COVID Travel Insurance

The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has shaken the world and severely disrupted travel.
Everyone has one question: "Will my travel insurance cover COVID-19?"

Are you tired of having to keep up with warnings from the CDC, the U.S. Department of State, various countries, the World Health Organization, and so on? It is very difficult to understand when and under what circumstances you are really covered.

Before answering that, it is very important to understand that there are primarily two types of travel insurance plans on the market:

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Provides coverage for prepaid trip costs in case you have to cancel your trip due to specified reasons.

When you are on your trip, it also covers situations like trip interruption, emergency medical evacuation, emergency medical, repatriation of remains, lost baggage, and more.

Travel Medical Insurance

Provides short-term medical insurance while you are traveling outside your home country. Other travel-related benefits such as emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of mortal remains, etc., are also covered.

What is Covered in COVID Travel Insurance?

COVID-19 travel insurance typically provides coverage for a range of scenarios, but the specifics depend on the insurer and the plan you select. Generally, these policies cover medical expenses if you contract COVID-19 while traveling, offering financial protection for doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescribed medications. They often include trip interruption benefits, reimbursing you for unused, non-refundable travel costs if your trip is cut short due to a positive COVID-19 test. Additionally, some plans cover quarantine-related expenses, such as accommodation and meals, if you are required to isolate abroad. Emergency medical evacuation is another common benefit, ensuring you can be transported to the nearest suitable medical facility if necessary. Many plans also provide trip cancellation coverage, reimbursing prepaid travel expenses if you test positive for COVID-19 before departure and cannot travel. However, the scope of coverage can vary widely based on the insurer’s terms, the timing of purchase, and whether COVID-19 is classified as a known event at the time of your trip.

What Is Not Covered in COVID Travel Insurance?

While COVID-19 travel insurance offers important protections, it does not cover every potential scenario. For example, expenses related to pre-existing conditions, such as testing or treatment for COVID-19 if you had it before purchasing the policy, are often excluded. Travel to destinations under a Level 4 (Do Not Travel) advisory may not be covered, as insurers typically exclude coverage for trips to high-risk areas. Routine COVID-19 testing, unless directly tied to covered medical treatment, is also usually not included. Additionally, voluntary quarantine that is not officially mandated by authorities may not be eligible for reimbursement. Fear of travel, even if it is COVID-19 related, is generally not a valid reason for trip cancellation coverage unless you opt for a “Cancel for Any Reason” add-on. Understanding these exclusions is crucial to setting clear expectations for your coverage. Since policy terms vary significantly between insurers, be sure to review the fine print and clarify questions with your broker before purchasing.

COVID-19 Travel Medical Insurance for Travel to U.S.A and Travel Outside U.S.A

Whether you are traveling to the U.S.A or you are traveling outside the U.S.A., you can be covered if you get sick from coronavirus as long as you are infected after the effective date of the policy. No need to track travel warnings.

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International Medical Insurance for Students and Exchange Visitors

If you are an F visa student or J visa exchange visitor traveling to the U.S.A, you can be covered if you get sick from coronavirus as long as you are infected after the effective date of the policy. No need to track travel warnings.

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Please be aware that political evacuation benefits offered in some plans would not be covered in the event of an epidemic or pandemic.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

There are primarily two types of trip cancellation insurance:

Standard Travel Insurance

If you need to cancel your trip due to covered reasons such as sickness, a death in the family, your house catching on fire, etc., you will be covered under regular trip cancellation insurance.

You will not be covered under regular trip cancellation insurance if you are simply afraid to travel because of the coronavirus epidemic.

However, if you get sick from coronavirus and can’t take your trip, you can be covered.

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Cancel For Any Reason:

You can cancel your trip for any reason: That means if you just decide to change your mind, if you are too anxious to travel, etc., you will be covered.

It will cover 75% of your trip cost. You must purchase within 10 days (or 21 days, depending upon the plan) of your initial trip deposit date, and you must cancel at least 48 hours in advance of your departure date.

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Either of the two types of plans listed above can cover you if you get sick from coronavirus while on your trip. Be sure to review the specific coverage of any plan you are considering.

Please note: All claims will be adjudicated on the specific facts of each circumstance, and they are subject to each individual’s policy wording.