Any Insurance policies with effective Covid cover for holidays in the UK?

lisyloo

Whose recommendation is it that we don’t travel? (genuine question)
proof from a doctor that you have mild covid won’t help you if you don’t have insurance for that.
it will only help if the doc signs you off as “unfit to travel”.
my husband had a chest infection once and was pretty rough.
the nurse said he was fine to travel and fly with a chest infection - so I’m saying that being pretty rough with flu or a chest infection doesn’t hit the bar for being unfit.
we were going scuba diving as well.

its Probably best not to go to any parties or book the theatre shortly before.
i would see family or go outside but my family are good enough to test beforehand.

if you’re completely averse to the financial risks then I guess it’s probably not a good idea to book uninsured, non refundable, non exchangeable arrangements but I’d be interested if you’ve seen something formal to say it’s not recommended.

katejo

atigger said:

lisyloo said:

I think the issue is here that’s its recommended that you don’t, which shifts the financial burden onto the consumer (or business in some cases).
so if (for example) a sole hairdresser closes then that’s at their own cost (unless they have insurance which covers it).

Agreed, the recommendation is that you don't travel.  With the current high prevalence of Covid, I was hoping that there was a policy that would still cover me with a positive PCR test as sufficient proof of infection.  A video consultation with follow up letter from a doctor may be a possible alternative but is not without potential costs/difficulties.

Maybe the best solution is that you mentioned earlier - keeping away from others beforehand plus wear a ffp2 mask when that is not possible!

I have just returned from a UK trip from which I would have lost the cost of accommodation had I tested positive just before going. The last fee cancellation was a week before. Fortunately I was fine and could go. However, when I did get Covid in December 2021, it was like a mild cold and took 5 days to test positive. I had 2 negative PCR tests before a positive. If someone feels mild cold symptoms just as they are due to go, are they (morally) expected to cancel even though they will lose money and a insurer won't pay out? 
My GP does no video appts at all and it is virtually impossible to get a phone one. I was refused one (different reason not covid) on my departure day and told that I had left it too late to book even though the symptoms only started that day.

eskbanker

lisyloo said:

Whose recommendation is it that we don’t travel? (genuine question)

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-people-with-covid-19-and-their-contacts/covid-19-people-with-covid-19-and-their-contacts

There is no longer a legal requirement for people with coronavirus (COVID-19) infection to self-isolate, however if you have any of the main symptoms of COVID-19 or a positive test result, the public health advice is to stay at home and avoid contact with other people.

[...]

This guidance applies in England.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do/

Advice in England has changed

While you’re no longer legally required to self-isolate if you have COVID-19, you should try to stay at home and away from others to avoid passing on the virus.

lisyloo

Sure got it.
it’s not recommended to travel with covid.
i (mistakenly) thought we were talking about not recommended to book any travel at all.

lisyloo

katejo said:

atigger said:

lisyloo said:

I think the issue is here that’s its recommended that you don’t, which shifts the financial burden onto the consumer (or business in some cases).
so if (for example) a sole hairdresser closes then that’s at their own cost (unless they have insurance which covers it).

Agreed, the recommendation is that you don't travel.  With the current high prevalence of Covid, I was hoping that there was a policy that would still cover me with a positive PCR test as sufficient proof of infection.  A video consultation with follow up letter from a doctor may be a possible alternative but is not without potential costs/difficulties.

Maybe the best solution is that you mentioned earlier - keeping away from others beforehand plus wear a ffp2 mask when that is not possible!

I have just returned from a UK trip from which I would have lost the cost of accommodation had I tested positive just before going. The last fee cancellation was a week before. Fortunately I was fine and could go. However, when I did get Covid in December 2021, it was like a mild cold and took 5 days to test positive. I had 2 negative PCR tests before a positive. If someone feels mild cold symptoms just as they are due to go, are they (morally) expected to cancel even though they will lose money and a insurer won't pay out? 
My GP does no video appts at all and it is virtually impossible to get a phone one. I was refused one (different reason not covid) on my departure day and told that I had left it too late to book even though the symptoms only started that day.

You won’t be able to get a PCR test anymore.
did you have no insurance?
did it not cover a covid diagnosis? (Mine does if “medically diagnosed”).

i would go if I had a cold (as people always have).
the official covid symptoms are not the same as a mild cold.
fever, cough, lack of taste or smell.

if your insurance won’t pay out then yes I think you are (morally) expected to cover this yourself, just as a taxi driver, hairdresser or personal care worker would be.

most people I know are wfh and not mixing inside with strangers before their holiday.
obviously it’s harder for some than others.

how will you know in future if you have covid if we don’t have any testing?

one of the reasons you won’t find insurance for medically undiagnosed mild illness is that it would be wide open to fraud.

atigger

PCR tests would still be available after 1 April, they would just cost £40 + 
Same applies to LFTs although they will be a lot cheaper [£2 - £5].  [However I very much doubt that LFTs could be used in insurance claims as acceptable evidence of Covid.]

I am a member of Which? and have asked them if they would update their recommendations to take account of the latest Government advice. 

katejo

lisyloo said:

katejo said:

atigger said:

lisyloo said:

I think the issue is here that’s its recommended that you don’t, which shifts the financial burden onto the consumer (or business in some cases).
so if (for example) a sole hairdresser closes then that’s at their own cost (unless they have insurance which covers it).

Agreed, the recommendation is that you don't travel.  With the current high prevalence of Covid, I was hoping that there was a policy that would still cover me with a positive PCR test as sufficient proof of infection.  A video consultation with follow up letter from a doctor may be a possible alternative but is not without potential costs/difficulties.

Maybe the best solution is that you mentioned earlier - keeping away from others beforehand plus wear a ffp2 mask when that is not possible!

I have just returned from a UK trip from which I would have lost the cost of accommodation had I tested positive just before going. The last fee cancellation was a week before. Fortunately I was fine and could go. However, when I did get Covid in December 2021, it was like a mild cold and took 5 days to test positive. I had 2 negative PCR tests before a positive. If someone feels mild cold symptoms just as they are due to go, are they (morally) expected to cancel even though they will lose money and a insurer won't pay out? 
My GP does no video appts at all and it is virtually impossible to get a phone one. I was refused one (different reason not covid) on my departure day and told that I had left it too late to book even though the symptoms only started that day.

You won’t be able to get a PCR test anymore.
did you have no insurance?
did it not cover a covid diagnosis? (Mine does if “medically diagnosed”).

i would go if I had a cold (as people always have).
the official covid symptoms are not the same as a mild cold.
fever, cough, lack of taste or smell.

if your insurance won’t pay out then yes I think you are (morally) expected to cover this yourself, just as a taxi driver, hairdresser or personal care worker would be.

most people I know are wfh and not mixing inside with strangers before their holiday.
obviously it’s harder for some than others.

how will you know in future if you have covid if we don’t have any testing?

one of the reasons you won’t find insurance for medically undiagnosed mild illness is that it would be wide open to fraud.

Prior to Covid I had annual European travel insurance which also covered cancellation of UK trips due to illness. I don't have such cover now because I haven't yet gone abroad/booked any future trips since Covid. Insurers don't usually sell policies for UK only  (unless they have started to change this due to Covid). No I know that the 'official' Covid symptoms don't mention cold symptoms but this is inaccurate.

lisyloo

If a pcr test counts as a medical diagnosis then I think my insurance covers it.

We will not cover the following:

Any claims caused by or relating to Coronavirus (meaning COVID-19 or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-COV-2) or any mutation or variation

of these), including any claims relating to any fear or threat concerning Coronavirus, unless the claim arises under:

• Section A because you or a member of your family or travelling party are medically diagnosed with Coronavirus or personally instructed to isolate by an NHS service or medical professional; or

• Section B because you need medical treatment for Coronavirus while abroad.

Try taking a look at Insure & Go.

atigger

 Thanks, will have a look. 

atigger

I have had an online chat with one of the agents at Insure & Go.  I have included the relevant passages below:-

Agent: "if you, a member of your family or travelling party, are medically diagnosed with Coronavirus or personally instructed to isolate by an NHS service or medical professional we will cover for cancellation in line with the policy terms and conditions."

Me: "How would you define 'medically diagnosed'? Would a positive PCR test be sufficient?"

Agent: "If you had a positive test and can prove this then this would be fine."

So Insure & Go seem pretty good.  Would still have to pay for the PCR and any excess but it is sufficient to meet my needs.  Thanks very much lisyloo