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Cancelling a holiday due to illness?

Hi there I'm after some advice regarding cancelling a holiday due to health/illness

A family member booked a holiday and its all paid for due to go in about 6 weeks time, but in the last 2 weeks they were diagnosed with cancer and told she wouldn't be allowed to go on holiday, and if needed she could have a doctors note to give to the holiday company to prove it. We have tried cancelling the holiday and to get the money back in full but they refused to give the money back and would only give the deposit back? Does any one know if there is anything else we can do? We have tried to sell the holiday on but for most people it is too short notice any advice is appreciated many thanks

Comments

  • McKneff
    McKneff Posts: 38,857 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    No travel insurance ?
    make the most of it, we are only here for the weekend.
    and we will never, ever return.
  • Nope was just getting round to organising the insurance round about the time we gotten diagnoses
  • mrcow
    mrcow Posts: 15,170 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    The holiday company will give back what is due in their ts&cs and the rest is claimed back onthe travel insurance.

    She will need to contact her insurance company and ask for a claim form and then her doctor will need to fill out the relevant section on it. It's all quite straightforward. I've cancelled several holidays die to illness over the years and have never had to wait more than a month or two to be fully reimbursed by the insurance.

    Edit: you should always book insurance at the time of booking the holiday. an expensive lesson learned.
    "One day I realised that when you are lying in your grave, it's no good saying, "I was too shy, too frightened."
    Because by then you've blown your chances. That's it."
  • Yes definitely an expensive lesson learned, by all. Was just hoping there was a loop hole to get round it but it doesn't look like it! Thanks
  • mrcow
    mrcow Posts: 15,170 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Was it (or any part of it) booked on a credit card?
    "One day I realised that when you are lying in your grave, it's no good saying, "I was too shy, too frightened."
    Because by then you've blown your chances. That's it."
  • No debit card
  • mrcow
    mrcow Posts: 15,170 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Has anyone in the party got a "value add" bank account.....some of these come with travel insurance which may cover the entire party (depending on conditions), you may be able to reclaim that way?
    "One day I realised that when you are lying in your grave, it's no good saying, "I was too shy, too frightened."
    Because by then you've blown your chances. That's it."
  • malkie76
    malkie76 Posts: 6,170 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Buying on a credit card won't make a difference.

    Check every bank account and credit card you have in case it comes with an insurance policy you weren't aware of.
    Legal team on standby
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