Have you had to change/cancel travel due to COVID-19 (involuntarily or voluntarily)?

[robtemt]

I thought I would start a thread as a resource for AFFers who have changed or cancelled travel plans directly or indirectly due to 2019 n-CoV.

• Did the airline/cruise company cancelling or change your flight/cruise? Or, did you proactively or reactively cancel or change it on your own (and why?).
• Did they notify you directly, or did you discover it on your own?
• What was your original plan, and what was the revised plan?
• What was your experience like?
• Did you go through any travel insurance claim process, and how was that part of it?

For the record, part of my role at work is to monitor medical related issues, filter out mis/disinformation, and brief other staff using only verified facts from trusted sources, so I am not one to buy into sensationalism or hysteria. BUT, I am also an advocate of forward planning and monitoring situations that could affect travel plans.

Post automatically merged: Feb 10, 2020

To start it off…. We have begun voluntarily changing (or making back up plans for) our upcoming holiday SYD-(+/- SIN)-LAX-SJO-LAX-HNL-LNY-HNL-SYD

We are booked to the USA via SIN on SQ in a few weeks (F Saver Reward Booking). A few things caused us to start making contingency plans on getting to the USA including:

• Reading posts from Buttermilk Chicken regarding her RTW flight being disrupted between HKK and CEB
• Member Pushka raising a good point if Singapore will be next.
• Monitoring the World Health Organisations surveillance on n-CoV (as part of my responsibilities at work). Singapore confirmed infections were 28 on 5 Feb, 40 on 8 Feb, and 43 on 9 Feb. Several of these cases were human-to-human contact, with no recent travel to China.
• Bloomberg’s article this morning HERE, which discussed the spread of the virus from a conference attendee in Singapore, via a resort in France, to people in France, Spain, and the UK.

We contacted SQ, to discuss the options of alternative carriers, to which there were no available flights. The agent was very friendly, and said she understood the desire to rebook and avoid an Asia transit, but she said until official bans are in place, there were no options, but “we will offer options if Singapore becomes affected by travel bans”.

We began searching other options. We contacted VFF, who found one seat on DL SYD-LAX in W, and one seat on VA in J SYD-BNE-LAX. No other business or premium reward seats (except any seat) were available +/- 1 day of our desired travel (with pre-booked hotels, cars, and other flights to South America, and Hawaii). We will keep looking for another J seat on same day, and hopefully two on the same flight to free up closer to the date.

We have left our SQ bookings as is for now, and will cancel either that booking of the DL/VA booking closer to the date as thing develop.

Overall Experience:

• Wait times on the phone are obviously a bit longer, but I’ve not been on hold longer than 15 minutes with either VA or SQ.
• Staff at both SQ and VA call centres have been friendly, empathetic, and helpful in searching, but have no/limited availability and flexibility in voluntary changes so far.

 

[Snowant]

I normally go to Utah to ski and shop and buy jewellery supplies in March, and booked a premium economy fare during Qantas's August sale. I normally buy economy and then get points upgrades to business, but now fear economy so much that I stumped up for premium, figuring it'd get me further up the queue (as I'm bronze FF).

A few weeks ago, the dollar in freefall was making accommodation just ridiculous in Park City, the whole trip was looking like being about 10k, plus the pandemic was a concern. I was involved in government planning back in the mid-noughties when these global pandemics started to become scary, and the stuff in the scenarios... welll, you've all seen Contagion.

So resolved to cop the penalty and not go this year. Hopped onto My Bookings to cancel, and was delighted to see the offer to take a credit voucher and suspend the fare. Did that. I have to use it before August, so will wait for the next good US sale and buy a similar itinerary again (CBR-SLC). Just need to find out when the Gem Faire is scheduled for 2021. Quite pleased though, good outcome for me.

 

[Pushka]

I normally go to Utah to ski and shop and buy jewellery supplies in March, and booked a premium economy fare during Qantas's August sale. I normally buy economy and then get points upgrades to business, but now fear economy so much that I stumped up for premium, figuring it'd get me further up the queue (as I'm bronze FF).

A few weeks ago, the dollar in freefall was making accommodation just ridiculous in Park City, the whole trip was looking like being about 10k, plus the pandemic was a concern. I was involved in government planning back in the mid-noughties when these global pandemics started to become scary, and the stuff in the scenarios... welll, you've all seen Contagion.

So resolved to cop the penalty and not go this year. Hopped onto My Bookings to cancel, and was delighted to see the offer to take a credit voucher and suspend the fare. Did that. I have to use it before August, so will wait for the next good US sale and buy a similar itinerary again (CBR-SLC). Just need to find out when the Gem Faire is scheduled for 2021. Quite pleased though, good outcome for me.

Good outcome. Just wondering why it's only valid until August?

 

[straitman]

Good outcome. Just wondering why it's only valid until August?

I believe that it will be extended if the craziness has not resolved or is appropriate if things are heading back to normal.

 

[Snowant]

Good outcome. Just wondering why it's only valid until August?

I bought the fare in August, so I figure the voucher is only good for a year from original purchase. So I have to use the voucher by then, but I'm sure I can buy a fare for March. I'm sure they'll have sales... they have a current one (or did) for the Pacific, but the only US destination is Honolulu.

 

[dajop]

So I gather a lot of people are concerned about lack of medical cover when overseas. I'd be reluctant to touch the US especially because of this. What are peoples thoughts on countries where there is reciprocal "public" care is available (Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden, UK).? A way of reducing financial risk?

Also, I assume foreign resident Australian citizens (such as me) who do not have a medicare card, are not eligible for such care, therefore cannot rely on this, at least according to website.

 

[amaroo]

So I gather a lot of people are concerned about lack of medical cover when overseas. I'd be reluctant to touch the US especially because of this. What are peoples thoughts on countries where there is reciprocal "public" care is available (Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden, UK).? A way of reducing financial risk?

Also, I assume foreign resident Australian citizens (such as me) who do not have a medicare card, are not eligible for such care, therefore cannot rely on this, at least according to website.

FWIW, for me, medical cost is not the number one issue with this bug. It's the potential disruption of travel and all the things that hang off that which TI wont cover.

 

[Oubline]

For the dummies, your Insure4Less policy purchased yesterday for medical insurance will cover corona virus medical costs?

Yes, that’s my interpretation and what the FAQ on their website confirms.

So my actual situation is that I had CBA credit card insurance which only now do I realise flat out excludes anything to do with an epidemic, including for medical expenses.

With Insure4less I should be covered if I end up needing medical treatment including for coronavirus, which is a potentially unlimited expense otherwise.

I am still not going to be covered for travel disruption etc caused by coronavirus/epidemic etc but I figure that coverage is almost impossible to get now. With refundable accommodation and an award ticket I am potentially prepared to go ahead with the trip and just be flexible with my movements within Europe and Japan anyway. Worst case scenario (touch wood) I will just have to pay for a one way economy plane trip back from Europe or Japan if I end up in a pickle. Fingers crossed!

 

[Vic]

Hmm not so sure about that. Schools in Seoul have been closed for 2 weeks already and the government there have extended the school closure until 23/3.

That just means they're trying to limit the spread of the virus by avoiding groups getting together. Perfectly sensible.

 

[get me outta here]

I have Insure and Go and emailed them. Their response was that I am covered, but there's one odd bit I will follow up on : "Thank you for your email. In short, yes you are covered under all applicable sections under our PDS such as cancellation, medical expenses, cutting your trip short and additional emergency expenses.

More information can be found here: Update on Global Coronavirus Outbreak: where to now?

And in our PDS: InsureandGo Travel Insurance Policy Wordings".

This is the odd part re connections which seems silly as most airlines would sort this out for you IF on the same PNR, which probably means I don't need to worry. But, here it is :
"Please be aware our policies only cover connecting flights where the stopover was originally scheduled on your itinerary for more than 6 hours "

HOWEVER, as each day passes I feel in my bones that I will not be taking my trip. Which is a bloody nuisance as they take SO long to organise.

For the dummies, your Insure4Less policy purchased yesterday for medical insurance will cover corona virus medical costs?

 

[Denali]

I have Insure and Go and emailed them. Their response was that I am covered, but there's one odd bit I will follow up on : "Thank you for your email. In short, yes you are covered under all applicable sections under our PDS such as cancellation, medical expenses, cutting your trip short and additional emergency expenses.

More information can be found here: Update on Global Coronavirus Outbreak: where to now?

And in our PDS: InsureandGo Travel Insurance Policy Wordings".

This is the odd part re connections which seems silly as most airlines would sort this out for you IF on the same PNR, which probably means I don't need to worry. But, here it is :
"Please be aware our policies only cover connecting flights where the stopover was originally scheduled on your itinerary for more than 6 hours "

HOWEVER, as each day passes I feel in my bones that I will not be taking my trip. Which is a bloody nuisance as they take SO long to organise.

Many thanks for your response, I literally just got their response from my query and its below. The "there may be cover up to the benefit limit provided, as outlined in the Product Disclosure Statement." seems to be a wide open statement.


Thank you for getting in touch in regards to how the Insure4less policy may cover you in light of the Coronavirus outbreak. This global pandemic that originated out of China has now spread to other countries and created a large amount of uncertainty for travellers.

Currently, the Australian Government has issued a travel advisory, recommending that you 'Do Not Travel' to China as well as Iran. These are the only two countries with a specific Level 4 warning in place in respect to the Coronavirus, with the number of other countries having had their travel warnings raised, but not to the same level.

For all policies issued on or after Saturday 07 March 2020:

Overseas Medical Expenses
If you incur medical expenses with associated additional expenses as a result of contracting the Coronavirus, there may be cover up to the benefit limit provided, as outlined in the Product Disclosure Statement.

Section 2 – Overseas Medical Expenses
We will cover you up to the amount shown in the Schedule of Cover for necessary and reasonable costs incurred as a result of your bodily injury, illness or death during your trip in respect of:-
a. emergency medical, surgical and hospital treatment and transportation….
b. additional travel and accommodation expenses (to a level comparable with your pre-booked travel and accommodation) to enable you to return home if you are unable to continue your trip as originally planned and where your return home is certified by a doctor to be strictly necessary on medical grounds..

When assessing claims, our Claims Team will consider DFAT travel advices in place at the time you purchased your policy and where you chose to travel. You can access the DFAT Smart Traveller website for Australian travellers by clicking here

 

[harvyk]

So whilst my conference in San Diego has been cancelled, I'll be receiving a full refund from the Hotel. I guess that's an advantage with booking via the conferences preferred hotel, they'll refund if the conference is cancelled.

Just waiting to see what I can do re: my QF tickets.

 

[get me outta here]

Too many "may" be covered in there for comfort surely? Seems ambiguous too. ☹ Did you buy this > 07 March?

Many thanks for your response, I literally just got their response from my query and its below. The "there may be cover up to the benefit limit provided, as outlined in the Product Disclosure Statement." seems to be a wide open statement.

Thank you for getting in touch in regards to how the Insure4less policy may cover you in light of the Coronavirus outbreak. This global pandemic that originated out of China has now spread to other countries and created a large amount of uncertainty for travellers.

Currently, the Australian Government has issued a travel advisory, recommending that you 'Do Not Travel' to China as well as Iran. These are the only two countries with a specific Level 4 warning in place in respect to the Coronavirus, with the number of other countries having had their travel warnings raised, but not to the same level.

For all policies issued on or after Saturday 07 March 2020:

Overseas Medical Expenses
If you incur medical expenses with associated additional expenses as a result of contracting the Coronavirus, there may be cover up to the benefit limit provided, as outlined in the Product Disclosure Statement.

Section 2 – Overseas Medical Expenses
We will cover you up to the amount shown in the Schedule of Cover for necessary and reasonable costs incurred as a result of your bodily injury, illness or death during your trip in respect of:-
a. emergency medical, surgical and hospital treatment and transportation….
b. additional travel and accommodation expenses (to a level comparable with your pre-booked travel and accommodation) to enable you to return home if you are unable to continue your trip as originally planned and where your return home is certified by a doctor to be strictly necessary on medical grounds..

When assessing claims, our Claims Team will consider DFAT travel advices in place at the time you purchased your policy and where you chose to travel. You can access the DFAT Smart Traveller website for Australian travellers by clicking here

 

[Denali]

Too many "may" be covered in there for comfort surely? Seems ambiguous too. ☹ Did you buy this > 07 March?

Post March 7th and before you click to buy the disclaimer is below. Seems depending on Govt announcements by country/Levels, medical is covered but no daily cash for hospital.

 

[Denali]

In the meantime, waiting for Covermore chat to confirm coverage on our policy but...

Edit, now up to 70min wait.

 

[burmans]

That just means they're trying to limit the spread of the virus by avoiding groups getting together. Perfectly sensible.

And if you look at the WHO stats on new infections in Korea, obviously very effective too.

 

[Vic]

And if you look at the WHO stats on new infections in Korea, obviously very effective too.

While it is a high risk country according the the Australian Govt. and they have a big infection. In following the response by South Korea, I'm pretty confident to travel there.

 

[get me outta here]

What about emailing them - still gets it in writing. I got an answer in eq of 1 business day so that was OK for 'Ins and Go'.

In the meantime, waiting for Covermore chat to confirm coverage on our policy but...

Edit, now up to 70min wait.
View attachment 208926

 

[harvyk]

I was charged a cancellation fee for my QF tickets, but will still be getting a reasonable refund (the tickets were $1200, I'll be getting back $800). Whilst I understand that they want bookings to be made now, it's a little annoying for those who already had bookings.

I asked the phone operator the question about status requal, and made the point that status is going to be harder to keep this year. She replied back that management haven't actually mentioned anything to them, but she said it was a good point and that she'd be passing that problem up to management.

I'm a little disappointed that I'm having to do this, but on second thought, the idea of dealing with US's "Health System" without insurance (since insurance has a general exclusion) it's probably not a bad thing that the trip was cancelled.

 

[EzioAuditore]

From my university email:
“On Friday, the Vice-Chancellor directed that all planned international travel is now suspended, and that domestic flights are restricted to critical air travel only. This is in direct response to the University's travel insurer informing the University that COVID-19 is now considered a foreseen circumstance for travel arrangements booked after 4pm (AEDT) on 2 March 2020. This means that the UQ travel insurance policy will not respond to claims relating to, or resulting from, COVID-19 for any travel booked after 4pm (AEDT) on 2 March 2020.”

Basically, the University of Queensland is suspending ALL international travel and ALMOST ALL domestic travel as well. The latter part is surprising given we don’t have any interstate travel restrictions yet imposed by the government.

This affects a lot of academic staff and students on overseas placements.

I have an overseas placement in September. Hopefully things can settle down then.

 

[dajop]

With lots of "restrictions" on air travel I do wonder if we will see this sort of outcome as people take to their vehicles to move over longer distances ....

More traffic deaths in wake of 9/11

The fear of terrorist attacks can alter our everyday behaviour and result in more fatal traffic accidents, according to new research.

www.sciencedaily.com