On January 21, 2020, the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) became a named event, which affects the travel insurance coverage available for new policies purchased.
For those purchasing travel insurance AFTER 1/21/2020 (exceptions may apply if traveling to a country with a Travel Health Notice issued by the CDC) benefits included in comprehensive coverage may apply in the following unforeseen scenarios:
- Emergency Medical Coverage: a sick traveler must see a doctor and/or go to the hospital during a trip.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation Coverage: in rare cases, a sick traveler requires an emergency medical evacuation to the nearest appropriate hospital or back home for recuperation.
- Trip Interruption: an extremely sick traveler cannot continue with a trip and must return home.
- Cancel for Any Reason: Currently, if you are looking for trip cancellation coverage because you are concerned about the coronavirus, you will now need to purchase a plan that includes Cancel For Any Reason since the travel warnings are now foreseen. This benefit is time-sensitive and has other eligibility requirements, so not all travelers will qualify.
Some plans may exclude epidemics/pandemics and may not provide coverage for related issues. Please be sure to read the plan details carefully before purchasing.
Remember that travel insurance helps to cover unexpected events. Similar to a weather event, once an event becomes a "known" event, it may not be a covered reason for cancellation if a traveler purchases insurance after that date.
For travelers who purchased a policy BEFORE 1/21/20 and need to make a claim or have questions about how your existing policy will cover you, please reach out to your insurance provider. Travelers can read further on how to file a travel insurance claim here.
Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call us for help. Our Customer Care representatives can be reached by dialing toll-free at 800-487-4722 Monday - Friday 7:00am to 12:00am EST and Saturday - Sunday 9:00am to 9:00pm EST.
Which Countries are Affected by the Coronavirus Outbreak?
There are confirmed cases of the coronavirus reported all across the world. The virus originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) a global health emergency. Because of this, many countries have begun implementing strict screening procedures in order to prevent the spread of the virus. In the United States, the Department of State’s Travel Advisory for China is currently a Level 4- Do Not Travel to China. A Presidential Proclamation went into effect on February 2, 2020, barring entry to the U.S. of most foreign nationals who traveled to China within the past 14 days. U.S. citizens traveling by cruise ship to or within Asia are being asked to reconsider their travel plans. U.S. citizens planning travel by cruise ship elsewhere should be aware that this is a dynamic situation and they may be impacted by travel restrictions affecting their itineraries or ability to disembark, or may be subject to quarantine procedures implemented by the local authorities. Travel Health Notices have also been issued by the CDC for Italy, Iran, Japan, and South Korea.
How is Coronavirus Spread?
How the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spreads is currently unconfirmed. Based on knowledge about similar coronaviruses, it is believed that this coronavirus is spread mainly from person to person. The virus (SARS-CoV-2) becomes airborne when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and can travel up to six feet. It is also believed that the virus can be spread through contact with infected surfaces or objects. A person can get the disease (COVID-19) by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. This information is changing as more is learned about the virus so travelers are encouraged to check the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
Why is Coronavirus Dangerous?
The coronavirus, sometimes written as "corona virus," is a highly contagious, pneumonia-causing illness that infects the respiratory system. Symptoms can include a fever and cough that may progress to a severe pneumonia, which causes shortness of breath and difficulties breathing. Symptoms of this disease may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure. The situation is evolving as more information becomes available. For the latest information, refer to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Is There a Coronavirus Vaccine for Humans?
There are currently no vaccines available. Being proactive is the best method of prevention - wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands, and avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, prevent the spread of illness by staying home, avoiding contact with others, cleaning surfaces and objects with disinfectant, and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Refer to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the latest information on prevention.
Coronavirus & Cruises - Common Traveler Questions
If I get sick and quarantined on a cruise ship, does travel insurance cover me?
Possibly. Companies have different requirements for what is considered "quarantined", so it is important to read your policy or call to clarify coverage.
If I'm not sick and quarantined on a cruise ship, does travel insurance cover me?
Possibly. Like cruisers who get sick and are quarantined, those who are not sick but are still quarantined are subject to the same guidelines as defined by the provider and policy.
If I get sick with coronavirus on a cruise ship, will travel insurance help evacuate me?
It is extremely rare for travel assistance companies to arrange for evacuation off of a cruise ship. Typically, you have to be hospitalized first and the assistance company will work with the attending physician to arrange transportation to another hospital, or back home if required.
If I get sick with coronavirus on a cruise ship, who pays my medical bills?
If a traveler gets sick on a cruise ship and requires medical care, he or she may be able to file a claim with their travel insurance company to request reimbursement. It is important to keep all receipts and detailed documentation related to medical care received while on your trip.
If my cruise line cancels a cruise due to coronavirus, does travel insurance cover me?
Cancel For Any Reason selected, they may be able to be refunded a portion (typically 50-75%) of their insured pre-paid non-refundable trip cost if the cruise line cancels the cruise prior to departure and they decide to cancel their entire trip. Cancel For Any Reason is a time-sensitive benefit with some eligibility requirements, and you must cancel at least 2 days prior to departure.
What if I'm afraid to go on an upcoming cruise due to coronavirus?
Coverage is very limited, as typical travel insurance policies don't cover fear of travel. If the traveler has purchased a plan with optional Cancel For Any Reason selected, they may be able to be refunded a portion (typically 50-75%) of their insured pre-paid non-refundable trip cost if there is fear of traveling due to coronavirus prior to departure. Cancel For Any Reason is a time-sensitive benefit with some eligibility requirements, and you must cancel at least 2 days prior to departure.
Additional Travel Advice for Coronavirus
Stay informed of the latest information on the Novel Coronavirus by referring to:
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article serves as a general overview of benefits and should only be used for informational purposes. Refer to your individual certificate of insurance for specific coverages, exclusions, and benefits. When in doubt, please contact one of our licensed agents for additional assistance.
Source: https://www.insuremytrip.com/
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