Music Centre Trip to Spain

Mr_Jones

In August my son has been invited to travel for 7 days with his music centre to Spain as part of a fun trip but also perform in several concerts. I inquired about the music centre's Covid policy particularly in terms of what would happen if my son caught Covid whilst on the educational trip.  The response back (via the travel company) was to take out private Covid travel insurance - of course that makes perfect sense and of course we would do that.  But in addition they said that if my son were taken ill with Covid whilst overseas then parents would be expected to fly to Spain and look after their child.  And when child has recovered from Covid then arrange to fly them home. I doubt whether an insurance policy would pay for all these additional costs but surely it is the responsibility of the travel company to arrange to bring them home as they are organising and responsible for the whole trip ?  That is my view but what do others think ?  

Westin

Your approach and foresight is good. Well done for the diligent planning.

I would however disagree with your assumption that the travel company is accountable and responsible to repatriate your son should he become ill.  That would be a travel insurance matter.

You have not mentioned your son's age or much about the music centre organising the trip.  If your son is still a minor I would hope that the music centre organisers have chaperones accompanying the trip and have plans for these eventualities (ask them). I would be expecting one of the adults to stay with an ill child until a parent can get over to Spain to take over care.  If your son is over 18 then I suspect he will be on his own for the 24hr of so it takes you to travel there.

The circumstances for this insurance are not unique but I doubt will fit the criteria of an standard online insurance purchase.  You may need to ring around for a tailored quote or seek an insurance broker.   I suspect however you will find it more cost effective to "self-insure" the element of you getting to Spain in the off chance this is necessary.  A Ryanair type fare will be probably less than the cost of the tailored insurance.

Mr_Jones

Thank you Westin - your view is appreciated and exactly what I was looking for.  My son is 13 years old.

The music centre will have music teachers joining the trip but the overall trip management has been passed to a specialist music travel company.

Obviously it is not just the cost of one of us getting to Spain during high season but the additional cost of accommodation plus the potential of no work for up to 10 days. Potentially the additional cost could be very significant.

I am very tempted to pass on this trip but going forward I guess this is the world we now live in as this virus is not going away anytime soon

Westin

I am sure the specialist travel company will be supportive in time of need but it would be a travel insurance issue to repatriate and also cover any medical costs whilst your son is in Spain.

I would be tempted to raise the matter with the music school again.  I am sure other parents would also wish to know what the school's plans are if one of the children was ill on the trip.  They must realise that they can not simply abandon a child in their care and would at least have someone stay and look after the child until a parent arrives to take over.