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First Directory Insurance if I need to cancel holiday

Wasn't sure if I should post here or in the insurance board but as it's travel related...

I need to go to Ireland every month or two at the moment to visit a relative who is very poorly. They have terminal cancer and have gone through chaemo / radio therapy and are now in a palliative stage of their treatment. I'm booked to go over on Friday for the weekend at a total cost of just over £120 incl car hire.

Back at home, my family are dropping like flies to various bugs. 2 people with colds and 1 with a vomiting bug. I've not succumbed yet but it's really only a matter of time. If I get something in the next couple of days, I really think I shouldn't be going over.

I have First Directory travel insurance with my bank account. I believe this should cover me if I have to cancel because I feel too ill to go but what about if I am at the pre- or post bug phase?

Has anyone had to cancel in similar circumstances? If I do need to cancel because I'm ill, what sort of proof will the insurance company need?
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Comments

  • dzug1
    dzug1 Posts: 13,535 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    They will need a certificate from your doctor (for which you will have to pay) that you are not fit to/should not travel
  • fox2319
    fox2319 Posts: 978 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Combo Breaker
    dzug1 wrote: »
    They will need a certificate from your doctor (for which you will have to pay) that you are not fit to/should not travel
    Would it need to be from my doctor or would it be acceptable to get one from the doctor of the person I'm visiting?
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  • Alan_Bowen
    Alan_Bowen Posts: 4,934 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    If you are making the claim that you cannot travel, it has to be from your doctor. It is your illness or that of a close relative that may allow a claim but be careful, most policies have an excess of at least £50, so if your total costs are only £120 a weekend, you are going to lose a substantial proportion of your claim
  • loobs40
    loobs40 Posts: 1,232 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    My GP surgery charges £25 per letter. I went through the same thing a few years ago after being in a bike accident and went through my travel insurance to claim back the cost of some budget flights. I actually received about £23 in the end, which really was not worth it for all the hassle it took.
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