Important Information Regarding:
Influenza A (H1N1) Outbreak (Swine Flu)
DATE ISSUED: 27 May 2009
This advice replaces the advisory issued Monday 27 April
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) have reissued their travel advisory for Mexico, advising travellers to “Reconsider your need to travel”.
Specifically DFAT have advised that:
- We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Mexico at this time because of the outbreak of a severe strain of swine influenza in humans.
- On 29 April, 2009, the WHO raised the level of the influenza outbreak from phase 4 to phase 5 (of 6). The change to the higher phase of pandemic alert indicates that the likelihood of a pandemic has increased, but not that a pandemic is inevitable.
From www.smartraveller.gov.au
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued the following:
“WHO is coordinating the global response to human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) and
monitoring the corresponding threat of an influenza pandemic … WHO advises no restriction of
regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay
international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek
medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities”.
From www.who.int
Medical Expenses:
The following advice applies to all policies currently on issue:
For Policy Holders travelling to Mexico:
Despite the general exclusion in the policy concerning Epidemics and Pandemics if Policy
Holders, travelling to Mexico become unfortunate enough to contract this particular strain of
influenza, there is provision to claim for overseas emergency medical expenses incurred to treat
this illness in accordance with all other terms and conditions of the policy.
For Policy Holders travelling to all other countries
If Policy Holders, travelling in any country, become unfortunate enough to contract this particular
strain of influenza, there is provision to claim for overseas emergency medical expenses incurred
to treat this illness in accordance with the terms and conditions of the policy.
If emergency assistance is required, Policy Holders are advised to immediately phone the 24
hour Emergency Assistance Department reverse charge on + 617 3305 7499.
Cancellation and Amendment Expenses:
For all Policies Issued prior to 28 April 2009 at 1.31 AEST:
For Policy Holders travelling to or through Mexico:
For Policy Holders intending to travel to or through Mexico there is no provision under the policy
to claim for cancellation or amendment costs. Claims made under this benefit, which arise directly
or indirectly from an epidemic or pandemic, are excluded from cover.
Although this is the case, the Claims Department are prepared to review submissions for
payment of such expenses on individual circumstances. If a Policy Holder wishes to make such a
submission, they should ensure that they take steps to mitigate all costs and submit their claim
form with full supporting documentation.
For Policy Holders travelling to all other destinations:
For Policy Holders intending to journey overseas, but who are not travelling to or through Mexico,
there is no provision to claim for cancellation or amendment expenses if the decision to cancel or
curtail their journey arises from Influenza A (H1N1).
For ALL Policies Issued After 28 April 2009 at 1.31 AEST:
For Policy Holders travelling to or through Mexico:
For Policy Holders intending to travel to or through Mexico there is no provision to claim for
cancellation or amendment expenses that arise from Influenza A (H1N1).
For Policy Holders travelling to all other destinations:
For Policy Holders travelling to destinations other than Mexico, there is no provision to claim for
cancellation or amendment expenses that arise from Influenza A (H1N1).
Important Information:
At all times travellers are advised that they should make their own risk based assessments regarding the destinations to which they are travelling, regardless of the cover afforded by their travel insurance policies.
This advisory will be updated if and when further information comes to hand.
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