Last updated 01/20/2022
Cases of the Coronavirus (or COVID-19) started to come up in late 2019, but reached unreasonable limits in the early months of 2020. The dangerous virus quickly spread to other regions of the world, including the United States. On March 19, 2020 the U.S. State Department declared a level 4 Health Advisory due to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak advising citizens to restrict all international travel. This advisory has since been abolished. Despite other countries beginning to reopen their borders and the number of cases falling in some areas, many travelers have had to cancel or postpone their trips for 2021 and 2022.
Travel insurance is always a good idea, even with the outbreak happening around the world. Here are some quick answers to the top travel insurance questions relating to coverage against the Coronavirus:
What travel insurance covers the Coronavirus?
If cancelling your trip due to the spread of the Coronavirus is your main concern, be sure to purchase a travel insurance policy with Cancel for Any Reason coverage.
Fear of travel or an outbreak of the virus at your destination are generally cases not covered by standard trip cancellation.
However, purchasing the Cancel for Any Reason upgrade will give you the flexibility to cancel due to fear of contracting the virus, if your destination’s borders close, and even if your destination country changes entry requirements or imposes travel restrictions due to COVID-19. You’ll want to buy this coverage as soon as you’ve made your first trip payment or deposit though, otherwise you could be ineligible to receive this benefit.
What do the top travel insurance providers say they’ll cover?
If you already have a travel insurance policy or are looking to purchase coverage, you’ll want to pay attention to what the insurance companies say they will cover in regards to the Coronavirus. Our team has received statements from the top travel insurance companies, which we have included below.
For questions about purchasing a policy or regarding an existing policy, you can always reach out to the friendly humans at Yonder at 855-358-6433 or [email protected].
AIG Travel Guard
Coronavirus Advisory (Last Updated: 3/2/2021)
AIG Travel continues to closely monitor the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its ongoing impact on travel. While we will endeavor to provide periodic updates regarding travel safety, 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 COVID-19 pandemic.
Please note that due to the WHO announcement on March 11, 2020, declaring COVID-19 a pandemic, COVID-19 is considered a foreseen event, and as a result, certain coverages will not apply. Please read the details here .
If you are considering canceling your trip due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please read your insurance policy thoroughly.
If your travel has been cancelled by your travel supplier (e.g. airline, cruise line, tour operator), you may be eligible for a premium voucher that you can use for future travel.
The following are the questions we are receiving most frequently in our Service Center:
Frequently Asked Questions regarding Coronavirus and Travel Insurance
Allianz Global Assistance
UPDATED OCTOBER 27, 2021
COVID-19 is a known and evolving epidemic that is affecting travel worldwide, with continued spread and impacts expected. COVID-19 became a known event on January 22, 2020 and was recognized as an epidemic as of February 3, 2020.
Allianz Global Assistance is currently assisting customers 24/7/365 who wish to change their travel plans, need travel assistance or would like to file a claim. We are here to fully understand the nature of your situation and provide assistance and applicable coverage under your plan. Our assistance team is ready to help all of our customers who need help while traveling, such as locating medical facilities or rebooking transportation.
We urge any customer who has a medical issue while traveling or who has any other question regarding their plan to call us or contact us online. We review every claim based on its unique facts and circumstances and are happy to answer any questions you may have.
EPIDEMIC COVERAGE ENDORSEMENT AND SPECIAL PLAN ACCOMMODATIONS FOR COVID-19
Claims due to known, foreseeable, or expected events, epidemics, government prohibitions, warnings, or travel advisories or fear of travel are generally not covered, and coverage can vary by state. However, we are pleased to announce the addition of epidemic-related covered reasons to some of our most popular insurance plans in response to COVID-19.
For plans that include the new Epidemic Coverage Endorsement:
New covered reasons have been added for certain specific epidemic-related situations. Please refer to plan details for more information.
The Epidemic Coverage Endorsement, and the covered reasons added by this endorsement, may not be available for all plans or in all jurisdictions. These new covered reasons are only available for customers whose plan includes the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement. To see if your plan includes this endorsement, please look for this endorsement in your plan details.
Temporary Claim Accommodations:
For a temporary period in response to the ongoing public health and travel crisis, where not otherwise covered under your plan, we are currently accommodating claims for:
- Emergency medical care for an insured who becomes ill with COVID-19 while on their trip (if your plan includes the Emergency Medical Care benefit)
- Trip cancellation and trip interruption if an insured, or that insured’s traveling companion or family member, becomes ill with COVID-19 either before or during the insured’s trip (if your plan includes Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption benefits, as applicable)
If an insured or their traveling companion become ill with COVID-19 while on their trip, that insured will not be subject to the Trip Interruption benefit’s five-day maximum limit for additional accommodation and transportation expenses (however, the maximum daily limit for such expenses and the maximum Trip Interruption benefit limit still apply).
The accommodations described in this coverage alert are strictly applicable to COVID-19 and are only available for customers whose plan includes the applicable benefit. All other terms, conditions, and exclusions of the plan apply as normal. All plans continue to generally exclude losses for epidemics, including COVID-19, except as expressly covered in that plan’s Epidemic Coverage Endorsement. Availability of accommodations may be subject to any refund or reimbursement you receive from your supplier or other source. All benefits are subject to maximum limits of liability, which may in some cases be subject to sublimits, day limits, and daily maximums. Please read your plan for details. These accommodations apply to plans currently in effect but may not apply to plans purchased in the future, so please refer to this coverage alert for the most up to date information before purchasing your plan.
Please note, until changed in a future version of this Coverage Alert, the above accommodations and other coverage for which you are otherwise eligible under your plan continue to apply regardless of any U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Department of State travel alerts regarding COVID-19 that exist on the effective date of this Coverage Alert.
Please note, we will accept proof of a positive COVID-19 test or a physician’s diagnosis as proof that you are ill with COVID-19. If you need help understanding your plan coverage, please contact us.
PLAN DATE CHANGE / REFUND ACCOMMODATIONS
Customers may change their travel protection plan’s effective dates to cover a new or rescheduled trip, as long as that trip is scheduled to be completed within 770 days from the plan’s original purchase date. Changes can be made at www.allianztravelinsurance.com or by calling the phone number on their plan.
Please note, if you wish to move your plan’s covered trip dates to cover a new or rescheduled trip, you must update your trip dates prior to the departure date of that new or rescheduled trip and prior to any loss for which you seek coverage. Additionally, if your trip costs for your new or rescheduled trip are different than the cost of your original trip, you will need to update your plan’s coverage limits accordingly. Any change in trip cost insured for the new or rescheduled trip may result in a change in premium. If you update your plan’s trip dates to cover a new or rescheduled trip but do not adjust your limits, the original plan limits will apply to the new or rescheduled trip.
Alternatively, for a temporary period, we are offering refunds for the cost of your single-trip travel protection plan to customers who wish to cancel their travel protection plan if the customer’s travel supplier canceled the customer’s trip due to COVID-19, so long as no payable claim has been filed under the plan. (This is not available for annual travel insurance plans, which may be cancelled any time for a refund of unearned premium.) Please call us at the number listed on your plan and we will be happy to assist you. Refunds must be requested within 770 days of the original plan purchase date.
Unless earlier canceled or otherwise ended in accordance with its terms or the accommodations stated here, plans end 770 days after the original plan purchase date. Plans do not provide any coverage or accommodation for any loss incurred after the plan ends.
For more information on COVID-19, please visit the World Health Organization’s website at https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019, or the CDC’s website at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/alert/novel-coronavirus-china, or consult your medical professional.
AXA Assistance USA
AXA Position Statement: Updated March 24, 2020
Outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and other affected locations
AXA Assistance USA continues to monitor the evolving 2019-nCoV (COVID-19) developments and we continue to assist our customers 24/7, in cases of medical emergencies and providing help with locating local doctors and hospitals. We are also available Monday-Friday 8:00AM – 7:00PM CST to help our customers evaluate making changes to their travel protection plans. Due to an increase in call volumes, our wait times may be longer than normal however, you may email us with questions regarding your travel protection plan at [email protected].
China has been working to contain the outbreak of the 2019-nCoV (COVID-19) virus, classified as a Coronavirus. Due to the outbreak, Chinese authorities imposed a quarantine on the city of Wuhan on January 23, 2020 and have expanded the quarantine to other cities. Since the outbreak of the virus, Travel Health Notices have also been issued for Italy, Iran, Japan and South Korea and the situation continues to evolve with several countries imposing travel bans.
The World Health Organization declared the Coronavirus a Global Health Warning on January 30, 2020. As a result, the Coronavirus is no longer an unforeseen event for travel to China starting on January 24th, 2020, and for travel worldwide starting on January 31st, 2020. Please note that for trip cancellations and trip interruptions, this event does not qualify as an Unforeseen event under the terms and conditions of the AXA Travel Protection Plan. Policies for travel purchased prior to January 24, 2020, may only provide coverage in the event of a trip delay, trip cancellation or trip interruption if you are quarantined due to the Coronavirus. Coverage may be available for other benefits so please refer to your plan documents for applicable benefits, terms, conditions, limits and exclusions.
Policies purchased after January 24, 2020 do not cover this event for trip cancellations and trip interruptions. Coverage may be available for other benefits so please refer to your plan documents for applicable benefits, terms, conditions, limits and exclusions.
For updated information regarding travel advisories related to this event, please visit:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/
We urge you to contact your travel supplier(s) prior to canceling your travel arrangements. Airlines and other travel suppliers may allow you to change your dates of travel without fees and penalties. If your travel supplier allows you to change the dates of your trip, you may also change the dates of your travel insurance plan by calling AXA at 1-855-327-1442.
For information on how to file a travel insurance claim, please call 1-855-327-1442 or email [email protected].
Generali Global Assistance
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak Travel Insurance Notice and FAQs – Last updated November 4th, 2020
Generali Global Assistance is closely monitoring the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its potential impact on our travelers. This notice is intended to help you better understand your travel insurance plan coverages or potential purchases of the Standard, Preferred and Premium plans available on this website. While we will be updating this page regularly, we also encourage you to consult the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites for the most up-to-date information.
Our plans will not provide coverage if you cancel your trip due to fear of travel. We strongly encourage you to read the full Description of Coverage/Insurance Policy to familiarize yourself with coverages before purchase.
To review a complete list of Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions from Generali, click here.
iTravelInsured
Coronavirus FAQ – Last Updated 10/30/2020
The virus responsible for COVID-19, was first reported from Wuhan, China in December 2019. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of COVID-19, a “public health emergency of international concern” and, on March 11, 2020, the disease was characterized as a “pandemic.” On March 19, 2020, the U.S. Department of State issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory. On March 27, 2020, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Global Warning Level 3, “avoid nonessential travel,” due to the widespread and ongoing transmission of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
As of August 6, 2020, the U.S. Department of State, in coordination with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has removed the Global Level 4 Health Advisory and reverted to a prior protocol of reviewing Travel Warnings on a country specific basis. The removal of the Global level advisory may affect the benefits afforded under IMG’s international medical product offerings.
Under the terms and conditions of IMG’s international medical products (not including iTravelInsured travel protection plans), travelers who purchase coverage on or after August 6, 2020 may be eligible for benefits directly or indirectly related to COVID-19, as long as the DOS or CDC have not issued a Level 3 or higher Travel Warning for your destination country. In addition, if a government agency from your country of residence has not issued a similar travel warning, you may be eligible for coverage for COVID-19 coverage.
If you have additional questions or concerns, please use this page to learn about the outbreak, access great resources for the most current information, and understand how you or your IMG coverage may be impacted by COVID-19.
To review a complete list of Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions from iTravelInsured, click here.
Arch RoamRight
Updated January 19, 2022
COVID-19 is impacting worldwide travel, with continued spread and disruptions expected. COVID-19 became a known event on January 21, 2020 and was recognized as an epidemic as of February 3, 2020. The US began instituting restrictions on travel on March 21, 2020.
As of March 21, 2020, COVID-19 is considered a foreseeable event and as of this date, COVID-19 and its impacts to travel are not covered under our plans. Claims due to known, foreseeable, or expected events, epidemics, government prohibitions, warnings, quarantine including quarantine due to COVID exposure, travel advisories or fear of travel are generally not covered, and coverage can vary by state.
However, until further notice, although not covered under most plans, we are currently accommodating claims for:
- Under the Emergency Medical Expense Benefit: Emergency medical expenses for an insured who becomes ill with COVID-19 and requires medical treatment while on their trip.
- Under the Emergency Medical Evacuation Benefit: Transportation to a higher level of care for an insured when their condition is acute, severe or life threatening as a result of contracting COVID-19 while on their trip. Transport must be authorized as medically necessary by the attending Physician and our Program Assistance Provider.
- Under the Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption Benefits: Trip cancellation and trip interruption if an insured, insured’s family member, or a traveling companion, or a business partner or a traveling companion’s family member tests positive with COVID-19 either before or during their trip with a signed Attending Physician Statement. We will also accept a lab report of a positive SARS Cov2 test administered and supervised by an accredited third party laboratory (such as CVS, Walgreens, etc.) Results solely from an at-home test are not acceptable.
- Under the Trip Delay Benefit: Trip delay benefits apply if you are delayed en route to, during or returning home from your trip if an insured, insured family member who is also traveling, or insured’s traveling companion tests positive with COVID-19 with a signed Attending Physician Statement.
These temporary accommodations are strictly applicable to COVID-19 and are only available for insureds whose plan includes the applicable benefit. All other terms, conditions, and exclusions of the plan apply as normal.
Policy Cancellation
You may cancel coverage under the policy by providing us with written notice within 14 days of the purchase date of your coverage provided you have not filed a claim under the policy or departed for your trip. If you have cancelled your scheduled trip, the premium is non-refundable outside of the 14 day money back guarantee period.
Before You Cancel Your Trip
Many airlines and travel suppliers are providing refunds or future travel credits without change fees when traveling to a destination affected by COVID-19. Please contact your travel supplier prior to cancelling your trip. If the insured changes the dates of their trip, they may also change the dates of coverage on their travel protection plan for up to two years from the original policy expiration date by calling the phone number on their plan.
Contacting Us
Arch Insurance Company is assisting insureds who wish to change their travel plans, require travel assistance or would like to file a claim. Our claims team is here to fully understand the nature of your specific situation and provide assistance and applicable coverage under your plan. Our assistance team is ready to help all of our insureds who need help while traveling, such as locating medical facilities or rebooking transportation.
Any insured who has a medical issue while traveling or who has any other questions regarding their plan is encouraged to call us at 1-800-699-3845. We review every claim based on its unique facts and circumstances and are happy to answer any questions you may have.
For more information on COVID-19, please see our Coronavirus FAQs on our Significant Travel Events Page at https://www.roamright.com/Claims/Significant-Travel-Events/. The information in this Coverage Alert is current as of the time of publication but is subject to change as the situation develops. Please visit www.roamright.com for the latest coverage information.
To review a complete list of Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions from Arch RoamRight, click here.
Seven Corners
Last updated 03/10/2021
As the situation with the Coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) outbreak evolves, we are working to provide information that will be helpful if you are considering purchasing travel insurance and if you already purchased a plan and have questions about coverage.
We have FAQs for Coronavirus and trip insurance so you can learn how coverage for our RoundTrip and Get Away USA plans work.
Travel Insured International
Coronavirus 2020 by Travel Insured | Last Updated October 7th, 2020
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) are closely monitoring developments with the COVID-19 (coronavirus). The outbreak of the Coronavirus was first reported on December 31, 2019 in Wuhan.
Should travelers become ill with the Coronavirus while traveling, coverage may be available for:
Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation – If travelers become ill with COVID-19 while traveling, claims will be considered on the same basis as any other covered sickness.
Trip Interruption – If a traveler has to leave their trip early because they become ill with COVID-19, claims may be paid under this benefit.
There may be other eligible reasons to submit a claim if the coronavirus impacts your trip:
Cancel for Any Reason – Some travelers may prefer to cancel their trip out of concern for the Coronavirus. For insured travelers who purchased Cancel for Any Reason coverage, we remind you that cancellations must be made 48 or more hours prior to your scheduled departure date and payment is limited to 75% of the non-refundable trip cost up to the stated plan maximum limit.*
Trip Cancellation and Interruption – An insured traveler must cancel or interrupt their trip due to a covered reason. One covered reason for Trip Cancellation or Interruption that could apply is quarantine.
There are additional triggers that could be implicated as well.
In addition, if your travel supplier cancels your trip, the Trip Cancellation benefit may pay for the reissue fee charged by the airline for the tickets. You must have insured the entire cost of your trip including the airfare cost.
Please note that not all plans will contain these coverages and the same covered reasons are not included in all plans.
Travel Delay – An insured traveler must be delayed for the time period specified in the plan document while en route to, from, or during a trip due to a covered reason – provided this coverage is included in your plan.
Missed Connection – If a delay causes you to miss a cruise or tour departure due to a covered reason, you may have coverage under Missed Connection – provided this coverage is included in your plan. The delay must meet the time period specified in your plan.
Every Travel Insured plan also includes Non-Insurance Emergency Travel Assistance Services available 24/7 to help travelers whenever they are in need of assistance during their trip.
Protection Plan Vouchers
Protection Plan Vouchers – Due to unique circumstances surrounding COVID-19, Travel Insured is permitting all insured travelers whose trips have been affected by the virus to change the travel dates on their plan to cover a new or rescheduled trip (provided you are no longer taking the impacted trip due to COVID-19).
If you know your new dates of travel, we will update your protection plan to reflect the new dates. If you do not know your new travel dates yet, we will hold your plan voucher for future use. The future or rescheduled departure date must be within 3 years from the date of your original plan application date.
Please fill out this form if you are requesting a voucher from Travel Insured.
Future Travel Credits
Current plan holders: Travelers who have a protection plan and receive a future travel credit from their travel supplier are able to use our voucher option and then include the value of their travel credit as part of their insured trip cost covered by the new plan.
If you are looking to purchase a plan: Travelers who have been issued a future travel credit due to cancellation for COVID-19, who did not previously have a plan with us, are able to purchase coverage and include the value of the future travel credit as part of their insured trip cost.
This statement only provides a general summary. Please refer to your actual plan document for the specific terms and conditions of the specific plan purchased as eligibility for coverage varies based upon the specific plan terms, conditions and limitations, and may vary by state or may not be available in all states. Travel Insured recommends travelers purchase proper travel protection plans in case of unforeseen circumstances and to know where to go and where not to go during their travels.
To review a complete list of Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions from Travel Insured, click here.
Now What?
If you still need some general information on how travel insurance can be helpful when traveling during a pandemic, take a read at our comprehensive list of answers to COVID-19 FAQs.
As a seasoned professional with over five years of experience in the travel insurance industry, Meagan has honed her expertise in marketing and operations working for Yonder Travel Insurance.
Throughout her career, she's shown dedication assisting customers at every stage of their travel insurance journey, from the initial quote process to navigating the claims process. Her expert understanding of travel insurance equips her to provide unbiased and valuable insights, which help travelers find the best coverage and maximize its benefits.
Tags: coronavirus
