Medical Elective Insurance and Coronavirus
I’m currently abroad on my elective, what should I do?
Keep up to date with travel advice from local authorities and the World Health Organisation. Get in touch with your airline to find out if there will be any restrictions on your return flight. If your airline chooses to delay or cancel your flight, they have a duty of care to provide you with alternative arrangements.
Can I claim on my medical elective insurance if I need to cancel due to coronavirus?
Your first point of contact is to your airline and accommodation. They should be able to rebook you or advise on your rights for a refund.
If you don’t have any luck with them, then contact your medical elective insurance provider. Most policies will have a cancellation or curtailment section.
To make a claim, you must have bought your insurance ahead of time. You won’t be able to make a claim if you buy a policy now, knowing that you need to cancel.
What can I do if I don’t have medical elective insurance?
Enquire with your airline and accommodation to change your travel dates. Most airlines are already doing this for other travellers so should be able to help you. Once you have your new dates confirmed, buy your medical elective travel insurance.
Am I still covered for my trip, even if I need to postpone it?
If you successfully manage to postpone your elective, contact your elective insurance provider and let them know your new dates. They should be able to adjust your cover dates accordingly.
Can I still go on my medial elective abroad?
Seek advice from your University, the World Health Organisation and the Government. Don’t take any undue risks.
How will cancelling or postponing my medical elective affect my course?
Speak to your University or the BMA about how postponing or cancelling your elective will affect the rest of your studies.
