Global pandemics such as Sars, Swine flu – and now the Zika virus – give us cause to reconsider our travel plans. While it is still uncertain that there is a direct link between Zika and the foetal abnormality microcephaly, pregnant women planning to travel will not want to take any chances. The virus outbreak, identified last July, has spread rapidly through South and Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean with more than 30 countries affected. Many confirmed cases have appeared around the world – including in Ireland – in people who had travelled to affected areas.
The virus, transmitted by the mosquito Aedes aegypti, can be passed from human to human through sexual contact.
If you are a woman who is pregnant or planning on a pregnancy with a trip organised to an affected area, what do you do? Advice from various governments is for pregnant women to avoid all non-essential travel to affected areas. The World Health Organisation has declared a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” regarding the virus. And it has also stated there “should be no restrictions on travel or trade with countries, areas and/or territories with Zika virus transmission”, tourists who are pregnant and who wish to alter their travel arrangements should be able to do so for free if they act quickly.
There is not an outright travel ban in place, and this puts women in a grey area regarding insurance.
One company Blue Insurance and Multitrip.com will provide cover for cancellations up to the limit of your policy. This applies to bookings made before January 25th and applies to pregnant women and their partners. It also allows for cancellation where holidaymakers are fearful of travel.
If you are travelling up to the end of February most international airlines are allowing pregnant passengers to change, amend or cancel bookings. Trailfinders are finding that suppliers are generally being helpful in allowing cancellations and postponements but it is on a case by case basis.
See hpsc.ie/a-z/vectorborne/zika and dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/
