Planning a trip - worth risking non refundable?

AAZ

tarmacapache said:

I recently booked an overnighter with Hilton, booked and payed for accommodation and meals on the non- refundable, however 5 days before, I tested positive and was really poorly with the virus, obviously it was against the law to travel even if I could, so I lost my money, my question is should the hotel refund me the meals element of the payment or are they entitled to keep the lot ?.

Did you had a travel insurance?

AAZ

Colly83 said:

Hi,

I'm planning a family trip to Amsterdam in April (originally set for this time 2020, and our Efteling vouchers were about to run out se we're going for it). I've looked at a few hotels and several have better rates for early bird "non refundable" options. If I book this and we're then unable to travel (or the current 5 day quarantine is still in place) is there any way of protecting myself through insurance? The MSE guide suggests a few insurers do, but doesn't say which, any ideas?

Or do I just take the hit and book a refundable rate? I'd really prefer not to as the cost of this trip has increased and increased, but most of it was paid years ago...

I'm in exactly the same situation as yours and I'm wondering whether our travel insurance will cover it. There is a significant price difference between non-refundable and refundable auto prices. Not sure what to do, I do have Hsbc travel insurance 

Phantom151

Have a look at the T&C's. We went to the Cotswolds last year even though the website said non-refundable, there was a sidenote saying that if any restrictions return then a full refund will be made.

onashoestring

AAZ said:

Colly83 said:

Hi,

I'm planning a family trip to Amsterdam in April (originally set for this time 2020, and our Efteling vouchers were about to run out se we're going for it). I've looked at a few hotels and several have better rates for early bird "non refundable" options. If I book this and we're then unable to travel (or the current 5 day quarantine is still in place) is there any way of protecting myself through insurance? The MSE guide suggests a few insurers do, but doesn't say which, any ideas?

Or do I just take the hit and book a refundable rate? I'd really prefer not to as the cost of this trip has increased and increased, but most of it was paid years ago...

I'm in exactly the same situation as yours and I'm wondering whether our travel insurance will cover it. There is a significant price difference between non-refundable and refundable auto prices. Not sure what to do, I do have Hsbc travel insurance 

Travel insurance won’t cover restrictions that are already in place when you book your holiday ( these are “known risks”) .
So if you book a holiday, knowing you have to quarantine, they won’t cover a claim for that.

sheramber

AAZ said:

Colly83 said:

Hi,

I'm planning a family trip to Amsterdam in April (originally set for this time 2020, and our Efteling vouchers were about to run out se we're going for it). I've looked at a few hotels and several have better rates for early bird "non refundable" options. If I book this and we're then unable to travel (or the current 5 day quarantine is still in place) is there any way of protecting myself through insurance? The MSE guide suggests a few insurers do, but doesn't say which, any ideas?

Or do I just take the hit and book a refundable rate? I'd really prefer not to as the cost of this trip has increased and increased, but most of it was paid years ago...

I'm in exactly the same situation as yours and I'm wondering whether our travel insurance will cover it. There is a significant price difference between non-refundable and refundable auto prices. Not sure what to do, I do have Hsbc travel insurance 

Are you prepared to lose the money? If so, take the lower fare in the knowledge that you may lose it.

Or play safe and pay more knowing you will have paid more but will not lose the money if the worst comes to the worst.

Make sure you read your policy document carefully so you know exactly what you are covered for. Many people have been caught out by assuming.

ginger_chocolate

tarmacapache said:

I recently booked an overnighter with Hilton, booked and payed for accommodation and meals on the non- refundable, however 5 days before, I tested positive and was really poorly with the virus, obviously it was against the law to travel even if I could, so I lost my money, my question is should the hotel refund me the meals element of the payment or are they entitled to keep the lot ?.

I had a very similar situation a few years ago (pre-covid) - I was ill having booked a non-refundable rate for a hotel, plus meals. I contacted the hotel and politely explain - more because I thought it would save their staff the trouble of accommodating for someone who wasn't going to show up than because I expected anything back - they refunded the cost of my dinner booking and parking, So I would recommend contacting them to ask. The worst that happens is they say no.