I was talking to our Travel Agent who is a neighbor about the Coronavirus and if it was affecting any of her bookings. She pointed out something that I was not aware and perhaps someone with some knowledge could confirm if this is accurate. She said that if you are going to book a vacation with Trip Insurance, the Trip Insurance will not cover anything that is caused by the Coronavirus because it has been declared as an existing health hazard. If that is true, that does increase the risk of traveling even if you don’t have the virus. You could be confined if exposed and and be responsible of any or all expenses for getting home if you missed your flights. Like I said, I don’t know if this is true, but I am sure the Trip Insurance companies don’t want to assume any financial responsibilities knowing it could be an expensive cost for them. I strongly recommend you get something in writing from your Trip Insurance Company of what they will cover if you become exposed. You may not be covered. I think this could be a bigger hit on the travel industry than the high cost of fuel years ago.
Posted by
Southeastern USA
996 posts
I can't speak to regular travel insurance, but I know companies like Medjet (including Medjet Horizon) are no longer covering China, Hong Kong, Taiwan & Macau. So even if you did pay your fees for medevac in advance, they're no longer covering that area.
Posted by
Cape Ann, Massachusetts
3335 posts
Regarding Medjet Assist, it has always been my understanding that they do not fly someone home who has a virus or is part of a pandemic. Medical coverage is, obviously, important.
I self insure for trip expenses.
Posted by
Southeastern USA
996 posts
Regarding Medjet Assist, it has always been my understanding that they do not fly someone home who has a virus or is part of a pandemic. Medical coverage is, obviously, important.
Agreed. I'm just reporting what they sent in their latest email that coverage for any reason in those four countries is currently suspended.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32350 posts
This topic was somewhat covered in a recent news story......
https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/can-you-cancel-a-flight-due-to-fear-of-coronavirus-1.4800922
This report was specific to Canada, but other governments and insurance firms probably have similar rules.
Posted by
Tampa
224 posts
We went with GeoBlue. There was only two clauses in the policy that talked about terrorism and pandemics. It sounds like there has to be an actual travel ban to that area or leaving. We have about 85 days until Scotland and just hoping it simmer down. Yes, I know the flu kills more people but I’d prefer to have neither!!!
Injuries and Illnesses resulting from Terrorism and pandemics are covered as any other Injury or Illness provided all of the following conditions are met:
1. The Covered Person had no direct or indirect involvement in the Terrorist Activity;
2. The Covered Person has not unreasonably failed or refused to depart a country or location following the date a warning to leave that country.
Posted by
US
605 posts
Thanks for this timely post. It might depend on whether you are talking about canceling your trip or what happens in the event you become ill during the trip. With regard to the first situation, I think it will depend on whether or not you purchased a policy that will cover cancellation for "any reason". In that case, if you decided to cancel your trip because you were concerned about the risk, then you should be covered. In the second situation, I think this is where careful reading of the policy is very important. Also, it would be wise to ask questions before purchasing any policy, and get the answers in writing. And, as we have discussed in other posts, this is also where medical evacuation coverage could be extremely important.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
2790 posts
I would suggest that perhaps your neighbor the travel agent is not the best resource. There are multiple options when you buy travel insurance. Her one-size-fits-all answer proves that she’s telling you what the policy she sells does. What do you need to do is read the policy that you bought.