Airline options and Zika Virus
On January 19 we shared about the CDC Warning regarding the Zika Virus. The following information is designed to help clients and travelers understand how airlines and cruise lines have responded to this concern for travel to impacted area:
Airlines – “All three of the USA’s biggest airlines are allowing some customers to cancel or postpone their trips if they’re ticketed to fly to areas affected by Zika. American, United and Delta each made the move amid rising concerns about the mosquito-borne virus,” reported USA Today.
- “American Airlines says it will give refunds to pregnant women who were planning to travel to parts of Central America,” reports the Associated Press. “American Airlines began refunds January 25 for pregnant passengers holding tickets to El Salvador, Honduras, Panama or Guatemala.”
- “Delta Air Lines will allow customers concerned about the Zika virus to cancel or postpone their trips if they’re ticketed to fly to affected areas,” reports USA Today. For more on Delta, please go here.
- “United Airlines says customers booked to fly to areas affected by the virus can reschedule or get refunds,” reports the Associated Press. “The United Airlines offer began (January 26) and includes any country covered by a CDC travel notice.” For more on United, please go here.
Cruise Lines
- “All Carnival Corp. brands (including Carnial, Princess, Holland America, Cunard, Seabourn, among 4 others) will allow pregnant women to cancel their cruises in exchange for a future cruise credit for them and their traveling companions to rebook at a later time,” Travel Weekly reported.
- “Norwegian Cruise Line officials also said the line will work with any woman who is pregnant and past the point at which she can cancel her cruise without penalty to come up with a solution,” Travel Weekly reported.
- “‘Royal Caribbean will assist any pregnant women who do not feel comfortable sailing to countries affected with the Zika virus by providing alternate itinerary options,’ a statement says. Passengers also may receive credit good for two years. This applies to Celebrity as well,” according to the Los Angeles Times.
Travel Insurance:
- Travel Insurance generally does not insure against fear or concern about something possibly happening. Rather it is designed to protect clients for when something does occur to them;
- If the traveler changes their vacation plans by taking advantage of an offer provided by the vacation provider, they can change their insurance trip coverage dates without penalty.
- Should travelers become ill with the Zika virus while traveling, coverage may be available for Emergency Medical, Medical Evacuation, or Trip Interruption;
- Plans with “Cancel For Any Reason Coverage” allow travelers to decide for themselves whether to travel or cancel their trip. Please refer to all plan documents for complete details of your coverage.
When questions exist, please contact the insurance provider at the number provided on your plan documents or consult your travel professional.
