* Book Refundable Hotels rates and Air Tickets in case you need to cancel (where possible).
Did you know?
Many travel companies - Airlines, Cruises, Tours have revised their cancellation and change policy for NEW bookings to allow for amendments and restore faith in bookings. This means you can book and have that the assurance that not all will be lost should you need to make a change.
Emirates, Intrepid Travel, Insight Vacations, Norwegian Cruise Lines to name a few and daily there are any many more being added to that list - so check with us!
On top of that, there a HUGE number of sales at the moment.
Should I cancel my trip due to the Coronavirus?
Can I take out Travel Insurance to cover Cancellation Fees?
Will I catch Coronavirus through the Aeroplane's air filter?
Does Travel Insurance cover the Coronavirus?
You should check the fine print before you buy any your policy. The exclusions will be listed in the product disclosure statement. There might also be a clear statement on your travel insurer's website.
The Insurance Council of Australia says many insurers have exemptions for infectious diseases and pandemics, but the policies are different for each insurer. Some policies will cover alternative plans if your trip is disrupted by coronavirus. Others will cover any medical expenses while you're travelling. But this will all depend on when you bought your policy, and when you started your trip.
In most cases, travel insurance does not cover for fear or changes of mind and many insurers exclude cover for pandemics and epidemics; events known in the mass media; and anything that you were aware of that may give rise to a claim at the time of purchase.
The Insurance Council of Australia says many insurers have exemptions for infectious diseases and pandemics, but the policies are different for each insurer. Some policies will cover alternative plans if your trip is disrupted by coronavirus. Others will cover any medical expenses while you're travelling. But this will all depend on when you bought your policy, and when you started your trip.
In most cases, travel insurance does not cover for fear or changes of mind and many insurers exclude cover for pandemics and epidemics; events known in the mass media; and anything that you were aware of that may give rise to a claim at the time of purchase.
Should I go overseas?
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in Austalia, has issued a travel warning for all countries. DO NOT TRAVEL.
Keep abreast on the DFAT site, smartraveller where there are daily updates and advice for safe travel overseas.
Keep abreast on the DFAT site, smartraveller where there are daily updates and advice for safe travel overseas.
So should I cancel my overseas holiday?
As answered above, it depends on where you are travelling to and when.
The Australian Government has placed a general Do Not Travel warning in place, so you may need to reconsider your travel.
However, if your trip is booked for at least another few months from now, then there is generally no need to rush into cancelling. Time is on your side. We have been advising our clients to sit tight and keep abreast on the smartraveller website.
Generally, whether you cancel today or cancel a week out, the cancellation fees will be the same.
We see two ways it will play out. The situation will get worse (hopefully not!) Airlines and Tour companies to offer a refund of some sort or waiver of fees. OR the situation stabilizes or improves (we are praying!) and you will feel more comfortable to travel. (Having said that, please check with us if we have made your travel arrangements, as your particular trip may have less cancellation fees you cancel sooner rather than later! Not generally the case for Airline tickets, but please check!)
The Australian Government has placed a general Do Not Travel warning in place, so you may need to reconsider your travel.
However, if your trip is booked for at least another few months from now, then there is generally no need to rush into cancelling. Time is on your side. We have been advising our clients to sit tight and keep abreast on the smartraveller website.
Generally, whether you cancel today or cancel a week out, the cancellation fees will be the same.
We see two ways it will play out. The situation will get worse (hopefully not!) Airlines and Tour companies to offer a refund of some sort or waiver of fees. OR the situation stabilizes or improves (we are praying!) and you will feel more comfortable to travel. (Having said that, please check with us if we have made your travel arrangements, as your particular trip may have less cancellation fees you cancel sooner rather than later! Not generally the case for Airline tickets, but please check!)
Why am I being told to wait to cancel my trip? I don't want to travel anywhere!
There are a couple of reasons you may be told to wait... Airlines, Tour operators and Travel Suppliers have been inundated with phone calls and emails and showing signs of immense strain under this unprecedented global issue. They are dealing with immediate travel departures in most cases, departures within 72 hours. The consultants on the other line are going by whatever latest advice is circulating, and this has been changing daily (if not sooner), so they only know what they know for the moment. Although this situation does not show signs of improving next month, the procedures and policies in place are generally for imminent travel dates (sometimes up to 30 April) and will be reassessed as the crisis evolves.
Which brings us to the next reason... If you cancel now and say you are booked to travel to Italy in June, you will be up for the same cancellation and amendment fees that were communicated at the time of booking. This means you may lose money too soon. Even if you have made the decision to NOT travel, it is better to wait until closer to the time that you are travelling. The waiver of amendment fees would likely be extended to your date if the situation is the same. Therefore you will be able to defer your trip at no fee.
Generally speaking, Refunds are not common at the moment. Most of the time, airlines, hotels and tour operators are offering waiver of any fees to defer to 2021. At times there are extra benefits to encourage future travel. Eg many Tour operators are offering 110% credit towards your next trip, and Cruises with up to $800 On board credit or other bonuses. We know it is painful to wait, and you may want to be reassured and know what's going to happen, but the reality is that this unfortunate global crisis is evolving, unprecedented and unpredictable. And of course unfortunate!
Why aren't airlines offering a waiver of cancellation fees if the government is saying Do Not Travel?
In any other situation, when DFAT has slapped a DO NOT TRAVEL on a country, then Airlines/Hotels/Tours would approve a FULL REFUND (ie waiver any cancellation fees). Because it is limited to that one country and they know that business is as usual elsewhere.
However due to these unprecedented times, the airlines have come to a sombre acceptance that this would not be a possibility, due to the face that EVERY COUNTRY has a DO NOT TRAVEL BAN. This would result in the airlines refunding EVERY TICKET issued. Due to grounding of so many planes with all these travel bans, not only are they not looking at NOT making any money for 6 months we gather, but they would lose millions and millions on refunding all monies.
For the protection of the aviation industry and to sustain their business they are taking a different stance and offering flexibility when it comes to change rather than a refund. If they do not do this, then they are concerned that they have no chance to survive. Already there have been staff cuts like no other time before.
We are finding that airlines are being very flexible, offering full credit for 12 - 18 months at no fee, to any destination on their network. They are hopeful that once this passes everyone can enjoy a much needed break! The airlines policies and procedures are changing daily.
Please note: any conditions pertaining to refunds communicated at the time of booking still remain intact, they are just generally not waivering any cancellation fees)
Is it safe to travel within Australia?
As coronavirus continues to spread around the world there are many uncertainties when it comes to travel and booking holidays for the year ahead. But when it comes to travelling within Australia, the overwhelming message is that holidaying at home is “business as usual.”
In fact, it may be a great time to get booking! Not only is it a safe option (the chances of an outbreak in Australia are very low), but looking to the year ahead, it’s set to be a very affordable option, too, as airlines and tourism operators release deals and discounts to encourage domestic travel at a time when – due recent bushfires, as well as the coronavirus – tourist numbers have the potential to plummet.
In fact, it may be a great time to get booking! Not only is it a safe option (the chances of an outbreak in Australia are very low), but looking to the year ahead, it’s set to be a very affordable option, too, as airlines and tourism operators release deals and discounts to encourage domestic travel at a time when – due recent bushfires, as well as the coronavirus – tourist numbers have the potential to plummet.
What measures can I take if I travel?
If you’re travelling with young children or babies, or if you’re pregnant, you should consult your doctor before heading overseas. You should also see your doctor if you have a chronic health problem or weak immunity.
You should also check with your airline, travel agent, cruise line and travel insurance company to work out what your options are if things change – and check with your insurance company to see if you’re covered.
You will find some general guidelines here.
You should also check with your airline, travel agent, cruise line and travel insurance company to work out what your options are if things change – and check with your insurance company to see if you’re covered.
You will find some general guidelines here.
Can I still travel through hubs in Asia?
The rules for exit, entry and transit through airports can change at short notice, but currently travellers are still able to travel through the likes of Singapore and Hong Kong airports.
Expect to be screened for coronavirus, and also prepare for the possibility of being quarantined, depending on where you’ve come from.
DFAT has warned that not all airports or transport companies are applying their policies on coronavirus consistently.
Hong Kong airport, all departing passengers will undergo temperature checks – which could mean delays getting to your next flight. If you’ve travelled through mainland China, you’ll be quarantined for two weeks, and if you’re arriving from Korea, you won’t be allowed to enter Hong Kong.
As for Singapore, you’ll have to undergo a temperature check on arrival at Changi or Seletar airports.
In Malaysia, travellers are being told to wear a mask at all times, and anyone who has a cough or fever will be taken to hospital on arrival.
Expect to be screened for coronavirus, and also prepare for the possibility of being quarantined, depending on where you’ve come from.
DFAT has warned that not all airports or transport companies are applying their policies on coronavirus consistently.
Hong Kong airport, all departing passengers will undergo temperature checks – which could mean delays getting to your next flight. If you’ve travelled through mainland China, you’ll be quarantined for two weeks, and if you’re arriving from Korea, you won’t be allowed to enter Hong Kong.
As for Singapore, you’ll have to undergo a temperature check on arrival at Changi or Seletar airports.
In Malaysia, travellers are being told to wear a mask at all times, and anyone who has a cough or fever will be taken to hospital on arrival.
Coronavirus Information Disclaimer
The information on this page has been uploaded and updated to the best of Travel Time's ability. At no time should you rely on this information entirely or solely as it could be outdated or superseded. Please refer to DFAT, Smarttraveller, and the World Health Organization directly for the latest information.
The information on this page has been uploaded and updated to the best of Travel Time's ability. At no time should you rely on this information entirely or solely as it could be outdated or superseded. Please refer to DFAT, Smarttraveller, and the World Health Organization directly for the latest information.
