Holiday & Holiday Insurance Query

VeryVeryConfused

My husband and I booked a holiday with a group of family members for travel on 8th September 2023 for 5 days.

It was booked on the 5th May, and on the 5th June he was taken into hospital and then had an emergency heart bypass operation. We had no idea that he had Coronary Heart Disease and we did not get a chance to put travel insurance in place. 

What are my rights and are there any special dispensations about scenarios like this?

The other thing is he is yet to be discharged from hospital and so we don't know if he will be able to travel. I am hoping someone can point me in the right direction. Thanks

MorningcoffeeIV

Your rights will depend on the terms of the booking and their cancellation policy.

eskbanker

VeryVeryConfused said:

The other thing is he is yet to be discharged from hospital and so we don't know if he will be able to travel. I am hoping someone can point me in the right direction. Thanks

That'll be a matter for the medical professionals on discharge, and any subsequent follow-up appointments.

If he is declared fit to travel, it'll be more critical than ever to prioritise buying travel insurance, but expect a hefty premium when doing so, given what is now known about his health....

DullGreyGuy

VeryVeryConfused said:

What are my rights and are there any special dispensations about scenarios like this?

The other thing is he is yet to be discharged from hospital and so we don't know if he will be able to travel. I am hoping someone can point me in the right direction. Thanks

Your rights are that those that are fit to travel are entitled to go on holiday, those that arent well enough to cant. 

Ultimately you need to speak to the company you bought your holiday from to find out what your options are. Most people buy on price and therefore get the cheaper non-changeable option but some holidays allow alterations. Ideally you and the other family members should discuss beforehand what outcomes you want/what you will do in different scenarios....

If he isnt fit to travel would you go without him? If you wont, will the other travellers?
If they offer to allow you to switch the non-travelers to other people are there other family members or friends that would want to step in on the trip?
If they offer to defer the holiday do you have an agreement on the new date to change it to?

Its likely you are 100% reliant on their goodwill as the most likely response is its non-refundable and you should be claiming off of your insurance.

NoodleDoodleMan

If he is allowed to travel, you'll have to declare all aspects of his condition/treatment to the potential insurer - and as said above, the premium quoted will reflect the risk to them.

I don't wish to appear callous - but there is a question to be asked - why were you unable to arrange travel cover within a month of booking and this sad occurence ?

Advice is always to book insurance as soon as the travel reservations are made.

Hopefully you get a favourable resolution.

J_B

I showed my doctor's note to TUI for my 'flight only - one way' and they refunded me in full.

Easyjet however weren't so keen and just refunded APD

NoodleDoodleMan

"I showed my doctor's note to TUI for my 'flight only - one way' and they refunded me in full."

Other posters have said they were refunded by TUI in such or similar circumstances.

When you book a package deal with them they have a "tick the box" online to indicate you have travel insurance - does the same apply to flight only bookings ?

J_B

NoodleDoodleMan said:

"I showed my doctor's note to TUI for my 'flight only - one way' and they refunded me in full."

Other posters have said they were refunded by TUI in such or similar circumstances.

When you book a package deal with them they have a "tick the box" online to indicate you have travel insurance - does the same apply to flight only bookings ?

Can't remember, sorry, but we did have insurance anyway

Westin

“ What are my rights and are there any special dispensations about scenarios like this?”

- As per your booking terms and conditions.
- By not taking out travel insurance cover you have effectively ‘self-insured’ which means you potentially carry any loss.
- If you have booked a package holiday with a proper travel firm like TUI, Jet2 Holidays etc then call them to explore options.  I would however take a conciliatory tone and dial down ‘my rights’.  Ask nicely what options you might have. Perhaps to change to a later travel date with payment of an administrative fee and any change in holiday costs. 
- Keep in mind when you do buy travel insurance you will have to disclose your husbands condition and may well pay a sizeable premium.