mental health issue

I think that we as a family have accepted that my SIL cannot travel. The problem is now how do we tell her? and who will she blame for the situation. The other issue is can MIL bring herself to travel with us and leave her daughter in the care of the grandaughters who are 21, 22.
We explored the issue of changing names on the tickets to other family members and were told that as itis peak eason nd there ae only 2 seats left on our flight Virgin would much rather us cancel pay a cancellation fee then resell at premium prices. They were told the circumstances but were adamant they could not help.
Thanks to all who posted your info nd sympathetic response has really helped. I will let you know how things develope

Sorry to hear that. Can you enlist the help of one of the health professionals looking after your SIL as to the best way to approach the subject with her?

I know that normally you cannot get names altered on flight tickets unless there's a spelling mistake or the like and that they have to be cancelled and the flights rebooked. Because of your SIL's problems with the insurance, you're not likely to get a refund but in normal circumstances you would have done if you had claimed on the insurance.

just a quick update to let you know how this issue has been resolved. The mental health team treating SIL actuallly said they would RISK taking her to the US, but it is not their risk it is ours and hers, so as a family we decided it was not possible. Especiallly in view of increased check in times, visa waiver etc.
So today we cancelled her ticket, now we just have to tell her and we cant truthfullly say that the docs would not alllow it, which makes it doubly hard.
She is a lot better but this disappointment will not help so we are lining up a replacement UK holiday for her with her daughters that we will pay for as a present. Hopefullly that will ease the disapppointment a little
I feel as though I can now look forward again to the holiday and am back in planning mode, although because of the uncertainty I have missed a 90 day ps slot so wil have to take what is available!!!!!
Thanks to you all for your imput in this mattter it reallly did help

Has she been sectioned under the mental health act or has she admitted herself. If she has bens sectioned I assume she is being looked after in a MSU. A doctor could say a holiday will do her good and recommend it. Its worth exploring that route. I have some limited knowledge of MH issues - PM me and I will try and find out for you

Tony

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:we are lining up a replacement UK holiday for her with her daughters that we will pay for as a present.[/quote] That's a really nice gesture Poet and I'm sure that, although it won't be easy to tell her that her ticket has been cancelled, it's better in the long run not to have the worry for the rest of your party with the visa waiver and the insurance issues involved here.

I've just been searching through the forums for threads on mental health issues and the visa waiver forms for a friend thinking of visiting the US.

I found this information on the US embassy website:

<span style="color:blue">"Travelers who have been afflicted with a disease of public health significance, a mental disorder or drug addicts / abusers
Travelers to the United States who have been afflicted with a disease of public health significance, a mental disorder which is associated with a display of harmful behavior, or are a drug abuser or addict, are not eligible to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. They are required to apply for visas and a waiver of the permanent ineligibility.</span id="blue">

<span style="color:red">Note:Travelers with mental illnesses can travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) provided that their condition does not render them a danger to themselves or others. They may wish to carry letter from their doctor to that effect to facilitate their entry into the United States."</span id="red">


In view of the second part highlighted in red I'm wondering how people would suggest the question on the visa waiver form that asks if you have suffered from a mental illness be answered?
Would you answer yes but have the relevant letter from doctor available?

I'm also wondering if such a letter from a doctor would help with obtaining travel insurance?

Hi Julie
where abouts on the embassy website did you find this? I've searched it and can't find the relevant bit (i.e. the red highlighted bit)

You've obviously done the right thing and have put a lot of thought and care into your decision. And to send SIL on another holiday with her daughters will hopefully help. Sounds like you will need your holiday by the time you get there. I am sure it will live up to and exceed all expections.

Debbie

Found it and the link is http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new...v/add_req.html incase anyone else wants it.

Linda & Drew - I was just about to post the link - glad you found it :)

As my original post says it doesn't really make it clear how you should complete the form though does it. I would guess you have to tick the yes box and have your doctor's letter to hand. Long way for someone to go and be turned away tho [msnscared]