Be aware that certain policies do not cover pandemics when you are deciding whether or not to buy travel insurance. Others might only cover them after the event has been declared. To find out the details, it is a good idea to review your policy documents. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended if you are not sure. It's also a good idea if your policy offers Cancel for Any Reason coverage.
Cancel for Any Reason
Standard travel insurance policies do not cover pandemics or epidemics. Travelers who don't purchase the optional "Cancel For Any Reason" coverage won't likely be able to recover costs associated with a pandemic. New York does not consider "cancel at any time" coverage insurance because it doesn’t apply to a particular event. However, insurers can comply with the law by showing that the benefit relates to an "authorized business."
Many insurance providers have recently added "COVID-19", a pandemic, to their travel insurance policies. However, travelers need to be certified by a medical practitioner in order to receive this coverage. Also, "I'm afraid I will travel" coverage is not included. Cancel for ANY Reason coverage may allow you to get 50-75% off your trip costs. This coverage is very time-sensitive. In order to claim from Cancel for Any Reason, travelers must cancel at least two days prior to departure.
Standard trip cancellation policy
Standard travel insurance policies may not cover travel costs resulting from a pandemic. To add this coverage, you will need to upgrade your policy. The upgrade covers up to 25% of non-refundable costs and costs approximately 40 percent more than the standard plan. This is a good option if you are concerned about an impending pandemic.
To find out if pandemic coverage includes you, ensure you carefully read your policy. To see if other mishaps are excluded, you can also review your policy. You should also ensure that your policy limits cover expenses for other mishaps. Also, ensure your policy covers transport and emergency evacuation in case of an emergency.
Cancellation because of fear of Travel
In general, travel insurance policies won't cover cancellations for fear of pandemics. However, some companies have relaxed their policy rules. You may be eligible for 50-75% of your trip costs under the optional Cancel For Any Reason benefit. However, this benefit can only be claimed if you act quickly. The best way to do so is to cancel at least 2 days before departure.
Most standard travel insurance policies do not cover cancellations due to epidemics, pandemics, or viral outbreaks. Your plan will not cover your trip if your cancellation is due to "fear or travel". But travelers should know that there are many reasons why they may need to cancel. Travelers may need to cancel their trip due to cancellations of airline flights, suspensions of cruise ships, or other issues.
Pre-existing Condition Waiver
Traveling can be dangerous and you could get hurt or become ill, especially if your pre-existing condition is present. You may not be covered by most travel policies, but you may be able to get a waiver if you have a chronic disease.
If you have a medical condition, this waiver will allow you to avoid having to pay a premium. Pre-existing Conditions Waiver: If you have been diagnosed with a condition or suffered from it for at most 60 days prior to buying your travel insurance policy, you may be eligible. However, you should make sure that your policy covers any type of illness by reviewing your medical records.
Cancellation coverage for COVID-19
If you are traveling to a region affected by the Covid-19 virus, it's important to have travel insurance. Certain illnesses may be covered by some insurance policies. Others will cover quarantine costs. It doesn’t matter if it’s for business or pleasure. Make sure you know your specific coverage.
Most insurance policies exclude loss due to epidemics, so you have to ask your provider about cancellation coverage for COVID-19. The amount of coverage you have and your policy limits will affect the answer. COVID-19 is not covered by some plans. Others may offer coverage if such events are covered by a joint private-public initiative.