Does your travel insurance policy cover you for swine flu? How many insurers offer this cover?

Most travel insurance policies will cover diseases as standard, and swine flu is no exception. As long as you took out the policy before contracting the disease your will be protected against having to cancel your holiday, medical costs and any additional accommodation you may require as a result of having to stay abroad until you have recovered.

If you are travelling within the EU make sure you have your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This is free and entitles you to the same medical treatment as that received by the locals of the country you are visiting. However, the EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance but instead complements it.  Travel insurance provides cover for the costs of having to reschedule flights or extend your visit to allow you to recover, however you must contact the 24 hr worldwide emergency assistance company.

What cover is offered by your private medical insurance? And how many insurers offer this cover?

Private medical insurance will only ensure you receive treatment in the UK, unless you take out an international policy, but this is really only necessary if you are a UK national that lives or works abroad. However, private medical insurance will not cover other associated costs, such as extending your stay or having to cancel or delay flights - you’ll need travel insurance for this.

What happens if you contract the disease prior to travel?

If you have taken out a travel insurance policy, and then contract swine flu, your travel insurance provider will cover you against the costs of having to cancel your holiday. However, your insurance provider will probably require a doctor’s note to confirm that you have swine flu so make sure you contact your GP if you believe that you are showing symptoms. If you are unable to get in touch with your GP, follow the claim procedures outlined in your policy document and contact your insurer, who will be able to advise you on the most appropriate course of action. If you have swine-flu as a pre-existing condition then it is unlikely that your insurer will cover you for travel.

What happens if you contract the disease while you are overseas?

Your insurance provider will cover the relevant medical expenses associated with treatment for swine flu while you are on holiday. If you need to remain abroad until you recover which is a precaution that is advised by the British Government; you will be covered for cancelled or rescheduled flights and the cost of additional accommodation provided you have contacted and had agreement from the 24 hour worldwide emergency assistance company otherwise your extended stay and claim may not be valid. Make sure you buy a policy that will provide the appropriate protection - if you couldn’t cope with the financial costs of something occurring, check that it is covered.

Would your travel insurance or PMI policy cover you for treatment overseas or if you needed to be repatriated?

Travel insurance would cover treatment overseas and the costs of repatriation once you’ve recovered. As the Government recommends that you remain in situ until you have recovered, you would probably not be repatriated until all symptoms of swine flu have cleared.