The world is your oyster, and you can jet off when and wherever you please. But wait—what happens if Covid-19 crashes your party? Are you covered? We've got all the details on travel insurance and Covid-19.
Do travel insurance policies provide cover for Covid-19?
Many policies now include cover for Covid-19-related disruptions, both at home and abroad. Each policy will vary, so be sure to always check what's covered before buying your insurance. Here’s what a typical policy might offer:
- Cancellation coverage
- Medical costs. Need medical care for Covid while on holiday? A comprehensive travel insurance policy should help cover these expenses. For example, covering hospitalisation and treatment costs.
- Transport and accommodation. If you're too ill to travel, your insurance might cover the extra nights, rebooking fees, and transport costs.
In general, most travel insurance policies cover you if you catch Covid-19 before your trip or while you’re away. On typical policies, though, this is where the cover would usually stop.
The levels of cover that different providers offer will vary. Some include cancellation cover and will refund your trip if you test positive before you go, while others may not. So, read your policy details carefully.
If you need more cover, consider other providers or add-ons. With so many policies to choose from, it's worth shopping around to find the best deal.
Here's some examples, followed by whether they’re likely to be covered on a typical travel insurance policy:
| Scenario* | Covered by a travel insurance policy? |
|---|---|
|
You test positive for Covid-19 overseas and need to extend the trip and/or get medical help.
|
MOST do, unless travelling against government advice. Check with your insurer before travelling.
|
|
You or a family member can't travel as you’re told to isolate by the NHS.
|
SOME cover this – check with your insurer.
|
|
Can't travel as you don't feel safe going.
|
NOT covered – travel insurance doesn’t cover 'disinclination to travel'.
|
*Information taken from theidol.com, our trusted travel insurance partner.
Make sure your policy also covers essentials like luggage protection and emergency medical care.
If you’re not vaccinated, be aware that some insurers might not cover Covid-19-related claims. This includes cancellations and medical expenses. Double-check your policy to avoid unwanted surprises.
What are the entry requirements for different countries?
Most countries welcome tourists regardless of their Covid vaccination status these days. However, it’s still important to know the entry requirements for your destination. Some countries may have specific rules that you need to follow.
How to check entry requirements
Check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice website for entry requirements, safety, and health risks in your chosen destination. If you travel against FCDO advice, your travel insurance policy won't cover you.
What to do if you get Covid-19 before you travel
Getting sick before your big trip can be a real downer. Here’s some tips on how to navigate the situation.
Contact your insurance provider. Reach out to your travel insurance company as soon as possible. Your policy might cover trip cancellations if you test positive for Covid-19, so let them know about your situation and ask about the next steps.
Check your cancellation and refund options. Review your booking terms to see if you qualify for refunds or credits. Some airlines and hotels are more flexible than others, so knowing your options can help you decide on your next move.
Reschedule your plans. If you are unable to travel, once you're back to full health, look into rescheduling your trip for a later date. With a little planning, you can still have the holiday you’ve been dreaming about, just a bit later.
What to do if you get Covid-19 while on holiday
Uh-oh, Covid-19's crashing your holiday. Here’s what to do if you test positive while you're away:
Try to avoid spreading the virus. If you test positive for Covid-19, follow local public health guidelines. Most advise staying put in your accommodation and steering clear of others when possible. Most hotels have protocols in place to help guests isolate.
Contact your insurance provider. First things first: give your travel insurance company a call. Let them know what's happening and check what kind of cover you have for medical expenses and travel disruptions.
Seek medical assistance. Feeling rough? If your symptoms are severe, don't hesitate to reach out to local healthcare services for advice and treatment. If you have travel insurance with medical cover, your policy could cover necessary medical expenses—just double-check those policy details.
Follow local guidelines. Every country has its own set of rules, so be sure to stick to the local health regulations and quarantine requirements. Isolation periods can vary, so play it safe and follow their specific advice.
Plan your return. Once you're on the mend and have finished isolating, it’s time to think about heading home. Check the latest UK guidelines for returning travellers and make sure you've got all the necessary documents. Better safe than sorry!
Document everything. Keep a handy record of any medical treatments and chats with your insurance provider. This could be crucial for claims and reimbursements later on.
What else do I need to do before I book my holiday?
Before you hit that “book now” button, here are a few things to check off your list.
Passport, please!
Make sure your passport is good to go. It's important to check your passport before you travel, as most countries require your passport to be valid for at least three months after your trip ends. Some airlines, though, are a bit stricter and may insist on six months' validity, so double-check your airline's rules. If you find your passport has or is about to expire, you'll need a passport renewal before you travel.
Plan for flexibility
Life’s unpredictable, and travel can be too! While countries have mostly moved past lockdowns, unexpected changes can still happen. Consider looking for flexible booking options for flights and hotels. If you can afford to, spending a little extra on flexibility now could save you a headache later if you need to rearrange your plans.
Think about car hire
Get more out of your holiday with a set of wheels. If you’re travelling with your family and planning to explore your destination, consider hiring a car abroad.
Use our holiday checklist
Stay organised and stress-free! Use our holiday checklist to keep track of all the things you need to do before you travel. It’s your trusty guide to ensure everything’s sorted, from packing to travel insurance. We also have some useful holiday travel tips from deciding what to pack, to avoiding roaming fees when using your phone!
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