If you turn on the news, radio, or scroll social media, then you are well aware of the effects COVID-19 is having around the globe.
Many people, including some of our Team members, have cancelled travel plans and upcoming events. However, many people are still planning to or need to travel. If this is the case for you or your family members, here are some things that you need to know about how the COVID-19 pandemic may impact your travel insurance.
Emergency Hospital and Medical Coverage
This coverage will be assessed for customers based on Travel Advisories issued. Emergency Hospital and Medical coverage is still available to be purchased for travel at this time. Depending on your travel insurance company, if you are traveling to an area that has a Travel Advisory (such as Level 3 – Avoid all non-essential travel, or Level 4 – Avoid all travel), you may not have coverage for claims related to or due to COVID-19.
Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption
COVID-19 is now considered a “known event”, which means it is no longer considered to be sudden and unexpected. Therefore, it isn’t covered under trip cancellation or interruption insurance with most travel insurance companies.
Each travel insurance company has a specific date as to when this exclusion came into effect. For those who booked their trip and insurance coverage before the specified date, the customer will have coverage for trip cancellation or trip interruption (including quarantine).
If the trip was booked on or after this specified date, the customer will not have coverage for trip cancellation or interruption for COVID-19. This exclusion typically applies globally, including trips to areas with no existing travel advisory or outbreak.
For more information on how your travel insurance may be impacted, or to find out about the specific restrictions for your particular travel insurance company, please do not hesitate to contact our Office and one of our brokers would be happy to assist you.
Thank you,
The Costen Insurance Team
