Swine Flu sparks rise in holiday insurance sales

Fears about the threat of a swine flu pandemic have led to a dramatic increase in the numbers of holidaymakers buying travel insurance.

One insurer claims to have seen a 300% rise in bookings since the first publicised outbreak of flu in Mexico last month.

Already the flu has spread to several other countries, including the UK. With health officials admitting they are unsure where the virus will appear next, anyone planning a holiday is advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance as soon as they book.

Even those planning trips in the UK or elsewhere in the European Union are advised to consider buying travel insurance, which will cover the cost of repatriation and provide compensation for things such as abandoned travel and unused excursions.

As the Foreign Office is warning against all but essential travel to Mexico, travel firms have cancelled their programmes to the country for the time being. Those who have already booked packages are being advised to contact their tour operators, who are obliged to offering full refunds or alternative holidays.

Anyone who has booked a flight to Mexico but wishes to cancel should contact their airline to see if they can get a refund.

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