers of people contracting Swine Flu in the UK taking a sharp increase in recent weeks, queries remain regarding the implications for both personal and business travel insurance policyholders.

The virus, although a particularly vigorous strain, is still influenza and people who contract it will deal with it as a normal flu and take paracetemol and go to bed for a few days and take lots of liquid. Others will have a very mild form of it. Some, who are fit and healthy, may have an immune system which will see it off without them even noticing it. 

At present we can provide an update on the main questions that we are being asked:- 

What can I claim for if I catch swine flu whilst travelling?   

Should an insured person contract swine flu during an insured trip and incur medical expenses, then medical expenses will be covered under the travel policy, subject to the standard terms and conditions. 

And what about if I am consequently unable to fly home on the scheduled return date? Will my insurer pay for my airfare, extra accommodation and food costs? 

Yes, these costs would all be re-claimable subject to the normal policy terms and conditions.  

I am worried about catching swine flu whist travelling and would prefer not to travel. What can I claim for? 

Should an individual decide not to travel or curtail their trip due to the fear of contracting swine flu, there is no cover for this. 

I have got swine flu and am unfit to travel. Can I claim? 

If the insured person is unfit to travel under the standard terms and conditions of the wording then cancellation is covered, subject to supporting confirmation from your GP.

Should you have any queries or need more information on this topic, please do not hesitate to contact Yvette Daborn on 0207 330 8735.