Moscow Woman Wins Partial Refund for Maldives Trip Cut Short by Illness

A Moscow woman who was forced to cancel a Maldives vacation after being diagnosed with acute bronchitis has won a partial refund from her tour operator through a court ruling, according to documents obtained by RIA Novosti. The traveler, who had booked a week-long trip for two last autumn, paid the full amount upfront and purchased a travel cancellation insurance policy. But just one day before departure, her doctor diagnosed acute bronchitis and advised against flying or staying in humid conditions, forcing her to scrap the plans.

The tour operator initially promised to refund the cost minus actual expenses incurred, but never returned any money, the court documents show. The insurer also denied the claim, arguing that bronchitis wasn’t listed among the conditions covered under the policy’s cancellation terms. Left with no refund from either party, the woman filed a lawsuit against both companies. In court, the tour operator provided evidence of non-refundable costs: the hotel booking and a plane ticket for her travel companion, which the judge deemed reasonable. The court ordered the operator to pay the difference between the full tour price and those justified expenses, plus compensation for moral damages.

The operator was also fined for failing to voluntarily meet the woman’s demands, though the specific amounts were not disclosed in the documents. The court rejected all claims against the insurance company, ruling that the policy’s list of covered medical events was clear and bronchitis did not qualify. The case highlights how travelers can recover at least part of their money when illness derails a trip, but also underscores the limits of standard cancellation insurance.