does first direct travel insurance cover covid

U.S. News takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

The 5 Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Options

Travelex Insurance Services »

Allianz Travel Insurance »

World Nomads Travel Insurance »

Generali Global Assistance »

IMG Travel Insurance »

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best COVID Travel Insurance Options.

Table of Contents

• Rating Details
• Travelex Insurance Services
• Allianz Travel Insurance

Even though COVID-19 is no longer considered a global emergency, concerns around illness-related costs remain for many travelers. If you're looking for travel insurance that covers COVID – as well as other potential disruptions like flight delays and lost luggage – these are your best options.

• Travelex Insurance Services: Best Optional Coverage Add-ons
• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for Multitrip and Annual Plans
• World Nomads Travel Insurance: Best for Active Travelers
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Comprehensive Travel Insurance
• IMG Travel Insurance: Best for Travel Medical Insurance

Best COVID Travel Insurance Options in Detail

Plans include coverage for COVID-19

Optional CFAR coverage is available with Travel Select plan

Some coverages require an upgrade, including rental car collision, accidental death and dismemberment, and more

Not all add-ons are available with every plan

Allianz offers some travel insurance plans that come with an epidemic coverage endorsement

Single-trip, multitrip and annual plans available

COVID-19 benefits don't apply to every plan

Low coverage limits with some plans (e.g., only $10,000 in emergency medical coverage with OneTrip Basic plan)

24-hour travel assistance services included

More than 200 sports and activities covered in every plan

Low trip cancellation benefits ($2,500 maximum) with Standard plan

No CFAR option is offered

Free 10-day trial period

Some coverage limits may be insufficient

Rental car damage coverage only included in top-tier Premium plan

Offers travel medical insurance, international travel health insurance and general travel insurance plans

Some plans include robust coverage for testing and quarantine due to COVID-19

Not all plans from IMG offer coverage for COVID-19

Cancel for any reason coverage not available with every plan

Frequently Asked Questions

When comparing COVID-19 travel insurance options, you'll want to make sure you fully understand the coverages included in each plan. For example, you should know the policy inclusions and limits for COVID-related claims, including coverage for testing, treatments, trip cancellation or COVID-related interruptions that can occur. Meanwhile, you should understand how your coverage will work if you contract some other illness while away from home.

Also ensure your travel insurance coverage will kick in for other mishaps that occur, and that limits are sufficient for your needs. If you're planning a trip to a remote area in a country like Costa Rica or Peru , you'll want to have emergency evacuation and transportation coverage with generous limits that can pay for emergency transportation to a hospital if you need treatment.

You can also invest in a travel insurance policy that offers cancel for any reason coverage. This type of travel insurance plan lets you cancel and get a percentage of your prepaid travel expenses back for any reason, even if you just decide you're better off staying home.

It depends on your private health insurance provider and/or travel insurance policy. As of May 11, 2023, private health insurers are no longer required to cover the cost of COVID-19 testing. Out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 test kits at local drugstores and on Amazon are relatively affordable, however.

As you search for plans that will provide sufficient coverage for your next trip, you'll find travel insurance that covers COVID-19 quarantine both inside and outside the United States. However, you'll typically need to have your condition certified by a physician in order for this coverage to apply. Also make sure your travel insurance plan includes coverage for travel claims related to COVID-19 in the first place.

Many travel insurance plans do cover trip cancellation as a result of COVID-19, although the terms vary widely. You typically need to be certified by a physician in order to prove your condition. Disinclination to travel because of COVID-19 – such as fear of exposure to illness – will generally not be covered. This means you will actually have to test positive for coronavirus for benefits to apply; simply not wanting to travel is not a sufficient reason to make a claim.

If you want more flexibility in your COVID-19 travel insurance, ensuring you have a cancel for any reason policy may be your best bet, but be sure to check with your chosen travel insurance provider to assess your options.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning writer who has been covering travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched the best travel insurance options for her own trips to more than 50 countries around the world and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. Over the years, Johnson has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations. Johnson also works alongside her travel agent partner, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states.

You might also be interested in:

5 Best Travel Insurance Plans for Seniors (Medical & More)

Holly Johnson

Discover coverage options for peace of mind while traveling.

Does My Health Insurance Cover International Travel?

Private health insurance typically doesn't cover international travel expenses.

8 Cheapest Travel Insurance Companies Worth the Cost

U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering pricing data, expert recommendations and consumer reviews.

Is Travel Insurance Worth It? Yes, in These 3 Scenarios

These are the scenarios when travel insurance makes most sense.

Should you get travel insurance for vacations during COVID-19? Here's what to consider.

Someday in the not-too-distant future, you’ll once again be able to make your family vacation ideas a reality and head out to the best family vacation spots in the U.S. –maybe even to Europe , Asia or the Caribbean. And once you make the decision to travel again, you should pay special attention to your COVID-19 travel insurance options.

Even before COVID-19 added new risks to travel plans, it would have been wise to consider four main financial risks that family travel insurance can help you avoid:

• Loss of nonrefundable prepayments or cancellation penalties if you, another member of your family travel group – or a close family member remaining at home – encounters unexpected sickness or accident. This risk is covered by trip-cancellation insurance (TCI).
• Extra expenses of an early return if you have to curtail a trip you’ve already started for one of the same reasons you might cancel (trip interruption insurance, or TII). Travel insurance policies almost always combine TCI and TII.
• Expenses for medical treatment or emergency evacuation if you become sick or suffer an accident in a destination where your regular health insurance doesn’t provide full coverage.
• Expenses of unforeseen delays at any time during your trip.

But COVID-19 has changed the ground rules. Travel insurance designed for normal times may not cover all your family’s risks in this pandemic.

Travel insurance and COVID-19: What you need to know

Almost all family travel insurance provides financial coverage only for unforeseen risks. These days, COVID-19 is a foreseeable risk just about anywhere. Also, most travel insurance is “named peril” insurance: If a contingency is not specifically included in the fine print as a “covered reason,” the policy doesn’t cover it. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

COVID-19 also poses three unique risks that are covered by some policies, but not all. 

• Catching COVID-19 at your destination. Standard travel medical policies cover medical costs of getting sick at your destination, but some insurers can deny coverage because contracting COVID-19 is not an unforeseen risk. At least one new policy, from Seven Corners, explicitly lists “catching COVID-19” as a covered reason, and some other policies are also specifically covering it. But it would be a mistake to assume it is a covered risk. 
• Getting quarantined at your destination. An unexpected extension of your trip can pose a big financial burden. Some TII policies include “quarantine” as a covered reason; others do not.
• Canceling a trip because of a surge of coronavirus cases at your destination. Many policies don’t cover destination epidemics/pandemics at all as a covered reason to cancel. Some don’t even cover prepaid arrangements when your airline, hotel or cruise line cancels before you do. “Cancel for any reason” policies , typically available as extra-cost options, let you, rather than an insurance company bean-counter, decide whether you want to continue or cancel a trip. But those policies generally recover no more than 50% to 75% of your prepayments.

COVID-19 travel insurance coverage: Read the fine print

A basic problem with COVID-19 risks is that some insurance fine print hasn’t caught up with the coronavirus, so you can’t rely on an online comparison table to give you the answers.

Instead, this is one of those times when you need to buy your insurance through a specialized travel insurance agency and to go over exactly what you need with a qualified agent. Quotewright.com , Squaremouth.com , InsureMyTrip.com , G1G , Global Travel Insurance  and TravelersMed.com would be appropriate in this case. 

Bottom line: If you’re planning a trip in the pandemic era and you can’t afford to risk your entire vacation budget in the event of an unexpected emergency, you’ll want to consider travel insurance. But not just any off-the-shelf travel insurance. Work with a qualified agent at a specialized insurance company to the exact level of coverage you need.

More from FamilyVacationist : 

• Kids sail free: cruise lines that are letting kids cruise for free in 2021 and beyond
• The four best all-inclusive Hawaii resorts for families 
• 17 best flight booking sites for cheap airfares

FamilyVacationist.com covers family vacation ideas ; family travel destinations ; all-inclusive resorts ; and must-have travel accessories for families of all shapes, sizes and orientations.

Advertisement

Supported by

Omicron and Travel: So, Now Do I Need Trip Insurance?

In light of the new variant, is extra protection warranted for things like flight and lodging cancellations and quarantine hotels? It depends. Here’s what you need to know.

• Share full article

By Elaine Glusac

While the pandemic has depressed travel, it may have encouraged travel insurance, say those in the industry.

“The biggest question we get from customers is: ‘What happens if I get Covid during travel and what if I have to quarantine?’” said Jeremy Murchland, the president of Seven Corners , a travel insurance management company. “Covid has created a much broader awareness of travel insurance.”

But will it help you in light of the new Omicron variant, which has already led to new travel restrictions and requirements? In the early days of the pandemic, travel insurance largely failed to protect travelers who wanted or needed to cancel as the world shut down. The following are answers to common questions about travel insurance now.

Does travel insurance cover Covid-19, including the new Omicron variant?

For the most part, yes, travel insurance policies now treat Covid-19 in all its variants — including Omicron — like any other medical emergency.

“Consumers should know that most travel insurance plans with medical benefits now treat Covid like any other illness that you could contract while traveling or that could prohibit you from going on your trip,” said Carol Mueller, a vice president of Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection . “If you become ill before your trip, you’ll need a doctor’s note confirming your illness and that you are unable to travel in order to be eligible for benefits. The benefits are the same regardless of whether you contract Omicron, another variant of Covid or any illness for that matter.”

Buyers should read the policies carefully and look out for those that exclude pandemics, Covid-19 and its variants. To make a claim, you must have had travel insurance before becoming ill.

“We always say, you can’t buy auto insurance after you’ve already had an accident,” said Meghan Walch, the product manager of InsureMyTrip , an insurance sales site. “It is designed for unforeseen issues. You have to purchase it before an event.”

I am traveling internationally. If borders close because of Omicron, am I covered through travel insurance?

No, most policies do not cover you if your foreign destination closes its borders to visitors, as Israel did recently. With a few exceptions, that also goes for a government-issued travel warning to a destination, which is generally not a covered reason to make a claim.

Given the added uncertainties of Omicron, should I consider a ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ policy?

Cancel for Any Reason, or C.F.A.R., provisions would allow you to claim some of your nonrefundable costs if you decide not to go on a trip for any reason, including border closures or fear of contracting Covid. The rub is that this form of insurance — in addition to being more expensive — must generally be purchased within a few weeks of booking the trip and will only return 50 to 75 percent of nonrefundable trip costs.

“Most travel insurance policies do not cover you for wanting to cancel out of fear of Covid. We say this 10 times a week,” said Sarah Groen, the owner of the agency Bell and Bly Travel . She counsels clients to consider their worst fears — illness, for example, or quarantine — in troubleshooting travel insurance. “We’ve become like therapists,” she said.

What about quarantine and medical expenses?

Make sure the policy you choose covers these. In the case of medical coverage, check with your regular health insurer; many policies will not cover you abroad, which is an additional reason to consider coverage if you are traveling internationally.

“What travel insurance can do is cover additional hotel stays if you are able to self-quarantine and additional airfare when you’re able to come home,” said Megan Moncrief, the chief marketing officer for Squaremouth , a travel insurance sales site. She added that most policies will extend to seven days past your originally scheduled return date, effectively covering only about seven days in case of quarantine.

Do some destinations require travel insurance?

Yes, primarily to cover medical care or quarantine accommodations in the event that a traveler tests positive for Covid-19. For example, Singapore requires medical insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Singapore dollars, or about $22,000. Fiji requires travel insurance to cover potential treatment for Covid-19, and makes it available from about $30. Some destinations, such as Anguilla , recommend rather than require travel insurance. InsureMyTrip.com has a page devoted to countries that require travel insurance.

It bears thinking about what it would take to get home for treatment should you contract Covid-19 abroad. Thailand, for example, requires travelers to have medical insurance with the minimum coverage of $50,000. “Evacuation out of Thailand would be higher,” said Sasha Gainullin, the chief executive of Battleface , a travel insurance start-up that unbundles benefits. In the case of a Thailand trip, he advised taking medical coverage up to $100,000 for treatment locally and $500,000 for medical evacuation and repatriation.

Do I need insurance if I have bookings with flexible cancellation policies?

Probably not, if you have hotel reservations that allow free cancellation 24 to 48 hours in advance. The same with flights; if your flight is changeable and will provide a voucher or refund in case of cancellation, you’re covered.

I have rented a house with restrictive cancellation penalties. Can I insure against those?

Yes. Vacation home rentals from Airbnb and the like can be treated just like other accommodations that do not offer refunds. In this case, you would want to get a policy in the amount you would forfeit if you had to cancel for a covered reason like illness. Again, fear of travel is not a covered reason; for that, you would need C.F.A.R.

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist. Follow her on Instagram: @eglusac .

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation.

An earlier version of this article misstated the timeframe within which it is recommended that Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance be purchased. It is generally within about two to three weeks of booking the trip, not one or two days.

How we handle corrections

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Travel insurance with Covid cancellation cover: the right policies

By Sophie Butler

Purchasing travel insurance during the time of Covid can be overwhelming – will you be covered in case of cancellation, or do policies that offer medical assistance for Covid exist? Here, we break down the policies that offer Covid cover, plus what to look for in a travel insurance policy and whether your insurance is invalidated if the government advises not to travel. 

What is the best travel insurance with Covid cancellation cover?

Yes, here goes... Note though, all policies currently have restrictions on claims relating to Covid-19 and be aware that the situation is changing fast, so double-check the latest cover before you buy.

All Clear Travel Insurance ( allcleartravel.co.uk ): cover is available to people of all ages but particularly suitable for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions that other insurers are reluctant to cover.

Axa ( axa.co.uk ): this long-established, French-owned company is one of the largest insurers, providing a wide range of different policies geared to a variety of travel types.

Battleface ( battleface.com ): geared to individuals and groups with an emphasis on adventurous activities abroad and travel to remote destinations.

Campbell Irvine Direct ( campbellirvinedirect.com ): this insurer was established more than 45 years ago, and policies offer cover for travel to challenging and adventurous locations, including conservation and volunteer projects.

CoverForYou ( coverforyou.com ): competitively priced policies include winter sports and backpacker cover with enhanced silver, gold and platinum options.

Holidaysafe ( holidaysafe.co.uk ): catch-all travel specialist with a portfolio of ‘niche’ policies covering specific sporting activities including triathlon, sailing and cycling .

LV Travel Insurance ( lv.com ): one of the UK’s largest and longest-standing insurers, founded in 1843, offering single and multi-trip cover.

PJ Hayman ( pjhayman.com ): strong on customer care, with cover for medical conditions and hazardous activities plus round-the-world and gap-year travel.

Puffin Insurance ( puffininsurance.com ): annual or single-trip policies for customers aged 18-74, covering more than 75 different activities with numerous optional add-ons.

Trailfinders ( trailfinders.com ): policy automatically includes children up to 21 years, free of charge (note those aged 19-21 must be in full-time education).

Can I get travel insurance during Covid?

In a word, yes. Some companies (see list above) say they will still sell you insurance – including the crucial medical-expenses cover – provided the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) doesn’t advise against all or all but essential travel. Check the current FCDO list for the latest advice. Some insurers will also offer cover for destinations on the red list , but in the current climate of uncertainty, rules governing travel to individual countries can change fast. Travel-insurance specialist Battleface has a useful country travel restrictions tool on its website to help people check the latest developments based on a variety of factors including destination and departure dates.

Why is travel insurance important?

If you have a trip booked and don’t yet have insurance, it’s important to buy a policy as soon as possible. That way, if anything changes – FCDO advice for example – you will already have cover in place. The problem with choosing the best policy is that everyone has different requirements – it may depend on your destination, the type of trip (are you doing lots of adventurous activities , for example?) and quite detailed, nerdy stuff such as ‘travel disruption cover’, which is particularly useful at the moment if you are travelling independently. There is no shortcut to checking through the key provisions of any insurance you are considering.

What should I look for in a travel insurance policy during the pandemic?

This is the key problem. Insurers are obviously jumpy about how exposed they are to claims both for cancellations because of Covid-19 and for medical treatment as a result of catching it while you are abroad. So all have added restrictions and exclusions into their policies. You need to check exactly what those are and make sure you understand the limitations of the cover.

Does travel insurance cover Covid cancellations?

If you already have travel insurance it will normally cover your cancellation costs if you, or one of your travelling companions, falls ill before departure and can’t travel – though you will need a medical report from your doctor to confirm this. Some policies – though not many – cover losses incurred if you have booked independently and have to cancel because of FCDO advice. Look for ‘travel disruption cover’ or ‘journey disruption cover’ in the policy details, which may or may not include disruption due to epidemics (see below for more information). If you are forced to quarantine in a hotel after visiting a red list country, this is unlikely to be covered by any insurance companies. If you are simply nervous of travelling and want to cancel – which is known as ‘disinclination to travel’ in the insurance industry – no policy will cover you.

So what use is travel insurance during the Covid pandemic?

The key value of travel insurance is the medical cover it offers while you are travelling. This will underwrite the cost of treatment and if necessary a hospital stay if you fall ill on holiday. But whether or not you are covered for accommodation costs if you are diagnosed with Covid-19 and have to enter self-isolation or quarantine while you are abroad varies by policy. Some insurers, however, will pay up if you need a new flight home in these circumstances. In short – it varies, so be sure to read the small print.

Is my travel insurance invalidated if the FCDO advises not to travel?

In normal times, travel insurers won’t provide cover to countries or regions where the FCDO advises against all but essential travel. Traditionally, these areas might include destinations such as Afghanistan, Iraq or Yemen, but in recent times it has included much of Europe too, with countries being regularly added to and taken off the UK's quarantine list. However, some insurers now offer affordable policies that are designed for travellers heading to these European destinations, which may be of use once the lockdowns start to ease. As ever, it’s important to read the small print. For example, policies are invalidated during a government-imposed regional or national lockdown in the UK.

Can I get insurance cover if I catch Covid abroad?

Some insurers will cover against coronavirus if the FCDO has listed your destination as safe to visit before you head off. Some offer cancellation cover if you’re diagnosed with Covid-19 within a fortnight of departure, including emergency Covid-related medical expenses while abroad and repatriation, as well as cover in the event of a travelling companion contracting the disease. And you can find insurers that offer cover for medical expenses resulting from Covid-19 for all destinations including countries under FCDO and government essential and non-essential travel advisories.

So what happens if my holiday is cancelled?

If you have booked a package with a tour operator and the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to your destination, your tour operator is obliged to cancel the holiday and offer you a full refund. They might also offer you an alternative holiday, or suggest you postpone travelling dates, but you are entitled to get your cash back. If you can afford to, consider postponing your trip rather than cancelling it completely, should your health or updated government advice mean that you can’t go away as planned. There are a lot of people out there relying on us to keep spending on travel, with around 10 per cent of the world's population earning an income that is linked to tourism. To learn more about how important this is, see our guide to why you shouldn't cancel your holiday .

What if I booked my trip independently?

Travellers who have booked, say, a flight and accommodation separately, normally have no right to a refund if they cancel unilaterally, even if the FCDO has since advised against travel. In practice, however, most airlines are cancelling flights and refunding passengers in this situation. A hotel or villa company doesn’t have to give you your money back – though it is obviously worth talking to them; they may allow you to postpone your stay.

Will my insurance cover me if my airline collapses?

It’s vital to make sure you pay for flights with a credit card (if you are booking a flight directly with the airline and it costs more than £100 you can claim your money back from the credit card company), and check that any tour operator you book with has up-to-date Atol protection – or can show that it has an alternative bonding arrangement in place.

Which websites should I check for the best travel insurance information and advice?

A good website that gives the latest figures for every country reporting cases of Covid-19 is worldometers.info . For the latest formal FCDO advice on every country in the world see gov.uk and search for travel advice. The best health advice is at nhs.uk .

Sophie Heawood

Sophie Prideaux

CNT Editors

Connor Sturges

Am I still covered by the EHIC scheme in Europe?

Yes and no. As of Thursday 31 December 2020, Britain left the EU, but anyone holding a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) will be covered for state-supplied medical care while holidaying in Europe until it runs out. And while the EHIC card has been scrapped for anyone who doesn't currently hold one, it has been replaced by the very similar GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card).

Anything else I need to worry about?

Insurers have become very jumpy about pre-existing medical conditions in recent years because they add to the risk of expensive medical claims and cancellations. It is absolutely critical that you declare any conditions you may have when you buy a policy, otherwise – if you do need treatment while you are travelling – you may find your claim is refused.

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Digestive Health
• Multiple Sclerosis
• COVID-19 Vaccines
• Occupational Therapy
• Healthy Aging
• Health Insurance
• Public Health
• Patient Rights
• Caregivers & Loved Ones
• End of Life Concerns
• Health News
• Thyroid Test Analyzer
• Doctor Discussion Guides
• Hemoglobin A1c Test Analyzer
• Lipid Test Analyzer
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) Analyzer
• What to Buy
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Medical Expert Board

Traveling This Summer? Here’s Why You Need COVID Travel Insurance

Gabriella Clare Marino/Unsplash

Key Takeaways

• Some travel insurance will cover COVID-19 infection and quarantine. However, the fear of contracting COVID is not covered under most plans. In that case, “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage may offer protection.
• Many countries now require travel insurance. Depending on where you go, you may need to purchase a nationally administered plan.
• If you’re planning a trip, know that these requirements are changing frequently. Always read the fine print on any coverage you’re considering. Before you depart, double-check your plan to make sure that it’s complying with the requirements of the country you’re traveling to.

Jonathan Tucker didn’t intend to contract COVID-19 in Ireland in early April.

Tucker, who plays djembe and sings with the pirate band The Musical Blades, was touring the Emerald Isle as part of a guided tour featuring the musical group.

After seeing many of the sights, he and roughly 20 of the 65 tour participants came down with COVID and had to stay behind to quarantine.

While quarantining in an Irish hotel room isn’t ideal, Tucker told Verywell that he was prepared for the possibility.

“We got travel insurance, although it wasn’t exclusively for COVID,” said Tucker. “We also made sure we saved enough for double the trip expenses just in the event that this happened. Otherwise, it would be irresponsible.”

Tucker chose a plan through Allianz that reimbursed his expenses, including accommodations while traveling.

Since Ireland’s quarantine time is counted from the first sign of COVID symptoms , without that coverage, Tucker would have been on the hook for an additional seven days of accommodations.

What Is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance has been around far longer than COVID, but the pandemic has made it much more attractive to travelers.

Typical plans cover trip delays, lost baggage, or medical care if a traveler has to visit a healthcare facility abroad. Most domestic healthcare plans don’t offer coverage.

Some plans, like Tucker’s, work for solo travelers or couples traveling together—even if only one person tests positive for COVID.

Travel Insurance for COVID

While there are options for travelers trying to prepare for the possibility that COVID could derail their plans, it hasn't always been that way.

Damian Tysdal, the founder of CoverTrip , told Verywell that epidemics were historically excluded from travel insurance.

Tysdal has written about travel insurance trends on his blog since 2006. He told Verywell that he’s seen plans change throughout the pandemic.

“COVID coverage with travel insurance has been evolving since the beginning of the pandemic,” said Tysdal. “Some companies outright excluded any losses resulting from an epidemic. Others covered it, but only if you purchased insurance before it became a ‘known event’—after which it could not be insured.”

According to Tysdal, most companies covered COVID as if it were any other illness—they paid for medical care, or if you were diagnosed before your trip, they covered trip cancellation.

However, consumers need to read plans carefully and look for loopholes such as exclusions for epidemics.

Is COVID Fear Covered?

Tysdal said that one thing that most plans don’t cover is the fear of contracting COVID, even if case rates justify that fear.

“The main problem came down to people wanting to cancel out of fear of getting COVID. That is not covered,” said Tysdal.

According to Tysdal, an exception would be a plan with “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage, which is “an optional upgrade that extends your list of covered reasons for cancellation. In that case, you could cancel out of fear.”

What Will Travel Insurance Cover?

Joe Cronin, MBA , president of International Citizens Insurance, told Verywell that travel insurance plan coverage varies, particularly when it comes to COVID-related expenses.

For example, some plans will only cover the costs of medical treatment, while others will pay for the cost of quarantining (as in Tucker’s case).

For quarantine coverage, plans might pay a set amount of money for meals, transportation, and lodging.

Read the Fine Print

Cronin said that travelers need to know that self-administered COVID tests are not always enough to trigger plan coverage.

“In most cases, a physician must diagnose you with COVID to receive coverage,” said Cronin. “If you discover you have COVID through a self-administered test, you may have to go to a doctor to get the diagnosis confirmed for the coverage to take effect.”

Cronin explained that “some policies will only cover quarantine if you can show that a government authority or doctor mandated it and that it was because you tested positive or are symptomatic.”

To make sure you’re complying with the policy you’ve purchased, Cronin said it’s crucial that you read the fine print.

Some traditional travel insurance plans changed to accommodate COVID, but there are others that are specifically geared toward it. For example, CAP and Covac Global both offer programs that are optimized for COVID coverage.

Do I Need Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance used to be an optional expense, but Cronin said that many countries now require it for entry.

As borders open to summer travelers, some countries are starting to require travelers to purchase the insurance coverage that’s offered by their national governments.

As of February 2022, Belize requires all visitors to purchase mandatory international health insurance through their tourism portal and covers medical treatment in the country.

Other countries only require travel insurance if you’re unvaccinated.

For example, Singapore requires unvaccinated travelers to carry travel insurance with a minimum of S$30,000 coverage (about US$22,000). Vaccinated travelers are encouraged, but not required, to have insurance.

Know Requirements—and Check for Changes

Cronin said that the requirements for travel insurance change rapidly, so it can be hard to keep up.

“Some countries have said they are implementing a travel insurance requirement only to remove it at the last second,” said Cronin. “Other countries have officially removed their travel insurance requirement—but border control agents are still asking for your travel insurance plan on entry. It is important to check the requirements of the country you are going to.”

As of April 2022, the United States has no travel insurance requirement for entry. Still, White House representatives have stated that there is no intention of lifting the testing requirement for reentry into the U.S.

As that testing remains, more Americans could wind up stranded abroad with COVID—whether they are symptomatic or not. Travel insurance could be the only thing standing between them and a very expensive quarantine.

What This Means For You

Travel insurance used to be a precaution that many travelers considered an unnecessary expense. Now, it might be necessary for entry into a country you plan to visit.

If you choose to purchase travel insurance, read the fine print carefully. Make sure that you know what’s covered—and what’s not—when it comes to COVID medical care and quarantine support.

The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit our  coronavirus news page .

By Rachel Murphy Murphy is a Kansas City-based journalist with more than a decade of health writing experience.

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance in April 2024

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

Factors we considered when picking travel insurance that covers COVID

An overview of the best travel insurance for covid , top travel insurance for covid options , additional resources for covid-19 travel insurance shoppers.

No matter how well you prepare, travel plans don’t always go as expected. Some travelers buy travel insurance to protect their investment in prepaid travel costs. Amid the ongoing pandemic, exploring travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is recommended. With the right policy, you can protect yourself if you need to cancel your trip or end it early due to illness. Many insurers offer travel insurance policies with this kind of coverage. 

This is the shortlist of the best travel insurance for COVID options: 

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection . 

John Hancock Insurance Agency, Inc.  

Seven Corners . 

Travelex Insurance Services . 

Travel Insured International . 

WorldTrips . 

We used the following factors to choose insurance providers to highlight in our best travel insurance for COVID list: 

Range of coverage: We looked at how many plans each company offered with COVID-19 coverage, plus the range of available plans. 

Depth of coverage: We compared the maximum caps for trip cancellation and trip interruption claims between carriers and plans.

Medical benefits: We examined whether plans included emergency medical benefits for COVID-19 reasons and whether plans included medical evacuation and repatriation benefits. 

Cost: We determined an average cost for shoppers to benchmark plan prices by looking at the basic coverage costs for plans with COVID-19 benefits across multiple companies.

We looked at quotes from various companies for a six-night trip in May 2023 to Croatia. The traveler was 30 years old, from Texas and planned to spend $1,500 on the trip, including airfare.

On average, the price of each company’s most basic coverage plan with COVID-19 coverage was $47.22. The prices listed below are for the most basic COVID-19 travel insurance coverage. All insurers offer multiple COVID-19 policies with greater coverage coming at a higher cost. 

Let's take a closer look at our eight recommendations for travel insurance with COVID coverage: 

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

What makes Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection great:

Several plans allow policyholders to cancel for COVID-19 sickness as part of trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance benefits. 

Several plans include COVID-19 medical coverage benefits.

Medical evacuation benefits are included in these plans. 

Plans include limited sports and activities coverage and sports equipment loss benefits. 

Basic Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection will run you $50 for an ExactCare Value policy, the company’s most basic COVID-19 travel insurance coverage option.

What makes IMG great:

Many plans include COVID-19 cancellation benefits.

Most of these plans also include COVID-19 medical benefits (the Travel Essentials plan doesn’t include this). 

Medical evacuation coverage is available on select plans. 

Coverage for adventure travel is available for an extra cost. 

IMG is a good option for the budget-minded: Its Travel Essential plans cost more than $10 less than average based on our comparison. 

John Hancock Insurance Agency, Inc. 

What makes John Hancock Insurance Agency great:

Multiple plans offer COVID-19 cancellation benefits as part of the included trip interruption and trip cancellation coverage. 

These plans offer COVID-19 medical benefits.

Medical evacuation coverage is included in all COVID-19 coverage plans. 

The John Hancock Insurance Agency, Inc. basic plan (Bronze) costs $56. 

Seven Corners

What makes Seven Corners great:

Multiple plans offer COVID-19 cancellation benefits as part of the included trip interruption and trip cancelation coverage. 

These plans include COVID-19 medical benefits and evacuation and repatriation benefits.

There is no medical deductible. 

Seven Corners’ basic coverage plan (RoundTrip Basic) for our trip to Croatia costs $44.

Travelex Insurance Services

What makes Travelex Insurance Services great:

Multiple plans include Covid-19 sickness coverage, which reimburses prepaid and nonrefundable trip payments if a trip is canceled or interrupted due to a traveler contracting the virus.

These plans also include COVID-19 medical benefits.

Medical evacuation and repatriation benefits are included. 

Basic coverage (Travel Basic) from Travelex Insurance Services costs $44 for our sample trip, which is slightly cheaper than average. 

Travel Insured International

What makes Travel Insured International great:

Multiple plans cover COVID-19 cancellation benefits as part of the included trip interruption and trip cancelation coverage. 

These plans also include COVID-19 medical benefits, including medical evacuation. 

Limited sports and activities coverage is included in plans with COVID-19 coverage. 

Travel Insured International's basic coverage (Worldwide Trip Protector Edge) begins at $55 — only a few dollars more than the average basic policy price. 

What makes Tin Leg great:

A wide range of plans offer COVID-19 cancellation benefits as part of the included trip interruption and trip cancelation coverage. 

All of these plans also include COVID-19 medical benefits. 

All of these include medical evacuation benefits. 

An adventure travel policy is available. 

Another plus: Tin Leg’s basic coverage plan (Basic) for our trip to Croatia costs $48.85 — making it right around the average price for the policies we covered. 

WorldTrips 

What makes WorldTrips great:

Several plans include medical coverage for COVID-19. 

Sports and activities and sports equipment loss are included. 

Coverage can be extended for up to thirty days, including for medical quarantine purposes. 

WorldTrips’ most affordable plan with COVID-19 coverage (Atlas Journey Economy) starts at $44, making it a low-cost option. 

Do you want to learn more about travel insurance before you spend money on a policy? Take a look at these resources: 

What is travel insurance?  

What does travel insurance cover? 

The best travel insurance companies 

How to find the right travel insurance for you

10 credit cards that provide travel insurance

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

June 1, 2020

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after

Ukraine; Belarus; Moldova, Republic of; North Korea, Democratic People's Rep; Russia; Israel

This is a test environment. Please proceed to AllianzTravelInsurance.com and remove all bookmarks or references to this site.

Use this tool to calculate all purchases like ski-lift passes, show tickets, or even rental equipment.

Your Updated Guide to COVID Testing and Vaccine Requirements for Travel

Americans’ vacation confidence hit an all-time high in the summer of 2021, as COVID travel restrictions eased and people planned long-awaited trips.

But travel — especially overseas — is no longer as simple as grabbing your passport and heading to the airport. Every country now has its own COVID travel requirements, ranging from strict quarantine and testing rules to more relaxed policies.

You should know, too, that many countries now require travel insurance for visitors, to cover medical expenses in case you become ill with COVID-19. Select Allianz Travel Insurance plans now include the new Epidemic Coverage Endorsement , which adds epidemic-related covered reasons to certain benefits. (Benefits vary by plan and are not available in all jurisdictions. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply.)

Confused about entry requirements for your destination? Our interactive map shows current travel rules and restrictions for each destination, including info on COVID-19 testing, necessary travel documents and quarantine periods.

Is a COVID-19 vaccine required for international travel?

That depends on where you’re headed. Some destinations require incoming tourists to show proof of vaccination. These include Anguilla, Belize, and Bermuda, among others. 1

Other countries admit unvaccinated travelers, but require proof of a negative COVID test and/or a quarantine period upon entering the country.

Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is a good idea for anyone who intends to travel. The CDC recommends American travelers get the COVID-19 vaccine before going overseas. 2

However, vaccinated travelers are not exempt from the United States’ own masking and COVID testing requirements. Masks are still required on planes, buses and trains traveling into, within, or out of the U.S. and while indoors at airports and stations. If you’re flying into the United States, you’re required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 3 days before travel or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 3 months before you board your flight. 3

Is the COVID-19 vaccine required for cruise travel?

Many cruise lines are requiring passengers to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination before boarding. In April 2021, the CDC announced that cruise ships could begin sailing as long as 98% of crew members and 95% of passengers are fully vaccinated. 4  However, that’s hard to enforce for ships departing from ports in Florida, which has banned the use of vaccine passports.

Carnival Cruise Lines requires proof of a negative COVID-19 test for unvaccinated passengers, as well as proof of travel insurance coverage. Each unvaccinated passenger must carry travel insurance protection with a minimum of $10,000, per person, in emergency medical benefits and $30,000 for emergency transportation benefits, without COVID-19 exclusions. Don’t have insurance? You won’t be allowed to sail, and the cruise line won’t give you a refund. (This requirement is currently being waived for children under 12 who are ineligible for a vaccine.) 5

Royal Caribbean, too, is requiring unvaccinated passengers departing from Florida to carry travel insurance that covers a minimum of $25,000 per person for medical expenses and $50,000 per person for emergency transportation. 6

What does “proof of vaccination” mean for travel purposes?

If you got your COVID-19 vaccine, you were given a white card showing the dates and the type of vaccination you received. But that card is awkward to carry around, and some overseas destinations may require digital proof of vaccination. A photo of the card may not be enough.

To get a digital vaccination record for travel, search for your state’s immunization registry on the CDC’s official list . You can download your vaccination record or a QR code to securely access it.

Some airlines accept the IATA Travel Pass , a mobile app that can securely store your COVID-19 vaccination and testing info. As of August 2021, there’s no international standardized system of COVID-19 vaccination records.

Which COVID tests are approved for travel?

Testing requirements vary by country, so be sure to do your research. “Some countries will only accept RT-PCR tests — considered the most accurate — while others will accept proof in any form of negative test to enter,” Travel + Leisure explains. 7  Rapid PCR or rapid antigen tests are accepted by some countries.

Timing is crucial! Check your destination’s rules about when you must take the test. There’s a narrow window (typically 48 to 72 hours before traveling) in which you have to take your test. Make sure, too, that you’ll get a document with your results, not just a phone call or text. 8

If you’re having a hard time finding a place to get a COVID-19 test within the approved window, don’t panic. Allianz Travel Insurance customers can contact Assistance by phone or via the free TravelSmart™ app . Our Assistance experts can research the options near you and will do their best to help.

If you recently were infected with COVID-19 and have recovered, then you may be able to show documentation of your illness instead of a negative test result. You’ll need proof of a recent positive viral test and a letter from your healthcare provider or a health official stating that you’ve been cleared to travel.

Learn more: Everything You Need to Know About COVID-19 Testing for Travel

Which destinations have no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements?

Some countries have minimal COVID-19 entry restrictions for American travelers:

• Costa Rica doesn’t require testing or vaccination for entry. Unvaccinated tourists, however, must purchase a travel insurance plan that covers lodging in case of quarantine and medical expenses if they become ill with COVID-19. Learn more about Costa Rica’s entry requirements.
• Mexico has no COVID-19 testing, vaccination or quarantine requirements for U.S. tourists. 9  However, the CDC says unvaccinated travelers should avoid nonessential travel to Mexico. 10
• Belgium has no COVID-19 entry restrictions for U.S. travelers, as long as the United States is not a red-zone country for COVID risk. Arriving Americans must complete a passenger locator form. 11
• The Netherlands asks U.S. travelers to complete a health declaration, but vaccination, testing and/or quarantine isn’t required as long as the United States remains a low-risk country. 12

Just be sure to double-check the requirements before you go, as COVID-19 risk levels change rapidly and countries may change their policies.

How can I assess the COVID-19 risk at my travel destination?

Take a look at this color-coded map from the Centers for Disease Control. Almost every country is labeled with a current COVID risk assessment level, from 1 (low) to 4 (very high). The CDC advises avoiding travel to level 4 destinations.

There’s no such thing as travel that’s entirely risk-free. That’s why it’s smart to protect your trip with travel insurance. Get a quote for your next trip.

Related Articles

• Which Countries Require Travel Insurance for Entry?
• The Comprehensive Guide to Travel Insurance Benefits

Everything You Need to Know About COVID-19 Testing for Travel

• Carnival.com
• RoyalCaribbean.com
• TravelAndLeisure.com
• ThePointsGuy.com
• MX.USEmbassy.gov
• WWWNC.CDC.gov
• BE.USEmbassy.gov
• NL.USEmbassy.gov

Get a Quote

{{travelBanText}} {{travelBanDateFormatted}}.

{{annualTravelBanText}} {{travelBanDateFormatted}}.

If your trip involves multiple destinations, please enter the destination where you’ll be spending the most time. It is not required to list all destinations on your policy.

Age of Traveler

Ages: {{quote.travelers_ages}}

If you were referred by a travel agent, enter the ACCAM number provided by your agent.

Travel Dates

{{quote.travel_dates ? quote.travel_dates : "Departure - Return" | formatDates}}

Plan Start Date

{{quote.start_date ? quote.start_date : "Date"}}

Share this Page

• {{errorMsgSendSocialEmail}}

Your browser does not support iframes.

Popular Travel Insurance Plans

• Annual Travel Insurance
• Cruise Insurance
• Domestic Travel Insurance
• International Travel Insurance
• Rental Car Insurance

View all of our travel insurance products

Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.

Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at  800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected] .

Return To Log In

Your session has expired. We are redirecting you to our sign-in page.

Will my health insurance cover getting COVID-19 while traveling in the US⁠⁠—or abroad?

Oct 27, 2021 • 6 min read

Figuring out what your health care covers while traveling can be difficult © Stocksy

If you’re ready to travel again, it’s important to understand the scope of your travel medical insurance coverage should you contract COVID-19⁠—even when traveling with the US. Even if you’re vaccinated, you could still test positive for the virus or experience a breakthrough infection.

If you’re traveling domestically in the US, and you are covered by a US health insurance provider, or Medicare, your health plan will cover urgent care visits, medical expenses, imaging, medicine and hospital stays.  Beyond general illness or injury, if you test positive for COVID-19, or require medical treatment or hospitalization due to the virus, the scope of your coverage could vary. It’s best to check for the specific provisions of your personal health plan.

If you are fully vaccinated and planning on vacationing abroad, then purchasing a travel insurance policy that includes travel medical expense and medical evacuation coverage should be part of your travel check-list. Your US based medical insurance will not be accepted abroad.

It’s best to be prepared by purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy that will cover medical expenses you incur if you get sick, or injured while outside the US.  Many travel insurance carriers offer plans that cover COVID-19-related medical expenses. You should research and find a policy that best matches your needs. 

Beyond medical care, your travel plan may even cover the self-isolation costs tied to quarantining like lodging and meals due to a positive COVID-19 test.

Here’s what you need to know so you’re protected whether you travel to Miami or Madrid.

Here’s how to prepare if traveling within the US 

Before planning any type of travel, it’s best to check with your healthcare insurance company about the scope of your coverage. You can find your carrier’s contact information on the back of your member card.

“First and foremost, always check with your health insurance provider to see what your plan covers and what it does not and become familiar with the limits of your policy” says Kathy Kimmel, spokesperson with InsureMyTrip, a travel insurance comparison site.  

If you’ve traveled domestically in the past, you know you can utilize your personal insurance for issues like a fever, food poisoning, severe sunburn, stitches, or a sprained ankle.

The pandemic has caused a whole set of ‘what if’s’ for travelers⁠—even if you’re not leaving the country. As always, coverage is dependent on your particular plan. “It is best for travelers to check with their provider to know how COVID is covered and what steps should be taken to prepare should they contract the virus on a trip,” says Jeremy Murchland, president of Seven Corners Travel Insurance.

Health insurance may cover COVID-19, Murchland says, but it typically will not cover emergency evacuations back home or quarantine expenses that may come from destination mandates. 

What about road-tripping in the US?

Bailey Foster, spokesperson with Trawick International, a travel insurance carrier, says if you have health insurance and you are traveling in the United States, your health insurance will cover the expense related to COVID-19.

“This would work like any other illness you may catch and your healthcare insurance would cover the costs associated with the travelers’ treatment,” she says. “The traveler would have to be responsible for their copays related to their medical treatment.”

Read more: Expert tips for a safe road trip during the pandemic

Will US-based health insurance cover COVID-19 infection abroad?

The simple answer is no. “Your US-based healthcare insurance will not cover COVID-19 related illness expenses while you are abroad,” says Foster with Trawick International. “It’s imperative that travelers purchase a travel insurance plan that clearly states it provides coverage related to COVID-19 losses.”

Read more: How do you choose travel insurance that covers COVID-19?

If your policy includes COVID-19 coverage, it will cover medical care, hospitalization, medicine, and any other treatment needed due to COVID-19. 

It’s best to call the insurance carrier to make sure COVID-19 is covered by the policy.

Will US-based health insurance cover pre-travel testing? 

In general, pre-travel testing will be a personal expense. “Travel insurance does not cover pre-travel COVID testing or any other testing required before your trip, nor will it offer coverage for vaccines,” says Kimmel with InsureMyTrip. 

What else will my travel insurance policy provide if I contract COVID-19?

Some travel insurance carriers will transport you for more specialized medical treatment. 

“At Seven Corners, we assist in evacuations and repatriations on a normal basis for typical illnesses and injuries abroad,” explains Murchland. “Even with the added challenge of assisting someone who has contracted COVID away from home, we are ready to help make the return safe and ensure that proper care is given to the sick or injured traveler.”

In addition, your travel insurance carrier has a 24/7 travel support hotline that can assist with medical referrals, coordinating medical care and arranging lodging accommodations should you need to quarantine due to COVID-19.  Some companies even provide language translation services if you are experiencing barriers regarding your medical care. 

How do I best protect myself when traveling abroad? 

As you plan expensive international trips, the worry about COVID and the Delta variant and its impact on your travels is likely on your mind. Kimmel from InsureMyTrip states the best way to protect yourself while traveling abroad is to buy a comprehensive travel insurance policy with the added Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Benefit, which is an optional upgrade to your policy that allows you to cancel for reasons beyond your standard trip cancellation policy. This add-on will increase your travel insurance policy rate about 50 percent but offers you the most flexibility to cancel. If you meet the requirements, you can be reimbursed up to 75 % of your trip’s cost.

However, this is a time-sensitive benefit and not all trips are eligible for this add-on.  There are some requirements that need to be met like canceling your trip no later than 48 hours before your scheduled departure. 

Most traditional travel insurance policies do not allow travelers to cancel because of COVID-19 fears, like if there’s an increase in COVID cases at your destination.   “The Cancel for Any Reason add-on is really the only way for a traveler to recoup some of their pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs if they decide not to travel because of a spike in cases,” says Kimmel.

Not all policies and carriers offer CFAR coverage upgrades. InsureMyTrip has a tool that is making it easier to find out if your policy and trip are eligible for CFAR.  

For more information on COVID-19 and travel, check out Lonely Planet's Health Hub .

You may also like:  What do I do if my flight gets cancelled—and can I get a refund? PCR tests for travel: everything you need to know

Explore related stories

Destination Practicalities

Mar 28, 2023 • 3 min read

Here’s all you need to know about getting a traveler visa to visit China now that “zero COVID” has come and gone.

Sep 12, 2022 • 4 min read

Apr 18, 2024 • 12 min read

Apr 18, 2024 • 7 min read

Apr 17, 2024 • 5 min read

Apr 17, 2024 • 6 min read

Apr 17, 2024 • 8 min read

Apr 17, 2024 • 4 min read

Apr 16, 2024 • 12 min read

• Join CHOICE

Does travel insurance cover COVID-19 or other pandemics?

What you're covered for when travelling during an epidemic or pandemic like covid-19..

Fact-checked

Checked for accuracy by our qualified fact-checkers and verifiers. Find out more about fact-checking at CHOICE .

Australians are back on the international travel bandwagon, but many of us still have bad memories of travel plans that went south due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With those hard-learned lessons behind us, you'll want to ask the tough questions of your travel insurance policy for any future trips. Will travel insurance cover COVID-19 medical expenses or cancellation due to related government travel bans or isolation requirements? And will travel insurance policies cover future pandemics or epidemics?

On this page:

Can you get travel insurance to cover COVID-19?

Which travel insurers cover covid-19, domestic travel insurance for covid-19, does travel insurance cover covid-19 on a cruise, can you get a refund on travel insurance, your travel insurer declined your covid-19 claim. now what, does travel insurance cover pandemics or epidemics (other than covid-19).

Many travel insurance policies will provide limited cover if you or your travelling companion get COVID-19.

Cover will likely be limited to medical, and sometimes quarantine and cancellation costs if you contract COVID-19. Some policies may cover you for expenses if you can't travel because you're a close contact.

Travel insurance is unlikely to cover you for cancellation due to government travel bans.

Many of the most popular travel insurers in Australia, like Cover-More, Allianz, Tick and Travel Insurance Direct, provide cover for COVID-19. The table below shows which international travel insurance policies cover COVID-19 medical and cancellation costs if you're diagnosed with COVID-19 while overseas. 

You may have to pay an optional extra fee for COVID-19 cover. Check the insurer's product disclosure statement (PDS) for more details. 

• 'Variable' means multiple cover options are available and you can select the level of cover you require (for an additional fee).
• Cancellation may not cover you if you're deemed a close contact but haven't tested positive yourself. 

* No cancellation prior to departure; $5000 if you contract COVID-19 on your trip.

Does travel insurance cover medical expenses for COVID-19?

Policies that cover medical expenses for COVID-19 will pay for emergency medical and hospital, and medically assisted repatriation to Australia, if deemed necessary. Most policies that cover COVID-19 provide unlimited cover for medical expenses.

Does travel insurance cover cancellation due to COVID-19?

Some policies will cover cancellation and amendment expenses if you get COVID-19 before you leave or while you're overseas. These policies may also cover you for cancellation and amendment expenses if you're deemed a close contact of someone who tests positive to COVID-19, but this isn't always the case. The cover amount can be limited to as little as a couple thousand dollars, so check with your travel insurer specifically to find out what they'll cover because it can be tricky.

Below are some of the typical exclusions for cancellation cover.

• Cooling-off periods for COVID-19 cancellation cover are usually 72 hours.
• Cover-More and other policies underwritten by Zurich, such as Flight Centre, AHM and Medibank, place restrictions on COVID-19 cancellation cover if you bought the policy within 21 days of your departure date. Check your PDS for details.
• Most (but not all) policies that cover COVID-19 cancellations will provide limited cancellation cover if a non-travelling relative residing in Australia has contracted COVID-19.
• These policies may also cover cancellation and amendment costs if you're designated a close contact of someone with COVID-19 and are required to self-isolate while on your trip.
• Travel insurance is unlikely to cover cancellation costs if you're unable to travel due to general travel restrictions, like lockdowns at home or at your destination, or government travel alerts due to COVID-19.

Does travel insurance cover additional expenses and quarantine costs for COVID-19?

If you contract COVID-19 while on your overseas trip, some policies will provide limited cover for additional accommodation and meal costs under specific circumstances, such as:

• if you're denied boarding scheduled public transport because you have tested positive to COVID-19
• if you have to go to hospital or self-isolate with COVID-19.

If you're ordered into quarantine while overseas because you've contracted COVID-19, some policies will cover your quarantine expenses. However, if you're ordered into quarantine as a close contact, without having contracted COVID-19, very few policies will cover your expenses in this scenario.

There are several insurers selling domestic travel insurance, but not all insurers will cover COVID-19. Domestic travel insurance doesn't cover medical expenses, because that's covered by Medicare or your private health insurance. So you'll just need COVID-19 cover for cancellation or additional expenses if you're travelling around Australia. 

Read the travel insurance PDS to check whether you're covered for cancellation if you, or someone you're travelling with, catches COVID-19. Travel insurance is unlikely to cover you for government travel bans.

Travel insurance for an Aussie holiday may be worth considering if you're:

• spending a lot of money on your trip
• carrying expensive equipment, such as custom-made surfboards
• hiring a car, as some travel insurance can cover the damage excess .

Travel insurance policies that offer cruise cover will often (but not always) cover medical costs if you contract COVID-19. Some of these policies will also cover you if you need to cancel your trip due to COVID-19, or if a non-travelling relative in Australia has contracted COVID-19.

If you're going on a cruise, you'll usually have to pay an extra fee to add cruise cover to your travel insurance, or buy a separate cruise-specific policy. Cover for COVID-19 is restricted, so check your PDS for details.

Travel insurance policies have a 14-day cooling-off period (or longer). If you change your mind in this period, you can cancel your policy and get your money back from the insurer.

AFCA (the Australian Financial Complaints Authority) considers a credit or refund of your premium a fair outcome where:

• you got a refund or credit from all of your travel providers, so there's nothing left to claim on your travel insurance
• your travel insurance policy has a COVID-19-related exclusion that prevents you from claiming on the policy.

Ask your travel insurer what they can do for you.

Partial policy refunds

From the moment you buy a travel insurance policy, cover kicks in for cancellation due to unforeseen events. So if your insurer offers you a refund, they may calculate a partial refund to take into account the cover that you've already received with your policy. 

AFCA considers proportionate refunds for the remaining unused period fair, but your insurer should outline how they calculate it. 

Visit AFCA's website for more information on what they deem fair treatment from insurers when it comes to COVID-19 claims.

Read your travel insurance PDS. In the first instance, it's up to you as the policyholder to establish that you have a valid claim under the policy terms and conditions. That generally means handing in lots of documentation. 

Then it's up to the insurer to decide if your claim is valid and that there are no policy exclusions that should be applied. 

If you disagree with the insurer's decision regarding your claim, raise a complaint via their internal dispute resolution service. 

If you don't get a satisfactory result from the insurer's internal dispute resolution,  escalate your complaint to AFCA , which is the external ombudsman for the insurance industry.

The chance of experiencing a pandemic similar to COVID-19 in a lifetime is estimated to be 38%. Many travel insurance policies now cover COVID-19 to some extent, but not as many policies will cover future pandemics or epidemics other than COVID-19.

There are several policies that cover COVID-19 for medical expenses, but not other pandemics, and very few policies now cover cancellation expenses for pandemics that aren't COVID-19.

An  epidemic  is an outbreak of disease that happens in a wide geographic location and affects a lot of people. 

A  pandemic  is an epidemic that has spread throughout a whole country or across continents. 

Which travel insurers will cover pandemics or epidemics (other than COVID-19)?

Insurers such as Allianz, Travel Insurance Direct and Cover-More cover pandemics or epidemics for medical costs, but Travel Insurance Direct and Cover-More exclude cover for cancellation costs incurred due to a pandemic that isn't COVID-19. 

The table below shows which international travel insurance policies cover pandemic medical and cancellation costs if you're diagnosed with an illness that's classified as a pandemic or epidemic by the World Health Organisation while overseas. Bear in mind that if the pandemic or epidemic is classed as a 'known event' before you buy the policy, then cover will probably be excluded.

When an event becomes 'known' is a grey area, but generally it's when it's publicised in the media or on official government websites. So check the Smartraveller information for your destination before you go

* If the policyholder is diagnosed with a pandemic or epidemic illness.

** Excluding avian influenza.

Stock images:  Getty, unless otherwise stated.

Join the conversation

To share your thoughts or ask a question, visit the CHOICE Community forum.

Understanding What Travel Insurance Covers

Find a Qualified Financial Advisor

Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn't have to be hard. Datalign's free tool matches you with financial advisors in your area in as little as 3 minutes. All firms have been vetted by Datalign and all advisors are registered with the SEC. Get started with achieving your financial goals!

The offers and details on this page may have updated or changed since the time of publication. See our article on Business Insider for current information.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Chase Freedom Flex℠. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

• Travel insurance is intended to cover risks and financial losses associated with traveling.
• Coverage can include trip cancellation, baggage protection, medical care, and emergency evacuation.
• When filing a claim, be specific and comprehensive in your documentation to ease the process.

Whether it's a trip across the world or a trip across the state, having travel insurance provides major relief if things go awry. Flight delays, lost baggage, illness, injuries, and other unforeseen events can disrupt even the best-laid plans. With a major disruption comes the potential for unanticipated expenses.

Travel insurance and the coverage it offers can help keep you protected and save you money in the long run.

Overview of Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance policies protect travelers from financial losses should something go wrong during their trip. You can customize which coverages you want to include, and there are several to choose from.

"Common types of coverage include trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage protection, coverage for medical care if you get sick or hurt during your trip, and emergency medical evacuation," says Angela Borden, a travel insurance expert and product strategist for travel insurance company Seven Corners.

Travel insurance plans offer nonrefundable payments and other trip-related expenses. While monetary compensation is a primary benefit, there is another valuable perk of travel insurance. It can provide peace of mind.

What does travel insurance cover?

Your specific travel insurance plan (and its terms and conditions) will determine the minutia and specifics of what is covered. As with most other forms of insurance, a general rule of thumb is the more you spend, the better your coverage.

"Travel insurance can be confusing, so it's best to research a reputable company that specializes in travel insurance and has a long history of successfully helping travelers all over the world," says Borden.

Trip cancellation and interruptions

A travel insurance policy can reimburse you for a prepaid, nonrefundable trip if it is canceled for a covered event, such as a natural disaster or a global pandemic.

Trip interruption insurance covers you if you're already on your trip and you get sick, there's a natural disaster, or something else happens. Make sure to check with your travel insurance providers to discuss any inclusions, coverage, and more.

Travel delays and missed connections

Travel delay insurance coverage provides reimbursement for any expenses you incur when you experience a delay in transit over a minimum time. Reimbursements can include hotels, airfare, food, and other related expenses.

Medical emergencies and evacuations

Typically, US healthcare plans are not accepted in other countries. So travel insurance with medical coverage can be particularly beneficial when you are abroad. Medical coverage can also help with locating doctors and healthcare facilities.

Medical transportation coverage will also pay for emergency evacuation expenses such as airlifts and medically-equipped flights back to the US. Out of pocket, these expenses can easily amount to tens of thousands of dollars. Certain plans may even transport you to a hospital of choice for care.

Travel insurance generally does not include coverage for pre-existing conditions. That said, you can obtain a pre-existing condition waiver, which we will talk about later.  

Baggage and personal belongings

Most airlines will reimburse travelers for lost or destroyed baggage, but be prepared for limitations. Travel insurance plans will typically cover stolen items, such as those stolen out of a hotel room. This may not include expensive jewelry, antiques, or heirloom items. Typically, airlines have a few days to recover your bag.

In the meantime, you can make a claim to pay for items like certain toiletries and other items you need to pick up. If your bag is truly lost or you don't get it for an extended period, you can file a true lost baggage claim.

What does credit card travel insurance cover?

A major perk on several travel credit cards is embedded credit card travel insurance . Typically, you will need to use the specific card for the transaction (at least with partial payment) for travel coverage to kick in.

Each card has specific rules on what exactly is covered. But one of the industry leaders is the $550-per-year Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card. Here's a snapshot of what is covered with this specific card:

• Baggage delay: up to $100 reimbursed per day for up to five days if a passenger carrier delays your baggage by more than six hours.
• Lost and damaged baggage: up to $3,000 per passenger per trip, but only up to $500 per passenger for jewelry and watches and up to $500 per passenger for cameras and other electronic equipment.
• Trip delay reimbursement: up to $500 per ticket if you're delayed more than six hours or require an overnight stay.
• Trip cancellation and interruption protection: up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses.
• Medical evacuation benefit: up to $100,000 for necessary emergency evacuation and transportation when on a trip of five to 60 days and traveling more than 100 miles from home.
• Travel accident insurance: accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $100,000 (up to $1,000,000 for common carrier travel).
• Emergency medical and dental benefits: up to $2,500 for medical expenses (subject to a $50 deductible) when on a trip arranged by a travel agency and traveling more than 100 miles from home.
• Rental car coverage: primary coverage for damages caused by theft or collision up to $75,000 on rentals of 31 days or fewer

More protections are included with cards with an annual fee, but there are exceptions. The no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex , for instance, includes up to $1,500 per person (and up to $6,000 per trip) in trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage.

However, there are some differences between credit card travel coverage and obtaining coverage from a third party.

"Credit card coverage does not typically provide travel medical benefits," Borden says. "For protection if you get sick or hurt while traveling, you'll want a travel insurance plan with medical coverage."

Whether you get your travel insurance in a standalone policy or through a credit card, it's important to review your plan details carefully. In either case, there may be exclusions and other requirements such as deadlines when filing a claim, Borden notes.

What travel insurance coverage do you need to pay more for?

Knowing what travel insurance doesn't cover is as important as knowing what it does cover.

"Travelers should understand that travel insurance benefits come into play only if a covered reason occurs," Borden says. Most standard travel insurance plans won't reimburse you for the following:

Cancel for any reason (CFAR)

Cancel-for-any-reason travel insurance covers a trip cancellation for any reason, not just a covered event. your standard benefits won't kick in unless it's a covered event. For instance, you'll be reimbursed simply for changing your mind about taking a trip.

That said, CFAR travel insurance is not without its downsides. For one, it's more expensive than traditional insurance, and most CFAR policies will only reimburse you for a percentage of your travel expenses. Additionally, CFAR policies aren't available for annual travel insurance . 

You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance here.

Foreseen weather events

Sudden storms or unforeseen weather events are typically covered by standard travel insurance plans. There are exceptions to be aware of. For example, an anticipated and named hurricane will not be covered.

Medical tourism

If you're going to travel internationally for a medical procedure or doctor's visit, your travel insurance plan will not cover the procedure itself. Most medical travel plans also won't cover you if something goes wrong with your procedure.

Pre-existing conditions and pregnancy

Those with specific pre-existing conditions, such as someone with diabetes and needing more insulin, will not be covered by most plans. In addition, pregnancy-related expenses will likely not be covered under most plans.

That said, you can obtain a pre-existing condition waiver for stable conditions. In order to obtain a wavier, you will need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time frame from when you booked your trip, usually two to three weeks, depending on your policy.

Extreme sports and activities

Accidents occurring while participating in extreme sports like skydiving and paragliding will typically not be covered under most plans. However, many plans offer the ability to upgrade to a higher-priced version with extended coverage.

Navigating claims and assistance

When a trip goes awry, the first thing you should do is document everything and be as specific as possible with documentation. This will make the claims process easier, as you can substantiate and quantify your financial losses due to the delay.

For example, your flight home has been delayed long enough to be covered under your policy, you'll want to keep any receipts from purchases made while waiting. For instances where your luggage is lost, you will need to file a report with local authorities and document all the items you packed.

Cancellation protection also requires meticulous attention to detail. If you're too sick to fly, you may need to see a doctor to prove your eligibility. If an airline cancels a flight, you'll also need to document any refunds you received as travel insurance isn't going to reimburse you for money you've already gotten back. 

Part of the benefit of CFAR insurance is the reduced paperwork necessary to file a claim. You'll still need to document your nonrefundable losses, but you won't have to substantiate why you're canceling a trip.

Choosing the right travel insurance

Each plan should be personalized to meet the insured party's needs. Some travelers prefer to stick to the bare minimum (flight cancellation benefits through the airline). Others want a comprehensive plan with every coverage possible. Before you buy anything, set your destination. Are there any travel restrictions or changes pending? Does your destination country require emergency or other medical coverage?

If the destination airport is known for lost or delayed luggage, travelers should keep important items in carry-ons. Lost or delayed luggage coverage protects insured parties in the event of a significant delay or total loss.

Second, check current credit card travel benefits to avoid redundancies. Savvy travelers don't need to pay for the same coverage twice.

Finally, consider your individual needs. Do you have a chronic medical condition, or do you feel safe with emergency-only medical coverage? Keep in mind, this does not include coverage for cosmetic surgery or other medical tourism. Do you have a budget limit for travel insurance? Asking and answering these important questions will help every traveler find the right product.

Most travel insurance plans are simple, and Business Insider's guide to the best travel insurance companies outlines our top picks. Remember, read your policy and its specifics closely to ensure it includes the items you need coverage for.

No one likes to dwell on how a trip might not go as planned before even leaving. However, at its core, travel insurance provides peace of mind as you go about your trip. While the upfront cost may seem significant, when you compare it to the potential expenses of a canceled flight, emergency evacuation, or a hefty medical bill, it's a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things.

Get Travel Insurance Quotes Online

Protect your trip with the best travel insurance . Compare travel insurance quotes from multiple providers with Squaremouth.

What does travel insurance cover frequently asked questions

Does travel insurance cover trip cancellations due to a pandemic like covid-19.

Coverage for pandemics vary from policy to policy. Some travel insurance companies have specific provisions for pandemic-related cancellations, while others may exclude them entirely.

Are sports injuries covered under travel insurance?

Sports injuries are often covered under travel insurance, but high-risk or adventure sports might require additional coverage or a special policy.

Can travel insurance provide coverage for travel advisories or warnings?

Travel advisories have different effects on your travel insurance depending on your policy. Traveling to a country already under travel advisory may invalidate your coverage, but if you're already traveling when a travel advisory is announced, you may be covered.

How does travel insurance handle emergency medical evacuations?

Travel insurance usually covers the cost of emergency medical evacuations to the nearest suitable medical facility, and sometimes back to your home country, if necessary.

Are lost or stolen passports covered by travel insurance?

Many travel insurance policies provide coverage for the cost of replacing lost or stolen passports during a trip.

If you enjoyed this story, be sure to follow Business Insider on Microsoft Start.

JavaScript is currently disabled on this computer/device. As such, cookies for this site are currently disabled. In order to have access to all the features of our fully-optimised website, please enable your JavaScript settings via your browser. For a list of all the cookies we use and what they do, please read our Cookie Policy.

You are in section Home Insurance Travel Insurance Current Page

Travel Insurance

Sorry, but we don't offer new Travel Insurance policies at the moment.

First Directory :  Request a confirmation of cover document Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first]

• United States
• United Kingdom

Travel insurance and COVID: Expert answers to your questions

Southern Cross Travel Insurance CEO Jo McCauley answers some commonly asked questions, including when you can and can't be covered for COVID.

International travel is back with flights to Singapore resuming over the weekend. Demand is only expected to grow as states open up and visitors no longer need to quarantine.

But there's still some uncertainty surrounding overseas travel and COVID. Many countries have made travel insurance compulsory and require you to pay for a PCR test.

We spoke to Southern Cross Travel Insurance CEO Jo McCauley to get answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about travel insurance , including when it can and can't cover COVID-19.

Jump to the answers you want to know

Can i get travel insurance with covid cover if i go to a "do not travel" country, can travel insurance cover covid, what covid-related expenses can travel insurance cover, what covid-related expenses will travel insurance not cover, does travel insurance cover pre-departure pcr tests, will my travel insurance premium differ depending on what time of year i travel, when should i take out travel insurance, how has cover changed pre-pandemic vs post-pandemic, how much more can customers expect to pay for a policy post-pandemic, are there any "cheap and cheerful" plans to cover domestic or short trips to safe countries like new zealand, why is it so hard to get cruise cover at the moment.

Due to the high risks associated with pandemics, most travel insurance providers typically list pandemics as a general exclusion in their policy. Insurance providers are highly unlikely to pay out on any claims that are related to a general exclusion, even if a country is considered safe to travel to.

A similar approach is taken to countries with a "Do Not Travel" advisory.

Travel advisories are used by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to provide Australians with information about the risk of travelling to certain destinations or regions. These are available on the Smartraveller website which hosts DFAT travel advisories for all countries around the world.

If you choose to travel to a destination or a region that has a level 3 or 4 travel advisory in place before you travel to the area, your insurance policy is unlikely to cover you for any event that is related to the reason why that advisory was put in effect.

Some insurers, including SCTI, have extended their cover to include a level of COVID-19 cover (despite the pandemic general exclusion).

However, that extended cover will generally only apply when you are travelling to a destination with a Smartraveller travel advisory of "Exercise normal safety precautions" (level 1) or "Exercise a high degree of caution" (level 2) in relation to COVID-19.

Therefore, before you book your holiday, it's essential you check your destination on Smartraveller .

While some insurance providers are offering a level of COVID-19 cover to customers who buy their policies, we recommend that you carefully read all of the terms and conditions of the cover so you're fully aware of what you will and won't be covered for.

Conditions may include full compliance with entry requirements for destinations and carriers such as evidence of vaccination or pre-departure tests, or for the place you're visiting to be considered a safe travel destination.

Insurance cover for medical expenses arising as a result of being diagnosed with COVID-19 is, in some countries, now a mandatory requirement for entry .

For our international (TravelCare) products, the policyholder is covered for costs related to any medical treatment required should they test positive for COVID-19 (subject to the terms and conditions detailed in our Supplementary Product Disclosure Statements).

We always try to remind our customers that COVID-19 cover aims to provide a level of protection, but it won't cover everything. This is because of the unpredictable travel environment and uncertainties associated with COVID-19.

When it comes to COVID-19 cover, we strongly encourage our customers to carefully read their policy to really understand the benefits available to them, and the circumstances in which they could realistically make a claim.

SCTI includes cover for the following:

• Medical expenses if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while on your journey (International [TravelCare] products only).
• Costs ($2,500 up to Unlimited) to change your travel arrangements if you or a relevant person are diagnosed with COVID-19 before you leave and your journey is cancelled or amended.
• Costs (up to $5,000) to change your travel arrangements if you or a relevant person are diagnosed with COVID-19 after you leave and your journey is interrupted or cut short.

The important thing to remember is that "pandemics" typically remain a general exclusion in many travel insurance policies so the only benefits for which you can claim are likely to be those listed in the insurer's COVID-19 cover. That is why it's so important to read the policy wording carefully.

We won't cover COVID-19 losses or expenses in the following situations:

• If you or a relevant person are not fully vaccinated .
• If a claim is connected to a government restriction due to COVID-19 .
• Where boarding of transport is denied because of a failure to get the documents necessary for the journey , such as a COVID-19 vaccination history or a negative COVID-19 test.
• Getting COVID-19 while travelling to a destination or a region which has a level 3 or 4 travel advisory in place for COVID-19 on the Smartraveller website.

There are other exclusions, so we encourage you to read your policy wording and supplementary product disclosure statement carefully.

A PCR test detects whether a person has COVID-19. Depending on where you're travelling to or from, you may need to take a PCR test and return a negative diagnosis of COVID-19 before the date you're due to travel.

The costs associated with PCR testing to comply with your travel requirements are typically at the expense of the traveller, and SCTI does not cover this cost.

In other markets, we have seen overseas insurers partnering up to offer discounted PCR tests to its customers. However, it's still such early days for international travel in Australia that we haven't seen this yet, but we may start to see this happening locally as we move into next year.

We don't operate seasonal pricing. Your travel insurance premiums will remain the same regardless of when in the year you travel.

What we've seen following the global pandemic is increased consumer awareness for the need for travel insurance, and as a result it is no longer being viewed as a "last-minute" add-on but a travel necessity that is integral to the travel planning process.

We always recommend that people take out travel insurance as soon as they have booked their holiday because then you may be covered for events that lead to cancellation costs before you even start your journey.

Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the industry to evaluate its products and services to ensure they're continuing to meet customer expectations, especially in this new environment where peace of mind is paramount.

Prior to COVID-19 many travel insurance policies didn't cover pandemic related incidents. However, now there is a customer expectation that a travel insurance policy should have some level of COVID-19 cover .

Different countries will also have different travel requirements, so it's really important that travellers familiarise themselves with their destination's travel requirements.

As a result of the more complex travel environment, our travel habits may change and we may see fewer multi-stop journeys due to the varying requirements of different destinations.

Since the pandemic, there is a stronger desire from our customers for greater transparency. The pandemic has shone a spotlight on the fact that many Aussies were not clear on what their travel insurance policy covered them for.

However, since the pandemic, the industry has witnessed a considerable shift in consumer understanding and, as a result, the Australian consumer is now much more informed about what is and isn't included in their travel insurance policy.

To make it easy for our customers, we've gone through a process of "plain Englishing" our domestic and international (TravelCare) policies, to make them easier to understand and to ensure our customers are clear on what they're covered for before purchasing a policy with us. We've also launched a digital assistant on our website to help customers find the information they need quickly and easily.

Most insurance providers will review their premiums on a regular basis and adjust according to risk.

Given the unpredictable travel environment and increased risks of medical treatment due to COVID-19, travel insurance companies are taking on a significantly increased risk, so it is likely premiums will rise across the industry.

Australians travelling locally can buy a domestic travel insurance policy which includes some cover for COVID-19 in the event of cancellation or changes to their journey. As SCTI's domestic policy is only available to customers who live in Australia permanently and are eligible for a Medicare card, there is no cover for medical expenses.

SCTI does offer competitive premiums for its short haul trips to destinations such as New Zealand, but it doesn't offer specific plans for "safer" destinations and, at this stage, it's too early to say whether this will change.

This is because the COVID-19 risks associated with cruising are fairly high. The environment in a cruise ship often includes confined spaces and areas where people congregate, which provides multiple opportunities for the virus to spread.

There are also limited medical facilities on board, and evacuation costs are often high because the patient is situated out at sea.

Finder looked at over 30 travel insurance policies and found 3 partner brands offering COVID-related cover, including Southern Cross Travel Insurance. You can find them here .

Ask a Question

Click here to cancel reply.

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

• Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
• finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
• We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
• Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Latest headlines

• How high can Bitcoin actually go?
• Save up to $139 in a year with a 0% BT card | Dollar Saver tip #78
• Woolworths Qantas iPhone deal: Get 20,000 Qantas Points
• Cost of grocery staples skyrocket up to 31%: here are the most expensive items
• Card-astrophe: Australians lost almost $1 billion to scammers in past year

Get exclusive money-saving offers and guides

Straight to your inbox

How likely would you be to recommend finder to a friend or colleague?

Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.

Important information about this website

Advertiser disclosure.

finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We are committed to our readers and stands by our editorial principles

We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.

Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labeling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.

How we make money

We make money by featuring products on our site. Compensation received from the providers featured on our site can influence which products we write about as well as where and how products appear on our page, but the order or placement of these products does not influence our assessment or opinions of them, nor is it an endorsement or recommendation for them.

Products marked as 'Top Pick', 'Promoted' or 'Advertisement' are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Finder's decision to show a 'promoted' product is neither a recommendation that the product is appropriate for you nor an indication that the product is the best in its category. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options.

Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment when you click on those buttons or apply for a product. You can learn more about how we make money .

Sorting and Ranking Products

When products are grouped in a table or list, the order in which they are initially sorted may be influenced by a range of factors including price, fees and discounts; commercial partnerships; product features; and brand popularity. We provide tools so you can sort and filter these lists to highlight features that matter to you.

Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Please read our website terms of use and privacy policy for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.