Even though it may not be as easy as it used to be, finding comprehensive travel insurance is still possible during COVID-19.
Below, we answer some of the most common questions asked in about travel insurance coverage in 2020, from finding a specialist provider for “no-travel” purposes to claiming applicable delays and stays.
Need to know
Are travel insurance companies covering the pandemic?
After the WHO announced that the coronavirus was a global pandemic on March 11, many travel insurance companies said they would not cover claims related to COVID-19.
However, there are still some companies that cover medical expenses for incidents related to COVID-19 while on vacation, as long as the destination is not provided for non-essential travel advice prior to departure.
Insurance price comparison website, Compare the Market, says that all travel insurance policies listed on their website “are likely to cover claims related to COVID-19 for emergency medical expenses and discharge.” However, please note that not all policies on Compare Markets cover non-medical issues, such as cancellation of flights or hotels (see below for more information).
My country does not have a travel corridor with my preferred vacation destination. Can I get travel insurance?
It is difficult, but not impossible. If you plan to travel to a destination that is not on your list of approved air bridges in your country, most insurance companies will not cover you.
However, there are some specialist providers that offer insurance to “no-go” destinations during COVID-19, such as Battleface and Wild Frontiers.
What if my government prohibits travel to my destination after I arrive? Is my insurance policy invalid?
If the government removes a destination from its travel corridor list while you are on vacation (and you buy insurance before you leave), your policy must remain valid.
Check with your provider before taking out insurance and only go to companies that are ready to offer coverage in this situation.
Is there a travel insurance company that covers travel cancellations or interruptions due to COVID-19?
Although most companies that issue travel insurance during COVID-19 will cover emergency medical care and return, it is unlikely that they will cover other COVID-related issues such as flight or hotel cancellations.
If your vacation package, flight or accommodation is canceled due to COVID-19, you can usually request a refund or postpone your trip directly with the airline, hotel or tour operator.
If I want to cancel my trip because of COVID-19, must my insurance company cover the costs?
It depends. Suppose you have purposely booked a vacation to a destination that was previously under unimportant government travel advice and recently changed your mind.
In this case, it is unlikely that your insurance will cover you. However, if a last-minute change in government advice forces you to cancel your vacation, then you may be able to claim.
However, as always, this is entirely up to your provider, and you should check it in person.
Is my insurance still valid if I have to undergo quarantine while abroad?
If you are forced to extend your stay for reasons beyond your control (for example, if you are unexpectedly asked to quarantine during your vacation), some companies will automatically extend your policy and cover all additional costs during your stay.
However, not all insurance companies do this, so it’s best to check your policy’s interruption coverage in detail.
Choosing the right insurance policy for 2020
Identify your needs
Would you like to travel to a country on your “no go” list? Do you need an insurance company that covers people over 65? These questions will help guide you on the type of policy you need and help narrow your search.
Do your research
It has never been more important to read the fine print. Once you have identified your insurance needs, dig deeper into each policy to see if it covers every base.
If the documentation is not clear enough or does not cover the important points as we have mentioned above, contact the company and ask your questions directly to the representative.
Reading the latest customer reviews can also help determine if a company is meeting its policies.
Also looks for the reason Why Your Travel Insurance Rejected.