COVID-19 & Travel Insurance
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world of travel considerably. Travel restrictions, vaccine documentation, and quarantine requirements differ by country and change frequently — often with little notice. Add to that a heightened awareness of health and safety precautions, and embarking on a trip to another country — or even the next state — involves more risk than it did before the pandemic.
Many travelers are wondering what kind of travel insurance coverage they may need to cover issues related to COVID-19, particularly illness. Ultimately, every traveler wants an insurance policy that makes them feel confident traveling in this uncertain time, and protected if they have to cancel their trip or end it early for a reason related to COVID-19.
Is COVID-19 covered by travel insurance?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, battleface is providing travel insurance coverage for destinations worldwide, including those for which the U.S. Department of State has issued Travel Advisories against visiting due to a heightened risk profile or infection rate.
Available policies which cover COVID-19 are limited to the following benefits:
- Travel medical expense, emergency evacuation, and repatriation of remains if you or a traveling companion require medical treatment or emergency evacuation due to COVID-19-related sickness while on a covered trip.
- Trip cancellation, trip interruption, and trip delay benefits if you, a traveling companion, or a family member develop an unforeseen COVID-19-related sickness before or during your covered trip and meet the policy requirements for coverage due to sickness.
Note that battleface’s policy benefits do not include coverage for expenses incurred due to stay-at-home orders or precautionary isolation ordered by local health authorities upon arrival at your destination. You should also keep in mind that depending on your destination, these situations change quickly and often, so traveling during this time still incurs some measure of risk.
If you are purchasing a policy to cover you for travel during the COVID-19 period, it’s important that you take the time to read the fine print to understand your benefits, coverage, exclusions, and policy limitations. It’s also important that you closely acquaint yourself with the requirements and restrictions of both your destination country, as well as your country of origin. Countries may have both entrance and exit requirements you will need to adhere to. Ignorance of such requirements resulting in additional expenses, trip delays, or cancellations will not be covered by your travel insurance policy.
Frequently asked questions about Covid-19 and travel insurance
Will I be covered if I have to cancel my trip before I leave because I’m sick with Covid-19?
Yes, assuming you purchased your policy before you became ill. Insurance is intended to cover unforeseen circumstances, so if you are sick with COVID-19, or even if you test positive before purchasing your policy, it can no longer be considered unforeseeable.
If I test positive before my flight and therefore can’t embark on my trip, is my trip cost covered?
If it is deemed by a medical professional that you are not allowed to travel due to a positive COVID-19 test, you would be covered for trip cancellation.
If I don’t get my negative test results back in time and miss my flight, is my trip covered?
Unfortunately, no. That’s why it’s important to understand the requirements for your destination country and plan well in advance, and to schedule any required tests with sufficient time to receive results before your departure.
What if I have to cancel my trip due to changing travel restrictions or guidelines in my destination country?
This situation would only be covered if you purchased a Cancel For Any Reason policy. If you don’t have that coverage, you should contact your travel providers, such as airline, hotel, etc., and request a refund or rebooking with no charge.
Does COVID-19 coverage have age or residency restrictions?
No. As long as you qualify to purchase a battleface policy, you automatically receive coverage for COVID-19-related situations.
If my travel supplier (airline, resort etc) cancels my trip due to COVID-19, is my trip cost covered?
In that situation, the travel supplier is responsible for refunding your payments, or rebooking with no fee.
Will I be covered if I get sick from COVID-19 during my trip?
Yes. COVID-19 is treated like any other sickness if you become sick while traveling.
Does my vaccination status affect the insurance benefits I’m entitled to claim for?
No. Your COVID-19 vaccination status will not affect the travel insurance benefits you may be entitled to.
If I become seriously ill with COVID-19, will I be entitled to emergency medical evacuation coverage?
Yes, just as with medical benefits, COVID-19 would be treated like any other illness if you became sick while traveling. Of course, you would need to contact the battleface Assistance 24-hour hotline as soon as possible.
Does travel insurance cover COVID-19 quarantine?
If you are actually diagnosed with sickness due to COVID-19 and required to quarantine, there may be coverage under your policy. There would be no coverage in cases where there is not an actual diagnosis of or sickness due to COVID-19, such as being subject to a stay-at-home order due to possible exposure, or a requirement to isolate upon arrival by local health authorities as a precaution.
Will future pandemics be covered by travel insurance?
Each one will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Travel Restrictions Tool
During COVID-19, guidelines and restrictions can change fast. Use battleface’s travel tool to make informed and timely decisions based on factors including trip origin, destination, travel dates, nationality, and current restrictions.
Further resources on the Covid-19 travel situation
Requirements, regulation, and health & safety protocols change often during this pandemic. It’s important as a traveler to stay informed of what government and public health agencies are saying about how residents and travelers can stay safe. It’s wise to regularly check the following resources.
U.S. Department of State: Refer to the State Department for country-specific information on Covid-19, including entry requirements for American citizens traveling abroad, the safety situation on the ground, and any re-entry requirements you may need to fulfill before returning to the U.S., including tests and quarantines.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: The CDC provides Americans with up-to-date guidance on topics including vaccinations, masking, safe ways to gather and socialize, how to prevent aerosol transmission, and staying safe while traveling. Refer to their website for changing guidance.
World Health Organization: The WHO is a globally-focused resource on vaccines and safety measures to prevent the spread of Covid 19. Its guidance is updated regularly, but should not be considered a replacement for country-specific rules and guidance.
