What happens when you spend months planning a vacation, but you’re unable to go? This is a question a lot of travelers have been asking themselves since the COVID-19 outbreak.
Many countries like Italy have already locked-down the country to avoid further spreading the Coronavirus. However, this can mean a lot of wasted money and vacation time if your travel plans become interrupted by the outbreak.
Your Travel Insurance Covers More Than Hospital Visits
Most travelers know to never go anywhere without travel insurance. But did you know that your travel insurance doesn’t just help you if you need access to care out of the country?
Most travel insurance plans will reimburse you for:
- Medical expenses
- Transportation and accommodation failure
- Environmental delays
- Political issues such as jury duty
- Violent outbreaks that prevent travel
- Work-related issues
- Trip cancellation or interruptions
Cancel For Any Reason Policy
When shopping for travel insurance, always look for a “cancel for any reason” coverage. This coverage will ensure that you’re reimbursed for any prepaid and even non-refundable trips. You can purchase this coverage within 14 to 21 days of your first payment, and you can cancel within 2 days of your trip.
Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, many airlines and hotels are also waiving their cancellation policies and fees. If you’re still paying for your travel insurance, or have not purchased travel insurance yet, adding on “cancel for any reason” policy can reimburse up to 75 percent of your original costs. This could end up saving you thousands of dollars in lost flight expenses.
Trip Interruptions
After watching the travelers aboard the Diamond Princess cruise endure weeks of quarantine, many people who are already traveling are now wondering if the same thing can happen to them.
Although it’s true that you can become quarantined or locked-out of a country while traveling, your travel insurance can help cover the costs of “unforeseen circumstances” like needing to extend you trip because of medical reasons.
Stop the Spread of the Coronavirus
If you’re experiencing symptoms or are feeling ill, it’s better to stay safe and stay home. A trip can always be rescheduled, but there is only one you. To prevent yourself from becoming infected, the CDC recommends:
- Refraining from touching your face, eyes, mouth, and nose.
- Washing your hands often and frequently with hot soapy water for 20 to 30 seconds.
- Disinfecting objects you or others touch often such as keyboards or steering wheels.
- Staying home if you feel you’re becoming ill or feel unwell.
The CDC strongly recommends that even if you feel only mild respiratory symptoms, you should stay home and seek medical attention.
If you have questions on what kinds of travel insurance you need to protect yourself from any potential risks, call one of our QuotePurple partners to learn about your options.
Don’t let your travel expenses increase because of the Coronavirus outbreak, and protect yourself from potential travel risks.