Can you get your cash back if a trip abroad is cancelled?

AS WE emerge from lockdown, many of us have found ourselves worrying about what will happen as rules relax.

Record numbers of Brits are planning on taking a holiday abroad. Leaving aside Covid-19 concerns, the big question I’m being asked at the moment is: “Can you get your cash back if your trip can’t go ahead?”

As with everything in 2020, the answer is, it’s complicated.

There are some amazing deals to be had if you fancy taking a risk. Here’s our checklist for those considering taking a chance and jetting off...

THE insurance industry is still reeling from the criticisms it’s faced in recent months about not paying out on existing FROM cancellation clauses in policies. Be aware that most contracts to travel insurance new policies will now exclude quirks and card chargebacks, payouts for Covid-19 related your rights often come down to cancellations, though you may what’s foreseeable as a risk. be covered if you catch the

So if you book a holiday illness abroad. tomorrow but aren’t able In short, if you have an to travel, it’s likely existing annual that a refund won’t policy that hasn’t be offered. But that yet had to be doesn’t mean you renewed you may have no rights. be covered for

Holiday firms Covid-19 need your cash, so cancellations. ask if they’ll let you If your annual move forward your Check any existing travel policy has renewed holiday or give you insurance for exclusions check, then for vouchers if you exclusions (ask can’t travel due to reimposed your insurer if it isn’t clear), and lockdown restrictions or if you have a new or single trip potential quarantine problems policy, chances are there’s no at your destination. If they cover for virus-related agree, get confirmation in cancellations. writing before you book.

YOUR RIGHTS IF YOU CAN’T TRAVEL AIRLINES

YOU are, by law, still entitled to a refund if your airline cancels your flight – and that should be given within seven days (though we know this isn’t happening with many firms).

The same goes for cancelled packaged holidays – with a refund due to you within 14 days. But Covid-19 has thrown us a curveball.

If you get the virus, if Spain shuts its doors, or if your town goes into lockdown, you are not entitled to a refund if your flight still goes ahead. You can appeal to the airline – but be prepared to negotiate and compromise.

HOLIDAY FIRMS

taken a massive hit over lockdown and they need your business. But be cautious.

Mega-cheap deals come with caveats – so it’s more important than ever to check the terms and conditions.

Ask questions before you book about what happens if you are prevented from travelling.

Screenshot Q&A pages, in case they change, and read the T&Cs in their entirety on cancellations and refunds.

TRAVEL INSURANCE CARD PAYMENTS

MANY people will have been told to ‘charge back’ the cost of their holiday when businesses have stalled paying out. Those who paid more than £100 may have been able to make a ‘section 75’ claim on their credit card too – a law that allows you to claim back money from your card provider if goods or services aren’t provided.

However, I’m worried that card providers will eventually say ‘enough’. So while this is still an option, it’s not a guarantee – and chargeback or section 75 claims are likely to be disputed in the future.

■ Resolver can help you make a complaint for free. Go to resolver.co.uk for information.

HOLIDAY and travel firms have