We have several travelers asking about insurance coverage pertaining to Coronavirus. Please keep in mind this is only a general guide, and not intended to be the sole source of your research, or a guarantee that your trip will be covered.
Will Travel Insurance Cover Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
The answer is a complicated one. First and foremost it depends on which type of travel insurance policy you purchased, and when you purchased it.
Travel insurance policies are designed to cover unforeseen events. One of the largest companies offering travel insurance, Travel Guard issued the following statement: “Please also note that Coronavirus became a known risk on January 24, 2020 and, as such, any claim arising from Coronavirus may not be covered if the policy was purchased, or the trip was arranged on or after January 24, 2020.”
Keep in mind that travel insurance policies vary. Make sure and ask questions before making a decision on which policy is right for you. While coverage for the coronavirus specifically is not available, if you purchase a policy today, it can still provide cancellation benefits for other unforeseen events. This can include an illness or injury, severe weather, job loss or other covered reasons that prevent you from traveling.
Does Cancel for Any Reason Insurance Cover Coronavirus?
Some tour companies and cruise lines to still offer cancel for any reason insurance. These include Caravan Tours, Tauck Tours, Collette Tours Globus Tours as well as Princess Cruises and Holland America cruises to name a few of the most popular companies. Now, the coverage might include a 100% future travel credit or in some cases a cash refund does apply if you are unable to go. A travel specialist would be happy to go over the various options with you.
I am afraid to travel now. Will I be covered?
In general, fear of travel is not a covered event under most policies, unless you purchase a cancel for any reason insurance. Even these policies have stipulations that you have to purchase them within 14 to 21 days of booking your trip, cancel at least 48 hours ahead of time, and you only receive a portion of your money back (up to 75%,) vs. the entire thing.
Keep in mind, that cancel for any reason insurance can be expensive. It can be on average 40 to 50% more than a standard travel insurance policy. Also please note, that residents of NY cannot purchase cancel for any reason insurance. New York’s Department of Financial Services, which regulates the state’s insurance industry, does not allow the sale of that particular feature.
My flight is being cancelled due to the fact that we were flying to an area that has travel warnings due to Coronavirus, would the insurance cover it?
In most cases, the travel insurance policy would NOT cover the cancelled flight, but under these circumstances, the airlines will normally allow you to re-book your flights, or receive a refund.
If I am denied boarding on a cruise ship will I be covered?
Cruise lines are screening passengers for fevers at the time of boarding. In the event you are denied boarding, the cruise line will usually provide you with a refund. Your travel insurance policy may cover you for unused trip expenses if you are able to provide a letter from a licensed physician that you are unable to travel.
Am I Covered if I contract Coronavirus while traveling?
If you contract Coronavirus while on a covered trip, you could be covered for Medical Expense and Trip Interruption benefits if there is a confirmed diagnosis, subject to the terms and conditions of your particular insurance policy. Make sure and contact the 24 hour emergency number on your insurance policy to advise them as soon as possible. Depending on your policy, emergency medical and medical evacuation benefits may be available to you.
What if I am quarantined due to Coronavirus?
If you are quarantined as a result of Coronavirus, you could be covered under the Trip Interruption benefit, subject to the terms and conditions of your particular insurance policy.
What is the best way to protect against getting coronavirus?
According to the CDC, “the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus.” Other steps that can help, include staying home when you are sick, washing your hands with soap and water frequently, avoid touching your eyes, nose & mouth if you have not recently washed your hands and avoiding close contact with people who are sick. According to the World Heath Organization “most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others.”
Keep in mind that all travel companies including airlines, hotels, cruise lines and tour companies are monitoring the situation closely, and therefore the information listed below is subject to change.
How are airlines reacting?
Airlines have been recommending that travelers arrive to airports earlier than usual due to new enhanced screenings. Airlines have suspended flights to China currently through the end of April. Customers who were already booked have an option to request a new date later in the year or request a refund. Call your travel agent or the airline directly to make any changes or requests for refunds as soon as possible.
How are tour companies reacting?
Globus Tours, Cosmos Tours, Insight Vacations, Monograms Vacations, Trafalgar Tours, Tauck Tours and Abercrombie and Kent have all suspended any tours & vacations in or around mainland China until April July 31, 2020.
How are cruise lines reacting?
From the time we initially wrote this post, cruises were suspended by the CDC. Please see our blog on When will cruises resume for more details.
Cruise lines have implemented a screening process for all guests boarding ships, as well as rigorous cleaning and disinfection protocols onboard, in addition to standard sanitization processes. Any guest who has travelled to or come into contact with anyone that as been to or traveled through mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Iran, South Korea and the Italian regions of Lombardy and Veneto will be denied boarding. Guests presenting with fever or low blood oximetry in the specialized health screenings will be denied boarding. All guests who are denied boarding due to these restrictions will receive full refunds.
The situation is changing daily. Currently, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued Level 3 Warnings for China and South Korea, advising travelers to avoid all nonessential travel to affected areas, and Level 2 Alerts for Italy, Japan, and Iran, advising travelers to practice enhanced precautions. Escorted Italy tours and Mediterranean Cruises continue to operate as usual, however trips to China currently have been suspended until the end of April.
Travelers should consult the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites for the most up-to-date information on the Coronavirus outbreak.
Note: We do not give medical advice. We share tips for health, travel & preparedness, but this is not medical advice. Please contact your medical professional if you have questions or symptoms.
