As reported on numerous news outlets over the last few weeks awareness has been growing over ZIKA, a vrus which has started in South America.

In the majority of cases, the effects of Zika virus are relatively mild. However, the recent recognition that this virus can have potentially very serious consequences for unborn children has led to a significant change to travel health advice from The National Travel Health Network and Centre.

Zika virus is prevalent in many countries in South and Central America, as well as some Caribbean islands, Cape Verde and Samoa.

UK travellers are advised to follow the advice of NaTHNaC, particularly if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. ABTA and Just Travel cover recommends that pregnant women due to travel to any of the destinations affected should seek medical advice from their GP. Where it is necessary to change or cancel their holiday arrangements in light of the NaTHNaC advice, they should request that their GP provides them with a medical certificate in order to assist them with any possible insurance claim. Women planning to become pregnant should discuss their travel plans with their GP to assess their risk of infection from Zika virus. All visitors to countries where Zika virus has been identified should follow strict insect bite avoidance measures.

Travel companies will try and be as flexible as possible with pregnant customers who had already booked before the advice changed, and many are offering customers the option to amend their holiday to an alternative destination free of charge.  Travel companies should monitor the NaTHNaC advice closely for updates and should ensure that customers wishing to make future bookings to areas where Zika virus outbreaks are currently reported, are referred to the NaTHNaC advice.

ABTA Members are reporting that the number of UK travellers who have cancelled trips as a result of the Zika virus is minimal.

For all your travel insurance needs, contact Just Travel cover now for a free quotation on 03330 030 021 or visit us for an online quote at www.justtravelcover.com. We cover pre-existing medical conditions and have no age limit on single trip policies.