INSURANCE AND COVID-19 PREPARATION
DO I NEED TO BE FULLY VACCINATED OR SHOW PROOF OF A NEGATIVE TEST?
Currently, Sisters and Suitcases guests are required to produce proof of Covid-19 vaccination at least 30 days before departure OR proof of a negative test within 72 hours of their adventure starting.
You can use a lateral flow or PCR test (whichever is easier) and you must submit a dated photograph (via a mobile phone) of you holding it to our team within this time frame. These safety measures apply on all of our trips to protect our local teams and the communities which you visit.
If you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons and unable to provide proof of a negative test within 72 hours of departing, you can send us a medical certificate from a medical professional and we will assess it on an individual basis.
You should bring masks with you and wear them on vehicles and public transport if required by the country you are visiting.
Your SAS Host will make you aware of any local Covid-19 regulations you will need to comply to throughout your trip also, such as physical distancing.
If you become ill, the SAS Host has the right to remove you from the trip for your own safety, and the safety of the rest of the group.
We will have hand sanitiser available, but we recommend that you bring your own too.
WHAT IF I JUST DON'T WANT TO TRAVEL? CAN I GET MY MONEY BACK?
Our normal Booking Terms apply if you decide to cancel your trip. If you cancel within 10 days of your initial payment for the trip, as long as the expiration of these fourteen (10) days the scheduled trip or date of arrival is more than six (6) months away.
Sisters and Suitcases is unable to offer any refund after the expiration of the fourteen (10) days following the initial deposit or payment.
This is because Sisters and Suitcases has contractual agreements with hotels, airlines and other vendors that will not allow us to obtain any refunds. This way we can keep our package prices competitive and allow you to make monthly payments on your vacation.
It is highly recommended that you purchase trip cancellation insurance. Trip cancellation insurance is the only means of receiving reimbursement for flights and other non-refundable expenses should you cancel your Sisters and Suitcases trip for any reason, whether voluntarily or as a result of Sisters and Suitcase's actions.
WHAT COVID-19 CANCELLATIONS ARE NOT COVERED BY SUITCASES?
In some certain Covid-19 circumstances, our standard cancellation terms will apply. If:
AM I REQUIRED TO HAVE TRAVEL INSURANCE?
We require that everyone who joins us has insurance for their total travel time. This needs to start from the moment you set off on your adventure, to when you arrive back home.
WHAT DOES MY TRIP INSURANCE NEED TO COVER?
You need to ensure you are covered for the following:
1. Emergency medical evacuation, repatriation and associated medical expenses abroad
2. Personal accident and death
3. Personal liability (optional but recommended)
4. Cancellation curtailment
5. Loss of or damage to baggage
6. Minimum of $100,000 coverage
Every Sisters and Suitcases guest will need to provide evidence of travel insurance to us before traveling. Without proof, you will not be permitted to join the group.
If you are traveling within your home country, please confirm before travel that you are covered for emergency medical care should an emergency occur.
WILL MY TRAVEL INSURANCE COVER ME IF I DECIDE NOT TO TRAVEL?
Many travel insurance companies are not covering travelers if they decide not to travel because of Coronavirus risks. This is because Coronavirus is now considered a “known risk”, and travel insurance never covers “fear” as a reason to cancel a trip last minute. If you are worried about trip cancellation coverage because of the Coronavirus situation, we recommend purchasing or upgrading your current plan to a “cancel for any reason” travel insurance plan. These plans are typically more expensive, but will give you the most likelihood of coverage should any event prevent you from traveling with us. It is your responsibility to confirm your travel insurance coverage. Learn more here.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY FLIGHT IS CANCELED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS?
If your flight is canceled due to COVID-19, you should contact your airline and travel insurance provider to discuss your travel options. Many airlines are rerouting flights to avoid affected areas. If you are able to reroute, please share your new flight information with us.
If your flight is canceled and you are unable to join the trip, you should email [email protected] to confirm your cancellation. We will send you documentation that can be used to make a compensation claim from your insurance provider.
WILL I SHARE A ROOM IF I TRAVEL SOLO
If you are traveling on your own, you’ll be paired up with a roommate. An option to upgrade to a private room is available. We have options for private rooms for a supplemental cost.
CAN I TRAVEL IF I HAVE A COLD?
You may want to reconsider. Many airports are beginning to scan passengers for increased body temperature. If you have a fever, you may be detained and not allowed into the country. Also, if you are sick and can get a doctor’s note that says you can’t travel, most travel insurance policies will cover your cancellations costs (though you should verify your plan’s specific coverage).
WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMEONE IN THE GROUP CONTRACTS COVID-19
Our host and local team will help that person to isolate safely, and receive medical treatment if needed.
We will follow the local guidelines to reduce the risk of Covid-19 spreading, which may include asking group members to take a test.
Your SAS Host has the right to remove a traveler who has tested positive for Covid-19 from the adventure for their own safety, and the safety of the rest of the group.
IF I CONTRACT COVID-19 AND BECOME ILL DURING THE TRIP AND HAVE TO ISOLATE AND LEAVE, WILL I GET A REFUND?
Your SAS Host and team will be on hand to help you make arrangements. However, for any missed activities or hotels we will not be able to offer a refund.
We do highly recommend purchasing insurance that includes cover for having to isolate at a hotel due to testing positive for Covid-19 (please read our insurance recommendations above).
Currently, Sisters and Suitcases guests are required to produce proof of Covid-19 vaccination at least 30 days before departure OR proof of a negative test within 72 hours of their adventure starting.
You can use a lateral flow or PCR test (whichever is easier) and you must submit a dated photograph (via a mobile phone) of you holding it to our team within this time frame. These safety measures apply on all of our trips to protect our local teams and the communities which you visit.
If you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons and unable to provide proof of a negative test within 72 hours of departing, you can send us a medical certificate from a medical professional and we will assess it on an individual basis.
You should bring masks with you and wear them on vehicles and public transport if required by the country you are visiting.
Your SAS Host will make you aware of any local Covid-19 regulations you will need to comply to throughout your trip also, such as physical distancing.
If you become ill, the SAS Host has the right to remove you from the trip for your own safety, and the safety of the rest of the group.
We will have hand sanitiser available, but we recommend that you bring your own too.
WHAT IF I JUST DON'T WANT TO TRAVEL? CAN I GET MY MONEY BACK?
Our normal Booking Terms apply if you decide to cancel your trip. If you cancel within 10 days of your initial payment for the trip, as long as the expiration of these fourteen (10) days the scheduled trip or date of arrival is more than six (6) months away.
Sisters and Suitcases is unable to offer any refund after the expiration of the fourteen (10) days following the initial deposit or payment.
This is because Sisters and Suitcases has contractual agreements with hotels, airlines and other vendors that will not allow us to obtain any refunds. This way we can keep our package prices competitive and allow you to make monthly payments on your vacation.
It is highly recommended that you purchase trip cancellation insurance. Trip cancellation insurance is the only means of receiving reimbursement for flights and other non-refundable expenses should you cancel your Sisters and Suitcases trip for any reason, whether voluntarily or as a result of Sisters and Suitcase's actions.
WHAT COVID-19 CANCELLATIONS ARE NOT COVERED BY SUITCASES?
In some certain Covid-19 circumstances, our standard cancellation terms will apply. If:
- You are denied boarding on your flight to the trip due to failing airline Covid-19 checks
- You are not compliant with Sisters and Suitcases Covid-19 vaccination or negative test requirement
- If you are required to self isolate and therefore cannot travel due to a close contact contracting Covid-19
We recommend all customers purchase travel insurance that includes Covid-19 cancellation cover prior to departure on a Sisters and Suitcases trip
AM I REQUIRED TO HAVE TRAVEL INSURANCE?
We require that everyone who joins us has insurance for their total travel time. This needs to start from the moment you set off on your adventure, to when you arrive back home.
WHAT DOES MY TRIP INSURANCE NEED TO COVER?
You need to ensure you are covered for the following:
1. Emergency medical evacuation, repatriation and associated medical expenses abroad
2. Personal accident and death
3. Personal liability (optional but recommended)
4. Cancellation curtailment
5. Loss of or damage to baggage
6. Minimum of $100,000 coverage
Every Sisters and Suitcases guest will need to provide evidence of travel insurance to us before traveling. Without proof, you will not be permitted to join the group.
If you are traveling within your home country, please confirm before travel that you are covered for emergency medical care should an emergency occur.
WILL MY TRAVEL INSURANCE COVER ME IF I DECIDE NOT TO TRAVEL?
Many travel insurance companies are not covering travelers if they decide not to travel because of Coronavirus risks. This is because Coronavirus is now considered a “known risk”, and travel insurance never covers “fear” as a reason to cancel a trip last minute. If you are worried about trip cancellation coverage because of the Coronavirus situation, we recommend purchasing or upgrading your current plan to a “cancel for any reason” travel insurance plan. These plans are typically more expensive, but will give you the most likelihood of coverage should any event prevent you from traveling with us. It is your responsibility to confirm your travel insurance coverage. Learn more here.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY FLIGHT IS CANCELED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS?
If your flight is canceled due to COVID-19, you should contact your airline and travel insurance provider to discuss your travel options. Many airlines are rerouting flights to avoid affected areas. If you are able to reroute, please share your new flight information with us.
If your flight is canceled and you are unable to join the trip, you should email [email protected] to confirm your cancellation. We will send you documentation that can be used to make a compensation claim from your insurance provider.
WILL I SHARE A ROOM IF I TRAVEL SOLO
If you are traveling on your own, you’ll be paired up with a roommate. An option to upgrade to a private room is available. We have options for private rooms for a supplemental cost.
CAN I TRAVEL IF I HAVE A COLD?
You may want to reconsider. Many airports are beginning to scan passengers for increased body temperature. If you have a fever, you may be detained and not allowed into the country. Also, if you are sick and can get a doctor’s note that says you can’t travel, most travel insurance policies will cover your cancellations costs (though you should verify your plan’s specific coverage).
WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMEONE IN THE GROUP CONTRACTS COVID-19
Our host and local team will help that person to isolate safely, and receive medical treatment if needed.
We will follow the local guidelines to reduce the risk of Covid-19 spreading, which may include asking group members to take a test.
Your SAS Host has the right to remove a traveler who has tested positive for Covid-19 from the adventure for their own safety, and the safety of the rest of the group.
IF I CONTRACT COVID-19 AND BECOME ILL DURING THE TRIP AND HAVE TO ISOLATE AND LEAVE, WILL I GET A REFUND?
Your SAS Host and team will be on hand to help you make arrangements. However, for any missed activities or hotels we will not be able to offer a refund.
We do highly recommend purchasing insurance that includes cover for having to isolate at a hotel due to testing positive for Covid-19 (please read our insurance recommendations above).
