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Take out Travel Insurance with coverage for COVID-19 to ensure travel safely and worry-free
Border restrictions in relation to COVID-19 have seen a global relaxation followed by a growing need for visits – be it for business or leisure. That said, incoming visitors are obliged to comply with border policies. For example, tourists in Thailand are required to apply for a Thailand pass and insure medical insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment with a minimum coverage of US$10,000 (i.e. HK$78,000). Incoming visitor to Thailand who receives full vaccination from government-approved institutions is also eligible to waive, whereas others may present a negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test result within 72 hours from departure to become eligible for a quarantine-free visit. Hence, pre-departure preparedness is necessary to navigate travels more so than ever.
COVID-19 variants are marked by their ability to be highly transmissible. Tourists who are infected may face either quarantine, isolation, or even hospitalization. It can be costly to seek medical treatment as well as an inconvenience to derail an itinerary with days being blocked out for the infected. Planning a well-protected trip is synonymous with taking out insurance that covers COVID-19 or its related events.
Recently, not only does travel insurance provide its policyholders coverage for medical expenses incurred from overseas treatment for COVID-19, but also cash compensation for hospitalization. Compulsory quarantine or testing that do not warrant hospitalization is also subsidised with cash compensation for any loss incurred. Policyholders should keep the receipts for medical expenses, reports, and any proof of compulsory quarantine for their insurer for any future claim reviews. In the event of itinerary changes due to COVID-19 before departure, travel insurance may also provide compensation for non-refundable travel expenses such as tickets for local excursions, sports events, concerts, theme parks, etc.
The way in which “infectious diseases”, “epidemic areas” and the related clause are defined is different among insurers, and therefore not all travel insurance necessarily provides protection for compulsory quarantine. The insured must be aware of scenarios in which they are ineligible for insurance claims. For example, if the insured undergoes a quarantine period that does not overlap with the effective date of his or her policy, or if he or she is traveling to a place where any country-wide self-quarantine or testing are imposed, the policyholders may not receive claims for these activities.
Health remains the top priority for both business and leisure travellers, especially with the highly infectious nature of COVID-19. If having a safe and well-protected trip is something top of mind, it is a good practice to familiarise oneself with any cross-border policies involved and take out travel insurance that covers COVID-19 and any related events.
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Read more: How to make the most of your travel insurance coverage
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