6. How can leisure travellers get insurance coverage for their travels?
Leisure travellers will traditionally purchase travel insurance through their insurance agent, travel agent, travel supplier or
financial institution. Consumers need to review policies, ask questions, and make sure that they have the level of coverage
that they may require.
It is especially important for consumers to verify that coverage is included for COVID-19 / Pandemic-related illnesses, any
pre-existing medical conditions they have (and make sure they meet any stability period requirements), and activities they
may participate in. It is recommended that travellers consult with an organization or individual who is legally able to oer an
insurance product where they reside.
7. Will travel insurance provide coverage to cover the cost of quarantining in your destination country?
Travel insurance will provide coverage for events that are unknown at the time of purchase. If the quarantine is the result of
a positive diagnosis or part of recommended treatment for an emergency and the coverage is provided within the policy of
insurance, then it would be covered.
This is where you will need to review the insurance products to verify the benefits, exclusions, and limitations. These policies
will change, and they will vary between insurance providers. Be sure to check your insurance policy before you travel to make
sure you have the appropriate coverage.
8. What happens if a traveller tests positive at a travel destination with insurance coverage?
If insurance coverage is in place and the coverage has specific benefits related to medical care, and COVID-19 / Pandemics
are not excluded, then all costs related to the illness would be covered according to the wording in the insurance policy.
Further to what was mentioned in question 4, eligibility for insurance benefits will also likely depend on whether there was
an advisory not to travel to a specific destination before the departure of the traveller to that destination. This will vary and
depend on policy wording.
9. What happens if a traveller tests positive at a travel destination without insurance coverage?
The traveller would need to follow the local public health authority’s instructions, government regulations, and medical
professionals’ guidelines. The health care facilities or government entities may require a form of payment to cover any or all
related costs, including additional accommodation and quarantine requirements.
10. What happens if a traveller tests positive on their way back from their trip? Will the insurance provider
cover the flights? What will the insurance provider cover?
If there is coverage in place for COVID-19 / Pandemic-related illnesses and specialized care or treatment is needed to air
evacuate the traveller to their home country after diagnosis of COVID-19, and the traveller is declared fit to fly, then travel
medical insurance coverage may provide coverage for the cost of the return home.
If the traveller is taken to a facility in their home country that is far from their residence or they do not have local health
insurance in their country of residence, then the traveller should verify that the travel medical insurance will cover home
country costs associated with continued medical treatment. Most travel insurance policies do not cover expenses incurred
in a traveller’s home country.
Please Note: If the traveller is diagnosed with COVID-19 on the way back from their trip, depending on the leg of their
journey they will most likely will be required to remain in the country where they have been diagnosed with COVID until they
have recovered or are deemed to be fit to fly. The nature of the illness may not warrant evacuation. Each policy varies and
travellers should check prior to departure.
11. Can a travel provider, agent, OTA, TMC acquire travel insurance coverage for their guests, travellers,
members?
Yes, travel medical and non-medical insurance coverage is available that does provide coverage for COVID-19 / Pandemic
related illness and cancellation of travel arrangements. The availability of this coverage varies by country and region of
the world. You will need to verify that the insurance company providing the travel insurance product will not exclude
coverage for COVID-19 or Pandemic-related medical conditions. Remember that coverage is not the same as it was before
the declaration of a Pandemic by the World Health Organization.
Insurers have changed their wording and coverage exclusions. Insurers have had large losses related to the Pandemic and
many have exited the business or introduced clauses limiting or excluding coverage for Pandemics.
Should an OTA, TMC, or other travel provider desire to have a plan for their customers it is recommended that they discuss
coverage with an insurance professional and create a plan that will mitigate and share risk with both parties in the event of
a catastrophic loss of any kind. Policies should be designed to cover individual losses due to pandemic and deal with the
catastrophic costs that could result from a loss.
INSURANCE
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WORLD TRAVEL & TOURISM COUNCIL