Written by: Griffiths & Armour on: 30 May 2022
Will COVID-19 affect my travel insurance policy?
Due to the success of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout worldwide, we should all be considering the likelihood of travelling abroad again in the not too distant future.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we have all had to adapt and change, which can also be said of the travel insurance market. To help provide some insight, our Private Clients team have provided answers to some frequently asked questions below.
How has COVID-19 impacted travel?
A claim will not be valid where you have travelled to a country or area where, prior to your trip commencing, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has advised against all but essential travel.
You must provide a valid reason for cancelling your trip. Cancelling your trip because you do not want to travel to a country or area where there is no other valid reason for cancellation is generally not covered by any travel insurance policy.
What if I catch COVID-19 while travelling?
If you become ill with COVID-19 abroad, most policies will provide cover for emergency medical expenses, provided you were not already ill with COVID-19 or awaiting test results for COVID-19 when the trip was booked.
What if I catch COVID-19 before travelling?
If you test positive for COVID-19 before you are due to depart on your trip, most insurers will allow you to submit a claim and cancel your trip.
What are the types of travel insurance policies?
A single trip policy is arranged each time a trip is undertaken. Cover is usually for a maximum of up to four months.
An annual trip policy provides automatic cover for all trips undertaken within a twelve-month period. A limit per trip of number of days usually applies.
Benefits of a travel insurance policy
By purchasing a travel policy, you can benefit from the following:
- Personal accident benefits
- Medical expenses
- Cancellation or curtailment
- Baggage, personal effects and money
- Personal liability
Cover may also be extended to include:
- Hospital cash benefits
- Travel interruption and delay
- Legal expenses
- Winter sports
- Catastrophe or disaster cover
- Cruise cover
Can anyone purchase travel insurance?
Some insurers will have an age limit for policyholders. Most insurers will exclude cover for those over aged 75, however there are still insurers who will offer cover beyond this age limit. Some insurers exclude pre-existing medical conditions. Other insurers will require those with pre-existing medical conditions to fill out a health declaration form when applying for a policy.
Our Private clients team will arrange a travel insurance policy that gives you complete confidence that you have the correct cover in place, allowing you to focus on your holiday and not your insurance.
For more information, download the Private Clients brochure or submit your enquiry to Head of Private Clients, Ed Dunphy, who will be happy to help.
