Cancelling holiday as can't get insurance,

mcphail

My elderly parents just booked a holiday to Spain 2 days ago, by telephone through a travel agency. They have just discovered they can't get insurance to travel, due to a Hospital referral one has, and the other has enlarged kidneys! (There are other health issues, but last year got insured through SAGA) They are going to have to cancel the holiday, as cant risk travelling without insurance.

They are aware they may loose all their money, and obviously are very stressed about it - but thought I'd ask on here if there is any way round getting a refund/even some money back?

They paid by visa debit and the holiday is in 2 weeks time.

Any advice would be appreciated, thank you!

jpsartre

Depends on the T&C of their booking which we can't see.

Gleeful

jpsartre wrote: »

Depends on the T&C of their booking which we can't see.

But at 14 days before travel it is unlikely that any refund would be available

Tammykitty

Spanish healthcare is free for UK residents with a EHIC card temporarily visiting the country. (Although some care is not, but is at reduced cost).


You will be treated even for pre existing conditions should a complication occur while on holiday.


However, without insurance, your parents would not be covered for the additional cost of the staying longer, rearranged flights home or medical assistance to fly home etc.


They should be able to get insurance not covering pre existing conditions that would cover other non health related insurance claims.


Alternatively, if they are sure they do not want to go, they could try selling the holiday privately and would hopefully only have to pay a name change fee (Check with travel agents if it is possible to change names)

leylandsunaddict

It depends entirely on what was booked. Some tour operators allow late name changes, others don't, some won't allow you to change all the names. If it's not a package holiday many airlines don't allow name changes so it would be impossible to sell.

It really is impossible to say without being able to read the terms and conditions they agreed to.

BorisThomson

Tammykitty wrote: »

Spanish healthcare is free for UK residents with a EHIC card temporarily visiting the country. (Although some care is not, but is at reduced cost).

If they're in one of the main resorts they may end up being taken to a private facility. That would not be covered by the reciprocal agreement.

littlereddevil

They would be better trying to get insurance somewhere, even with exclusions, if they really want to go

Geoff1963

If it's not a package holiday many airlines don't allow name changes so it would be impossible to sell.

http://metro.co.uk/2017/04/07/group-invite-stranger-on-holiday-with-them-after-friend-with-same-name-pulls-out-6559181/

Ebenezer Rumplestiltskin and his wife might struggle, but John Smith could give it a go.

CM66

There are some specialist insurers that will cover older people with lots of medical conditions..... it would work out cheaper than cancelling

I'm trying to remember one we used for my Grandad a few years back, will let you know if i can find it!

mcphail

CM66 wrote: »

There are some specialist insurers that will cover older people with lots of medical conditions..... it would work out cheaper than cancelling

I'm trying to remember one we used for my Grandad a few years back, will let you know if i can find it!

Thank you so much, I would appreciate that. Can't name change, so it's either find insurance or cancel - my poor Dad has been worried all night about this, which isn't doing his health much good! Thank you

Alan_Bowen

Allclear and Staysure are two specialists for those with pre existing conditions but before you jump for joy, I suspect the problem may be the hospital referral where the insurers will not know exactly what the problem is. Insurers do not like uncertainty so if possible give as much information about the condition as you can.

Of course your parents must make up their own minds about travelling but ask them to think carefully before deciding, if one got ill could the other travel on their own for example?

Best of luck