With half-term just around the corner are you aware of the impact your child catching chickenpox could have on your holiday?
Chickenpox is a household name for the highly contagious, common sickness that usually affects children, the symptoms are, fever, aches and pains and loss of appetite, along with red itchy spots which dry over as they heal.
Although chickenpox can be easily treated with over the counter medication, it could lead you to cancel your holiday or, if contracted abroad, cause you to remain in the country until you have fully recovered.
Why is this?
In most scenarios, due to contagiousness of chickenpox, airlines have policies in place and will refuse boarding for anyone who has the disease. This is to best protect their passengers and prevent the further spread of diseases.
The airline may also require medical clearance from the GP or treating doctor if it is apparent a passenger has contracted any disease.
If it happens – what can I do?
The short answer; make sure you have a suitable travel insurance policy in place. Leaving your travel insurance to the last minute will mean you are not covered should something happen, like your child contracting chickenpox – leaving you considerably out of pocket. With this in mind, it is best to buy your travel insurance shortly after paying your holiday deposit – that way if you need to cancel, providing the chickenpox did not occur before the policy was purchased, you will be covered.
Contracting chickenpox abroad could mean you have to stay in the country until you have fully recovered. There are a few travel insurance policies on the market that will offer a ‘family benefit’, which would cover the cost for a relative to fly out and stay with you until you are fit to fly home.
If you do need medical treatment abroad, remember to contact your travel insurer soon as possible so they can liaise with the treating doctor about a suitable time to bring you home.
If you, or someone you are travelling with has recently contracted chickenpox but have passed the contagious phase you should contact your GP and ask for a letter confirm the disease is no longer infectious – this should be suitable for airlines to allow you to travel.
Some quick advice:
Always contact the airline due to their rules varying, some maintain on seeing a GP’s letter as standard.
Passing customs at the destination could also prove problematic for chickenpox sufferers.
Some countries have stricter policies concerning arrivals with contagious diseases.
Always research your destination before you travel and check the conditions it could enforce to avoid disappointment at the last leg of your journey.
Always purchase the right travel insurance that will cover your needs and not the cheapest.