Travel Insurance and Coronavirus: All You Need To Know About Covid-19

The corona virus pandemic is taking its toll on people all over the world. Day by day the corona virus is spreading rapidly causing thousands of deaths. While most countries are battling against the pandemic, a few countries have declared themselves free of corona virus and are now open for tourists. However, all the countries in the world are still taking stringent measures to cease the spread of the virus.

Some countries including India have issued restrictions on traveling and incoming foreigners, leaving behind several questions about pre-booked travel plans. If you too have questions on whether travel insurance plans cover COVID-19 claims, whether you can purchase a separate COVID travel insurance etc, this article is meant for you. But first, understand the COVID-19 disease and its impact on the world.

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the newly discovered contagious virus, Corona virus. The virus spreads easily through the droplets of saliva or nasal discharge from an infected person. Although Russia has declared to have found a COVID vaccine that has passed the human trials, the vaccine is not yet available to all the other countries. The best way to contain the spread of this deadly virus is to stay informed, spread awareness, and take all the necessary precautionary measures.

The ballooning corona virus cases in India and other countries have put the policymakers and health ministers in distress. After the US and Brazil, India ranks third with the highest number of total cases and increased daily active cases. As per the latest global reports, On Wednesday, 19 August, India recorded over 61,252 new active cases while the US and Brazil recorded 54,519 and 54,923 cases respectively.

As per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India, All existing visas of foreigners except those belonging to diplomatic UTs, remain suspended until India lifts the prohibition on International travel from/to India. The government has further advised Indian nationals to refrain from traveling to other countries especially China, Iran, Italy, the Republic of Korea, France, Germany, Japan, Spain.

Is there a separate travel policy covering Corona virus cases?

The outbreak of corona virus has greatly affected the tourism industry and travelers across the globe. Corona virus is losing to be a serious threat to the health of people. Hence the government of India has banned incoming international flights, along with advisory guidelines for Indians who wish to travel abroad. The Indian travelers are now worried about losing their money on pre-booked hotels and flights.

In such scenarios, the Corona virus Travel insurance comes into play. This insurance plan offers limited relief to the travelers who have to cancel or postpone their trips due to Corona virus. Given below are some scenarios and the coverage offered by the corona virus Travel Insurance in situations;

In the case of Hospitalization 

Consider, you decide to travel domestically or internationally to avoid the trip cancellation losses. In case you get infected during this trip, the corona virus Travel Insurance will surely take care of the medical expenses.

The insurance covers, emergency hospitalization, and expenses incurred due to the Corona virus treatment during the trip. Irrespective of domestic and international travel insurance, the emergency medical expenses will be covered only if the policy was purchased before the government issued responses due to COVID. However, it is still unclear whether the insurance covers the expenses incurred during the COVID-19 quarantine. You will have to talk to your insurance provider regarding the same.

In case of traveling against the government advisory

The government of India has strictly advised the citizens to avoid any domestic and international travel plans amidst the pandemic. However, if you still choose to travel within the country or to a foreign country and get infected during the trip, Corona virus Travel insurance will not cover any medical expenses. This is because the insurance company holds you at fault for risking your life and taking a trip against the regulations of the government.

However, the Corona virus Travel Insurance will take care of emergency expenses incurred as a result of contracting COVID even if you have traveled against the government’s advisory.

In the case of Trip Cancellation or Trip Delay

It is always better to avoid traveling in such critical situations. On understanding the situation, if you postpone your trip to the next few days or weeks, or cancel the trip, the Corona virus Travel Insurance will cover your losses. Note that, to avail of this benefit, the policy must have been bought before the government issued restrictions on traveling. The claim settlement process will remain the same as it was at the time of purchase.

New Travel Insurance policy

If you purchase a new travel insurance policy after the government issued travel regulations, you may not get covered for the expenses of Corona virus disease. However, you may check for a few insurance companies that are offering coverage for Corona virus.

The sudden outbreak of corona virus has led to an immense deterioration in the economy of the countries and the health of people.  Its increasing effect has forced all the countries to take necessary measures for the safety of the citizens. Restrictions on traveling are one such effective step towards containing this dreadful virus. Being responsible citizens, we should abide by the rules and regulations of the government, stay at home, and avoid unnecessary traveling and meetings. In case you have to travel due to some emergency, you can get coverage from Safetree.