Does Travel Insurance Cover COVID?
The coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to evolve. The product information provided below are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy or Description of Coverage. Coverage and rates may vary by states. If there is any conflict between the contents of this website and the Policy or Description of Coverage, the Policy or Description of Coverage will govern in all cases.
Trip Cancellation coverage: Reimbursement for trip cancellation due to concern or fear of travel associated with sickness, epidemic, or pandemic is not covered. Also excluded from trip cancellation benefits are any travel advisories, government regulation or prohibition for travel, and your destination being inaccessible due to this illness.
Your travel insurance policy still includes trip cancellation coverage for many reasons listed in your policy including any serious injury, death or sickness. For example, if you contract the coronavirus and you are deemed by a doctor unfit to travel before your trip, you may be eligible for trip cancellation coverage. Please read the policy for a complete list and explanation of coverage, limitations, and exclusions.
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage: Travelers who purchase CFAR coverage, which typically costs around 40% more than the plan’s quoted rate, may be eligible for reimbursement of up to 50% of their non-reimbursable total trip cost. CFAR is a time-sensitive coverage and you may only be eligible if you purchase CFAR at the time of your base policy purchase, insure your full trip cost, and cancel more than 48 hours prior to departure.
It is important to note other travel insurance benefits included in your comprehensive travel insurance plan still apply when traveling:
Emergency Medical coverage: Can provide coverage if you get sick or injured on your trip, including if the traveler were to contract the coronavirus and require treatment while on their trip.
Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage: Can provide coverage if it is determined by a medical provider that a sick traveler requires an emergency medical evacuation to the nearest hospital or back home.
Trip Interruption: Can provide coverage if it is determined by a medical provider that a sick traveler cannot continue with a trip and must return home. If you are quarantined during your trip as a result of coronavirus, you may be covered under trip interruption for expenses up to the limit of coverage in your specific plan.
A few additional important notes for travelers:
• Check with the airlines and other travel suppliers before filing a claim, to determine if travel suppliers are offering cancellation refunds or change accommodations.
• Review your policy and call us with questions as policies can vary.
Questions Regarding Home Test Kits
Q: Are home test kits that provide no telemedicine service, no validation of who took the test, when, and a dated outcome acceptable proof of a positive result for any claim related to Sickness or Quarantine, and any associated benefits?
A: Results from these types of Covid home testing kits do not provide sufficient verification of identity or date verification so they will not be accepted as proof of a positive test resulting in being required to Quarantine, nor is it acceptable as proof for any claim related to Sickness.
Q: The tests are “proctored” by a telemedicine service that verifies the insured’s identity, provides video guidance and monitoring of the test taking and can provide proof of positive result with the Insured’s name, date of test administration and result of test. Are the results of this type of home Covid test acceptable proof of a positive result?
A: The results of this type of home test kit is acceptable as proof of a positive test resulting in a necessary Quarantine.
Q: If a subsequent Covid test is required as a result of a covered Trip Delay, is the Insured eligible for reimbursement for the cost of a new test if their initial one is no longer acceptable as proof to enter/return from a destination?
A: No. A Covid test does not meet the definition of “Reasonable Additional Expenses” and is not considered medically necessary, therefore it is not an eligible expense covered under Trip Delay.
Q: If a physician recommends a Covid test to an Insured while in destination as a result of the Insured seeking medical attention, is that expense eligible for reimbursement under Medical Expense Benefit/Accident & Sickness Medical Expense Benefit?
A: This expense would be eligible for reimbursement as it would be considered medically necessary.
Q: Is the expense of a Covid test required to enter or return from a destination as per a country’s entry requirements a covered expense?
A: No. This is not medically necessary, and our plans do not provide coverage for cost of entry requirements while traveling.
Travel insurance policies contain exclusions and limitations. Coverages may vary by state and plan purchased. The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travel insurance is underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company.
E&O Payments
COVID-19: We have placed a moratorium on cancellations for non-payment of premium according to state regulations. If you are experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 crisis, please contact us at agencysales@bhspecialty.com or 866-375-3838.