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Holiday rights If you’re hoping to holiday abroad this summer, find out where you stand regarding refunds and insurance
HOW TO... make sure you’re fully covered International travel should be easier this summer but there’s no guarantee. Always check the entry requirements for the country you’re planning to visit before you leave and make sure you have adequate insurance that covers you for Covid-19.
• For current advice, check the Foreign Office website (see Can I get a refund for extra costs if I’m quarantined overseas? For unforeseen expenses, such as extra accommodation or a new flight home, start by asking your travel agent to see if they can help. You might be able to claim the money back through your insurance, which is why it’s important to choose the most comprehensive Covid-19 cover. Look for a policy that includes ‘disruption to travel’.
If everything is closed when I arrive, can I get any money back? Only if you purchased a package that included a specific attraction and that was the main reason you booked the holiday. In this case you could argue
USEFUL CONTACTS
• Head to gov.uk/foreign-traveladvice for the latest information on travel. To find out the latest information on cancellation policies from the major airlines, Eurostar, holiday companies and Airbnb, visit moneysavingexpert.com At citizensadvice.org.uk you’ll find lots of advice on your holiday rights.
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that the attraction being closed counts as a ‘significant change’ under the Package Travel Regulations.
If my cruise is cancelled or changed, can I get my money back? You’re entitled to a full refund if your holiday is cancelled by the cruise company, but always check their policy before you book. If, however, it still goes ahead but with a different itinerary and you don’t want to go, ask for a refund or credit to spend on another cruise.
If you do one thing..
• If the travel company cancels a package holiday, you should get a full refund within 14 days. When a flight is cancelled, you’re due a full refund from the airline within seven days, or an alternative flight. If they try to give you a voucher instead but you’d prefer to have your money back, stand firm.
• Any other cancellations, such as the hotel bookings and car hire, should issue a refund, although this can be tricky if you’re dealing with a company overseas.
• In cases where the outbound flight is cancelled but the return flight isn’t, you can choose between a full refund or an alternative flight. Get in touch with the airline in the first instance.
Compare travel insurance that offers cover for disruption related to Covid-19 at You’ll also be covered if you paid with a debit or comparethemarket.com, moneysupermarket. credit card, so ask your bank or card provider and com or gocompare.com. Look at emergency mention the chargeback scheme or Section 75 if medical and repatriation costs as well as you paid over £100 on a credit card. cancellation for anyone who returns a positive coronavirus test in the two If you’re entitled to a refund from the travel weeks before travel and additional company or airline, you should follow this up with protection against transport them first rather than claiming on the insurance. and accommodation.
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• In cases where the holiday goes ahead but you want to cancel, check first where you stand in terms of a refund. A better idea is to try and change the dates instead.
July 2022
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Feature Hayley Gilbert Photo Getty
Frequently asked questions…
‘Useful contacts’ below) and the website for the British embassy of the country you’re visiting. The Foreign Office’s wording can affect travel insurance if you need to cancel. For example, if it advises against ‘all but essential travel’ or ‘all travel’ and you ignore this, you may not be insured.
