Fixed abroad or canceled concert: what do you get back from the insurance?

The Netherlands is known for this: many people are well insured. But what does that mean in times of the coronavirus? What do you get and what don’t you get reimbursed?

What if you are stuck abroad? Are you reimbursed for the return journey?

Normally you are responsible for your return journey. This led to serious problems for people who got stuck abroad due to travel bans. They saw the prices for the airline tickets rise sharply, sometimes up to 10,000 euros.

Travel organizations, government and insurance companies have now decided to accommodate these travelers. A personal contribution must still be paid. For flights in Europe, this is a personal contribution of 300 euros. Stranded Dutch people outside Europe have to pay a personal contribution of 900 euros.

Will I be reimbursed for a hotel stay?

The costs can add up considerably if you are abroad. Some people have been imprisoned for more than a week, or longer, because of the coronavirus. However, all these costs are almost not covered by your travel organization or travel insurance.

Tour operators pay three nights if the corona virus prevents you from returning home. The vast majority of travel insurance policies do not reimburse these costs. With some travel insurance you can claim additional costs, but there is a ceiling. For example, the ANWB travel insurance has a ceiling of 75 euros per day for accommodation costs.

What if you had booked a holiday?

The coronavirus also has a major influence on future holiday plans. Many airlines do not fly and travel companies have also canceled trips.

Normally you will get your money back in such a case, but because this would mean the end for many companies, they offer a voucher. With this voucher you can still make the same type of trip at a later time. For example, KLM also offers that you can change the destination at no extra cost.

What if I, as a self-employed person, miss income?

Self-employed persons cannot recover lost income from an insurer. Entrepreneurs with disability insurance can receive money from the insurer, but only if the entrepreneur is ill himself.

The cabinet will meet self-employed workers; they can now claim assistance more quickly. For example, a partner’s income is no longer included to determine whether someone is entitled to social assistance. In addition, municipalities have been asked to pay out faster. It could take up to thirteen weeks for an application to be approved.

I had tickets to an event. Will I get my money back?

You can get the money back for events, such as concerts or theater performances, from the organizer. Even if it is force majeure – organizers are obliged to refund the money. Some people also choose not to ask for their money back in order to give the culture sector a helping hand.

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