Editor's blog: Should Brits cancel Mexico trips?
Tuesday, 28, Apr 2009 12:50
Following the initial outbreak in Mexico late last week incidences of swine flu are beginning to spread around the world, with confirmed cases now recorded in the USA, UK and Spain.
With as many as 150 suspected cases in Mexico alone, with 20 confirmed deaths to date, British holidaymakers with bookings to travel to the North American nation are beginning to reconsider their plans.
Here travelbite.co.uk takes a look at their options.
What has happened so far?
Following weeks of denial, Mexico finally admitted an outbreak of swine flu last week alerting the World Health Organisation (WHO) and attempting to contain the spread of the virus.
However, over the weekend the first confirmed cases were recorded outside of Mexico, in the USA and Spain - making containment appear impossible. In response, the WHO raised its alert level from three to four.
This is now just two steps short of declaring a full pandemic, however: "A pandemic is not considered inevitable at this time," a WHO official confirmed.
Nonetheless, the Foreign Office late last night issued a warning against "all but essential travel" to Mexico - and it could be this decision which has the greatest impact on UK travellers.
"Cases of swine influenza have been reported in Mexico City and a number of other locations across the country. Travellers should consult a doctor immediately if they show signs of flu-like symptoms," the Foreign Office said in a statement.
"British nationals resident in or visiting Mexico may wish to consider whether they should remain in Mexico at this time."
What does this mean for British holidaymakers?
The Foreign Office decision to recommend against travel to Mexico is key here.
While the Foreign Office maintained it is safe enough to travel holidaymakers looking to cancel planned trips would have been unable to seek compensation. However, with official advice now suggesting Brits should not travel, the situation is reversed.
Passengers booking a package holiday with a member of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) will be offered alternative dates or destination for the holiday, with some tour operators also offering refunds.
"Customers who have booked package holidays, should contact their tour operator for the latest information regarding their holiday itineraries. Customers who have booked independently should contact the company they booked with," an ABTA statement read.
However, those acting against Foreign Office advice - and travelling to Mexico - are likely to see their travel insurance invalidated. It is the responsibility of a traveller to act prudently and carefully while travelling, as though they were uninsured. Thus those acting 'recklessly' - travelling against official advice - are likely to be liable for any harm incured.
Moreover, they are likely to be putting themselves at additional risk.
Those who have booked flights or accommodation independently - through the internet for example - may also be liable for any cancelation. Independent travellers should contact providers before departure.
Independent travellers could also claim on their travel insurance, as the vast majority of insurers now are paying out for cancellations due to the Mexican outbreak. However, not all policies cover this.
Also travellers who have bought tickets but have no travel insurance - leaving purchasing cover to the last moment - will have no way of getting their cash back if their travel provider does not pay up or offer alternatives.
The lesson to be learnt for travel insurance for independent travellers is to get a policy as soon as you buy tickets - if you don't have an annual policy in place - and shop around to get the best cover and not just the cheapest premiums.
For those heading to the region and countries neighbouring Mexico and have worries, there is little room to manoeuvre. A travel agent may take a sympathetic line and offer alternatives, but until the FCO warns against non-essential travel to a particular country or area there are no guarantees and no insurance cover.
Chris O'Toole