Coronavirus and travel insurance

 

Apart from other things, Coronavirus has hit the travel industry quite hard. In fact, it comes right after 9/11 when it comes to hitting the travel industry. Reportedly, massive loss of around $100 million is borne by airlines in the Middle East itself. The worldwide impact on airlines is expected to be around $30 billion, a staggering number which has the industry reeling in shock.


But, if you move away from the industry numbers, the Coronavirus outbreak is impacting travelers on a more personal front with lakhs of tourists cancelling or postponing their travel plans. In both cases, a lot of money, including hotel payments and flights are at stake, and there is no knowing if your travel insurance covers it.

·         If you have a travel insurance policy, are about to cancel/postpone a trip and are wondering if your travel insurance will safeguard you, this is what you need to know.

·         It is essential that you booked your travel policy before late January, which is around when insurance providers started cutting off the cover.

·         Another thing you need to check is if your travel insurance policy offers cover against epidemics. Most insurance providers do not offer cover in case of an epidemic, including Coronavirus.

·         Your travel insurance will not safeguard you in case your country has issued a travel advisory against visiting a destination; currently, there are 60 countries that have seen cases of Coronavirus and your go-to should be an official travel advisory issued by the government body.

·         Check with your insurer if your policy safeguards you if you get infected in-transit. A number of insurance providers do, but your best bet is to hear it from the horse’s mouth.