Travel insurance can be tricky to understand at the best of times. Finding a trustworthy provider, picking the right level of cover, opting for a single trip or annual – there’s lots to consider. Now of course we all have the added concern of Coronavirus, to try and confuse us further.
Whilst we’re not able to cover every scenario (you’ll need to consult your travel insurance provider before purchasing a policy of course) we have collated some advice that should hopefully point you in the right direction.
If you had travel insurance and booked a trip before mid-March 2020:
If you booked your holiday and had already purchased travel insurance by mid-March 2020, (i.e. before the FCO warned against all non-essential travel), you should be covered by your insurer. This is assuming the FCO warning remains, assuming your trip is yet to take place.
If you booked a trip or bought an insurance policy mid-March 2020 or after:
Unfortunately, if you booked your trip or purchased a policy after the FCO warning came into effect mid-March, it’s very unlikely that you will be covered from any Coronavirus related disruption/ cancellations.
If you are due to renew an existing annual policy and have a trip booked, or intend to book a trip:
It is recommended that you renew with the same insurer, rather than shopping around. Do be sure to enquire how the Coronavirus will affect your trip / cover though.
If you do not have travel insurance but have either booked or intend on booking a trip soon:
• Always purchase travel insurance regardless of what is happening with Coronavirus. Checking the Defaqto rating is a good place to start when researching insurers.
• It is also recommended that you buy insurance at the same time as booking your trip in case something unexpected happens in-between then and the time you are due to travel.
• Ask lots of questions about what your insurance will or will not cover you for with regards to Coronavirus. These might include but are not limited to:
o Will I be covered if I contract the disease abroad?
o Will I be covered if my trip is cancelled by the airline / holiday provider due to Coronavirus complications?
o Will I be covered if I contract Coronavirus before I travel and have to cancel as a result?
o Will I be covered if a family member contracts the Coronavirus before I travel and have to cancel as a result?
o What effect does the FCO travel advice have on my policy?
o Will I be covered with medical expenses abroad if I have a pre-existing condition and contract the disease?
o What specific things will invalidate my travel insurance?
• Make sure you read the fine print on your policy once you have made your purchase. Speak to your insurer again if you have any specific concerns.
Disclaimer
Always be sure to check the FCO (Foreign & Commonwealth Office) before booking any trip. As things currently stand, the government is advising against all but essential travel. See our general holidaying guide here for more information.
Information is correct as of 2nd July, we will try and update this as more information comes to light.
