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  • Travel Insurance

Already with AMI? Take 10% off your travel insurance.*

*Use promo code AMICUST Discount applies to existing AMI customers and to premiums for the standard policies net of Government levies and GST (if applicable). Discounts do not apply to premiums for cover additional to standard policies or to any minimum premium.

Great options to suit your travel within New Zealand or overseas

ami travel insurance covid

Overseas cover & annual multi-trip cover

Our overseas travel covers medical, dental and hospital treatment*, lost luggage, and personal liability, and can get you and your family home in certain emergencies.

Travel a lot? Take out our annual multi-trip option and you’re covered for as many trips as you like, for 12 months.**

Find out more

ami travel insurance covid

Domestic Cover

If your plans while travelling in New Zealand change unexpectedly, we can cover the cost of cancelling or amending your flight, accommodation or rental car bookings and other expenses, up to $10,000.

Inbound Cover - Visiting NZ

Are you a non-resident visiting friends and family in NZ, or on a working holiday? Our Inbound plan can cover medical and dental expenses, luggage and travel documents, rental vehicle insurance excess, personal liability and more!

ami travel insurance covid

Travel Cover During Covid-19

Planning an adventure? Check out our scenario-based FAQs explaining how we could cover you if Covid-19 plays havoc with your trip: AMI Travel Cover and Covid-19 FAQs

Find out before you go – our Covid-19 Benefits Destination Guide explains how AMI Travel cover applies when travelling to different international destinations: Covid-19 Benefits Destination Guide

Still unsure? Ask us a question

Compare our Travel Cover Plans

Every driver’s different, so our car policies come with different features.

Policy benefits

Medical and dental expenses

Additional expenses

Amendment or cancellation costs

Luggage and travel documents

Delayed luggage allowance

Rental vehicle insurance excess

Travel delay

Resumption of journey

Missed connections

Special events

Hospital incidentals

Loss of income

Accidental death

Legal expenses

Personal liability

Get a travel quote now

This is only a summary of benefits provided. Please refer to AMI Travel Policy Wording for full details of the cover provided. Please read the entire document carefully to understand what this policy covers. Importantly, please note that conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits apply.

Specific terms, conditions and exclusions apply to Covid-19. See the policy wording for the most up to date information.

* Cover will not exceed 12 months from the onset of the illness or injury. Medical and dental expenses cover is limited to $1,500 for treatment provided in New Zealand. This $1,500 sub-limit does not apply to our Inbound Plan. ^ Cover chosen applies per policy. See the policy wording . • Item limits apply for any one item, set or pair of items including attached or unattached accessories. You may increase these item limits if you wish. See the policy wording . # If you or your travelling companion are diagnosed with Covid-19 by a qualified medical practitioner and are unable to travel, you can claim cancellation or amendment costs for your prepaid trip up to a benefit limit of $10,000 per policy on an international Plan or $5,000 per policy on a Domestic Plan or if applicable, up to the level of cover purchased for cancellation (whichever is lower). There is also no cover if symptoms or diagnosis occurred prior to buying your policy. ~ The maximum liability collectively 14, 15, and 16 is $15,000 International Plan, and $10,000 on a Domestic Plan

This is only a summary of the benefit provided. Please refer to the policy wording . For details of the cover provided. Please read the entire document carefully to understand what the relevant policy covers. Importantly, please note that conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits apply, and this summary of benefits table may change at any time.

Before you travel

ami travel insurance covid

Travel safety

Find out more information about events that may affect you when you travel.

ami travel insurance covid

Travel tips

Our team of intrepid Kiwi travellers has come up with a list of handy travel tips to help make your holiday even better.

AMI Travel insurance is underwritten by Zurich Australian Insurance Limited ("ZAIL") incorporated in Australia, ABN 13 000 296 640, trading as Zurich New Zealand. IAG New Zealand Limited (“IAG”), of which AMI is a business division, is not the insurer. IAG receives a commission for the issue of AMI-branded travel policies arranged through Cover-More (NZ) Limited (“Cover-More”). Cover-More administers the policy and acts on behalf of Zurich New Zealand. IAG does not guarantee Zurich New Zealand or Cover-More.

AMI Travel Website Disclaimer 12072022

Limits, sub-limits, conditions, and exclusions apply. Standard excess may apply.

AMI Travel insurance is administered by Cover-More NZ Ltd, underwritten and issued by Zurich Australian Insurance Limited (ZAIL) incorporated in Australia, ABN 13 000 296 640 , trading as Zurich New Zealand. For further information see Zurich New Zealand's financial strength rating .

Any advice is general advice only. Consider the AMI Travel Policy Brochure and wording therein before deciding to buy this product. IAG receives a commission for the issue of AMI branded travel policies arranged through Cover-More (NZ) Limited ("Cover-More").

IAG New Zealand Limited ("IAG"), of which AMI is a business division, is not the insurer. IAG does not guarantee Zurich New Zealand or Cover-More.

Quick and easy claims We're here for you if something disrupts your trip. Save time and submit your claim online.

Where are you going.

Worldwide including the Americas, the Caribbean and Antarctica: Antarctica (Cruising), Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Rep, Ecuador, El Salvador, Falkland Islands, French Guiana, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Netherlands Antilles, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela, Virgin Islands.

Africa, Middle East, Indian Sub-Continent and Asia (other): Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Azores, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Chad, China, Central African Republic, Comoros, Congo (Dem. Rep), Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, India, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Korea (north), Korea (south), Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Macau, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mauritania, Mozambique, Maldives, Malawi, Mali, Mongolia, Morocco, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Niger, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Reunion, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Europe: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Herzegovina, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Maderia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, Vatican City.

UK: Channel Islands, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, United Kingdom, Wales.

South East Asia, Hong Kong, Japan: Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), Nauru, Northern Marianas, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam

South Pacific and Norfolk Island:  Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Niue, Norfolk Island, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Western Samoa.

New Zealand Only:  New Zealand domestic travel

New Zealand Inbound Travellers :   New Zealand

Dates of Travel

Departure date (travel start date).

Single Trip - The date you depart New Zealand

Cover under the Amendment or Cancellation Costs benefit begins from the time you buy your policy. Cover under all other sections begins from the Travel Start Date you select.

Annual Multi-Trip - The date your policy will commence

Cover under the Amendment or Cancellation Costs benefit begins from the time you buy your policy. For further information, we recommend you read the definition of "Relevant Time" in the Policy Wording.

Return date - (Travel end date)

Single Trip - The date you return to your home

Annual Multi-Trip

Regardless of what you enter as the Return date, you will be quoted for a 12 month Annual Multi-Trip policy.

For further information we recommend that you read the definition of "Relevant Time" in the Policy Wording.

Traveller Details

Age of each traveller at issue date

Simply enter the age of each traveller including children.

Only use as many boxes as you have travellers.

Do all travellers live in New Zealand?

New Zealand resident travellers are able to purchase Travel Insurance policies from us to any area of travel and any country/destination.

Non-New Zealand resident travellers are only able to purchase a Travel Insurance policy if travelling inbound to New Zealand.

For Non-New Zealand resident travellers wanting to purchase Travel Insurance to travel to any other part of the world other than travel to New Zealand, please contact us as we may still be able to offer cover to you.

U.S. News takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

The 5 Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Options

ami travel insurance covid

Travelex Insurance Services »

ami travel insurance covid

Allianz Travel Insurance »

ami travel insurance covid

World Nomads Travel Insurance »

ami travel insurance covid

Generali Global Assistance »

ami travel insurance covid

IMG Travel Insurance »

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best COVID Travel Insurance Options.

Table of Contents

  • Rating Details
  • Travelex Insurance Services
  • Allianz Travel Insurance

Even though COVID-19 is no longer considered a global emergency, concerns around illness-related costs remain for many travelers. If you're looking for travel insurance that covers COVID – as well as other potential disruptions like flight delays and lost luggage – these are your best options.

  • Travelex Insurance Services: Best Optional Coverage Add-ons
  • Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for Multitrip and Annual Plans
  • World Nomads Travel Insurance: Best for Active Travelers
  • Generali Global Assistance: Best for Comprehensive Travel Insurance
  • IMG Travel Insurance: Best for Travel Medical Insurance

Best COVID Travel Insurance Options in Detail

Plans include coverage for COVID-19

Optional CFAR coverage is available with Travel Select plan

Some coverages require an upgrade, including rental car collision, accidental death and dismemberment, and more

Not all add-ons are available with every plan

Allianz offers some travel insurance plans that come with an epidemic coverage endorsement

Single-trip, multitrip and annual plans available

COVID-19 benefits don't apply to every plan

Low coverage limits with some plans (e.g., only $10,000 in emergency medical coverage with OneTrip Basic plan)

24-hour travel assistance services included

More than 200 sports and activities covered in every plan

Low trip cancellation benefits ($2,500 maximum) with Standard plan

No CFAR option is offered

Free 10-day trial period

Some coverage limits may be insufficient

Rental car damage coverage only included in top-tier Premium plan

Offers travel medical insurance, international travel health insurance and general travel insurance plans

Some plans include robust coverage for testing and quarantine due to COVID-19

Not all plans from IMG offer coverage for COVID-19

Cancel for any reason coverage not available with every plan

Frequently Asked Questions

When comparing COVID-19 travel insurance options, you'll want to make sure you fully understand the coverages included in each plan. For example, you should know the policy inclusions and limits for COVID-related claims, including coverage for testing, treatments, trip cancellation or COVID-related interruptions that can occur. Meanwhile, you should understand how your coverage will work if you contract some other illness while away from home.

Also ensure your travel insurance coverage will kick in for other mishaps that occur, and that limits are sufficient for your needs. If you're planning a trip to a remote area in a country like Costa Rica or Peru , you'll want to have emergency evacuation and transportation coverage with generous limits that can pay for emergency transportation to a hospital if you need treatment.

You can also invest in a travel insurance policy that offers cancel for any reason coverage. This type of travel insurance plan lets you cancel and get a percentage of your prepaid travel expenses back for any reason, even if you just decide you're better off staying home.

It depends on your private health insurance provider and/or travel insurance policy. As of May 11, 2023, private health insurers are no longer required to cover the cost of COVID-19 testing. Out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 test kits at local drugstores and on Amazon are relatively affordable, however.

As you search for plans that will provide sufficient coverage for your next trip, you'll find travel insurance that covers COVID-19 quarantine both inside and outside the United States. However, you'll typically need to have your condition certified by a physician in order for this coverage to apply. Also make sure your travel insurance plan includes coverage for travel claims related to COVID-19 in the first place.

Many travel insurance plans do cover trip cancellation as a result of COVID-19, although the terms vary widely. You typically need to be certified by a physician in order to prove your condition. Disinclination to travel because of COVID-19 – such as fear of exposure to illness – will generally not be covered. This means you will actually have to test positive for coronavirus for benefits to apply; simply not wanting to travel is not a sufficient reason to make a claim.

If you want more flexibility in your COVID-19 travel insurance, ensuring you have a cancel for any reason policy may be your best bet, but be sure to check with your chosen travel insurance provider to assess your options.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning writer who has been covering travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched the best travel insurance options for her own trips to more than 50 countries around the world and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. Over the years, Johnson has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations. Johnson also works alongside her travel agent partner, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states.

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ami travel insurance covid

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ami travel insurance covid

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Travel Insurance for Covid 19: What you need to know in 2022

Share this article

If Covid-19 interrupts my travel plans, what will international travel insurance cover?

It's the question many travellers around the world are already asking and, if New Zealand's planned border reopening goes ahead, many Kiwis will soon be asking it too.

The pandemic has dramatically changed the risk involved with travel, not just from a health perspective but also a cost, as cancelled flights and changed borders can scrap plans in an instant.

From an unknown, uninsurable risk, some insurers are now providing Covid-19 cover with policies, but not everything is covered if Covid-19 hits.

New Zealand Government still advises against travel

To start, it's important to note the Government currently advises against people travelling overseas.

Due to the risk of Covid-19, MFAT's safe travel advice for New Zealanders continues to be "do not travel overseas at this time," due to the risk of Covid-19, with the exception of the Cook Islands.

A key word here is 'advice'; meaning, you aren't legally prevented from travelling but it will be far harder to get cover for Covid-19 related events.

Namely because if the Government considers something risky, insurers will too. The result? Covid-19-related travel insurance tends to be limited and, more importantly for travellers, it will not apply while Safe Travel advises against travel.

"We're a long way out of the woods yet," says Tim Grafton, chief executive of Insurance Council New Zealand.

With the possible emergence of new 'variants of concern' such as Omicron and changing travel restrictions, Grafton says travellers should be aware that some risks will not be covered.

"It will evolve and insurers will try to be as supportive as they can be, but there won't be an open, coverall approach while Covid-19 remains a pandemic."

Despite Government's recent announcement to scrap MIQ for some travellers early next year, Grafton said this won't change much in terms of insurance cover.

"Whether or not people are required to be in MIQ or not has no impact on travel policies," he said, although international travel might become more common.

What most Covid-19 policies do cover

As a general rule, most Covid-19 policies will provide cover for personal disruption by an individual case or cluster.

This means, if your trip is cancelled or cut short as a result of you or a relevant person getting Covid-19, you will be covered.

What most Covid-19 policies don't cover

One glaring exclusion from many Covid-19 policies is large-scale, government-mandated restrictions or snap lockdowns.

According to Southern Cross, including this in cover would be too expensive.

"Our customers also want affordable travel insurance, so our policies currently don't provide cover for lockdowns, which would expose us to much greater insured losses," the company told ABC news.

Yet, if Europe is anything to go by, the threat of a snap lockdown is still very real in many countries.

Additionally, most will not cover Covid-19 related costs if you enter quarantine or self-isolation you knew about in advance, visit a "Do Not Travel" country, travel against doctor advice, or are on an itinerary involving cruise travel.

Note: Much like an injury or accident, the Covid-19 related event must occur after purchasing your policy in order to be covered.

Travel insurance requirement by destination

Some destinations like Singapore, Fiji and Thailand require visitors to have travel insurance that includes Covid-19 coverage and a minimum cover value.

Buy insurance before you buy anything related to your trip.

SOUTHERN CROSS

Limited cover for events relating to Covid-19 if fully vaccinated and purchase Domestic or TravelCare travel insurance policies. Covered:

If you or a relevant person are diagnosed with Covid-19 and you must change or cancel travel plans.

Medical expenses if you are diagnosed with Covid-19 while travelling.

If you or a relevant person are diagnosed with Covid-19 after you leave and the journey is interrupted or cut short.

Not covered:

Destinations without a SafeTravel website of 'Exercise normal safety and security precautions' (level 1) or 'Exercise increased caution' (level 2).

Government-issued travel bans, lockdowns or border closures relating to Covid-19.

Do not cover any cancellation costs or additional costs incurred because of Coronavirus (Covid-19) at this time.

NZ Government-sanctioned quarantine or self-isolation that means you cannot go or continue on your trip.

If you are denied boarding on any scheduled public transport service based on the suspicion that you have Covid-19.

Other epidemics and pandemics.

Disinclination to travel due to fear or change of mind.

Travel taken against New Zealand Government advice.

Quarantine or mandatory isolation applying to a population or part of a population.

Single trip policies cover:

Your leave is revoked due to Covid-19 as an essential worker.

Denied boarding due to positive covid-19 test at NZ airport or port.

Cancellation or amendment when non-travelling relative falls ill with covid-19 or passes away.

Treatment for Covid-19 while travelling.

Accommodation and transport costs if you have to stay/quarantine in a destination after getting Covid-19.

Repatriation flight if you fall ill with Covid-19.

If you can't stay with someone because they have Covid-19 (only AU + NZ).

Travel delay or missed connection due to Covid-19 on premises (only AU + NZ).

Holiday activity, show or concert cancelled due to Covid-19 on-premises (only AU + NZ).

Early return if a non-travelling relative or business partner in NZ or Australia is diagnosed with a life-threatening case of Covid-19.

Mandatory quarantine or isolation related to arriving to an area.

Cruise related travel.

The international insurance broker began providing 'Epidemic Coverage Endorsement' this year as an add on for Covid related travel claims.

Emergency medical care should holders become ill with Covid-19 on their trip.

Trip cancellation and trip interruption policyholder, their family member or travel companion becomes ill with Covid-19 before or during or the trip.

Additional accommodation and transportation expenses should a member of the party catch Covid-19.

Expenses incurred during individually-ordered quarantine.

Should your travel be rescheduled you can change the dates of cover by up to 770 days.

Voluntary cancellations, should you decide not to travel for whatever reason.

Insurers AMI have begun offering some Covid-related cover since the beginning of the year. This is largely dependent on where, and how you are travelling. Cruises, for example, continue to be excluded from many of the Covid-related inclusions.

What's covered:

If you are diagnosed with Covid-19 and must change or cancel travel plans.

Flight costs should you be denied board due to a positive Covid-19 test.

Cancellation should you be required to isolate pre-trip (requiring your travel does not involve cruise and are travelling to Australia or New Zealand).

Missed travel, cancelled activities or accommodation in Australia or New Zealand due to Covid-19.

Cancellation should a non-travelling relative fall ill with Covid-19.

Not Covered: Government interventions or travel restrictions such as national or regional lockdowns

Voluntary change or cancellation of travel plans.

ADD ON COVER:

Air new zealand.

All international single trip travel insurance policies receive below benefits relating to specified Covid-19 events.

Cancelling your trip if you have Covid-19.

Emergency medical expenses related to Covid-19.

Repatriation to help you get back home.

If you're denied boarding with a positive test for Covid-19.

A travelling companion(s) or people you live with are diagnosed with Covid-19.

Daily benefit if you are ordered to self-isolate in your holiday accommodation if you have Covid-19 (travel to Australia).

Disruption if the person you are due to stay with is diagnosed with Covid-19 (travel to Australia).

Not Covered:

Covid-19 cover in the policy does not apply in the event that any government calls for border closures.

Single trip cover for Covid-19 'Cover-More' is add on cover from travel agents including Flight Centre and travellers with a set itinerary. What's covered:

Cancellation or amendments travel because you are diagnosed with Covid-19 before departure.

Cancellation or changes due to a non-travelling relative or business partner contracts Covid-19 in New Zealand or Australia.

Disruption if the person you are due to stay with is diagnosed with Covid-19 or told to isolate.

Disruption of travel within New Zealand and Australia, should there be an outbreak of Covid-19 the location where you are due to stay or visit.

What's not covered Travel disruption or cancellations due to a government mandated lockdown.

Most travel outside of Australia and New Zealand, or anywhere with a 'do not travel' advisory on the MFAT or DFAT safe travel advice.

Credit card travel insurance

Bnz credit card.

BNZ Platinum credit card International Leisure Travel Insurance, provides Covid-19 cover if you purchase a single-trip travel insurance policy from BNZ and travel overseas within a NZ Government sanctioned bubble.

If you/travel companion or relative contract Covid-19 after purchasing policy but before travelling and have to alter or cancel plans

If you/travel companion or relative contract Covid-19 after purchasing policy but before travelling and accrue related medical costs outside of New Zealand

Early return to New Zealand in order to care for someone diagnosed with Covid-19 while you are travelling.

If you must enter managed isolation or quarantine while on your trip due to Covid-19.

Cancellation or reasonable additional travel costs if a travel provider, relative you planned to stay with or event organiser cancels or alters services due to a Covid-19 outbreak and is ordered to undertake a deep clean.

Travel outside a bubble sanctioned by NZ government from the date the bubble opens.

Government directives including the pause, closure or suspension of a bubble.

Government mandate for all travellers to isolate, quarantine or lockdown upon return.

Any cruise travel.

American Express NZ Credit Card

Policies purchased after 23 March 2020 will not provide any cover for claims directly or indirectly arising from, relating to or in any way connected with Covid-19 (or any mutation or variation thereof or any related strain).

Therefore, no travel, health or expense claims related to Covid-19 will be covered.

ANZ Credit Card

If you have paid at least half of all prepaid travel expenses on a qualifying ANZ credit card, for a trip that is 90 days or less to and from New Zealand, you qualify for ANZ Premium Card Overseas Travel Insurance.

Whilst there is no General Exclusion for pandemic or epidemic mentioned in the Premium Cards, ANZ Eligible Cardholders should be aware that other exclusions have the potential to apply.

Additional Information

Contact individual providers for additional information on policies ad travel insurance cover.

ami travel insurance covid

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Travel Insurance

Best COVID travel insurance of 2024

Amy Fontinelle

Heidi Gollub

Heidi Gollub

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 8:07 a.m. UTC March 14, 2024

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The best COVID travel insurance is Seven Corners’ Trip Protection Basic, according to our analysis of travel insurance plan rates and coverage options.

Editor’s note: This article contains updated information from a previously published story .

Seven Corners

Travel insured, usi affinity.

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of insurance products and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best product for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.

  • 851 coverage details evaluated.
  • 161 rates reviewed.
  • 5 levels of fact-checking.

Top-rated travel insurance for COVID-19

Seven Corners

Top-scoring plan

Medical limit per person, emergency evacuation limit per person, what you should know.

Seven Corners’ Trip Protection Basic plan is the most affordable of all COVID travel insurance plans we analyzed. This 5-star plan comes with basic coverage levels for emergency medical and medical evacuation.

If you’d like higher coverage limits, consider Seven Corners’ Trip Protection Choice plan which gets 4 stars in our rating. It’s more expensive but comes with $500,000 per person in primary medical coverage and $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.

Pros and cons

  • A low cost option for COVID travel insurance.
  • “Cancel for any reason” and “interruption for any reason” upgrades available.
  • Average cost of a CFAR upgrade is lower than many competitors.
  • Basic plan has secondary emergency medical coverage, not primary.
  • No coverage for non-medical evacuation with Basic plan ($20,000 with Choice plan).

WorldTrips

Top-scoring plans

Medical evacuation limit per person.

WorldTrips has two COVID travel insurance plans that tie with 4.5 stars: Atlas Journey Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier.

The Preferred plan is more affordable and provides $100,000 per person in emergency medical benefits as secondary coverage, with an optional upgrade to primary coverage. Atlas Journey Preferred is also the best travel insurance for cruises .

The more expensive Premier plan comes with $150,000 in travel medical insurance that’s primary coverage.

  • Both plans have top-notch $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
  • Each plan includes travel inconvenience coverage of $750 per person.
  • 12 optional upgrades, including destination wedding and rental car damage and theft.
  • No non-medical evacuation coverage.
  • “Interruption for any reason” upgrade is only available with the Premier plan and only offers up to 50% reimbursement if you want to end your trip early.

Travel Insured

Travel Insured’s Worldwide Trip Protector plan provides strong benefits overall for the price. It falls short of our emergency medical coverage benchmark but offers superior evacuation benefits at a competitive price.

  • Emergency medical evacuation coverage is a superior $1 million.
  • Excellent 75% “cancel for any reason” upgrade available.
  • Very good 75% “interruption for any reason” upgrade available.
  • Lost baggage and personal items coverage of $1,000 per person could be better.
  • Relatively low emergency medical coverage of $100,000.
  • Optional “Interruption for any reason” coverage doesn’t start until 72 hours into your trip.

AIG

Travel Guard Preferred from AIG allows you to customize your policy with a host of optional upgrades. These include “ cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , rental vehicle damage coverage and bundles that offer additional benefits for adventure sports, travel inconvenience, quarantine, pets, security and weddings. There’s also a medical bundle that increases the travel medical benefit to $100,000 and emergency evacuation to $1 million.

  • Bundle upgrades allow you to customize your travel insurance policy.
  • Emergency medical and evacuation limits can be doubled with optional upgrade.
  • Base travel insurance policy has relatively low medical limits.
  • $300 baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour delay.
  • Optional CFAR upgrade only reimburses up to 50% of trip cost.

USI Affinity

Emergency medical limit per person

USI’s Ruby plan meets our standards for emergency medical evacuation and healthcare coverage. Plan costs increase by an average of 50% when you add “cancel for any reason” coverage.

  • Good emergency medical primary coverage of $250,000 per person.
  • Great 75% “cancel for any reason” upgrade available at a competitive price.
  • $300 per person baggage delay and $1,000 baggage loss coverage are just okay.
  • No “interruption for any reason” upgrade available.
  • One of the higher-priced options among our top-rated plans.

Tin Leg

Tin Leg’s Gold plan provides plenty of medical and evacuation coverage to help you get health care if you catch COVID or have another medical problem during your trip. Plan costs increase by an average of 50% when you add “cancel for any reason” coverage.

  • Best-in-class emergency medical primary coverage of $500,000.
  • Optional 75% “cancel or any reason” upgrade available.
  • “Interruption for any reason” coverage isn’t available.
  • Subpar baggage delay ($200 per person) and baggage loss ($500 per person) coverage.
  • One of the more expensive options among our top-rated plans.

Compare the best COVID travel insurance plans

Methodology

Our insurance experts reviewed 851 coverage details and 161 rates to find the best COVID travel insurance plans. For this rating, we only scored travel insurance plans that cover COVID.

The benefits we scored out of a possible 100 points include:

Cost: 70 points. We scored the average cost for each COVID travel insurance policy with “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage for a variety of international trips and traveler profiles.

Emergency medical expense: 10 points.  We scored travel medical insurance by the coverage amount available. Travel insurance policies with travel medical expense benefits of $250,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.

Medical evacuation: 10 points. We scored each plan’s emergency medical evacuation coverage by coverage amount. Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.

“Interruption for any reason” upgrade: 10 points. We gave travel insurance plans with the option of “interruption for any reason” coverage 10 points. This coverage allows you to end your trip early for any reason, including reasons not listed in your policy, and get reimbursed for a certain percentage of your prepaid expenses.

How to buy COVID-19 travel insurance

“Look for travel insurance that covers trip cancellation , trip interruption, emergency medical and emergency medical transportation ,” said Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners USA. A policy that provides epidemic-related coverage may reimburse you for costs associated with a canceled trip, travel delays, mandatory quarantines and being denied boarding due to suspected illness.

Plans that offer emergency medical coverage usually provide medical coverage for treating COVID-19, but you’ll want to read the policy to be sure.

Most travelers are surprised to learn about the 15-day review period that comes with many travel insurance policies, Durazo said. “Consumers should take the time to read their policy and call their provider with questions. If they don’t feel that their policy meets their needs, they can exchange it for a new product or cancel it for a full refund.”

Average cost of COVID travel insurance

The average cost of our top-scoring COVID travel insurance plans is $415 . By adding optional “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage, the average cost of COVID travel insurance rises to $615, an increase of 48%. 

CFAR coverage gives you the flexibility to cancel your travel plans for any reason, as long as you do so at least two days before your scheduled departure. When you cancel, you will typically be reimbursed up to 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses. If you’re interested in adding CFAR coverage to your travel insurance plan, you usually need to do so within two to three weeks of making your first trip deposit. 

How much you pay for travel insurance will depend on factors such as how many travelers you’re insuring and their ages, your trip destination, trip length and total trip cost. On average, travel insurance costs 5% to 6% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses, and adding CFAR coverage to your plan could increase the cost of travel insurance by about 50%.  

What travel restrictions are still in place?

Many travel restrictions that existed in the past three years due to COVID-19 are no longer in place. However, if a new, more dangerous variant emerges or if another infectious disease becomes a serious concern, national governments might reinstate previous restrictions such as requiring a negative virological test or proof of vaccination to enter the country. States and territories may have requirements that differ from national requirements.

Things are always changing, so it’s best to consult the official government website of the country you’re visiting and Travel.State.gov for the latest entry requirements and travel recommendations before booking your trip. Then, continue to check these websites as your trip date approaches to see if you’ll still be able to enter and leave your destination and re-enter the United States.

Quarantine reimbursement from travel insurance

Getting reimbursed by your travel insurance provider requires submitting documents that support your claim. Your policy should spell out what documents you’ll need. 

“Failure to get proper documentation for a claim will almost always delay processing of the claim,” said Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners USA. “Never assume that your insurance company will accept less than what they ask for. Call your insurance provider if you have questions about what documentation they’ll need to process your claim.”

In the case of a quarantine claim, you’ll typically need proof of getting infected with or being exposed to COVID-19, proof that you were required to quarantine, and invoices and receipts from any medical treatment and additional lodging costs. 

For coverage purposes, “a COVID diagnosis has to be from a licensed physician who determines that you can’t travel,” said Stan Sandberg, co-founder and CEO of TravelInsurance.com. “An at-home, self-administered COVID test won’t be enough to pursue a claim under a travel insurance policy.”

What does COVID-19 travel insurance cover?

“Most travel insurance providers today consider COVID like any other unexpected sickness for purposes of coverage,” said Sandberg.

If your plan does not exclude costs related to COVID-19, specific types of coverage under your plan can reimburse some or all of your expenses. These might include additional hotel nights, transportation, meals, medical care, flight changes and more. Here’s how different parts of a travel insurance policy would apply as it pertains to COVID.

  • Extension of coverage. Applies if you have to stay at your destination longer than planned because you get sick and have to quarantine or new travel restrictions emerge.
  • Travel delay. Applies if you or someone traveling with you gets sick or injured en route to, at or returning from your destination or if, say, an airline refuses to let you board because of suspicion of illness. 
  • Trip cancellation . Applies if you get sick before you leave for your trip and have to cancel the whole thing. Be sure to get a diagnosis from a licensed physician. 
  • “ Cancel for any reason ” upgrade. Applies if you decide you don’t want to travel because of a spike in COVID cases or national entry and exit requirements change. Not all plans offer this upgrade, and it can add quite a bit to the cost of your insurance.
  • Trip interruption. Applies if you have to interrupt your trip after reaching your destination — for example, if you have to fly home early because you or someone traveling with you gets sick.
  • “Interruption for any reason” upgrade. Applies if you miss part of your trip for a reason your policy doesn’t otherwise cover — for example, because you have to quarantine, but you don’t actually have COVID. Not all plans offer this upgrade.
  • Emergency medical treatment. Applies if you unexpectedly get COVID during your trip and need health care. Pre-existing conditions are usually excluded. Plan to pay out of pocket and wait for reimbursement.
  • Medical evacuation and repatriation . Applies if you need to be transported to the nearest adequate medical facility for treatment. If, God forbid, you should die of COVID during your trip, this coverage would reimburse you for costs associated with transporting your body back home.

What does COVID-19 travel insurance not cover?

“Most travel insurance providers that offer comprehensive policies have done a great job at accommodating COVID-related disruptions, providing reimbursement for events like quarantines and hospital stays,” said James Clark. Clark is a spokesperson for the travel-insurance comparison site Squaremouth, which is also the company behind Tin Leg and Cat 70 travel insurance. 

“However, there have been a handful of events that travel insurance simply does not cover,” Clark said. “During the height of the pandemic, when countries would close their borders for travel due to the coronavirus outbreak, many customers were unhappy that border closures were not covered by their standard trip cancellation policy.” 

“Policyholders that no longer wanted to travel due to negative test and face mask requirements were also unable to receive reimbursement through standard policies,” he said. “In order to receive reimbursement in these scenarios, a customer would have needed the ‘cancel for any reason’ upgrade.” 

That upgrade also covers “fear of travel,” which almost all travel insurance policies usually exclude, according to Clark. Canceling your trip out of fear of COVID infection or fear that the virus will disrupt your trip somehow is only covered by the CFAR upgrade, he explained.

Best COVID travel insurance FAQs

If you’re traveling within the United States or the U.S. territories, check with your health insurance company to see what coverage you get outside your state of residence. You may have coverage for emergency care and telehealth visits, but not for routine care. It’s also possible that your in-state plan may have arrangements with providers in other states that give you reduced rates.

With the end of the U.S. national emergency and public health emergency declarations related to the COVID-19 pandemic ending in May 2023, group health plans and individual health insurance plans will no longer be required to cover COVID tests and testing-related services without cost-sharing or prior authorization. This, too, could mean an extra expense for you.  

Medicare usually does not pay for health care you receive abroad (unless you’re in a U.S. territory, or, in rare cases, near the border of Canada or Mexico ). 

Other U.S. health insurance may not cover international health care, either, or the health insurance deductible may be high. 

For these reasons, it’s important to choose a travel insurance policy with good emergency medical coverage — which usually has no deductible — when you’re traveling abroad.

Yes, as long as the policy covers COVID-19 and travel to the country or countries you visit. All of the travel insurance plans in our Best COVID travel insurance cover COVID.

Your travel insurance policy’s trip cancellation benefits will apply if you have to cancel your trip before you leave because you test positive for COVID-19. But you need to get diagnosed by a licensed physician if you hope to file a successful claim for your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs like airfare and lodging.

Cruise travel insurance is just travel insurance that doesn’t exclude cruise-related issues or has additional cruise-specific benefits. If you’re going on a cruise and want COVID-19 coverage, make sure your travel insurance policy covers COVID-19 and has high coverage limits for emergency medical and emergency medical evacuation .

You should expect to spend your own money if you need proof of a negative COVID-19 test for travel because travel insurance does not cover predictable expenses. In some cases, such as when you’re recovering from a COVID infection, your health insurance or travel insurance may cover a doctor-ordered test.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Amy Fontinelle

Amy Fontinelle has more than 15 years of experience helping people make informed decisions about their money, whether they’re refinancing a mortgage, buying insurance or choosing a credit card. As a freelance writer trained in journalism and specializing in personal finance, Amy digs into the details to explain the products and strategies that can help (or hurt) people seeking greater financial security and wealth. Her work has been published by Forbes Advisor, Capital One, MassMutual, Investopedia and many other outlets.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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The best Covid-19 travel insurance companies to protect yourself against the uptick in cases

Travel insurance can help if you have to cancel or cut a trip short due to covid..

thumbnail

Though the height of the pandemic may have passed, Covid-19 continues to be a consideration in everyday life. And that's especially true for those who are traveling or booking a trip.  

Getting sick on the road or having to cancel your vacation because of illness is a common concern. However, travel insurance can help you ensure you're covered. Many travel insurance policies consider Covid like they would any other illness, but not all. So, you'll still want to carefully read any travel insurance policy you're considering to make sure Covid isn't excluded. For the most comprehensive coverage, you'll want to opt for a plan with cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage.

To find the travel insurance policies best suited to handle Covid-related issues, CNBC Select looked at Covid coverage and limits for medical coverage and evacuation, among other factors. We found four standouts for the best Covid travel insurance policies. (See our methodology to learn more about how we created this list.)

Best Covid-19 travel insurance   

  • Best overall : AXA Travel Insurance  
  • Runner up : Nationwide Travel Insurance
  • Best for luxury travel : Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection  
  • Best for cancel for any reason coverage : Allianz Travel Insurance  

Best overall  

Axa assistance usa travel insurance.

The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote

Policy highlights

AXA Assistance USA offers several travel insurance policies that include travel interruption, trip cancellation, and the option of cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage.

24/7 assistance available

  • Three tiers of plans available
  • Highly rated for financial strength
  • Cancel for any reason only available on highest-tier coverage

Who's this for?  AXA Travel Insurance is ideal for those seeking high coverage limits for emergency accident and sickness medical expenses, as well as emergency evacuations.

Standout benefits:  AXA's silver plan offers up to $25,000 of medical emergency accident and illness coverage and $100,000 of emergency evacuation coverage, higher than many of the base travel plans we compared. The company's gold and platinum plans offer higher limits, up to $250,000 of medical emergency coverage and $1 million of evacuation coverage. When comparing AXA policies, make sure you have the "Epidemic Coverage Endorsement" included.

[ Jump to more details ]  

Runner up   

Nationwide travel insurance.

Nationwide's wide coverage for travel insurance allows many different types of travelers to find coverage that fits their needs. Three levels of cruise insurance coverage gives extra options to cruise passengers.

  • 10-day review period on cruise insurance policies to make sure the plan meets your needs (not available in NY or WA)
  • Most basic cruise plan doesn't offer CFAR coverage

Who's this for?  Nationwide's travel insurance offers higher limits than many other base plans we reviewed, with limits of $75,000 for medical coverage and $250,000 of emergency evacuation coverage in its essential plan.  

Standout benefits:  Nationwide offers several plans tailored to different needs, including a cruise-specific travel insurance plan and an annual plan for frequent travelers.  

Best for luxury travel 

Berkshire hathaway travel protection.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has multiple plans to cover vacations from luxury travel to adventure travel. The brand's LuxuryCare offers the highest limits of travel insurance coverage offered by the company. Quotes and policies are available online.

  • Wide variety of policies available
  • Strong financial strength rating by AM Best
  • Cancel for any reason only provides reimbursement for up to 50% of non-refundable trip payments

Who's this for? Those considering expensive travel can find sufficient coverage with Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection that meets a variety of needs, including coverage for Covid if needed. 

Standout benefits:  Berkshire Hathaway's top-tier LuxuryCare Travel Insurance includes coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost for trip interruption coverage and $100,000 of medical expense coverage.  

Best for cancel for any reason coverage 

Allianz travel insurance.

10 travel insurance plans make it possible to customize your coverage. For families, Allianz's OneTrip Prime package covers children age 17 and younger when traveling with a parent or grandparent.

  • Trip cancellation benefits can reimburse your prepaid, nonrefundable trip payments if you have to cancel your trip for one of the covered reasons stated in your plan documents. 
  • Limited coverage for risky sports

Who's this for?  For those wanting the option to cancel for any reason (CFAR), Allianz Travel Insurance plans offer lots of different options, including CFAR add-ons.  

Standout benefits:  Allianz's Cancel Anytime upgrade can reimburse up to 80% of non-refundable trip costs for almost any unforeseeable reason not already covered by the policy. That's higher than most other CFAR coverage, which generally covers 70% to 75% of non-refundable trip costs. It's only available on the brand's OneTrip Prime and OneTrip Premier policies.  

More on our top Covid travel insurance companies 

Axa travel insurance  .

AXA offers three travel insurance plans starting at $16. Its silver plan, the lowest tier of coverage, offers high limits for emergency medical expenses at $25,000 and up to 100% of trip costs for trip interruption coverage. Many policies now include epidemic-related covered reasons.

CFAR coverage available?    

Yes, up to 75% of prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs 

24/7 assistance?   

[ Return to summary ]

Nationwide Travel Insurance 

Nationwide offers travel insurance plans for single trips, multi-trips and cruise-specific plans. The company has an A+ rating for financial strength from rating agency AM Best, and its most basic single trip and cruise plans offer a high limit of $75,000 of medical coverage.  

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection  

Berkshire Hathaway's travel coverage can be tailored towards the specific needs of cruise and luxury travelers, with options for higher coverage limits for medical coverage and trip interruption benefits.  

Yes, up to 50% of prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs 

Allianz Travel Insurance 

Allianz Travel Insurance stands out for those who want cancel for any reason coverage, as the percentage reimbursed is higher than other travel insurance providers we reviewed. For traveling families, the company's OneTrip Prime plan also offers free coverage for children ages 17 and younger with a parent's coverage.  

Yes, up to 80% of prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs through the optional Cancel Anytime upgrade 

Does travel insurance cover Covid?  

Travel insurance generally covers Covid-19 as it would any other illness. While fear of catching an illness isn't a cause for cancellation under most policies without a cancel for any reason (CFAR) add-on, being diagnosed with Covid-19 right before or during your trip could qualify you for cancellation, interruption or travel delay coverage.

As with any insurance coverage you're considering, read your travel insurance policy carefully to understand what it does and doesn't cover.  

What does travel insurance cover?  

Travel insurance can cover your trip expenses if you're unable to go due to an unforeseen, covered reason or face an illness or injury during your trip. It can also help in the event that you lose your bags or face delays in your itinerary. 

Bottom line  

If you find yourself coming down with Covid before or during a trip, travel insurance could help you recoup funds from a lost trip or cover medical bills while you're abroad. Look for a travel insurance plan with strong medical coverage and flexible cancellation options. 

Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.  Sign up here .

Why trust CNBC Select? 

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every travel insurance   review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of travel insurance   products .  To research the best travel insurance companies, we compiled over 100 data points on more than a dozen travel insurance companies. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See  our methodology  for more information on how we choose the best travel insurance.

Our methodology  

To determine the best Covid-19 travel insurance companies, CNBC Select analyzed dozens of travel insurance companies and compared them based on their Covid policies, and medical and evacuation coverage limits. 

While narrowing down the best travel insurance companies, we focused on Covid-19 coverage, availability of cancel for any reason coverage, and the limits of emergency medical coverage and emergency medical evacuation coverage. We also considered factors like whether 24-hour assistance was available, Better Business Bureau ratings, and financial strength ratings from AM Best .

Note that the premiums and policy structures advertised for travel insurance companies are subject to fluctuate in accordance with the company's policies.  

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of credit cards , banking and money , and follow us on TikTok , Facebook , Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.  

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comscore

How do you choose travel insurance that covers COVID-19?

Oct 26, 2021 • 5 min read

couple discussing over travel insurance and bills while using laptop at table.

COVID-19 has made it more important to check the health coverage on your travel insurance © Maskot/Getty Images

After 18 months of pandemic-related travel restrictions, you may be itching to act on your pent-up wanderlust⁠⁠—but the situation and the rules are still continuously evolving. So before you go anywhere, it’s best to have a travel insurance plan that protects the investment you’ve made in a long-awaited trip.

A robust travel insurance plan will reimburse pre-paid trip costs and non-refundable deposits if you have to cancel or interrupt your trip, encounter trip delays, experience baggage loss or require medical expense and medical evacuation. Your policy will also reimburse “covered reasons” in your plan, such as death, illness or injury, serious family emergencies, unplanned jury duty, military deployment, acts of terrorism, or your travel supplier going out of business.

But COVID-19 has added an additional checklist to your usual insurance needs⁠—it’s now important to check to ensure your travel insurance plan includes coverage for COVID-19 medical expenses, and losses related to illness. Your policy should also cover quarantine costs if you need to self-isolate after testing positive for the virus.

What do I look for in COVID-19 insurance coverage?

When you’re shopping for a travel insurance plan that covers COVID-19, you need to do your research and read the fine print of your plan. 

Look for a travel insurance product that will protect your non-refundable, prepaid expenses if you have to cancel your trip due to illness caused by COVID-19. Your policy should also cover emergency medical treatment and emergency medical transportation. With regard to COVID-19 coverage, be sure your policy covers medical care, medicine, hospitalization and quarantine expenses.

“The type of coverage you should look for depends on you, your needs, travel dates, and the type of trip you’re taking,” says Sasha Gainullin, CEO of battleface , a travel insurance carrier. He says some travel insurance companies have now excluded COVID-19 coverage because it has been labeled a “known/foreseeable event”, while others may exclude pandemics altogether.

“It’s important to search for plans that include medical and quarantine expenses as well⁠—this will be critical in the event you become ill and need to receive treatment while traveling,” continues Gainullin. 

One additional tip is to confirm there are no exclusions based on the destinations you’re traveling to⁠—this can happen with countries under government-issued travel warnings, Gainullin says.

“If a traveler feels uncertain, I recommend speaking with the travel insurance company directly. They can review the policy details with you, answer all of your questions, and confirm all of your required coverage options are included,” he adds.

Is getting coverage dependent on vaccination?

While it’s a good idea to be fully vaccinated before traveling, vaccination is not required to purchase a travel insurance policy, says Daniel Durazo, spokesperson with Allianz Partners USA.

What are the medical costs that are covered by travel insurance?

Travel insurance can cover the cost of both medical treatment and emergency medical transportation. A US health insurance plan, as well as Medicare, generally will not cover overseas medical expenses, so it’s best to check with your personal health insurance provider if any global coverage is available. 

“While losing the cost of a trip due to an unexpected cancellation would be painful, paying for expensive emergency medical treatment or emergency medical transportation can be financially devastating,” Durazo says.  

Under a travel insurance plan, medical costs could range doctor visits, pharmacy expenses, imaging costs and covering a hospital stay if required. Other expenses that can be covered are transportation to medical care and medicine.

Read more:  Will my health insurance cover getting COVID-19 while traveling in the US⁠⁠—or abroad?

What about covering an unexpected quarantine due to COVID-19?

Many international destinations are now requiring that visitors purchase travel insurance coverage for an unexpected quarantine. Allianz Travel Insurance has added coverage to many of its products that includes reimbursement for quarantine-related accommodations if you or a traveling companion is individually-ordered to quarantine while on their trip, says Durazo. 

This coverage typically covers the cost of additional food, lodging and transportation while quarantined. In addition, trip interruption and travel delay benefits on certain Allianz plans also provide coverage if you or your travel companion is denied boarding by your travel carrier due to suspicion of illness.

The benefits for quarantine coverage vary from carrier to carrier. For example, on select Trawick International plans, they offer $2,000 in quarantine benefits and for an additional charge, and you can increase it up to $7,000. 

What about pre-flight COVID-19 testing?

Your plan may provide coverage for flights if you are turned away at a border for not passing a health inspection. Foster says Trawick’s travel insurance plans that cover COVID-19 would cover the expenses if you could not pass your pre-health inspection.  Also, the plan would cover the costs of the failure of your PCR test to return to the United States, such as having to quarantine abroad. 

Doctor in protective workwear taking nose swab test from young woman.

It’s important to note that the actual cost of the PCR test is not covered by your policy, just the loss associated with the negative test.

Read more:  PCR tests for travel: everything you need to know

Some destinations require COVID-specific insurance coverage⁠—how do I comply with those restrictions? 

Before any international travel, you should check the country where you are headed to make sure you comply with insurance coverage requirements. Countries like Spain, Turks and Caicos and Thailand are among the nations that mandate COVID-19 insurance coverage.

“You first must check the countries’ specific COVID regulations for entry into the country. Some countries require travelers to provide proof of travel insurance that covers COVID-19 related expenses purchased from a third party,” explains Foster. Providing proof coverage is key; so travelers need to ensure they receive documentation from their insurance provider that their policy covers COVID-19 related expenses to show customs officials, she says.

Should you arrive in a country that requires proof of insurance to cover COVID-19 medical expenses and quarantine costs, and you don’t hold a policy, you will not be granted entry.

For more information on COVID-19 and travel, check out Lonely Planet's Health Hub .

You may also like:  What happens if I'm denied entry to a country on arrival? What is a vaccine passport and do I need one to travel? What is the IATA Travel Pass and do I need it to travel?

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ami travel insurance covid

How COVID-19 Travel Insurance Works

From weekend getaways to extended vacations, specialized covid-19 travel insurance can provide security if the virus affects your travel plans..

Amy Beardsley

3+ years writing about auto, home, and life insurance

7+ years in personal finance and technology

Amy specializes in insurance and technology writing and has a talent for transforming complex topics into easy-to-understand stories.

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Danny Smith

Licensed auto and home insurance agent

4+ years in content creation and marketing

As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.

Updated September 18, 2023

Reading time: 4 minutes

ami travel insurance covid

Table of contents

  • Pandemic insurance
  • What’s covered
  • Is it worth it?
  • Secure a policy

Travel lets you see new places, meet new people, and experience different cultures. But the lurking shadow of COVID-19 can make traveling uncertain. Almost half of canceled trips in 2020 were due to the virus, according to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association (UStiA). [1]

Travel insurance can help if something goes wrong before or during your trip, but not all policies cover COVID-19 issues. Let’s explore how COVID-19 travel insurance works and how it might — or might not — shield you on your next journey.

How pandemic travel insurance works

Most travel insurance policies include protections for trip cancellations, delays, or other trip interruption coverage. However, many policies don’t cover disruptions due to pandemics. [2] That’s where COVID travel insurance comes into play.

COVID travel insurance is a specialized policy that can refund your money if the virus throws a wrench into your plans. It typically has three coverage levels: coverage for a trip delay, canceling for any reason, and medical care if you get sick.

Travel delay coverage

Illness, injury, jury duty, and other circumstances beyond your control can delay your travel plans. Travel delay insurance covers flight issues, bad weather, sudden breakdowns, and unexpected illnesses or injuries that happen before reaching your destination. It can pay you back for non-refundable expenses and cover extra costs, too — like food, hotel rooms, or cab rides.

Cancel for any reason

Travel insurance policies typically have strict rules, but a cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) option offers more leeway, allowing you to cancel for reasons not covered in the original policy.

But with CFAR benefits, you might only get a partial refund amount. Reimbursements usually range from 50% to 75% of the total price. [2]

Medical coverage for COVID-19

If your health insurance is only valid in a specific area and doesn’t cover international travel, travel insurance with medical expenses coverage can fill the gap.

If medical insurance is included in your trip policy, it can help pay for medical attention and treatment costs if you, a family member, or another traveling companion becomes ill from COVID-19 before or during your trip.

Will travel insurance cover you if you need to quarantine?

Some travel protection plans cover quarantine or self-isolation due to COVID-19 concerns. It can reimburse you for lost prepaid expenses and cover additional lodging and meal costs. However, it depends on your policy and the conditions leading to the cancellation, delay, or disruption.

Protection often hinges on two factors:

Not all travel insurance plans include a pandemic as a covered reason. If COVID-19 was a significant public concern when you purchased the policy, insurers may not provide coverage because it’s a “foreseeable” threat. But some plans let you add COVID-19 coverage as an endorsement.

Even if you set out to buy COVID-19 travel insurance, it may not be available for your plan or location. Review your benefits and endorsement options to look for “pandemic” or “epidemic-related” language to see if COVID-19 is a covered event.

Is travel insurance worth it?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared the COVID-19 public health emergency over in May 2023, but there’s still a risk of infection, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). [3] [4]

Your credit card’s travel protections are worth considering, but you may not want to rely on that alone. Credit cards often limit travel coverage, and most companies don’t include trip cancellation coverage. [5]

Travel delay benefits can fill the gap — especially benefits with COVID-19 coverage. Compare the policy cost against the potential loss if you have to cancel or delay your trip to determine if it’s worth it. The up-front payment for travel insurance is typically a fraction of what you might spend out of pocket if plans go south.

The CDC reports that medical bills in the first six months of a COVID-19 diagnosis average nearly $8,400. [6] Factor in non-refundable trip costs, accommodation charges, and other miscellaneous expenses, and the expenses can skyrocket.

How to find the best travel insurance

If you’re concerned about the pandemic and the potential effects on your travels, here are some tips to help you secure a policy with the best travel insurance plan:

Research coverage and services

Compare multiple companies and policies and read reviews to see others’ experiences.

Check for pandemic coverage

Not all policies cover travel disruptions from COVID-19. Review your coverage to make sure it specifically addresses pandemic reasons.

Buy medical coverage

Travel policies don’t automatically include medical emergencies. Consider adding medical travel insurance, and ask about emergency assistance coverage and medical evacuation in case of a natural disaster.

Consider a cancel-for-any-reason insurance policy

CFAR policies can be beneficial, especially with unpredictable pandemic-related concerns and travel restrictions.

Understand refund policies

Read the fine print and policy information to verify how the insurer handles refunds. Some policies might offer partial refunds.

COVID travel insurance FAQs

The COVID-19 virus has made travel plans tricky. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a month-long vacation, here’s what you need to know about COVID-19 travel insurance.

Will travel insurance cover COVID cancellations?

It depends. Standard travel insurance policies don’t cover COVID-19 or other pandemic-related reasons, but some travel insurance companies offer specialty COVID-19 coverage against the virus’ potential interference. If you cancel your trip due to the virus, a COVID travel insurance policy may provide refunds or reimbursements for your expenses.

Do you get your travel insurance premium refunded if you cancel your trip?

Travel insurance offers varying refund policies depending on the travel insurance company, but it doesn’t refund your premium. Instead, coverage can reimburse you for prepaid trip costs, meals, hotel rooms, or cab rides because of the interruption.

Will travel insurance cover quarantine outside the U.S.?

It’s possible. Travel insurance policies may cover quarantine or self-isolation expenses outside the United States due to COVID-19 concerns. However, coverage depends on your specific policy and the circumstances leading to the quarantine. It’s crucial to review the specific details and look for “pandemic” or “epidemic-related” language to ensure coverage.

How does COVID travel insurance differ from regular travel insurance?

Regular travel insurance often covers typical trip cancellations, interruptions, or delays. However, many don’t address pandemic-related disruptions. COVID travel insurance provides specialized coverage for travel hiccups related to the virus, ensuring you’re shielded financially if COVID-19 affects your journey.

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  • US Travel Insurance Association . " Consumers Spend $1.72B on Travel Protection in 2020, According to New UStiA Study ." Accessed September 13, 2023
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Amy Beardsley

Amy is a personal finance and technology writer. With a background in the legal field and a bachelor's degree from Ferris State University, she has a talent for transforming complex topics into content that’s easy to understand. Connect with Amy on LinkedIn .

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Will Travel Insurance Pay for a Trip Cancelled Because of COVID-19?

The solution for most COVID-related trip cancellations may be a “Cancel for Any Reason” policy.

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COVID-19 has made planning ahead a gamble, especially when it comes to travel. It seems every time the virus seems to be on the wane, a new variant and maybe even a sub-variant emerges to launch a renewed attack. News and even rumors can rattle nerves and scuttle travel plans.

How do you plan to travel in this environment? Would you lose your money if you’re forced to cancel a trip?

22 Secrets to Save Money on Travel

For more and more people, the solution is to buy travel insurance for their trips in the hopes of being reimbursed should they have to change or cancel. But not all travel insurance covers all pandemic-related cancellations.

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Knowing possible pitfalls can help you decide what’s best for your wallet, your ability to plan a trip and whether you should buy travel insurance.

Sometimes, travel insurance is mandatory

In some instances, it’s not even a choice. Several countries, including Costa Rica and Egypt, as well as some travel providers, like cruise lines, are requiring travel insurance in one form or another. This can be especially true for unvaccinated travelers. This ensures you won’t become stranded, unable to pay for your medical care, extended stay or evacuation should you contract or be exposed to COVID.

The limitations of standard travel insurance have expanded the appeal of a previously obscure upgrade to standard travel insurance known as “cancel for any reason” (CFAR). This option, while significantly more expensive, is more likely to cover the sort of cancellations that COVID has made commonplace.

According to travel insurance aggregator Squaremouth, Inc., travel insurance policies with a CFAR add-on typically must be purchased within two to three weeks of the first payment towards the covered trip. An exception is that certain policies that cover only cruises offer CFAR at any time before a final payment is made for a trip.

Standard travel insurance limits pandemic claims

Megan Moncrief, chief marketing officer for Squaremouth, said CFAR has become the go-to plan for more travelers, “When the pandemic hit, it became really the main piece that could offer any coverage.”

Traditional travel insurance, she explained, doesn’t cover the majority of pandemic-related claims. Moncrief said in a review done by Squaremouth, only 30% of such claims were made by people who actually contracted COVID-19 and had to cancel their trips. This is the only type of pandemic claim that would be covered by most standard travel insurance policies. The remaining 70% of claims were for other reasons, including border closures and quarantines, and thus excluded -- though generally would be covered by CFAR.

And COVID-19 continues to be a primary reason for travel insurance purchases. According to Squaremouth data, nearly 37% of all searches on its site for travel insurance cited the pandemic as reasons for coverage as recently as Jan. 28, 2022. The second most-popular search filter used on the site: Cancel for any reason at nearly 15%. In contrast, hurricane and weather were searched less than 3% of the time.

Overall demand for travel insurance has increased during the pandemic, according to AAA, which says a recent survey found that 31% of U.S. travelers saying they’re more likely to purchase it for their trips planned between now and the end of 2022. A standard travel insurance policy typically adds 5% to 10% to the cost of the trip, according to Mark Friedlander, director of corporate communications for the Insurance Information Institute. Adding CFAR on top of that will raise the cost 40% to 60%. And, depending on the policy, the payout for a CFAR claim can be as low as 50% of the loss, experts said. This marks a decrease from policies before the pandemic, which could reimburse 75% to 90% of the loss.

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Moncrief said that prior to the pandemic, her company was “slow to recommend” cancel for any reason because of the expense. Then, it accounted for less than 4% of sales, she said. Now, it’s about 12% of sales, down from a high of 17% in January. AAA advises travelers to consider policies that include a CFAR component.

“Any reason” is not always “any reason”

“As a purchaser of travel insurance, make sure you understand what you are buying and what the policy covers and what the policy does not cover,” Friedlander cautioned. “No policy has 100% of everything.”

Travel insurers have made a number of adjustments in response to the pandemic. At the beginning, Moncrief said, travel policies didn’t cover medical care for pandemic illnesses. But that quickly changed, and now, if a traveler becomes ill with COVID, it’s covered.

By contrast, insurers now demand their customers first seek reimbursement from the travel service provider, such as an airline or cruise company, that cancelled before filing an insurance claim.

Sometimes, she said, an airline might want to give credit rather than reimbursement. She said insurers will encourage travelers to seek reimbursement before considering whether to provide coverage for such an event.

5 Travel Stocks to Buy in a Tricky Environment

Friedlander noted that different insurance policies will contain different provisions, and “cancel for any reason,” doesn’t necessarily mean “any reason.” He stressed the importance of reading and understanding the provisions of a policy before purchasing it.

Moncrief gave examples of some insurers’ exclusions on CFAR policies:

iTravelInsured Travel LX, TravelSafe Classic and Seven Corners RoundTrip Choice and RoundTrip Basic all have the following language: “This Cancel for Any Reason benefit does not cover the failure of the travel supplier to provide the bargained-for travel arrangements due to cessation of operations for any reason.”

  • Travel Insured International: WorldWide Trip Protector: “This Cancel for Any Reason benefit does not cover penalties associated with any travel arrangements not provided by retail travel supplier or the failure of retail travel supplier to provide the bargained-for travel arrangements due to cessation of operations for any reason.”

An alternative: travel medical insurance

Charlie Leocha, president and cofounder of Travelers United, an advocacy group, said he typically doesn’t buy standard travel insurance unless he’s planning a particularly expensive, all-inclusive trip. “If you’ve got an expensive product, it can be a good deal,” Leocha said. “All insurance is a great deal if you get sick and can’t go on the trip and that’s why you buy it.”

Leocha said he buys travel medical insurance policies each year, which cover up to six trips and up to six weeks per trip. He said his annual policies cost about $260.

These policies cover his medical needs when he is overseas and also cover his return home. For the rest of his travel, he says he self-insures. What that means is he makes arrangements that are reversible. In other words, he mostly buys refundable airline tickets or hotel reservations that can be canceled at the last minute for any reason without paying a penalty.

This can be difficult, he said, because every airline has different rules, particularly when it comes to travel credits. Some airlines require they be used in 90 days, others might give you a year or six months.

Leocha said his organization is working with the Federal Department of Transportation to implement a pandemic rule requiring airlines to all have the same rule so it won’t be so confusing for travelers. “I’ve been pusing like mad to have all the flight credits have the same expiration dates,” he said. “The airlines have been fighting us tooth and nail.”

This paid off for him recently when he was scheduled to go to Spain. A few weeks before the trip, he took a COVID test in preparation for a get-together with friends. When the test came back positive, he needed to postpone his Spain trip.

Because he wasn’t locked in by any of his arrangements, Leocha said, he was able to make the necessary changes and was only out about $50 when everything was said and done.

“Self insurance is one way to do it,” Leocha said. “Probably the most expensive way to do it is get ‘cancel for any reason’ insurance.”

Elaine Silvestrini has worked for Kiplinger since 2021, serving as senior retirement editor since 2022. Before that, she had an extensive career as a newspaper and online journalist, primarily covering legal issues at the Tampa Tribune and the Asbury Park Press in New Jersey. In more recent years, she's written for several marketing, legal and financial websites, including Annuity.org and LegalExaminer.com, and the newsletters Auto Insurance Report and Property Insurance Report. 

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Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance in March 2024

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Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

Factors we considered when picking travel insurance that covers COVID

An overview of the best travel insurance for covid , top travel insurance for covid options , additional resources for covid-19 travel insurance shoppers.

No matter how well you prepare, travel plans don’t always go as expected. Some travelers buy travel insurance to protect their investment in prepaid travel costs. Amid the ongoing pandemic, exploring travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is recommended. With the right policy, you can protect yourself if you need to cancel your trip or end it early due to illness. Many insurers offer travel insurance policies with this kind of coverage. 

This is the shortlist of the best travel insurance for COVID options: 

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection . 

John Hancock Insurance Agency, Inc.  

Seven Corners . 

Travelex Insurance Services . 

Travel Insured International . 

WorldTrips . 

We used the following factors to choose insurance providers to highlight in our best travel insurance for COVID list: 

Range of coverage: We looked at how many plans each company offered with COVID-19 coverage, plus the range of available plans. 

Depth of coverage: We compared the maximum caps for trip cancellation and trip interruption claims between carriers and plans.

Medical benefits: We examined whether plans included emergency medical benefits for COVID-19 reasons and whether plans included medical evacuation and repatriation benefits. 

Cost: We determined an average cost for shoppers to benchmark plan prices by looking at the basic coverage costs for plans with COVID-19 benefits across multiple companies.

We looked at quotes from various companies for a six-night trip in May 2023 to Croatia. The traveler was 30 years old, from Texas and planned to spend $1,500 on the trip, including airfare.

On average, the price of each company’s most basic coverage plan with COVID-19 coverage was $47.22. The prices listed below are for the most basic COVID-19 travel insurance coverage. All insurers offer multiple COVID-19 policies with greater coverage coming at a higher cost. 

Let's take a closer look at our eight recommendations for travel insurance with COVID coverage: 

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

ami travel insurance covid

What makes Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection great:

Several plans allow policyholders to cancel for COVID-19 sickness as part of trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance benefits. 

Several plans include COVID-19 medical coverage benefits.

Medical evacuation benefits are included in these plans. 

Plans include limited sports and activities coverage and sports equipment loss benefits. 

Basic Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection will run you $50 for an ExactCare Value policy, the company’s most basic COVID-19 travel insurance coverage option.

ami travel insurance covid

What makes IMG great:

Many plans include COVID-19 cancellation benefits.

Most of these plans also include COVID-19 medical benefits (the Travel Essentials plan doesn’t include this). 

Medical evacuation coverage is available on select plans. 

Coverage for adventure travel is available for an extra cost. 

IMG is a good option for the budget-minded: Its Travel Essential plans cost more than $10 less than average based on our comparison. 

John Hancock Insurance Agency, Inc. 

ami travel insurance covid

What makes John Hancock Insurance Agency great:

Multiple plans offer COVID-19 cancellation benefits as part of the included trip interruption and trip cancellation coverage. 

These plans offer COVID-19 medical benefits.

Medical evacuation coverage is included in all COVID-19 coverage plans. 

The John Hancock Insurance Agency, Inc. basic plan (Bronze) costs $56. 

Seven Corners

ami travel insurance covid

What makes Seven Corners great:

Multiple plans offer COVID-19 cancellation benefits as part of the included trip interruption and trip cancelation coverage. 

These plans include COVID-19 medical benefits and evacuation and repatriation benefits.

There is no medical deductible. 

Seven Corners’ basic coverage plan (RoundTrip Basic) for our trip to Croatia costs $44.

Travelex Insurance Services

ami travel insurance covid

What makes Travelex Insurance Services great:

Multiple plans include Covid-19 sickness coverage, which reimburses prepaid and nonrefundable trip payments if a trip is canceled or interrupted due to a traveler contracting the virus.

These plans also include COVID-19 medical benefits.

Medical evacuation and repatriation benefits are included. 

Basic coverage (Travel Basic) from Travelex Insurance Services costs $44 for our sample trip, which is slightly cheaper than average. 

Travel Insured International

ami travel insurance covid

What makes Travel Insured International great:

Multiple plans cover COVID-19 cancellation benefits as part of the included trip interruption and trip cancelation coverage. 

These plans also include COVID-19 medical benefits, including medical evacuation. 

Limited sports and activities coverage is included in plans with COVID-19 coverage. 

Travel Insured International's basic coverage (Worldwide Trip Protector Edge) begins at $55 — only a few dollars more than the average basic policy price. 

ami travel insurance covid

What makes Tin Leg great:

A wide range of plans offer COVID-19 cancellation benefits as part of the included trip interruption and trip cancelation coverage. 

All of these plans also include COVID-19 medical benefits. 

All of these include medical evacuation benefits. 

An adventure travel policy is available. 

Another plus: Tin Leg’s basic coverage plan (Basic) for our trip to Croatia costs $48.85 — making it right around the average price for the policies we covered. 

WorldTrips 

ami travel insurance covid

What makes WorldTrips great:

Several plans include medical coverage for COVID-19. 

Sports and activities and sports equipment loss are included. 

Coverage can be extended for up to thirty days, including for medical quarantine purposes. 

WorldTrips’ most affordable plan with COVID-19 coverage (Atlas Journey Economy) starts at $44, making it a low-cost option. 

Do you want to learn more about travel insurance before you spend money on a policy? Take a look at these resources: 

What is travel insurance?  

What does travel insurance cover? 

The best travel insurance companies 

How to find the right travel insurance for you

10 credit cards that provide travel insurance

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

ami travel insurance covid

Protect your summer travels: 4 insurance providers covering COVID-19

Bill Fink

With COVID-19 cases on the rise again , the pandemic doesn't seem to be going away any time soon. However, many airline, hotel, cruise and Airbnb flexible cancellation policies are disappearing faster than home test kits from pharmacy shelves.

The U.S. government doesn't seem to have any plans to remove the requirement for a negative test to allow re-entry to the U.S. So while hospitalizations and fatalities are thankfully lower due to widespread vaccinations and better treatment options, the real risk remains that U.S. travelers still might get stranded abroad for a week or more if they test positive, and may run the risk of missing a trip after a positive test. A recent survey by The Points Guy shows travelers are hesitant to go abroad because of these concerns. So, is purchasing travel insurance your answer to reducing risk and increasing travel confidence?

To manage the financial risk of having your vacation canceled, you might consider travel insurance for your summer trip that will specifically cover you in case you test positive for COVID-19. Travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth.com recently reported that "traveler interest in coverage for contracting COVID-19 is at an all-time high" with 42% of visitors to its website searching specifically for COVID-19-related policies.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

TPG has looked into the latest on why you might want to buy COVID-19-specific travel insurance, and what some of these policies might cost you for the coverage. We've supplied some sample prices and products below, but as always with insurance, be sure to read the policies' coverage fine print, and search for the pricing and policies that best fit your specific budget and needs. Ask questions directly to the insurance supplier prior to purchasing, and carefully document your trip costs and any medical expenses that occur along the way.

Why you may want to buy Covid-specific travel insurance

ami travel insurance covid

Many standard travel insurance policies will cover you in the event of an accident, natural disaster, flight cancellation and/or sickness. But many traditional travel insurance policies have had specific clauses saying medical care, trip cancellations and disruptions are not covered in the case of a pandemic. Even now, many policies will not reimburse you for cancellation or trip interruption if the reason you can't travel is due to COVID-19-related border closures, entry requirements or mandatory quarantines.

Many people found this out the hard way as COVID-19 first reared its head around the world in early 2020 and saw their claims denied by their insurer, citing the fine print. TPG has covered this pandemic gap in traditional travel insurance products.

"Look for travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and emergency medical transportation coverage, which also includes epidemic-related coverage that may result in a canceled trip or travel delays," says Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners. He says policies, like his company's OneTrip Prime product, "will provide coverage for personal mandatory quarantines and denied boarding due to suspected illness."

Related: 6 Reasons why you might want to buy travel insurance

Here are some sample Covid travel insurance policies

Travel insurance policies vary widely in terms of what areas of your trip are covered, what support is offered and what the reasons for trip cancellation may be. The basic formula is that the more you spend on the insurance, the more the policy will cover and the more flexibility you will have to use it. Cancel for any reason (CFAR ) policies, for example, are typically the most expensive to purchase, but enable you to get most of your trip refunded if you need to back out for any reason. Travel insurance policies generally require that you purchase the coverage within a certain amount of time from booking the trip (two weeks is common).

As a comparison exercise, TPG priced out a few travel insurance policies from different companies with similar coverage options for a test case of a $10,000 one-week trip to Mexico for two people this summer. Keep in mind, for the information below, these are only sample policies. Your situation may vary widely, with coverage and pricing potentially differing dramatically depending on your specific timing, destinations, tour type and activities planned.

World Nomads

ami travel insurance covid

The World Nomads Explorer Plan (underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance) is priced at $197.88 for a sample two-person trip to Mexico. It includes $10,000 of trip cancellation coverage (the lower level of $2,500 coverage is priced at $122.85). The Explorer Plan also covers mishaps due to sports and activities versus the Standard Plan.

In terms of COVID-19-related coverage, the World Nomads website says insurance "purchased by U.S. residents may provide coverage for specified benefits if you test positive for the COVID-19 virus. These benefits may include emergency medical, emergency medical evacuation, trip delay and trip interruption coverage if you contract COVID-19 while traveling. You may also be eligible for trip cancellation coverage for prepaid nonrefundable travel expenses such as flights, hotels and excursions covered by your Travel Protection Plan as part of your covered trip, if after you purchase your Travel Protection Plan, your doctor advises you that you are unfit to travel on your scheduled departure date due to being diagnosed with COVID-19." (Emphasis is mine on the "maybes.") It appears the "maybes" in this case depend on the insured providing prompt and proper documentation on the reasons for the claim and the amounts to be covered, and on World Nomads approving those reasons and documents.

World Nomads also notes that its coverage "is not available for loss arising from: government intervention including travel bans, border closures or broadly imposed quarantine requirements." So while your personal COVID-19 situation would be covered, external pandemic factors would not be.

Allianz Travel

ami travel insurance covid

When I priced out the same sample Mexico trip with Allianz travel insurance, its OneTrip Basic policy came in at $433, including $5,000 of cancellation coverage (out of my $10,000 trip). The policy does have an Epidemic Coverage Endorsement, which "adds covered reasons to select benefits for certain losses related to COVID-19 and any future epidemic."

The fine print states (like most of these policies seem to) that COVID-19-related cancellation or medical reasons would only apply to the covered person specifically, and would not reimburse you for trip cancellation if a country or region is preventing entry and canceling trips due to COVID-19-related restrictions. Allianz policy details include a number of specifics about COVID-19 coverage areas, documentation required for reimbursement, and scenarios where epidemic-related items would and wouldn't apply, all of which potential purchasers should read carefully.

Among the different types of policies, Allianz's Daniel Durazo notes that its OneTrip Prime product "is great when it comes to family vacations, as it covers kids 17 and under for free when traveling with a parent or grandparent."

Seven Corners Travel Insurance

ami travel insurance covid

Seven Corners travel insurance offers a wide variety of product options, including Cancel For Any Reason policies, which allow you to get reimbursed even if you canceled your trip just because you were worried about COVID-19. A more common (and inexpensive) option is its RoundTrip Basic policy in which "your medical expenses for treatment for Coronavirus contracted on your trip can be covered."

Other products — including Liaison Travel Plus, Liaison Student Plus, Wander Frequent Traveler Plus or Explore North America Plus — require you to specifically sign up for the "COVID-19 Treatment benefit." In the fine print of the policies, underwritten by the United States Fire Insurance Company, it says "COVID-19 is treated the same as any other sickness for purposes of all coverages that are triggered by sickness or that can reimburse losses resulting from a sickness, including death caused by sickness. Depending on the Plan Design, this can include Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Accident and Sickness Medical Expense, Emergency Medical Evacuation/Medical Repatriation/Return of Remains."

Should you get stuck in a foreign country due to mandatory quarantining after your scheduled trip concludes, the Seven Corners plans "allow for coverage to be extended for the entire duration of a COVID-19-related quarantine, and coverage will be extended for five additional days following the end of the quarantine provided you have not arrived back in your return destination city."

My sample Mexico trip policy with Seven Corners came in at $394, including coverage of 100% trip-cancellation costs (unlike the similar policy at Allianz, which covered half of my $10,000 cost) and 75% of the trip-interruption cost (similar to Allianz). Their premium RoundTrip Choice product added 42% to the price of the Basic policy, but greatly expanded the monetary coverage limits, as well as additional coverage areas.

AIG Travel Guard

ami travel insurance covid

AIG's Travel Guard suite of products covers a variety of potential trip and medical costs. Its COVID-19 policy states, "If you contract COVID-19 prior to departure, you would be covered for Trip Cancellation, if you have a confirmed and documented diagnosis and/or you are medically unable to travel at the time of departure due to COVID-19. If you contract COVID-19 while on a covered trip, you would be covered for Medical Expense and Trip Interruption/Curtailment benefits if you have a confirmed and documented diagnosis."

But it should be noted that AIG also mentions that "Due to the World Health Organization (WHO) announcement declaring Coronavirus (COVID-19) a pandemic, please note that as of, at the latest, March 11, 2020, COVID-19 is a foreseen event and certain coverages will not apply." So again, read the fine print of any policy carefully.

My sample policy price request for the Mexico itinerary for two returned a cost of $572.62 for its Essential base product. The policy summary on the website says it covers 100% of trip costs for cancellation or interruption based on contracting COVID-19 (or other covered reasons) with, of course, proper documentation and certain caveats.

Related: The best travel insurance companies

Bottom Line

Given the stubborn persistence of both the COVID-19 epidemic and its related travel restrictions, purchasing travel insurance, particularly for an expensive trip, can be a wise choice. Most travel insurance policies now include coverage due to COVID-related travel issues, but potential customers should read the fine print carefully to determine exactly what circumstances are covered, and to what extent reimbursement and medical costs will be paid for.

Given that every traveler's needs are unique, and that insurance pricing, policies and processes are constantly evolving, TPG recommends travelers use the samples provided in this post as snapshot examples, rather than specific guidance toward any individual policy type or company.

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Traveling This Summer? Here’s Why You Need COVID Travel Insurance

Gabriella Clare Marino/Unsplash

Key Takeaways

  • Some travel insurance will cover COVID-19 infection and quarantine. However, the fear of contracting COVID is not covered under most plans. In that case, “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage may offer protection.
  • Many countries now require travel insurance. Depending on where you go, you may need to purchase a nationally administered plan.
  • If you’re planning a trip, know that these requirements are changing frequently. Always read the fine print on any coverage you’re considering. Before you depart, double-check your plan to make sure that it’s complying with the requirements of the country you’re traveling to.

Jonathan Tucker didn’t intend to contract COVID-19 in Ireland in early April.

Tucker, who plays djembe and sings with the pirate band The Musical Blades, was touring the Emerald Isle as part of a guided tour featuring the musical group.

After seeing many of the sights, he and roughly 20 of the 65 tour participants came down with COVID and had to stay behind to quarantine.

While quarantining in an Irish hotel room isn’t ideal, Tucker told Verywell that he was prepared for the possibility.

“We got travel insurance, although it wasn’t exclusively for COVID,” said Tucker. “We also made sure we saved enough for double the trip expenses just in the event that this happened. Otherwise, it would be irresponsible.”

Tucker chose a plan through Allianz that reimbursed his expenses, including accommodations while traveling.

Since Ireland’s quarantine time is counted from the first sign of COVID symptoms , without that coverage, Tucker would have been on the hook for an additional seven days of accommodations.

What Is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance has been around far longer than COVID, but the pandemic has made it much more attractive to travelers.

Typical plans cover trip delays, lost baggage, or medical care if a traveler has to visit a healthcare facility abroad. Most domestic healthcare plans don’t offer coverage.

Some plans, like Tucker’s, work for solo travelers or couples traveling together—even if only one person tests positive for COVID.

Travel Insurance for COVID

While there are options for travelers trying to prepare for the possibility that COVID could derail their plans, it hasn't always been that way.

Damian Tysdal, the founder of CoverTrip , told Verywell that epidemics were historically excluded from travel insurance.

Tysdal has written about travel insurance trends on his blog since 2006. He told Verywell that he’s seen plans change throughout the pandemic.

“COVID coverage with travel insurance has been evolving since the beginning of the pandemic,” said Tysdal. “Some companies outright excluded any losses resulting from an epidemic. Others covered it, but only if you purchased insurance before it became a ‘known event’—after which it could not be insured.”

According to Tysdal, most companies covered COVID as if it were any other illness—they paid for medical care, or if you were diagnosed before your trip, they covered trip cancellation.

However, consumers need to read plans carefully and look for loopholes such as exclusions for epidemics.

Is COVID Fear Covered?

Tysdal said that one thing that most plans don’t cover is the fear of contracting COVID, even if case rates justify that fear.

“The main problem came down to people wanting to cancel out of fear of getting COVID. That is not covered,” said Tysdal.

According to Tysdal, an exception would be a plan with “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage, which is “an optional upgrade that extends your list of covered reasons for cancellation. In that case, you could cancel out of fear.”

What Will Travel Insurance Cover?

Joe Cronin, MBA , president of International Citizens Insurance, told Verywell that travel insurance plan coverage varies, particularly when it comes to COVID-related expenses.

For example, some plans will only cover the costs of medical treatment, while others will pay for the cost of quarantining (as in Tucker’s case).

For quarantine coverage, plans might pay a set amount of money for meals, transportation, and lodging.

Read the Fine Print

Cronin said that travelers need to know that self-administered COVID tests are not always enough to trigger plan coverage.

“In most cases, a physician must diagnose you with COVID to receive coverage,” said Cronin. “If you discover you have COVID through a self-administered test, you may have to go to a doctor to get the diagnosis confirmed for the coverage to take effect.”

Cronin explained that “some policies will only cover quarantine if you can show that a government authority or doctor mandated it and that it was because you tested positive or are symptomatic.”

To make sure you’re complying with the policy you’ve purchased, Cronin said it’s crucial that you read the fine print.

Some traditional travel insurance plans changed to accommodate COVID, but there are others that are specifically geared toward it. For example, CAP and Covac Global both offer programs that are optimized for COVID coverage.

Do I Need Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance used to be an optional expense, but Cronin said that many countries now require it for entry.

As borders open to summer travelers, some countries are starting to require travelers to purchase the insurance coverage that’s offered by their national governments.

As of February 2022, Belize requires all visitors to purchase mandatory international health insurance through their tourism portal and covers medical treatment in the country.

Other countries only require travel insurance if you’re unvaccinated.

For example, Singapore requires unvaccinated travelers to carry travel insurance with a minimum of S$30,000 coverage (about US$22,000). Vaccinated travelers are encouraged, but not required, to have insurance.

Know Requirements—and Check for Changes

Cronin said that the requirements for travel insurance change rapidly, so it can be hard to keep up.

“Some countries have said they are implementing a travel insurance requirement only to remove it at the last second,” said Cronin. “Other countries have officially removed their travel insurance requirement—but border control agents are still asking for your travel insurance plan on entry. It is important to check the requirements of the country you are going to.”

As of April 2022, the United States has no travel insurance requirement for entry. Still, White House representatives have stated that there is no intention of lifting the testing requirement for reentry into the U.S.

As that testing remains, more Americans could wind up stranded abroad with COVID—whether they are symptomatic or not. Travel insurance could be the only thing standing between them and a very expensive quarantine.

What This Means For You

Travel insurance used to be a precaution that many travelers considered an unnecessary expense. Now, it might be necessary for entry into a country you plan to visit.

If you choose to purchase travel insurance, read the fine print carefully. Make sure that you know what’s covered—and what’s not—when it comes to COVID medical care and quarantine support.

The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit our  coronavirus news page .

By Rachel Murphy Rachel Murphy is a Kansas City, MO, journalist with more than 10 years of experience.

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As the Omicron Wave Subsides, Travel Insurance Claims Crawl

Getting a decision on a claim has become the latest problem consumers are experiencing with travel insurance. Here’s how to avoid delays.

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ami travel insurance covid

By Elaine Glusac

Before the pandemic, Lauren Mack, 44, a writer based in New York City, “did not routinely purchase travel insurance,” she wrote in an email. Covid-19 convinced her otherwise, and of six trips taken since the onset of the pandemic, she has had to file claims for three — twice for weather delays and once because her travel companion tested positive for the virus. Two are still under review, and the first took nearly two months from claim to reimbursement.

Though understanding what’s covered under travel insurance and what’s excluded continues to trip up consumers, comprehensive and “cancel for any reason” policies have emerged as a way to hedge nonrefundable bookings and seek restitution for travel interruptions as travel continues to be buffered by coronavirus waves and uncertainties related to the war in Ukraine. (Most travel insurance policies exclude war and civil unrest and will not protect your investment should the conflict in Ukraine spill over to neighboring countries.)

Now, getting a decision — or even an update — on a claim has become the latest problem consumers are experiencing with travel insurance, whether it has anything to do with Covid or not.

“The vetting and approval process of claims has slowed as a result of the pandemic,” said Kendra Thornton, the owner of Royal Travel & Tours , a travel agency based in Winnetka, Ill., who attributes the slowdown to the volume of claims. “Approved claims that typically used to be paid in under two months are now taking as much as five or more months.”

‘A safety net’

As Americans prepare to travel in large numbers again — Destination Analysts , a market research firm, recently found that more than 93 percent of Americans were planning a vacation in the next 12 months — many are considering travel insurance. Depending on the destination, you may be required to buy it; Belize , Fiji , Thailand and Singapore are among those countries that require travel medical insurance to cover expenses should you contract the virus while visiting.

Cover Genius , an insurance technology company that embeds insurance sales during the course of booking travel at sites like Booking.com and Icelandair.com, saw sales increase six times over in 2021 compared to prepandemic figures. At WorldTrips , sales of travel medical insurance have spiked 67 percent for 2022 trips compared to 2019. The travel insurance company Seven Corners said sales were up 200 percent already in 2022 compared to the same period in 2021.

“Definitely with Omicron, we are busy getting questions and calls from customers asking what might be covered, and we have seen sales pick up over the past few months,” said Meghan Walch, the product manager for InsureMyTrip.com , an online marketplace for travel insurance that allows shoppers to filter for policies that cover Covid-19. “People are looking to get out there and learn how to travel now.”

Traditional insurance dealers aren’t the only ones chasing new buyers. In January, Marriott hotels teamed up with the insurer Allianz to offer travel insurance. When making a hotel booking online, travelers will be offered an insurance option at checkout. Beyond the cost of the room itself, the insurance can cover the total trip cost, which could include ski lift tickets and prepaid nonrefundable tours. The cost of the insurance is charged immediately, though the hotel rate is normally not due until the date of travel.

This spring, Airbnb plans to offer travel insurance that will cover the nonrefundable portions of a stay booked through the platform. It also recently launched a protection plan for travelers who are unable to travel because of Covid-related travel disruptions, such as border closures or quarantine requirements, that were not in place at the time of booking; in those cases, if an Airbnb reservation is not refundable, the company will offer a coupon for 50 percent of the cost of the nonrefundable part of the reservation for future use. Seemingly designed to cover the Omicron surge, the program runs to April 30 or until its $20 million fund is depleted.

“People are now more learned about travel insurance providing a safety net if they want to travel,” said Rajeev Shrivastava, the chief executive of VisitorsCoverage.com , an online marketplace for travel insurance. “There’s been a huge jump in sales, but also in inquiries.”

Clogged by claims

While travel insurance is becoming more ubiquitous, getting a timely response to a claim remains a challenge.

From the time a traveler files a claim to the time the insurer first responds varies, but typically takes five to 10 days, according to experts.

But virus surges, most recently Omicron, have clogged the system. At the online travel insurance retailer Squaremouth , about 27 percent of claims have been related to Covid-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. Currently nearly 40 percent are Covid-related.

“As an industry, we have seen an unprecedented spike in the number of Covid-related claims over the last two-plus years, which at times has translated into a backlog for many member companies who have been working around the clock to help their customers,” according to a statement provided by the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, a nonprofit trade group. “With the spike in claims, companies are increasing staff; however, new staff added must be trained and licensed prior to being allowed to adjudicate claims.”

Seven Corners is one of these, recently hiring seven new employees who are being trained in handling claims, for a total of 24.

“We’re trying to get ahead of any surge to come,” said Jeremy Murchland, the president of Seven Corners.

Marc Devens, a software product manager living in Jersey City, N.J., remains loyal to Seven Corners based on a substantial medical claim he and his wife made while living in China several years ago, which was handled efficiently. But last fall, he had trouble reaching someone at the company to update a policy for a December scuba diving trip to the Caribbean, though eventually it was ironed out and the trip came off without a problem.

“The travel insurance industry is probably booming, but certainly they didn’t seem to anticipate it with more staff,” he said.

Expedite your claim

The best way to get expedited attention, say insurers, is to be organized and thorough in filing the required paperwork. Keep all related expense receipts, as well as any documentation of airline delays and cancellations.

Like other illnesses, if you contract Covid-19 (and it is covered under your plan), which prevents you from traveling, curtails your trip or results in a quarantine, keep treatment or diagnosis records from your health care providers. An at-home Covid test is not sufficient for a medical claim; insurers require results from a test administered by a medical professional accompanied by advice from a doctor not to travel.

In the case of lost baggage, it can be hard to remember everything you packed. For that reason, Stan Sandberg, a co-founder of the online marketplace TravelInsurance.com , recommends taking a photo of your suitcase packed and open.

Though insurance retailers don’t handle claims, many say they will jump in and help clients get attention. InsureMyTrip.com has a claims assistance program managed by representatives called “Anytime Advocates” who review your case if you’ve been denied or asked for more information.

“At times, when we have customers we feel are not getting the attention they deserve, we’ll escalate that with our partners,” Mr. Sandberg said. “We can apply a little pressure, but we’re not going to be helpful in making a claims decision.”

“While I had to endure longer than usual processing time for my claim to settle,” said Ms. Mack, the New York writer, “it ultimately did.” Now, she wrote in an email, “I will always purchase insurance — pandemic or not — because you never know what might happen during your travels.”

Elaine Glusac writes the Frugal Traveler column. Follow her on Instagram at @eglusac .

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places list for 2022 .

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Coronavirus: travel and expat health insurance in case of an epidemic

ACS, by your side

Dear travellers, dear expats,

Today, as we have been doing for more than 40 years, ACS is by your side, wherever you are in the world.

The situation we are experiencing is unprecedented. In France and abroad, Covid-19 is progressing rapidly. Our daily lives are turned upside down, our projects are postponed or canceled. We are fully aware that you are experiencing moments of doubt and that you have questions. Please know that we are here for each of you and that you are our priority.

In this page, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about our health and assistance covers in case of an epidemic.

If you don’t find the answer you are looking for, do not hesitate to contact us by email. Our team remains available to respond to your requests as promptly as possible.

We hope to see you soon to (re) discover the world together.

The ACS team

Answers to your questions

  • I cannot travel due to the Covid-19 situation, can I cancel my travel insurance and be reimbursed?  

Yes. As long as the request is made before the beginning of your insurance contract, you can cancel your insurance and be reimbursed. To do so, please send us your request by e-mail to [email protected] , indicating your first name, surname, and insurance certificate number. We will thank you in advance for attaching supporting documents such as your cancelled airline ticket to your request. Please note that the refund will be made after a deduction of 20 euros (administrative fees).

  • Can I postpone/advance the dates of my travel insurance policy? 

Yes. As long as the request is made before the beginning of your insurance contract, you can change the dates of coverage of your travel insurance. Please send us your request by email to [email protected] .

  • If I am blocked at the border when I arrive at my destination, can my travel insurance be reimbursed?

Yes. If you are unable to enter your country of destination and you return to your home country, you have two choices: deferring the dates of your insurance contract or requesting a refund. The request for reimbursement must be accompanied by all necessary supporting documents: proof of refusal of entry and proof of return to your home country. Your request must be made within one week of the return. The month of coverage that has already started will be deducted from the reimbursement. If you decide to postpone the dates of coverage of your insurance contract, you must request it no later than the effective date of the current contract. To postpone as well as to get a reimbursement, please send us an e-mail to [email protected] .

  • If I catch coronavirus while I am abroad, am I covered by my travel insurance?

In order to confirm that medical expenses are covered, please refer to the information booklet of your insurance contract. Most of our insurances, which in many cases include medical expenses benefit in your country of destination, will cover medical expenses related to Covid-19 treatment, and so within the limits of the terms and conditions. As so, an infected person can have immediate access to quality medical care on-site.

  • I’m an expat with a health insurance, am I covered? 

Please refer to the terms and conditions within the information booklet of your expatriate insurance contract to confirm medical expenses in the case of an epidemic are covered. Most of our expatriate health insurances will cover medical expenses within the level of protection you chose and the terms and conditions of your insurance contract. For example, if you chose hospitalisation only cover, we will cover you in the case a hospitalisation is needed.

  • Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I have to come back earlier than planned to my home country. Is repatriation due to a pandemic compensated? 

Most of our contracts that include a repatriation benefit have epidemics as an exclusion. Please refer to the information booklet of your insurance contract to confirm this exclusion. Due to international health measures and to limit the spread of the virus, the return to your home country might be highly regulated. We invite you to contact your embassy or consular service as soon as possible to obtain more information about the measures that are currently enforced.

  • What should I do in case of an emergency while abroad?

Please contact the local emergency services (911, 112, etc.), and for all assistance requests or a hospitalisation of more than 24 hours, contact our assistance platform available 24/7. Contact information is indicated in your insurance certificate/card and in your information booklet.

  • Is it still possible to travel around the world?

Many countries have severely restricted or even banned international travels. Some countries, such as France, have set up containment measures. It is imperative to follow government recommendations in order to comply with current regulations and not being exposed to a possible refusal of coverage by ACS.

  • I’m abroad and I can’t return to my home country. Can I extend my insurance contract? 

We invite you to contact our customer service at [email protected] as soon as possible, so that we can study your request. Please note that for an extension to be accepted, there must not be any coverage interruption.

Please be aware that all the answers above are given for information purposes only. You must always refer to the information booklet of your insurance contract to check your particular terms and conditions.

Travel Insurance Solutions

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With a dedicated team of approximately 50 professionals of multiple nationalities, ACS stands proudly at the forefront of international mobility insurance brokerage. Our 40-year legacy of expertise has earned the trust of over 200,000 clients worldwide.

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ACS – Travel & Expatriate Insurance Solutions Insurance brokerage company 153, rue de l’Université, 75007 PARIS, FRANCE Phone number : +33 (0)1 40 47 91 00 N° ORIAS 07 000 350 – Website ORIAS : www.orias.fr

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Overview of Travel Insurance Coverage

What does travel insurance cover, what does credit card travel insurance cover, what travel insurance coverage do you need to pay more for, choosing the right travel insurance, what does travel insurance cover frequently asked questions, understanding what travel insurance covers.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Chase Freedom Flex℠. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

  • Travel insurance is intended to cover risks and financial losses associated with traveling.
  • Coverage can include trip cancellation, baggage protection, medical care, and emergency evacuation.
  • When filing a claim, be specific and comprehensive in your documentation to ease the process.

Whether it's a trip across the world or a trip across the state, having travel insurance provides major relief if things go awry. Flight delays, lost baggage, illness, injuries, and other unforeseen events can disrupt even the best-laid plans. With a major disruption comes the potential for unanticipated expenses.

Travel insurance and the coverage it offers can help keep you protected and save you money in the long run.

Travel insurance policies protect travelers from financial losses should something go wrong during their trip. You can customize which coverages you want to include, and there are several to choose from.

"Common types of coverage include trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage protection, coverage for medical care if you get sick or hurt during your trip, and emergency medical evacuation," says Angela Borden, a travel insurance expert and product strategist for travel insurance company Seven Corners.

Travel insurance plans offer nonrefundable payments and other trip-related expenses. While monetary compensation is a primary benefit, there is another valuable perk of travel insurance. It can provide peace of mind.

Your specific travel insurance plan (and its terms and conditions) will determine the minutia and specifics of what is covered. As with most other forms of insurance, a general rule of thumb is the more you spend, the better your coverage.

"Travel insurance can be confusing, so it's best to research a reputable company that specializes in travel insurance and has a long history of successfully helping travelers all over the world," says Borden.

Trip cancellation and interruptions

A travel insurance policy can reimburse you for a prepaid, nonrefundable trip if it is canceled for a covered event, such as a natural disaster or a global pandemic.

Trip interruption insurance covers you if you're already on your trip and you get sick, there's a natural disaster, or something else happens. Make sure to check with your travel insurance providers to discuss any inclusions, coverage, and more.

Travel delays and missed connections

Travel delay insurance coverage provides reimbursement for any expenses you incur when you experience a delay in transit over a minimum time. Reimbursements can include hotels, airfare, food, and other related expenses.

Medical emergencies and evacuations

Typically, US healthcare plans are not accepted in other countries. So travel insurance with medical coverage can be particularly beneficial when you are abroad. Medical coverage can also help with locating doctors and healthcare facilities.

Medical transportation coverage will also pay for emergency evacuation expenses such as airlifts and medically-equipped flights back to the US. Out of pocket, these expenses can easily amount to tens of thousands of dollars. Certain plans may even transport you to a hospital of choice for care.

Travel insurance generally does not include coverage for pre-existing conditions. That said, you can obtain a pre-existing condition waiver, which we will talk about later.  

Baggage and personal belongings

Most airlines will reimburse travelers for lost or destroyed baggage, but be prepared for limitations. Travel insurance plans will typically cover stolen items, such as those stolen out of a hotel room. This may not include expensive jewelry, antiques, or heirloom items. Typically, airlines have a few days to recover your bag.

In the meantime, you can make a claim to pay for items like certain toiletries and other items you need to pick up. If your bag is truly lost or you don't get it for an extended period, you can file a true lost baggage claim.

A major perk on several travel credit cards is embedded credit card travel insurance . Typically, you will need to use the specific card for the transaction (at least with partial payment) for travel coverage to kick in.

Each card has specific rules on what exactly is covered. But one of the industry leaders is the $550-per-year Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card. Here's a snapshot of what is covered with this specific card:

  • Baggage delay: up to $100 reimbursed per day for up to five days if a passenger carrier delays your baggage by more than six hours.
  • Lost and damaged baggage: up to $3,000 per passenger per trip, but only up to $500 per passenger for jewelry and watches and up to $500 per passenger for cameras and other electronic equipment.
  • Trip delay reimbursement: up to $500 per ticket if you're delayed more than six hours or require an overnight stay.
  • Trip cancellation and interruption protection: up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses.
  • Medical evacuation benefit: up to $100,000 for necessary emergency evacuation and transportation when on a trip of five to 60 days and traveling more than 100 miles from home.
  • Travel accident insurance: accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $100,000 (up to $1,000,000 for common carrier travel).
  • Emergency medical and dental benefits: up to $2,500 for medical expenses (subject to a $50 deductible) when on a trip arranged by a travel agency and traveling more than 100 miles from home.
  • Rental car coverage: primary coverage for damages caused by theft or collision up to $75,000 on rentals of 31 days or fewer

More protections are included with cards with an annual fee, but there are exceptions. The no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex, for instance, includes up to $1,500 per person (and up to $6,000 per trip) in trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage.

However, there are some differences between credit card travel coverage and obtaining coverage from a third party.

"Credit card coverage does not typically provide travel medical benefits," Borden says. "For protection if you get sick or hurt while traveling, you'll want a travel insurance plan with medical coverage."

Whether you get your travel insurance in a standalone policy or through a credit card, it's important to review your plan details carefully. In either case, there may be exclusions and other requirements such as deadlines when filing a claim, Borden notes.

Knowing what travel insurance doesn't cover is as important as knowing what it does cover.

"Travelers should understand that travel insurance benefits come into play only if a covered reason occurs," Borden says. Most standard travel insurance plans won't reimburse you for the following:

Cancel for any reason (CFAR)

Cancel-for-any-reason travel insurance covers a trip cancellation for any reason, not just a covered event. your standard benefits won't kick in unless it's a covered event. For instance, you'll be reimbursed simply for changing your mind about taking a trip.

That said, CFAR travel insurance is not without its downsides. For one, it's more expensive than traditional insurance, and most CFAR policies will only reimburse you for a percentage of your travel expenses. Additionally, CFAR policies aren't available for annual travel insurance . 

You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance here.

Foreseen weather events

Sudden storms or unforeseen weather events are typically covered by standard travel insurance plans. There are exceptions to be aware of. For example, an anticipated and named hurricane will not be covered.

Medical tourism

If you're going to travel internationally for a medical procedure or doctor's visit, your travel insurance plan will not cover the procedure itself. Most medical travel plans also won't cover you if something goes wrong with your procedure.

Pre-existing conditions and pregnancy

Those with specific pre-existing conditions, such as someone with diabetes and needing more insulin, will not be covered by most plans. In addition, pregnancy-related expenses will likely not be covered under most plans.

That said, you can obtain a pre-existing condition waiver for stable conditions. In order to obtain a wavier, you will need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time frame from when you booked your trip, usually two to three weeks, depending on your policy.

Extreme sports and activities

Accidents occurring while participating in extreme sports like skydiving and paragliding will typically not be covered under most plans. However, many plans offer the ability to upgrade to a higher-priced version with extended coverage.

Navigating claims and assistance

When a trip goes awry, the first thing you should do is document everything and be as specific as possible with documentation. This will make the claims process easier, as you can substantiate and quantify your financial losses due to the delay.

For example, your flight home has been delayed long enough to be covered under your policy, you'll want to keep any receipts from purchases made while waiting. For instances where your luggage is lost, you will need to file a report with local authorities and document all the items you packed.

Cancellation protection also requires meticulous attention to detail. If you're too sick to fly, you may need to see a doctor to prove your eligibility. If an airline cancels a flight, you'll also need to document any refunds you received as travel insurance isn't going to reimburse you for money you've already gotten back. 

Part of the benefit of CFAR insurance is the reduced paperwork necessary to file a claim. You'll still need to document your nonrefundable losses, but you won't have to substantiate why you're canceling a trip.

Each plan should be personalized to meet the insured party's needs. Some travelers prefer to stick to the bare minimum (flight cancellation benefits through the airline). Others want a comprehensive plan with every coverage possible. Before you buy anything, set your destination. Are there any travel restrictions or changes pending? Does your destination country require emergency or other medical coverage?

If the destination airport is known for lost or delayed luggage, travelers should keep important items in carry-ons. Lost or delayed luggage coverage protects insured parties in the event of a significant delay or total loss.

Second, check current credit card travel benefits to avoid redundancies. Savvy travelers don't need to pay for the same coverage twice.

Finally, consider your individual needs. Do you have a chronic medical condition, or do you feel safe with emergency-only medical coverage? Keep in mind, this does not include coverage for cosmetic surgery or other medical tourism. Do you have a budget limit for travel insurance? Asking and answering these important questions will help every traveler find the right product.

Most travel insurance plans are simple, and Business Insider's guide to the best travel insurance companies outlines our top picks. Remember, read your policy and its specifics closely to ensure it includes the items you need coverage for.

No one likes to dwell on how a trip might not go as planned before even leaving. However, at its core, travel insurance provides peace of mind as you go about your trip. While the upfront cost may seem significant, when you compare it to the potential expenses of a canceled flight, emergency evacuation, or a hefty medical bill, it's a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things.

Coverage for pandemics vary from policy to policy. Some travel insurance companies have specific provisions for pandemic-related cancellations, while others may exclude them entirely.

Sports injuries are often covered under travel insurance, but high-risk or adventure sports might require additional coverage or a special policy.

Travel advisories have different effects on your travel insurance depending on your policy. Traveling to a country already under travel advisory may invalidate your coverage, but if you're already traveling when a travel advisory is announced, you may be covered.

Travel insurance usually covers the cost of emergency medical evacuations to the nearest suitable medical facility, and sometimes back to your home country, if necessary.

Many travel insurance policies provide coverage for the cost of replacing lost or stolen passports during a trip.

ami travel insurance covid

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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  21. Globe Traveller

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  22. Travel Insurance

    ACS - Travel & Expatriate Insurance Solutions. Insurance brokerage company. 153, rue de l'Université, 75007 PARIS, FRANCE. Phone number : +33 (0)1 40 47 91 00. N° ORIAS 07 000 350 - Website ORIAS : www.orias.fr. Email : [email protected]. Globe Partner travel insurance is a comprehensive and affordable travel health insurance valid ...

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