Holiday chief delivers strong travel insurance message

ABTA chairman John McEwan said last week that swine flu should not stop people from going on holiday but he said travel firms had a responsibility to remind holidaymakers of the need for comprehensive travel insurance.

Some people are worried about travelling because they don't want to risk sitting on a plane with infected passengers and those who plan to visit less developed countries fear they won't get access to the right medical facilities or antiviral treatment.

Mr McEwan said people should not be overly concerned about going on holiday but he said the outbreak had highlighted the need for adequate insurance cover. ""If a holiday is unprotected, it could end up being very expensive, he said.

Advice about swine flu on the ABTA website states: It is essential that you take out travel insurance at the time of booking.

""If you or your immediate family are unlucky enough to contract swine flu shortly before you are due to travel you should contact your tour operator, airline and insurance company to cancel your trip.

""Any cancellation charges you incur ... should be claimable from your insurance company.

""If you travel with clear symptoms of swine flu you may well be refused boarding by your airline and have any claims for medical expenses abroad rejected by your insurance company.

""If you or your family develop swine flu whilst on holiday your insurance company should cover your medical expenses.""

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