COVID Insurance if test positive before re-entering US

I looked a while ago on travelinsurance.com and there was one company that was including coverage for COVID. I don't remember the details or the name.

Our travel insurance is through USAA, [who outsources] and I called for clarification. The Agent told me that covid is considered the same as any other illness for which you are covered.
Safe travels.

@jesserella21, what you describe - testing positive and being required to quarantine in place - would probably fall under "Trip Interruption" coverage. Many people are buying ZERO DOLLAR TRIP COST COVERAGE policies that offer enhanced trip interruption coverage. This means purchasing a comprehensive package travel insurance plan and choosing to cover none of the pre-paid nonrefundable trip costs.

One example would be an Arch RoamRight Pro Policy which would pay you $100 a day for up to 10 days if your trip is interrupted - and quarantine is considered an interruption. If you need more $$$, you can add a "platinum supplement" to this policy and get $200 a day for up to 10 days. Generally, these policies are under $75pp and I've seen them as low as $25pp.

I would suggest that you ask any travel protection company you are considering, "What is the $$$ coverage per day if my trip is interrupted - and what is the cap for that payout?"

Insurance question as well -- is it correct that if you test positive upon taking a test to return home, in order to claim your insurance benefits for extended lodging etc. you'll need a physician note stating diagnosis in addition to positive test?

Thank you!

Hi William, that depends on the requirements as set out by each individual insurance company. I suggest reading the policy before purchasing or emailing them directly with any questions you have. In my research to purchase insurance for my trip, I have seen some that would require a doctor’s note and some that would require just the positive test results. You can’t assume all companies are the same, so you really need to do your research and make sure you understand the policy before purchasing it.

Carrie, if you still have your research handy, which were the companies that only required the test results? And did the companies specify if the test results need to be translated into English? I’ve run into health insurance plans (not Covid) in the past that required the medical data be professionally translated into English.

Thanks for the information Carrie. I booked a policy through Trawick International - and am going to reach out to them regarding their requirement.

Hi Barbara, I’m not recommending as I can’t speak to how they handle claims, but I went with Allianz Travel, which is also offered by AAA, for my upcoming Switzerland trip. They have a detailed FAQ page specifically related to Covid-19. You can find that here:

https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/covid-19-faq.htm

Here is some of the language from that FAQ:

Even if you or a traveling companion are asymptomatic, proof of a
positive COVID-19 test or confirmation of a COVID-19 diagnosis by a
doctor would be accepted as verification of illness and may be
coverable under Trip Cancellation.

Yes, we accept a positive antigen or molecular (e.g., PCR) COVID-19
test as proof of illness.

We will accept proof of a positive antigen or molecular (e.g., PCR)
COVID-19 test or a physician’s diagnosis as proof that you are ill
with COVID-19.

William, good luck. Insurance is tricky, because you really don’t know how good it is until you have to file a claim and see how the company responds.

I just spoke with Trawick International and confirmed that a physician diagnosis of Covid is required for my policy and not just a positive test ... might look at cancelling and changing to another policy if I have time to coordinate it.

Anyone have experience as to whether it would be hard to find a physician in Paris to receive "diagnosis"?

Wow thank you all for the detailed responses, this is all so helpful! Here's to remaining hopeful and testing negative!!