By Rodrigo Manterola
Traveling during COVID 19 is a new reality and is very likely these protocols to set the new standards for all travels whether it is for business or pleasure. Just like 9/11 did for airport security.
If have more questions related crossing the border or other issues related to Traveling to Mexico, read this article by clicking on the link below
Things to know about traveling to Mexico in 2021
The question is simple
Yes, but remember to read the small print.
While at the beginning of the pandemic this was almost impossible, the more we know about the virus and the symptoms associated with it, the more insurance companies adapt in order to offer cover for most travellers. Now some companies report up to 80% of their sales are from these kinds of policies.
Travel insurance normally covers trip cancellations and medical emergencies as long as you meet policy conditions, and you are covered before your trip.
Many plans will now also treat Covid like any other unexpected sickness or illness, and while insurance coverage is constantly evolving it varies across policies and companies.
Is traveling a good idea? Read our article about traveling to Mexico in 2020 or 2021 here
What Travel Insurance Does Not Cover Related to COVID-19
According to Travelinsurance.com standard travel insurance policies distinguish between foreseen and unforeseen events and do not cover claims due to known, foreseeable, or expected events including pandemics.
Most travel insurance companies have declared a date by which they considered the COVID-19 pandemic to be a foreseeable risk. If you purchased travel insurance before this date, you may be eligible for trip cancellation or trip interruption benefits if you become sick with COVID-19 before or during your trip, and emergency medical care if you become sick with COVID-19 while traveling.
If you purchased your travel insurance after the pandemic hit, your insurance company will likely consider the coronavirus as a foreseeable event, which may affect your coverage.
Some insurers may have a pandemic exclusion, meaning that they do not provide any coverage for this event. However, several insurers consider contracting COVID-19 similar to contracting any other medical condition and may cover emergency medical, trip cancellation and trip interruption if you unexpectedly contract COVID-19 after you’ve purchased the insurance.
You will need to review your particular policy for details applicable to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What Travel Insurance is Best for COVID-19?
Due to the uncertainty of how the coronavirus may affect travel, travel insurance with the CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason) benefit may be your best option.
This would give you the peace of mind you need to book your trip as the pandemic is still evolving, knowing that you can recoup a portion of your travel costs if you decide not to travel due to pandemic concerns.
Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Coverage |
Allows policy holders to cancel a trip over COVID-19 concerns, whereas traditional travel insurance plans do not. |
Typically reimburses from 50-75% of prepaid, non-refundable trip costs. |
Travelers must meet specific plan requirements and purchase a CFAR plan within a certain number of days from initial trip payment. |
Trips usually must be cancelled at least 48 hours prior to departure to be eligible for coverage. |
How can I insure my trip?
To get a CFAR insurance policy you may need to contract a standard travel insurance and then upgrade to CFAR benefit for an extra fee that can be up to %70 the standard cost of your insurance.
These benefits vary by policy and company, but a search to insure a $4,000 5 day trip to Baja in February for 2 people in their 60’s on Travelinsurance.com turned up at around $400 April pandemic plan policy with Covid-19 benefits that would be triggered if you, your host at your destination, a travel companion or a family member tested positive for the virus.
How Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Coverage Works
According to Travelinsurance.com, Standard travel insurance plans often let you upgrade to CFAR coverage for an additional fee.
You must first purchase a standard travel insurance plan to be eligible for the optional CFAR coverage. Some plans include CFAR coverage; these tend to be priced higher than standard plans. CFAR coverage must be purchased soon after your first trip payment, typically within 7 to 21 days depending on the policy, and you are required to insure 100% of your nonrefundable trip costs. CFAR coverage doesn’t usually offer a full reimbursement, but typically reimburses from 50% to 75% of trip costs. Trip cancellation usually must be made at least 48 hours before departure to be eligible for coverage
Other options
Buy refundable air tickets, many airlines are now offering vouchers and/or waving reschedule fees for later trips if your flight is cancelled due to COVID 19, yet, the only way to get a full refund is to buy refundable tickets.
Refundable tickets are a bit more expensive but their worth it if you want to have the peace of mind of knowing that you’ll get a refund in the case of cancellation or there’s a significant schedule change
Planning a Road Trip to Baja? Read some of our tips here
Travel Insurance for COVID-19 |
If you have an existing travel insurance plan, concerns over the coronavirus is not usually a covered reason for cancelling your trip, unless you have Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage. |
If you become ill with COVID-19 prior to your departure, you may be eligible for trip cancellation coverage depending on when you purchased your plan and which plan you purchased. |
If you become ill with COVID-19 during your trip and your plan includes medical expense coverage, you may be covered with trip interruption and medical expense benefits depending on when you purchased the plan, and which plan you purchased. |
If you are planning on purchasing a new travel insurance policy, consult the policy’s COVID-19 coverage and consider adding CFAR coverage. |
Traveling is an ever evolving creature, it takes different shapes and forms according to the world economic, political and health panorama, thinking about travel insurance is not only a good idea but imperative.
Visit Travelinsurance.com, compare amongst the different companies, policies and choose wisely, remember, the devil is in the details.
Disclaimer: The links provided here are affiliate links, these provide you with the best deals in the market and the ability to compare before you buy. These links also represent a source of income for us by earning a commission if you choose to purchase from any of these insurance companies.
