With the coronavirus outbreak in China drawing concern from North American consumers and shuttering local tourist sites, Stan Sandberg, co-founder of TravelInsurance.com, has provided some answers to frequently asked questions regarding the outbreak and travel insurance:
Is it Possible to Claim for a Trip Cancelled in Fear of the Coronavirus? Unfortunately, an outbreak of a virus/disease is a not covered reasons under travel insurance plans for trip cancellation purposes. For those who purchased a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) optional upgrade, however, some measure of trip cancellation protection may be available.
Is Trip Protection Available Should Sickness Occur While Traveling? If someone with a travel insurance plan gets sick while traveling, they could have benefits under the trip interruption coverage and the emergency medical coverage. The emergency medical coverage in a travel insurance plan could provide reimbursement for medical expenses incurred during the trip. If someone waits to see a doctor or go to the hospital until after their trip has ended, then the travel insurance plan would not pay a benefit, as it only covers expenses incurred during the trip.
Is Trip Protection Available Should Sickness Occur Prior to Traveling? For policies that include trip cancellation coverage, policyholders can claim for cancellation of their trip should they cancel due to the insured, a family member, or a travel companion becoming seriously ill prior to leaving.
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