Now that the vaccines are finally coming out, travelers are ready to get a shot and finally do what they truly love.
But while there may be a gradual return to normal travel conditions, one element that has changed as our freedom of movement has been limited is that travel insurance is more essential than ever.
As with most other things in this world, policies have undergone several adjustments to help protect passengers from things like Covid-19, and any new unexpected issues that could be faced.
Given the fine print and insurance nuances, the answer is not clear, but the bottom line is that US consumers can anticipate more benefits from their travel insurance than they have before.
Cancellation because of a coronavirus diagnosis should be covered
If by unfortunate chance you catch COVID-19 before leaving on a trip, you shouldn't have to worry about paying for the cost of cancelations.
"If you get sick with COVID-19, travel insurance plans today will treat that like really any other kind of unexpected illness or sickness," Stan Sandberg, co-founder of TravelInsurance.com, told The Washington Post. Insurance is meant to offset the non-refundable cost of the trip that you must skip.
As we approach the second year of the pandemic, here's what people need to bear in mind when evaluating travel insurance and negotiating the daunting process of planning any holiday.
Getting sick while traveling should also be covered
Now that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention require a negative test before traveling to the United States, travelers may find that they are infected as they get ready to return home. Or they may develop symptoms even before a return test is scheduled.
Sandberg explained that the most typical comprehensive policies should include emergency medical bills as well as the remaining non-refundable travel costs if they are disrupted. In serious situations, he added, the cost of an emergency evacuation should also be compensated by a comprehensive policy.
CFAR:'Cancel For Any Reason' insurance
Policies that currently consider Covid-19 to be a disease that could cause a trip to be canceled still do not address all COVID-19-related travel concerns. This may include additional quarantine regulations for incoming travelers that cause changes of heart about travel or a general fear for travel as a result of rising infections.
The best way to cover yourself in these circumstances is to purchase a cancel for Any Reason policy, known in the industry as CFAR. This policy raises the premium by around 40%-a standard $1,000 cancelation policy, for example, will raise to $1,400.
In addition, CFAR normally only reimburses travelers 75% of the cost of their trip, contrary to the 100% that a cancellation policy does. Despite the higher rates, Sandberg recommends CFAR to travelers who have any concerns related to Covid-19.
