With the current global environment situation, we are working with some of the travel industries major brands have released relaxing cancellation policies to help put your mind at ease when planning travel. 

This is being continuously updated but if you do have an idea on a destination or trip let us know we will help you make the lowest risk choice.  Also we can offer a cancellation for any reason policy which will provide you with a refund with specific conditions on travel booked in the case of cancellation for ANY reason.

 

We are getting updates all the time from suppliers around the world including from the airlines and insurance companies - we are here to help and answer any questions you have.

For Those With Travel Booked:

Many suppliers have a timeline where cancellation fees begin to apply from a certain date before travel.

If you still have time up your sleeve - before any financial penalties apply - your best bet is to wait and see.

Don't be rushed into making a decision about future travel before you need to. Just before cancellation fees come into effect is the time to make decisions.

 

Extra Flexibility In Travel Options:

We are working closely with our suppliers to ensure people have the option to change their plans. Some of the additional options are:

- Defer/postpone travel to a later date
- Switch to another tour/cruise in another part of the world
- Hold the value of the trip in credit for future use
- A refund (where other options aren't possible)
- If you have questions about the cancellation/flexibility polices for a particular supplier, please ask. Every supplier is different, with different policies, and some are more flexible than others.

Most people with upcoming travel are choosing to defer their travel to later in the year.

 

What About Travel Insurance?

There has been a lot about this on the news, for good reason, as there's been quite a bit of confusion in this area.

Two of our insurance providers (Allianz & Kiwi Holiday Insurance) are still providing medical cover and emergency medical transportation costs for Coronavirus anywhere in the world while travelling regardless of when the policy was purchased.

Another insurance provider, Cover-More is also providing medical cover for Coronavirus (except in China and Iran).

And of course, all the other cover provided by your policy still applies as normal.

Just like other suppliers, travel insurance companies are offering different levels of flexibility. So it's vital to be aware of what you're covered for before you start on your travels.

Generally speaking, changing your mind and choosing not to travel will not be accepted by any travel insurance company, unless you have a very specific "Cancel for any reason" policy from Cover-More.

 

Are People Still Travelling?

Yes, people are still travelling to low-risk destinations. Australia, in particular, is seeing an increase in enquiry.

Air New Zealand has some great information on for travellers on their website.

They've created a factsheet that outlines what they're doing to protect travellers and Air New Zealand staff during this time.

 

Should I/My Family Still Travel?

This depends on your circumstances, and we are happy to talk through the specifics with you, but here are some points to consider:

- Any area which is open to travel, but where the virus is spreading rapidly, is best avoided; including South Korea and Italy.
- You'll need to be diligent with your hand/cough/sneeze hygiene measures.
- Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and thoroughly dry them afterwards.
- Where handwashing isn't practical, hand sanitising gels and/or wipes are a good idea.
- Cough/sneeze into a tissue or your elbow.
- Avoid touching your face (especially when on public transport)
- Deferring travel plans is a good idea for anyone who is currently unwell (for any reason).
- Anyone with current (or a history of) respiratory problems should also consider deferring their travel, or switching destinations to a low-risk area.

 

 

 Insurance:

Covermore:

Latest update:    Covermore update

Airlines:

Many airlines have released credit options for cancelled flights. For specific airlines please contact us directly.

Cruise:

Holland America 

Book your 2020 cruise with confidence - cancel for any reason and receive a Future Cruise Credit (FCC valid for 90 days from cancellation) in the amount of your deposit and any cancellation fees (must cancel at least 30 days before cruise’s departure).

Book with Confidence is applicable on sailings departing between 1 April and 15 October 2020, booked in March or April and cruise must be cancelled up to 30 days prior to sailing.

Windstar Cruises

Book a Windstar cruise vacation departing on or after June 1 2020, rest easy knowing you can cancel up to 15 days before the cruise departs without incurring a cancellation fee. This new Travel Assurance Booking Policy acknowledges the challenge of booking vacations in advance and aims to allay travellers’ concerns about losing money due to unexpected illness or other world events.

Aqua Expeditions 

We would like to inform you that all our cruises are going as planned. We understand if you are concerned and we would like to offer you to change to travel with us on a future cruise within the next 12 months with a waiver of the USD200 administration fee per person.

Please note: This only applies for departures for up to 2 months from now. There is no refund should they decide to cancel the trip. The normal cancellation policy will apply for any cancellations. 

Crystal Cruises

Guests ineligible to sail as a result of country-specific restrictions must notify Crystal within 7 days of this alert to avoid cancellation penalties. For these guests, Crystal will provide a choice of either a 100% refund of the cruise fare paid OR a Future Cruise Credit of 125% of the base cruise fare paid and a refund of their port charges for both options. The FCC can be used on any of Crystal’s experiences including Ocean, River, Yacht and Expedition for voyages commencing on or before December 31, 2021.

Norwegian Cruise Line

 To provide some reassurance, we have temporarily modified a few of our existing policies. Please note:

• Final payment for all June and July voyages will not be due until 90 days prior to sailing.
• Up until 60 days prior to sailing, we will allow a transfer of the reservation to any other cruise that departs on or before June 30, 2020. The transfer voyage must be of equal or greater value, prevailing rates will apply, and penalties will be waived.