Lisbon and Porto, among others, are now in the orange zone (only necessary trips). So tourist attractions. And the adjustment does have some consequences, because holidays do not fall under necessary travel. We split it into two parts: what if you were going to go, and what if you were there?
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1. You would still travel to the now orange area
If you would be traveling to Lisbon or Porto in the near future (or any other area that turns’ orange ‘), it is advisable to contact the travel organization you booked with, says Joyce Donat of the Consumers’ Association. Often those organizations have something on the website about the new situation quickly, but if not, call them. It can be busy, Donat warns.
In any case, what you should not do is cancel yourself. Then you are not legally entitled to compensation, says Donat. “The provider must cancel and offer compensation.”
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If you have booked a ticket and accommodation yourself, you must contact the authorities where you did this. “With accommodations it is often a little easier to arrange cancellation than with transport organizations,” says Donat.
Oscar van Elferen of the Dutch Association of Insurers states that if you still travel to the orange areas in Portugal, you run the risk of being uninsured. “Some insurers still cover things that have nothing to do with the pandemic, such as a stolen camera, but you have to look closely at the conditions. So please contact us.”
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2. You are already in Portugal
If you were already in Portugal when the travel advice changed, then you are initially covered in accordance with your policy conditions, says Van Elferen. After all, there was little you could do to change the travel advice. You will be asked to leave the area.
If you do stay, you run the risk of becoming uninsured again, says Van Elferen. That repatriation, as it is called, is not covered. “That only happens when it comes to medical emergencies.”
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According to Van Elferen it is true that if you have booked with a tour operator, they are responsible for returning you. But that is not an insurance issue.
Donat also recommends returning to the Netherlands as soon as possible. It is then urgently advised to self-quarantine for fourteen days. She urgently advises potential holidaymakers, “Be aware of the potential problems. This can happen more often. This summer, little is going the way you are used to.”
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Health insurance
Then something about the health insurance. Suppose you become ill on holiday, the health insurance will pay the amount that you would normally have lost in the Netherlands.
The travel insurance then supplements that amount. If you are going to travel to a country that is orange, you can often forget that second part. You will receive the amount of the health insurance.
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Evelien would go to Lisbon, but not yet
Evelien is one of the unfortunate ones who would go to Lisbon, but now remains at home. From next Sunday to Wednesday it should be enjoyed under the Portuguese sun. “I would go with my sister, but unfortunately.”
“We already booked in January,” says Evelien. “Then came Corona and we thought we would not go, but after all the relaxation we got hope again. Now it is not possible anyway. I would not feel good about that either.”
Evelien had booked with the Holiday Discounter. This morning they were called with the message that they will receive a voucher and can still go later this year. Evelien is happy with it. “Those hotels are also having a hard time. I don’t mind this.”
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