Can’t go on holiday in 2 weeks… what to do?

[JadeTurtle]

Hi,

My partner found out 3 weeks ago that he needs urgent surgery but is still waiting for a surgery date.
We have a holiday booked for 28th October which we have been advised it would be safest not to go on if he hasn’t had his surgery, and he definitely shouldn’t be flying after surgery if he has had it by then. The doctor has agreed to fill in a form to say he’s not fit to travel.

we have travel insurance through Barclays travel pack but the holiday was booked in June and he saw a doctor in July complaining of symptoms for 3 months prior… but it wasn’t diagnosed then so hopefully won’t count as a pre existing condition. Does anyone have experience of this with Barclays travel pack?
it’s too late to try changing the date or cancelling the holiday with Jet2 without losing 90% of the holiday cost so looking to either claim back through insurance (which insurance won’t give us a decision until they see proof of cancellation) or don’t cancel it and try to sell it to someone

what would you guys do?

thanks so much 🙏

You should be able to claim it back on travel insurance. The illness is not a pre existing condition before it's diagnosed. The travel insurance company just need to see proof of cancellation to check you aren't just going to go away on the holiday anyway - that is a very standard request.

Generally travel companies don't make it that easy to transfer holidays to different people, so I probably wouldn't even bother pursuing this unless you have someone lined up and very keen already! Even then it might not be possible.