Advice please - just speculating at mo.......

[alisonbestford]

Hi there

As many of you know DH has been in hospital, following neuro surgery, since the New Year

Phil has developed pneumonia - on top of all his other post op problems - and is fighting not to be treated.
I'm off to the hospital later this am, to fight his case, along with the nursing staff and most of the medical team (just need the 'big man' to agree to let him be made comfy and go to the hospice)

Thing is Eve and I are booked to go to Orlando in 4 weeks time
Obviously I have no idea what turn of events there will be over the next few weeks but can anyone, out there, enlighten me on as to what would happen should I try to re-arrange the hol for later in the year?

It's all booked independently - fly drive, and car hire, with Virgin, POP through WDW UK site and a week's timeshare exchange through RCI.
Travel insurance is through the Halifax with my 'Ultimate' Current account.

I arranged, and paid for it all, shortly after my Nan died in Dec 2006 so we didn't know Phil was going to have an op etc but he has had this tumour for 17 years so the tumour itself will be seen as a pre-existing condition

As I mentioned, in the thread title, I'm just speculating at the moment but, really, don't have a clue where to start should I need to re-arrange.
Any travel agents or insurance experts out there?

 

[carolfoy]

oh Alison, I can only sypathise deeply, I have no idea what you're going through and hope you can find some strength.

back to the holiday bits I'll offer my TA advice but obviously don't know the ins and outs of your booking contracts.

the fly drive would almost certainly be non refundable should you cancel, best to check in the back of a virgin book for their terms and conditions. They may allow you to change the date with an admin fee and any extra increase in the cost. I can't see your insurance covering this at all because as you say Phils condition is pre existing and any cancellation will be down to that.
I think that Disney will refund most or part of any booking but again best to check, they may allow you to keep in credit and use it at another time.
No idea about RCI but again I'd see if you can cancel with refund or postpone.

I wish you all the best and hope you can work something out

 

[Chilly]

No advice but offering you lots of

 

[natalielongstaff]

I can't offer any advice either but wanted you to know we are all here for you

 

[jns]

hope you get on well today at the hospital

let the doctors know about your planned trip , I'm sure they will be delighted that you are getting away for a while

Don't give up on the holiday yet

don't know about cancelling your trip
but phone them all direct and let them whats happening and see what they say

 

[alisonbestford]

Thanks Carol

Your suggestions are, more or less, what I was thinking.
Just been looking at the Virgin site and can find several 'possibles' for August.
Paying the extra and admin fees will be fine if that's ok.

WDW I was hoping I'd just be able to transfer - again,with a possible admin fee
There's mention of dates for 'cancellation' on the site but nothing, I can see, for transfers

What would be the best numbers should I need to call Virgin or WDW?
I really don't want to be put through to an Indian call centre as they messed up a previous 'Virgin' booking through a break down in communication

RCI I haven't really looked into but I might well be able to transfer that too.

Fingers crossed

 

[jjk]

no advice just wanted to send you a

 

[irongirlof12]

hope you get the holiday sorted out soon.

 

[Snowy-girls]

Same here,i can't offer advice but want to wish you luck at the hospital today+hope all goes well.Take care .x.

 

[wils]

No advice just a and to let you know your family are in my thoughts.

 

[CustardTart]

Hi Alison, sorry I have no advice, just wanted to send you some . Hope the hospital visit goes well and you get to alter your holiday plans accordingly...
My very best wishes,
Karenxxx

 

[tennisfan]

No advice but I hope the hospital visit goes well

 

[SammieG]

hugs to you all Alison....

You know what.. they flippin should re-arrange things for you.. this is an extraordinary situation and the travel insurance company would be pretty hard hearted in my opinion not to do something....

I wish we could help... but as others have said.. all you can do is phone around and see what can be done. I am SURE that disney would be sympathetic to your situation....

You so deserve this break....

Thinking of you... and if we can do anything just shout....

Sammie x xx

 

[Claire L]

I am sending best wishes to you as I know how difficult situations like this can be.

I am guessing VH will accommodate a move of dates if possible with a small admin fee. The only issue is if you need to claim anything off your insurance unless of course they were aware of the tumour when you took out the insurance policy and covered you for anything in relation to it they should pay out and help you. I take it the insurance is not an annual policy? If so then I know they require updating at time of renewal and also at anytime if anything else major happens that may mean a claim could be likely.

Hope all goes well today.



Claire

 

[mandymouse]

Oh Alison, I wish I had some advice for you. I hope the hospital visit goes well - take care

 

[wicket2005]

 

[jen_uk]

Sending you hugs, hope it all works out

 

[alisonbestford]

The hospital visit went well, in my opinion

The docs are going to get the palliative pain relief team in and are questioning the appropriateness of agressive treatment.

They're also doing a 'Do not Resucitate' form

I went into Phil and re-assured him we were on the case and was rewarded with a big smile

He's asked to see Eve so I've arranged for Laura (eldest DD) to meet us at the hospital tonight.

The consultant asked me whether Phil would want us to go on holiday and I said yes so that's what he's advised us to do.
I doubt another week will make much difference to any amendments, if necessary, so going to hold off changing things and see what happens over the next few days.
I might just e-mail the relevant 'bodies' with a 'what if.....' scenario.
Phil's chest sounds terrible and, without meaning to sound pessimistic, I feel he'll just go to sleep if he's comfortable enough.....................

 

[cherjp]

i just wanted to say to you allison that i think you are such a strong and wonderful woman for all you and your family are going through.
My mum died from a brain tumour and i know how hard that was , i think you are tremendously brave and strong and i wish you all the best, i hope your Phil sleeps away peacefully, lots of love and

 

[BRobson]

Alison - just wanted to send you and your family a