Travel insurance and self-isolation

Is self isolation quarantine for travel insurance purposes?

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Travel insurance  terms provide that underwriters will pay for cancellation if any person concerned is quarantined. Does thast include self isolation if mandated by the government for older persons?

One [Cambridge]dictionary definition of quarantine is:-

a period of time during which an animal or person that might have a disease is kept away from other people or animals so that the disease cannot spread:

 

Another[Merriam -Webster] reads :-

a restraint upon the activities or communication of persons or the transport of goods designed to prevent the spread of disease or pests.

16th March addition:-

See The Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020 s10.

 

What is your view?

Replies (4)

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By paul.benny
15th Mar 2020 15:37

There's some very good guidance on MoneySavingExpert.com. Or Which? if you prefer.

I'd check that out rather than trying to argue with an insurer based on dictionary definitions.

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By Duggimon
16th Mar 2020 10:32

Self isolation is not quarantine, quarantine is imposed isolation, self isolation by definition is not that.

That's just my opinion though, the opinion that matters I expect is the insurance company's.

I would anticipate they will tend towards not paying out, from my experience with insurance companies.

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RLI
By lionofludesch
16th Mar 2020 12:17

It's a legal question so any answer you get here needs to be taken with a pinch of salt.

FWIW, though, I vote no.

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By Alex_T
16th Mar 2020 12:39

I'd be inclined to say no but again I'm no expert.

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