Can I cancel a trip if a family member suddenly falls ill?
January 27, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Fred Kock
Dear travel law attorney,
My name is Anna Kock and I have a question regarding the cancellation of a planned trip. A few weeks ago, I booked a trip for my family and myself, which is scheduled to take place in two weeks. Unfortunately, my father's health has deteriorated significantly in the last few days, and he had to be unexpectedly admitted to the hospital. The doctors say that he will likely have to stay there for several weeks and it is still unclear how long the recovery will take.
Due to these unforeseen events, I am now in a difficult situation. On one hand, I want to be with my father and support him, but on the other hand, I have already spent a lot of money on the trip and I am unsure if I can still go on it or if it is possible to cancel it.
My concerns are that I am both financially and emotionally burdened. I wonder if it is legally possible to cancel the trip and if I can expect a refund of the costs. Are there any specific regulations or laws in travel law that apply in such cases and can help me?
Could you please inform me about the options I have to cancel the trip and what steps I need to take for that? I would be very grateful if you could help me in this difficult situation.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Anna Kock
Dear Mrs. Kock,
First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere sympathy for the difficult situation with your father. It is understandable that you feel both financially and emotionally burdened in this situation. I would like to assist you in regards to the cancellation of your planned trip and provide you with all the information you need.
In travel law, there are certain regulations that can help you if you need to cancel a trip. Generally, as consumers, you have the right to cancel a trip if there is a valid reason. Such a valid reason could be a serious illness or an accident that prevents you from taking the trip. In your case, where your father was unexpectedly admitted to the hospital and is likely to stay there for an extended period, this would definitely be a valid reason for cancellation.
To cancel the trip and receive a refund of the costs, you should first contact the travel agency with whom you booked the trip. Inform them about the situation with your father and let them know that you need to cancel the trip. In most cases, travel agencies are accommodating and offer cancellations in such situations, often without cancellation fees. If you have taken out travel insurance, also inform them about the cancellation and submit the necessary documents to receive a refund.
It is important to document all steps in writing to have evidence in case of discrepancies. Document all communication with the travel agency and the travel insurance.
Overall, it is indeed possible to cancel the trip and receive a refund, especially in your case where there is a valid reason. Do not hesitate to seek professional legal advice if there are any issues or uncertainties.
I hope this information helps you and wish you and your father a speedy recovery.
Sincerely,
Fred Kock
Travel Law Attorney
