San Stefanos Online ~ North West Corfu

We had friends coming over in August, booked flight only with TUI and they got emailed over the weekend to be told their booking was cancelled. Flight still on but they want the seats for package holiday guests. Won't get a refund for 10 weeks so can't book alternative flights either so have had to cancel.

Travel insurance won't necessarily increase as most policies will simply exclude anything to do with Covid 19 so there isn't an increase in risk to the insurer.

As you know I'm an insurance broker and this is pretty much the market stance on the situation:


Travel Insurance Update: Coronavirus COVID-19



With the spread of the Coronavirus prompting many calls to the office please find some guidance below for your Travel Insurance customers.
 
Will I be covered if I contract Coronavirus and need to cancel my trip?
Yes, you are covered for unforeseen cancellation of your trip. For a valid claim to be processed you will require a medical certificate from a doctor confirming that you were not well enough to travel.
 
I don’t want to travel due to Coronavirus, can I cancel my holiday and claim on my Travel Insurance?
No, disinclination to travel is not covered as an insured peril.
In the first instance you should contact your tour operator or transport and accommodation provider to request a refund of the costs or to change the dates of your trip.

Some of our insurers will allow us to amend the dates or destination on your policy provided an alternative trip is booked/confirmed (terms may apply).
If your trip has been cancelled due to Coronavirus insurers may offer a part of full refund of the policy.
 
If I contract Coronavirus when I'm on holiday will I be covered on my Travel Insurance for medical treatment?
Yes, unforeseen medical expenses and repatriation cover is included on our policies provided a full and accurate declaration was made at the time of purchase.
 
Can I still choose to travel if the FCO advises against it?
No, none of our policies cover customers under any section if they decide to travel against the advice of the FCO. You can stay up to date with the latest travel advice here.
 
Am I covered if I want to cut my trip short due to Coronavirus fears?
No, in the first instance you should contact your tour operator or transport and accommodation for their advice. If you are in a destination which is impacted by the virus you should follow advice of the local authorities.
 

As we are travelling out separately this year I'd booked our outward flights a while ago and yesterday thought I'd get round to booking our return ones. Went on the Jet 2 site and as I was booking one way from Corfu the price came up in Euro's - 510. I switched the currency to sterling and it dropped to £503. I chose to pay in Euros and my account has been debited for £436!! Worth looking at the different options as that has just paid for my transfer from SS to the airport!

It depends what you're priority is really - I would always recommend a god level of medical expenses cover and to ensure that the cover for cancellation/curtailment is enough to cover the cost of your holiday. I would also always try and keep the policy excess below £100. If you have personal possessions cover under your home insurance then I would delete the baggage cover from the travel insurance (the level of cover is normally poor and the single article limit low in any event). Then its a case of single trip cover or annual cover, that depends totally on how often you plan on travelling. If you have pre-existing medical conditions then, personally, I would recommend going through a broker to ensure they are all fully disclosed and that the cover meets your requirements - I would say that wouldn't I  . If you are fit and healthy and just want basic cover then hit the comparison sites but always check the excess and also what activities are covered under the policy - just in case you are hiring quads, going scuba diving etc. Anyone wants any advice or a quote - richard.huntley@saleinsurance.co.uk

3 weeks from 17th August @ Athens Bar, well 3 for Jackie - I can't get away from work until 21st so she can have 4 days of peace before I arrive 

We ate there in June and thought it was average so gave it another go in August and thought it was improved but still not one we'd rush back to. Having said that they are, as always, very friendly and helpful!