Cover for cancellation will still apply to people who take out Preferential travel insurance and who then go on to contract swine flu. In line with Preferential’s normal cancellation policy, this cover also applies to the policyholder’s immediate family if they are travelling together.

If a policyholder is diagnosed with swine flu whilst on holiday, cover will apply under the medical section of the travel insurance policy, meaning that they will be able to claim for any medical assistance in the usual way and within the usual limits of the policy.

The policy will also be extended to cover for quarantine if policyholders are confined to their accommodation, either before hey travel or whilst they are on their trip.

As is usual, all cover depends on diagnosis by a medical practitioner and is in line with the advice of the Association of British Insurers and ABTA.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office website http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/swine-flu also provides the latest travel advice and details any travel restrictions that may apply, prior to departure. The website provides the most up-to-date information on swine flu and measures to take before, during and after travel.