You may encounter situations where guests need to cancel their bookings due to unforeseen circumstances. Medical reasons are one of the most common reasons for cancellations. In these cases, it’s important to be understanding and supportive of your guests while also protecting your interests as a host.
Here are some tips on how to assist guests who want to cancel Airbnb bookings due to medical reasons:
- Empathize with the guest and let them know that you understand their situation
- Review your cancellation policy and see if there are any provisions for extenuating circumstances such as medical emergencies.
- If the guest has purchased Airbnb trip insurance, encourage them to contact their insurance provider to see if they are eligible for any reimbursement.
- If you are willing to offer a refund or partial refund, make sure that you get the guest’s agreement in writing.
If you are unable to offer a refund, offer your guest alternative accommodations, such as a later date or a different property.
Be sure to communicate with the guest regularly and keep them updated on the situation.
If the guest is unable to travel due to a medical emergency, they may be eligible for a refund under Airbnb’s Extenuating Circumstances Policy.
Here are some additional tips for handling medical cancellations:
- Ask the guest to provide documentation to support their claim, such as a doctor’s note or hospital discharge papers.
- Be respectful of the guest’s privacy and do not ask for more information than is necessary.
- If you are unsure about how to handle the situation, you can always contact Airbnb customer support for assistance.
Cancelling an Airbnb booking can be a stressful experience for both the host and the guest. By following these tips, you can help to ensure that the process is as smooth as possible for everyone involved.
