does tesco travel insurance cover covid 19

Tesco Bank launches Travel Insurance

23 March 2021

• Travel added to Tesco Bank’s award-winning insurance range that includes Pet, Home and Car
• Protection against Covid-19 related disruption as standard
• Three levels of Defaqto-rated cover are available, as well as optional extras and add-ons
• Tesco Clubcard points and a discount are available to Tesco Clubcard members

Tesco Bank has expanded its offering to customers with the launch of travel insurance.

Tesco Bank Travel Insurance will include Covid-19 cover as standard, to help protect customers who test positive and experience Covid-19 related disruption, either before or during their trip.

Three tiers of cover are available to suit a range of customer needs, offering different levels of protection for travel and belongings.  All policies come with core features that include cover for medical expenses, trip cancellation or delays, and lost or stolen baggage or money.

Customers can also tailor their policy with a range of helpful optional extras and add-ons, such as gadget protection and Winter Sports Cover.

Two specialist products are available aimed at backpacker travellers and customers aged over 80.

Policyholders will enjoy helpful rewards, including the ability for children under 16 to be covered for free on single and annual multi trip policies and the chance to save money on their travel insurance when they buy Tesco Travel Money first. Tesco Clubcard members who buy direct can save 5% and collect Clubcard points when they provide their Clubcard number.

Mark Airey, Tesco Bank’s Insurance Commercial Director, said:

“We’re proud to expand our award-winning insurance offering to Tesco shoppers with the addition of Tesco Bank Travel Insurance.

“We appreciate that the immediate outlook for travel remains uncertain, however the need for travel insurance is greater than ever – whether holidaying in the UK or abroad.  Offering Covid-19 protection as standard helps to give customers peace of mind they are protected should they test positive, and they have to cancel or cut short their trip.

“With a range of cover levels available to Tesco shoppers, we’re confident customers will find a policy that suits them and their holiday once travel at home and abroad is permitted.”

Tesco Bank has partnered with ROCK Insurance Group to manage the scheme, while ROCK has selected Axa Partners to provide underwriting, claims handling and medical assistance services.

Antony Martin, Managing Director at Rock Insurance Group said : “We are incredibly excited to be partnering with Tesco Bank to launch travel insurance to its customers. ROCK is providing Tesco Bank’s customers with a wide range of travel insurance products and services that are available online or via a dedicated call centre, meaning that more people will be protected and have the confidence to travel as soon as restrictions have eased.”

Paul Moloney, Sales Director at AXA Partners said : “We’re delighted to announce our new partnership with Tesco Bank to provide underwriting and other services for its new travel insurance proposition.

“It is our duty as insurers to safeguard customers’ trust; implementing solutions that provide assurance and protect what matters. We very much look forward to providing Tesco Bank customers with quality travel insurance cover both now, and when we are free of this pandemic.”

Tesco Bank Travel Insurance can be purchased by visiting https://www.tescobank.com/travel-insurance/  

Notes to editors

• Tesco Bank Travel Insurance is arranged and administered by Rock Insurance Services Limited and underwritten by Inter Partner Assistance S.A. UK Branch.
• Monetary limits, excesses and exclusions apply to cover.
• Covid-19 cover includes cancellation if you fall ill with Covid-19, medical claims whilst travelling, and curtailment (if you need to come home early) due to the illness of a close relative due to COVID-19 We don’t include cover for cancellation where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and local authorities advise against travel.
• Cover can be purchased on a single trip or annual basis and will be available to individuals, couples, families and groups of up to 12.
• Backpacker insurance is aimed primarily at travellers looking for cover for trips longer than three months or a variety of destinations, while the Later Life policy is designed for customers over 80 years old who may find it difficult to obtain cover due to pre-existing health conditions.

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Tesco Bank reveals new travel insurance product with Covid-19 cover

By Clare Ruel 2021-03-24T07:59:00+00:00

• No comments

The company has partnered with ROCK Insurance Group to manage its new product, while AXA Partners will provide the underwriting 

Tesco Bank has launched a new travel insurance product that includes Covid-19 cover as standard to help protect customers who test positive for the virus and may experience disruption on their trip.

Read more… Tesco Bank to underwrite its motor and home insurance book in house  

Not subscribed?  Become a subscriber and access our premium content

Tesco has partnered with ROCK Insurance Group to manage the scheme, while ROCK has selected AXA Partners to provide the underwriting, claims handling and medical assistance services.

There are three tiers of cover available, which can be tailored with add-ons and optional extras, but all policies come with core features, including cover for medical expenses, trip cancellation or delays, as well as lost or stolen baggage or money.

Two specialist products are available aimed at backpackers and customers aged over 80-years-old.

Mark Airey, Tesco Bank’s commercial director of insurance, said: “We’re proud to expand our award-winning insurance offering to Tesco shoppers with the addition of Tesco Bank travel insurance.

“We appreciate that the immediate outlook for travel remains uncertain, however the need for travel insurance is greater than ever – whether holidaying in the UK or abroad.

”Offering Covid-19 protection as standard helps to give customers peace of mind; they are protected should they test positive and they have to cancel or cut short their trip.

“With a range of cover levels available to Tesco shoppers, we’re confident customers will find a policy that suits them and their holiday once travel at home and abroad is permitted.”

In January,  Tesco Bank announced its plans to underwrite its own home and motor insurance book.  

Insurers’ duty

Antony Martin, managing director at ROCK Insurance Group, said: “ROCK is providing Tesco Bank’s customers with a wide range of travel insurance products and services that are available online or via a dedicated call centre, meaning that more people will be protected and have the confidence to travel as soon as restrictions have eased.”

Paul Moloney, sales director at AXA Partners, added: “We’re delighted to announce our new partnership with Tesco Bank to provide underwriting and other services for its new travel insurance proposition.

“It is our duty as insurers to safeguard customers’ trust, implementing solutions that provide assurance and protect what matters.

”We very much look forward to providing Tesco Bank customers with quality travel insurance cover both now and when we are free of this pandemic.”

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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)

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

Oct 26, 2021 • 5 min read

COVID-19 has made it more important to check the health coverage on your travel insurance © Maskot/Getty Images

After 18 months of pandemic-related travel restrictions, you may be itching to act on your pent-up wanderlust⁠⁠—but the situation and the rules are still continuously evolving. So before you go anywhere, it’s best to have a travel insurance plan that protects the investment you’ve made in a long-awaited trip.

A robust travel insurance plan will reimburse pre-paid trip costs and non-refundable deposits if you have to cancel or interrupt your trip, encounter trip delays, experience baggage loss or require medical expense and medical evacuation. Your policy will also reimburse “covered reasons” in your plan, such as death, illness or injury, serious family emergencies, unplanned jury duty, military deployment, acts of terrorism, or your travel supplier going out of business.

But COVID-19 has added an additional checklist to your usual insurance needs⁠—it’s now important to check to ensure your travel insurance plan includes coverage for COVID-19 medical expenses, and losses related to illness. Your policy should also cover quarantine costs if you need to self-isolate after testing positive for the virus.

What do I look for in COVID-19 insurance coverage?

When you’re shopping for a travel insurance plan that covers COVID-19, you need to do your research and read the fine print of your plan. 

Look for a travel insurance product that will protect your non-refundable, prepaid expenses if you have to cancel your trip due to illness caused by COVID-19. Your policy should also cover emergency medical treatment and emergency medical transportation. With regard to COVID-19 coverage, be sure your policy covers medical care, medicine, hospitalization and quarantine expenses.

“The type of coverage you should look for depends on you, your needs, travel dates, and the type of trip you’re taking,” says Sasha Gainullin, CEO of battleface , a travel insurance carrier. He says some travel insurance companies have now excluded COVID-19 coverage because it has been labeled a “known/foreseeable event”, while others may exclude pandemics altogether.

“It’s important to search for plans that include medical and quarantine expenses as well⁠—this will be critical in the event you become ill and need to receive treatment while traveling,” continues Gainullin. 

One additional tip is to confirm there are no exclusions based on the destinations you’re traveling to⁠—this can happen with countries under government-issued travel warnings, Gainullin says.

“If a traveler feels uncertain, I recommend speaking with the travel insurance company directly. They can review the policy details with you, answer all of your questions, and confirm all of your required coverage options are included,” he adds.

Is getting coverage dependent on vaccination?

While it’s a good idea to be fully vaccinated before traveling, vaccination is not required to purchase a travel insurance policy, says Daniel Durazo, spokesperson with Allianz Partners USA.

What are the medical costs that are covered by travel insurance?

Travel insurance can cover the cost of both medical treatment and emergency medical transportation. A US health insurance plan, as well as Medicare, generally will not cover overseas medical expenses, so it’s best to check with your personal health insurance provider if any global coverage is available. 

“While losing the cost of a trip due to an unexpected cancellation would be painful, paying for expensive emergency medical treatment or emergency medical transportation can be financially devastating,” Durazo says.  

Under a travel insurance plan, medical costs could range doctor visits, pharmacy expenses, imaging costs and covering a hospital stay if required. Other expenses that can be covered are transportation to medical care and medicine.

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

What about covering an unexpected quarantine due to COVID-19?

Many international destinations are now requiring that visitors purchase travel insurance coverage for an unexpected quarantine. Allianz Travel Insurance has added coverage to many of its products that includes reimbursement for quarantine-related accommodations if you or a traveling companion is individually-ordered to quarantine while on their trip, says Durazo. 

This coverage typically covers the cost of additional food, lodging and transportation while quarantined. In addition, trip interruption and travel delay benefits on certain Allianz plans also provide coverage if you or your travel companion is denied boarding by your travel carrier due to suspicion of illness.

The benefits for quarantine coverage vary from carrier to carrier. For example, on select Trawick International plans, they offer $2,000 in quarantine benefits and for an additional charge, and you can increase it up to $7,000. 

What about pre-flight COVID-19 testing?

Your plan may provide coverage for flights if you are turned away at a border for not passing a health inspection. Foster says Trawick’s travel insurance plans that cover COVID-19 would cover the expenses if you could not pass your pre-health inspection.  Also, the plan would cover the costs of the failure of your PCR test to return to the United States, such as having to quarantine abroad. 

It’s important to note that the actual cost of the PCR test is not covered by your policy, just the loss associated with the negative test.

Read more:  PCR tests for travel: everything you need to know

Some destinations require COVID-specific insurance coverage⁠—how do I comply with those restrictions? 

Before any international travel, you should check the country where you are headed to make sure you comply with insurance coverage requirements. Countries like Spain, Turks and Caicos and Thailand are among the nations that mandate COVID-19 insurance coverage.

“You first must check the countries’ specific COVID regulations for entry into the country. Some countries require travelers to provide proof of travel insurance that covers COVID-19 related expenses purchased from a third party,” explains Foster. Providing proof coverage is key; so travelers need to ensure they receive documentation from their insurance provider that their policy covers COVID-19 related expenses to show customs officials, she says.

Should you arrive in a country that requires proof of insurance to cover COVID-19 medical expenses and quarantine costs, and you don’t hold a policy, you will not be granted entry.

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

You may also like:  What happens if I'm denied entry to a country on arrival? What is a vaccine passport and do I need one to travel? What is the IATA Travel Pass and do I need it to travel?

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Covid travel insurance: which policies cover you for coronavirus?

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Travel insurance has undergone something of an evolution since the coronavirus pandemic started. 

At first, as holidays and flights started to get cancelled in response to travel restrictions, holidaymakers could turn to their policies to recoup the costs. Then, as the number of claims soared, insurers began introducing clauses saying they would not be paying for any Covid -related cancellations . Finally, things have almost come full circle: a range of providers have launched policies that cover coronavirus in some shape or form.

It’s a welcome change for anxious holidaymakers, but buyer beware: not all travel insurance is created equal. Here’s everything you need to know.

Medical expenses versus cancellation and curtailment

Many of the insurers that say they cover coronavirus mean, in reality, that they specifically cover medical costs abroad, rather than the cancellation or curtailment of a trip due to the pandemic. That means, in the event that you catch Covid-19 while on holiday, they’ll provide any medical expenses, and possibly extras including repatriation and extra accommodation costs if you have to quarantine.

Other insurers might cover you in the event you have to cancel a trip as a result of catching the virus before you go, or because you’ve been told to self-isolate by the NHS test and trace team. And some companies will even cover you if the Foreign Office (FCDO) advice changes while you’re away, for example if they now advise against all but essential travel to your holiday destination.

• Virgin Atlantic to provide free coronavirus insurance

Here are some of the best policies covering coronavirus:

Nationwide is the only provider to currently cover policy holders in the event that the FCDO changes its advice before you go – for example, if you needed to cancel your trip to Greece because it had suddenly been removed from the “low-risk” list. It’s also the only company to protect you if the country you’re travelling to introduces border restrictions due to the pandemic. However, this is changing from 1 January 2021; trips booked on or after that date are only covered for cancellation if you, a relative, colleague or travelling companion catches Covid-19.

Virgin Money has relaunched travel insurance for new customers with additional cover for coronavirus. New customers can now buy policies that include cover for medical expenses, cancellation and curtailment as a result of being diagnosed with coronavirus, and existing customers are now automatically covered. Policy holders benefit from medical expenses if they require treatment for coronavirus while abroad, plus additional accommodation costs (up to £2,000) will also be included if treatment means customers need to extend their trip. Customers are also covered in the event that they have to cancel a trip because they or a member of their family or travelling party are medically diagnosed with coronavirus or personally instructed to isolate by an NHS service or medical professional.

Travel Bag Insurance also offers cover, including for holiday cancellation if you or your travelling companion has received a positive diagnosis of coronavirus from an NHS test within 14 days of the start of the trip. You’re covered if you’re denied boarding by your transport operator as a result of a high temperature or a positive test; for medical costs if you fall ill with coronavirus while abroad; for accommodation costs resulting from an extended stay if you or a travelling companion is infected with Covid-19; and if the FCDO advice changes while you’re away. However, it doesn’t cover cancellation costs if the FCDO advice changes before you leave and you no longer wish to travel.

Allianz Assistance was one of the first companies to offer comprehensive coronavirus cover. Policies now cover trip cancellations because you or your travel companion either have symptoms or are diagnosed with Covid-19. There is also cover if you or your travel companion are required to quarantine as a result of your individual circumstances, such as being requested to do so by the NHS 111 service (if you are unable to travel due to a general quarantine being placed across a region or nation, then this cover does not apply). Medical costs while abroad are covered too (as long as you did not travel against FCDO advice), and you’re also covered for repatriation or an extended stay if you’re too unwell to travel. You are covered for cancellation or cutting short your trip if one of your, or your travel companion’s, close relatives (such as a parent, child, sibling or grandparent), falls seriously ill due to Covid-19.

Staysure has extended coronavirus cover, free of charge, to new policy holders. It includes trip cancellation if you, your travelling companion(s), people you live with or people you’re staying with on holiday are diagnosed with Covid-19 within 14 days of travelling; emergency medical expenses abroad; repatriation; cancellation and repatriation cover if you’re denied boarding because of testing positive for Covid-19; pre-booked, unused excursions up to your cover limits; additional accommodation and transport if deemed necessary by a medical officer; a daily benefit if you are ordered to self-isolate in your holiday accommodation because you have Covid-19; and cancelling or cutting your trip short after a death in the family from Covid-19.

Coronavirus turns New York into a ghost town

Trailfinders claims to offer “the most extensive Covid-19 policy available”. It covers cancellation prior to departure if you or a close relative tests positive for Covid, if you’re told to self-isolate by the official NHS test and trace app, or if a family member you’re going on holiday specifically to visit contracts the virus. Medical expenses overseas for coronavirus are covered, as is an accommodation extension if necessary because you’ve been told to quarantine while on holiday. If you have to cancel pre-booked excursions due to being told to self-isolate, these are also covered. However, you’re not covered in the event that your local area or indeed the whole of the UK goes into lockdown before the trip.

AllClear has added coronavirus cover to its Clear Gold, Gold Plus and Platinum policies free of charge. It covers up to £15m in emergency medical expenses, including repatriation, plus cancellation and curtailment up to £25,000. The latter includes: if you contract Covid-19 before you travel; if your travelling companion(s), people you live with, or people you’re staying with on holiday are diagnosed with Covid-19 within 14 days of travel; if you’re denied boarding with a positive Covid test; if a close relative becomes ill with coronavirus and you need to return home early; if you’ve been told to self-isolate by the NHS at the time of your departure; and if a family/household member is diagnosed with Covid-19, meaning you have to self-isolate.

Cover for countries on the high-risk list

Nearly all travel insurance policies are automatically invalidated if you go to a destination the FCDO is advising against travelling to. At the moment, this warning has been applied to most countries, barring those on a dwindling “low-risk” list. Holidaymakers’ favourites including Spain, France and Italy are all deemed too dangerous by the government.

• How to get travel insurance for countries not on FCO ‘safe’ list

But all is not lost – there are some tailor-made policies out there that will cover you, even if you decide to go against FCDO advice.

Battleface has long been selling policies to war torn countries on the Foreign Office’s no-go list, and has pivoted neatly to cover less extreme climates since the pandemic started. Policies are still valid if you visit a country the FCDO is advising against all non-essential travel to; they include cover for medical expenses incurred while on a trip caused by or resulting from Covid-19. However, there’s no cover relating to cancellation, curtailment or lock-down/quarantine expense coverage and policies are only available to those aged 59 or under.

Insurefor.com recently launched new insurance products, including single-trip policies that cover you when travelling against FCDO advice to European countries. As well as medical expenses while abroad as a result of coronavirus, it also covers policy holders for cancellation in the event that they, their travelling companion or people they are due to stay with on holiday are diagnosed with Covid-19.

Tour operators and travel agencies

Some tour operators are getting in on the action too.  

Of course, if they cancel the trip, the customer is entitled to a full refund. But if the customer needs to cancel, or if they fall ill while on holiday, some brands are offering complimentary cover or the option to include coronavirus insurance as an add-on.

Thomas Cook offers holiday insurance that includes Covid-19 protection via its partner, Holiday Extras. It provides cover if you, or anyone insured on your policy, contracts Covid-19 prior to travelling, plus up to £10,000,000 cover if you require emergency treatment abroad and offers repatriation if required.  

All Club Med guests are entitled to free Covid-19 cover until 30 April 2021. If a holidaymaker contracts the virus while travelling, medical expenses will be covered as part of the holiday package, including Covid-19 testing, transportation costs to testing facilities, GP appointments and medical expenses in case of hospitalisation. If a lockdown or quarantine is required, housing will be provided for guests and, if they cannot fly home, new flights will be provided once it's safe for them to travel.

Covid Cover is automatically included for all customers travelling on any TUI holiday and applies to all new and existing bookings. Customers can amend their holiday for free if they contract Covid-19 or are officially required to isolate prior to travel, or if their local area goes into a regional lockdown over their departure dates. It also covers medical assistance if a customer contracts Covid-19 while on holiday, plus costs associated with an extended stay and a new return flight home if customers are asked to self-isolate.

EDreams ODIGEO , which owns online travel agencies eDreams, GO Voyages, Opodo and Travellink, has added Covid-19 coverage to its insurance offering. It will cover customers when cancelling their bookings because they have been infected by Covid-19, or because they have been officially required to quarantine prior to departure. In addition, overseas medical and assistance expenses are covered, alongside expenses incurred at a destination due to customers needing to quarantine as a result of infection.

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Will My Travel Insurance Cover Coronavirus?

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 .

If you have upcoming travel plans and are considering a travel insurance policy, check if it covers COVID. Not all providers do, and it's important to know for sure. So, does your travel insurance cover COVID? How can you tell?

As with many things in life, the short answer is: "It depends." And the long answer is: You can only start to determine if your insurance covers COVID when you understand what type of coverage you have, which provider you bought it from and what the exact reason is for your trip cancellation.

While we can give general guidance as to most travel insurance plans, it is in your best interest to give your insurance provider a call to verify whether a given policy will cover coronavirus-related interruptions.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance policies that include COVID coverage

Reasons travel insurance typically covers

While not a comprehensive list (and remember all insurance policies are different), here are some standard reasons when a comprehensive travel insurance policy will kick in:

Sickness, injury or death.

Common carrier cancellations or delays.

Labor strike.

Car accident.

Hijacking or quarantine.

Home uninhabitable.

Destination uninhabitable.

Travel document theft.

Medical evacuation.

Military duty.

Military leave revoked.

Terrorist act.

New vaccination requirements.

Civil disorder.

Some of those reasons might apply to your specific coronavirus situation, such as if you are already ill or under quarantine by a doctor's orders. If you (or your travel companion) contract COVID-19, your travel insurance provider may cover cancellation for a medical reason. You will likely be required to submit a medical diagnosis from a physician.

Nonetheless, we recommend giving your travel insurance provider a call before your trip to verify coverage. And, since many airlines and hotels have loosened change and cancellation policies due to COVID-19, first try to get a refund from the travel supplier. It may be an easier process than dealing with the insurance provider.

Is coronavirus a foreseen event?

If you purchased travel insurance after the World Health Organization declared coronavirus a pandemic on March 11, 2020, then COVID-19 might be viewed by your insurance company as a foreseen event and it may not be covered.

In other words, the company says that you should have known about the potential risks but still chose to travel, so the cost of travel and its consequences are on you. We recommend checking with your insurance provider about the "known" or "foreseeable" status dates of the coronavirus outbreak and how this may affect your specific coverage.

Claims due to known, foreseeable or expected events, epidemics or fear of travel are generally not covered, and coverage can vary by state. However, until further notice, although not covered under most plans, some underwriters are currently accommodating claims for:

Under Emergency Medical Care and Emergency Medical Transportation Benefits: Emergency medical care and emergency medical transportation for a customer who becomes ill with COVID-19 while on their trip.

Under Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption Benefits: Trip cancellation and trip interruption if a customer becomes ill with COVID-19 either before or during their trip.

Under Trip Cancellation Benefit: Nonrefundable, nontransferable trip cancellation expenses for customers who purchased their plan prior to January 22, 2020, for trip components in Mainland China, South Korea or the Lombardy or Veneto regions of Italy and departing prior to April 1, 2020.”

However, due to the evolving pandemic over the last few years, many providers have updated their policies to include coronavirus coverage. For example, in May 2021, Allianz announced the addition of epidemic-related covered reasons to its popular insurance plans. Plans are now offering accommodations for COVID-19.

» Learn more: Where U.S. citizens can travel right now

Is "I’m afraid to travel" a legit reason?

Almost all travel insurance policies have a "fear of travel" clause. According to AIG , one of the world’s largest travel insurance providers, "Trip cancellation for concern or fear of travel associated with sickness, epidemic, or pandemic, including Coronavirus, is not covered."

If you bought a ticket, then become afraid to travel because of any sickness, that is probably not a covered reason. If you want ultimate flexibility in canceling your trip for any reason, you’ll want to consider "cancel for any reason" (CFAR) travel insurance coverage.

Consider Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance

"Cancel For Any Reason" coverage allows you to cancel a trip for any reason and receive a partial refund (up to 75%) of your nonrefundable trip costs as long as the trip is canceled at least two days in advance. You cannot purchase CFAR coverage on its own; it is an optional upgrade that is sometimes available when you buy travel insurance. Not all providers offer it, so if you’re looking for the CFAR supplement, you’ll have to ask your travel insurance provider about it or filter your online search accordingly.

» Learn more: Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance explained

Use your credit card's built-in travel insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance policies offer the highest levels of trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage. Some premium travel credit cards include trip insurance as a complimentary benefit. Although the coverage limits may be below those offered by travel insurance companies on comprehensive plans, the limits may be sufficient for you. As with paid travel insurance, check with the provider to confirm if known conditions such as the coronavirus are covered.

» Learn more: Travel insurance benefits on American Express credit cards

As an example, we took a look at the policy for one of the popular travel cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . There are some notable bullet points that are common across many programs.

Similarly, this insurance will not cover a "disinclination to travel based on a pandemic." If you decide that you don’t want to travel because you might get sick or you are afraid to go, you won’t be covered.

The insurance does clearly state, however, that if you are sick or hospitalized before or during your trip, you may be covered by the plan:

Accidental bodily injury, loss of life or sickness experienced by you or your traveling companion which prevents you or your traveling companion from traveling on the trip.

Accidental bodily injury, loss of life, or sickness experienced by an immediate family member of you or your traveling companion when the accidental bodily injury or sickness is considered life-threatening, requires hospitalization or such immediate family member requires care by you or your traveling companion.

If either you or your traveling companion becomes sick and you are prevented from traveling, you may be covered. Also note that if a family member of either you or your traveling companion requires hospitalization and you are needed to care for them, that may be covered as well.

As with all things insurance-related, if you have specific questions about your policy or your credit card’s coverage, it’s always best to give the company a call beforehand. Still, the general consensus is that if you’re afraid you might contract COVID-19, your insurance won't cover you.

» Learn more: Your guide to the Chase Sapphire Reserve's trip cancellation and travel insurance

How travel medical insurance differs

If your trip doesn't include nonrefundable trip costs paid to a travel provider or the trip insurance coverage you have from your credit cards is sufficient, purchasing a standalone travel health insurance policy may be your best bet for an upcoming trip.

These policies provide reimbursement for emergency medical expenses, including evacuations, while you’re traveling. Again, it's important to check if the policy you’re considering has any clauses related to pandemics or exclusions for travel to countries that have current travel advisories to ensure you don't nullify your medical coverage.

» Learn more: Travel medical insurance: emergency coverage while you travel internationally

It depends. Fear of travel generally isn't an allowable reason, so you won't benefit from trip cancellation coverage for nonrefundable payments made to a trip supplier. The reason for cancellation has to fall into one of the unforeseen events listed in the policy. However, if you’ve purchased a CFAR add-on and want to cancel, you will be covered for up to 75% of your nonrefundable deposit as long as you cancel at least two days before the departure date.

Although staying home is the best way to safeguard yourself and others from catching coronavirus, there are some general precautions you can take to reduce the spread. According to the CDC, a few ways include: Checking if the destination you’re going to has increasing cases in the past seven days, knowing whether you’re at an increased risk for severe illness from coronavirus and staying up to date with the airline’s and destination’s requirements/restrictions for travelers (such as wearing masks, enforcing quarantine, etc.). If you choose to travel, consider purchasing a travel insurance policy or a standalone emergency medical insurance plan just in case.

Although staying home is the best way to safeguard yourself and others from catching coronavirus, there are some general precautions you can take to reduce the spread. According to the CDC, a few ways include: Checking if the destination you’re going to has increasing cases in the past seven days, knowing whether you’re at an increased risk for severe illness from coronavirus and staying up to date with the airline’s and destination’s

requirements/restrictions for travelers

(such as wearing masks, enforcing quarantine, etc.). If you choose to travel, consider purchasing a travel insurance policy or a standalone emergency medical insurance plan just in case.

How can I be sure if my travel insurance covers COVID?

Deciding whether to travel during the coronavirus pandemic is a personal decision. Get familiarized with the different insurance protections and airline change/cancellation policies that may be applicable for your trip, as they could help you get your money back in the event of a trip cancellation.

When considering the health implications of travel, keep in mind that travel medical insurance is an option, especially if you don’t need the trip cancellation coverage provided by comprehensive policies. Regardless of which policy you choose, confirm that coronavirus-related losses are covered by insurance before purchasing coverage.

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.

Backpacker Travel Insurance

When dreams of exploring continents, not just countries, become reality.

Designed for a longer single trip up to 18 months, often to multiple countries. You may find this type of cover is right for you if you’re planning a gap year or career break if you’re under the age of 50.

• Choose from Economy or our 5 Star Defaqto rated Premier cover. Monetary limits, excesses and exclusions apply.
• With Clubcard Prices, Clubcard members get a 10% discount when you buy direct. Discount doesn’t apply to Later Life cover or add-ons. Just enter your Clubcard number when you get your quote.
• Access an English-speaking doctor virtually or by telephone appointment should you need it

Tesco Bank Travel Insurance is arranged and administered by Rock Insurance Services Limited and underwritten by Inter Partner Assistance S.A. Gadget Cover is underwritten by AmTrust Europe Limited (AmTrust).

COVID-19 cover includes

• If you have to cancel or cut short your trip as a result of contracting COVID-19.
• Medical treatment if you contract COVID-19 abroad.
• If you’ve got to return home early because the region you’re in goes into lockdown.

Remember to check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and local authorities travel advice before you go. We don't include cover for cancellation where the FCDO or local authorities advise against travel. For full details of the COVID-19 cover provided on our policies take a look at the policy booklet . Monetary limits, excesses and exclusions apply.

Some little helps to get you on your way

Compare cover levels.

Monetary limits, excesses and exclusions apply, please see the policy booklet for more information. The maximum limits payable are shown below.

Additional cover

You can choose to add the additional cover below for an extra cost. Monetary limits, excesses and exclusions apply, please see the policy booklet for more information.

Cover for your gadgets including mobiles, e-readers, tablets and smartwatches if they’re lost, stolen or damaged.

Gadgets must be bought new or used from a UK VAT-registered company (or, if bought overseas, a company with the equivalent tax registration), bought second hand, or gifted to you. To make a claim you must have valid proof of purchase. A £50 per person excess applies to all claims.

Need a different type of cover for your trip?

We also have Single Trip cover as well as Annual Multi Trip cover for multiple trips in a year.

Important information

It’s important that you review the full policy document for your Travel Insurance policy. It contains details of cover, exclusions and limitations of your travel insurance. Monetary limits and excesses apply.

If you purchased or renewed your travel insurance policy on or after 13 December 2023, your policy document is below.

If you purchased or renewed your travel insurance policy before 13 December 2023, your policy document is below.

The Insurance Product Information Documents summarise the key features, benefits and exclusions of cover.

The Insurance Product Information documents summarise the key features, benefits and exclusions of our additional cover.

Gadget Cover Documents

If you purchased or renewed your policy on or after 13 December 2023, your policy document is below.

If you purchased or renewed your policy before 13 December 2023, your policy document is below.

Car Hire Document

How we collect and use your personal data.

Tesco Personal Finance PLC (trading as Tesco Bank) acts as an intermediary for this policy. Tesco Bank Travel Insurance is arranged and administered by Rock Insurance Services Limited and underwritten by Inter Partner Assistance S.A. Gadget Cover is underwritten by AmTrust Europe Limited (AmTrust). You can find out more about how ROCK will process and share your data in their Privacy Notice.

ROCK will share some of your information with Tesco Bank as set out in their privacy notice and you can find out more about how Tesco Bank will then process that data in our Privacy Policy .

ROCK will also share data with IPA UK and AmTrust so that they can underwrite your policy and if you make a claim. You can find out more about how IPA UK will process your data in the ‘Data Protection Notice and Fraud’ section of the Policy Wording document and by visiting the  AXA Assistance website and AmTrust Europe website .

Key benefits of travel medical insurance

• Travel medical insurance coverage
• Who needs medical travel insurance?

Choosing the right travel medical insurance

How to use travel medical insurance, is travel medical insurance right for your next trip, travel medical insurance: essential coverage for health and safety abroad.

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.

• Travel medical insurance covers unexpected emergency medical expenses while traveling.
• Travelers off to foreign countries or remote areas should strongly consider travel medical insurance.
• If you have to use your travel medical insurance, keep all documents related to your treatment.

Of all the delights associated with travel to far-flung locales, getting sick or injured while away from home is low on the savvy traveler's list. Beyond gut-wrenching anxiety, seeking medical treatment in a foreign country can be exceedingly inconvenient and expensive.

The peace of mind that comes with travel insurance for the many things that could ail you while abroad is priceless. As options for travel-related insurance abound, it's essential to research, read the fine print, and act according to the specifics of your itinerary, pocketbook, and other needs.

Travel insurance reimburses you for any unexpected medical expenses incurred while traveling. On domestic trips, travel medical insurance usually take a backseat to your health insurance. However, when traveling to a foreign country, where your primary health insurance can't cover you, travel medical insurance takes the wheel. This can be especially helpful in countries with high medical care costs, such as Scandinavian countries.

Emergency medical evacuation insurance

Another benefit that often comes with travel medical insurance, emergency medical evacuation insurance covers you for any costs to transport you to an adequately equipped medical center. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is often paired with repatriation insurance, which covers costs associated with returning your remains to your home country if the worst happens. 

These benefits are for worst-case scenarios, but they might be more necessary depending on the type of trips you take. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is helpful if you're planning on traveling to a remote location or if you're traveling on a cruise as sea to land evacuations can be costly. Some of the best travel insurance companies also offer non-medical evacuations as part of an adventure sports insurance package.

It's also worth mentioning that emergency medical evacuation insurance is required for international students studying in the US on a J Visa. 

Types of coverage offered by travel medical insurance

The exact terms of your coverage will vary depending on your insurer, but you can expect most travel medical insurance policies to offer the following coverages.

• Hospital room and board
• Inpatient/outpatient hospital services
• Prescription Drugs
• COVID-19 treatment
• Emergency room services
• Urgent care visits
• Local ambulance
• Acute onset of pre-existing conditions
• Dental coverage (accident/sudden relief of pain)
• Medical care due to terrorist attack
• Emergency medical evacuation 
• Repatriation of mortal remains
• Accidental death and dismemberment

Travel medical insurance and pre-existing conditions

Many travel insurance providers will cover pre-existing conditions as long as certain conditions are met. For one, travelers need to purchase their travel insurance within a certain time frame from when they placed a deposit on their trip, usually two to three weeks. 

Additionally, travel insurance companies usually only cover stable medical conditions, which are conditions that don't need additional medical treatment, diagnosis, or medications.

Who needs travel medical insurance?

Even the best-laid travel plans can go awry. As such, it pays to consider your potential healthcare needs before taking off, even if you are generally healthy. Even if well-managed, preexisting conditions like diabetes or asthma can make a medical backup plan even more vital.

Having what you need to refill prescriptions or get other care if you get stuck somewhere other than home could be essential to your health and well-being. That's without counting all the accidents and illnesses that can hit us when away from home.

Individuals traveling for extended periods (more than six months) or engaging in high-risk activities (think scuba diving or parasailing) should also consider a solid medical travel plan. Both scenarios increase the likelihood that medical attention, whether routine or emergency, could be needed.

In the case of travel via the friendly seas, it's also worth considering cruise trip medical travel insurance . Routine care will be available onboard. But anything beyond that will require transportation to the nearest land mass (and could quickly become extremely expensive, especially if you're in another country).

Like other types of insurance, medical travel insurance rates are calculated based on various factors. Failing to disclose a preexisting health condition could result in a lapse of coverage right when you need it, as insurers can cancel your policy if you withhold material information. So honesty is always the best policy.

Even the best-laid travel plans can go awry. As such, it pays to consider your potential healthcare needs before taking off, even if you are generally healthy. Making the right choice when shopping for travel medical insurance can mean the difference between a minor hiccup in your travels and a financial nightmare. 

When a travel insurance company comes up with a quote for your policy, they take a few factors into consideration, such as your age, your destination, and the duration of your trip. You should do the same when assessing a travel insurance company. 

For example, older travelers who are more susceptible to injury may benefit from travel medical insurance (though your premiums will be higher). If you're traveling for extended periods throughout one calendar year, you should look into an annual travel medical insurance plan . If you're engaging in high-risk activities (think scuba diving or parasailing), you should seek a plan that includes coverage for injuries sustained in adventure sports.

Travel medical insurance isn't just for peace of mind. If you travel often enough, there's a good chance you'll eventually experience an incident where medical treatment is necessary.

Before you submit your claim, you should take some time to understand your policy. Your travel medical insurance is either primary (you can submit claims directly to your travel medical insurance provider) or secondary (you must first submit claims to your primary insurance provider). In the case of secondary travel medical insurance, a refusal notice from your primary insurance provider, even if it does not cover medical claims outside the US, is often required as evidence of protocol.

On that note, you should be sure to document every step of your medical treatment. You should keep any receipts for filled prescriptions, hospital bills, and anything else documenting your medical emergency.

As many people have found out the hard way, reading the fine print is vital. Most travel insurance policies will reimburse your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if you fall ill with a severe condition, including illnesses like COVID-19. 

Still on the fence about whether or not medical travel insurance is worth it ? It's worth noting that many travel insurance plans also include medical protections, so you can also protect against trip cancellations and other unexpected developments while obtaining travel medical insurance.

While short, domestic trips may not warrant travel medical insurance, it may be a good idea to insure longer, international trips. You should also consider travel medical insurance for trips to remote areas, where a medical evacuation may be expensive, and more physically tasking trips.

While shopping for travel medical insurance may not be fun, a little advance leg work can let you relax on your trip and give you peace of mind. After all, that is the point of a vacation. 

Medical travel insurance frequently asked questions

Trip insurance covers any unexpected financial losses while traveling, such as the cost of replacing lost luggage, trip interruptions, and unexpected medical expenses. Travel medical insurance just covers those medical expenses without the trip interruption or cancellation insurance.

Travel insurance companies usually offer adventure sports as add-on coverage or a separate plan entirely. You'll likely pay more for a policy with adventure sports coverage. 

Many travel medical insurance policies now include coverage for COVID-19 related medical expenses and treat it like any other illness. However, you should double-check your policy to ensure that is the case.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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Does travel insurance cover COVID-19 or other pandemics?

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

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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.

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