Travel Insurance for Covid-19 pandemic. This year holds the promise of many trips that were previously delayed, canceled, or simply impossible. Even fully vaccinated travelers may want to guard against pandemic-related problems when they travel. One way is with Travel Insurance.
Does Travel Insurance cover the Coronavirus Pandemic?
• Emergency Medical Coverage: During a journey, a sick traveler may need to see a doctor and visit a hospital.
• Coverage for Emergency Medical Evacuation: A sick traveler may require an emergency medical evacuation to the next appropriate hospital or back home during recovery in rare instances.
• Trip Interruption: When a traveler becomes seriously ill, they are unable to continue the trip and must return home.
• Cancel For Any Reason: If you search for trip cancellation coverage due to concerns about the coronavirus, you would now need to purchase a plan that includes Cancel For Any Reason. Because this incentive is time-limited and has additional qualifying conditions, not all travelers will qualify.
Many agencies have implemented a new recommendation tool to assist travelers interested in policies covering COVID-19-related difficulties. As part of the quoting process, this new tool directs passengers toward travel options best suited to address COVID-19-related travel issues.
Certain plans may not cover epidemics/pandemics and may not cover related issues. Please take the time to study the plan specifics before purchasing carefully.
Bear in mind that travel insurance can assist in covering unexpected incidents. However, as with a meteorological occurrence, if an event becomes “known,” it may no longer be a covered reason for the cancellation if a traveler acquires insurance after that date.
Consider the following medical plans and coverage:
• Travel Medical Insurance is an add-on to comprehensive travel insurance policies or a stand-alone policy. These policies provide coverage exclusively when traveling outside of the country of residence. Therefore, before acquiring emergency medical coverage, we strongly urge you to contact your regular health insurance provider to inquire about global benefits and how your benefits apply when traveling outside of your home country.
• Emergency Medical Evacuation Coverage provides transportation help if you fall gravely ill or are wounded while traveling. In general, these policies cover emergency medical evacuation to the closest appropriate care facility if they help businesses and physicians determine that you would be better served at another hospital. Travelers who wish to ensure transportation to their preferred hospital may also consider acquiring an air medical transport membership. If you are hospitalized during your trip, this membership may cover transportation to a hospital of your choice, which is frequently closer to home, without it being determined to be “medically essential” as is needed by most travel insurance policies. (Some destination restrictions may apply to medical transport memberships for evacuations related to COVID-19.)
• Comprehensive travel insurance policies provide trip interruption coverage. It benefits travelers for pre-paid, non-refundable charges if they are forced to cut their journey short due to unforeseen circumstances. However, there are exclusions, so carefully study your insurance.
Is Emergency Medical Coverage Available If I Contract COVID-19 During a Trip?
It is possible. Certain travel insurance policies include emergency medical coverage if a traveler becomes ill during their trip and needs to see a doctor or hospital.
Many agents’ new recommendation tool streamlines the process of locating travel insurance policies that may cover COVID-19-related difficulties. In addition, as part of the quoting process, this new tool directs passengers toward travel options best suited to address COVID-19-related travel issues.
