international travel insurance covid 19 cover

June 1, 2020

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after

Ukraine; Belarus; Moldova; North Korea; Russia; Israel

This is a test environment. Please proceed to AllianzTravelInsurance.com and remove all bookmarks or references to this site.

Use this tool to calculate all purchases like ski-lift passes, show tickets, or even rental equipment.

UPDATED APRIL 6, 2022

The information in this FAQ is current as of the time of publication but is subject to change . Please see our Coverage Alert for the latest coverage information. The information in this FAQ is intended to provide general information only and is not a coverage determination in any respect on any claim. All claims are evaluated under the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the plan purchased based on the particular facts and circumstance of that claim. The below FAQ responses address only losses incurred on or after the publication date of these FAQs . If a loss was incurred prior to that date, these responses may not apply to you or may vary. Please contact us at the number listed on your plan with any questions about coverage or to file a claim.

For customers purchasing a new travel protection plan, some of our plans now include an Epidemic Coverage Endorsement, which adds epidemic-related covered reasons for certain benefits. Benefits vary by plan and by state of residence, and are not available in all jurisdictions.

Please read your plan documents to see if the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement is included in your plan. We are also offering certain temporary accommodations as described in our COVID-19 coverage alert .

For frequently asked questions regarding details of the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement, see below section on “Epidemic Coverage Endorsement.”

General COVID-19

+ - i am worried about covid-19 impacting a trip i have scheduled or plan to schedule. should i buy an allianz travel protection plan to cover me in case covid-19 impacts my trip.

COVID-19 is a known and evolving epidemic that is impacting travel worldwide, with continued spread and impacts expected. Our travel protection plans do not generally cover losses directly or indirectly related to known, foreseeable, or expected events, epidemics, government prohibitions, warnings, or travel advisories, or fear of travel.

However, we are pleased to announce the introduction of our Epidemic Coverage Endorsement to certain plans purchased on or after March 6, 2021. This endorsement adds certain new covered reasons related to epidemics (including COVID-19) to some of our most popular insurance plans. Please see the below FAQ section on “Epidemic Coverage Endorsement” for more information. Note, the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement may not be available for all plans or in all jurisdictions. To see if your plan includes this endorsement, please look for “Epidemic Coverage Endorsement” on your Declarations of Coverage or Letter of Confirmation.

Additionally, in response to the ongoing public health and travel crisis, we are temporarily extending certain claims accommodations as follows*:

1. For plans that do not include the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement, we are temporarily accommodating claims for the following:

Emergency medical care for an insured who becomes ill with COVID-19 while on their trip (if your plan includes the Emergency Medical Care benefit)
Trip cancellation and trip interruption if an insured, or that insured’s traveling companion or family member, becomes ill with COVID-19 either before or during the insured’s trip (if your plan includes Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption benefits, as applicable)

2. If an insured or their traveling companion become ill with COVID-19 while on their trip, that insured will not be subject to the Trip Interruption benefit’s five-day maximum limit for additional accommodation and transportation expenses (however, the maximum daily limit for such expenses and the maximum Trip Interruption benefit limit still apply).

These temporary accommodations are strictly applicable to COVID-19 and are only available to customers whose plan includes the applicable benefit. These accommodations apply to plans currently in effect but may not apply to plans purchased in the future, so please refer to our Coverage Alert for the most up to date information before purchasing.

+ - Am I covered if I want to cancel my travel plans because I’m afraid to travel due to COVID-19?

No, canceling a trip because you’re afraid to travel due to COVID-19 is generally not covered by our travel protection plans.

However, if you’re concerned about traveling during this time, many airlines and other travel suppliers are allowing their customers to change the dates of their travel without change fees. If you change your trip’s dates, we are happy to allow you to move your plan coverage dates to cover a new or rescheduled trip, so long as that trip is scheduled to be completed within 770 days from the plan’s original purchase date.* For terms and details, please see the below FAQ on changing your travel protection plan’s effective dates .

This temporary accommodation is strictly applicable to COVID-19. This accommodation applies to plans currently in effect but may not apply to plans purchased in the future, so please refer to our Coverage Alert for the most up to date information before purchasing.

+ - Am I covered if I cancel or interrupt my trip due to COVID-19?

Claims due to known, foreseeable, or expected events, epidemics, government prohibitions, warnings, or travel advisories or fear of travel are generally not covered. As such, our travel insurance plans do not generally cover trip cancellations or interruptions directly or indirectly related to COVID-19.

+ - What if my travel supplier (e.g. airline, cruise line, tour operator, etc.) cancels a portion or all of my trip due to COVID-19?

Travel supplier cancellations due to COVID-19 are generally not covered under our travel protection plans. However, if your supplier cancels your trip, you may be eligible for a refund directly from your supplier, and we encourage you to contact them for assistance.

If you have rescheduled your trip or rebooked a new trip, we are happy to allow you to move your plan coverage dates to cover a new or rescheduled trip, so long as that trip is scheduled to be completed within 770 days from the plan’s original purchase date.* For terms and details, please see the below FAQ on changing your travel protection plan’s effective dates .

Alternatively, if your travel supplier has canceled your trip due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for a refund of the cost of your travel protection plan.* For terms and details, please see the below FAQ on canceling your plan .

These temporary accommodations are strictly applicable to COVID-19. These accommodations apply to plans currently in effect but may not apply to plans purchased in the future, so please refer to our Coverage Alert for the most up to date information before purchasing.

+ - Am I covered if I cancel my travel plans because of a travel ban or other government-imposed restriction on travel related to COVID-19?

No, canceling a trip because of a travel ban or other government-imposed restriction on travel directly or indirectly related to COVID-19 is generally not covered by our travel protection plans.

Please note, many airlines and other travel suppliers are allowing their customers to change the dates of their travel without change fees. If you change your trip’s dates, we are happy to allow you to move your plan coverage dates to cover a new or rescheduled trip, so long as that trip is scheduled to be completed within 770 days from the plan’s original purchase date.* For terms and details, please see the below FAQ on changing your travel protection plan’s effective dates .

+ - How do I know if COVID-19 testing and/or vaccination is required for my destination?

Check our interactive map for the latest information on travel requirements and entry restrictions for international destinations, including COVID-19 testing, vaccination policies, necessary travel documents and quarantine periods. (Content is provided by Sherpa, an affiliated third party).

Please keep in mind that travel restrictions change often, so you should check the travel requirements again before you leave for your trip.

+ - What should I do if my destination requires proof of travel insurance that covers COVID-19?

If your destination requires proof of travel insurance, we're happy to provide a summary letter that describes your travel insurance plan benefits, also called Proof of Insurance. Click here to request Proof of Insurance (please allow approximately 48 hours for a response).

If you’re not sure whether the information provided in the Proof of Insurance satisfies the requirements of your destination country, we recommend that you or your travel advisor contact the nearest embassy or consulate of that country to confirm.

+ - Can travel insurance cover trip cancellation or interruption if I don't meet the COVID-19 entry requirements for my destination?

Failing to meet a country’s entry requirements, whether for COVID-19 or any other reason, is not a covered reason for trip cancellation or interruption. It’s the responsibility of the traveler to check international entry requirements before booking a trip.

Before you book, and before you travel, use our interactive map to see current information on travel requirements and entry restrictions for international destinations, including COVID-19 testing, vaccination policies, necessary travel documents and quarantine periods. (Content is provided by Sherpa, an affiliated third party).

+ - I have an upcoming trip to an area with reported cases of COVID-19. Will I be covered if I cancel my trip?

No, canceling a trip because of an area being affected by COVID-19 is generally not covered by our travel protection plans.

+ - Am I covered if I cancel or interrupt my trip because the government has issued a travel advisory or warning for my destination due to COVID-19?

Our plans do not generally cover losses directly or indirectly resulting from government-issued travel advisories or warnings related to COVID-19, including those issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Department of State.

However, as a temporary accommodation, please note that the accommodations and other coverage for which you are otherwise eligible under your plan continue to apply regardless of any U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. Department of State travel alerts regarding COVID-19 that exist on the effective date of our COVID-19 Coverage Alert . For the latest information and updates, please see our COVID-19 Coverage Alert .

+ - Can I cancel my travel protection plan and get the cost of my travel protection plan refunded?

You may be eligible to cancel your plan and receive a refund of your plan cost in the following situations:

You generally have 15 days (or more, depending on your plan and state of residence) from the date your plan was purchased to request a refund of the cost of your plan, provided you have not started your trip or initiated a claim. Please note, plan refund rules vary by state and plan purchased, so please see your plan for details.
Additionally, for a temporary period, we are offering refunds for the cost of your single-trip travel protection plan if your travel supplier cancels your trip due to COVID-19, as long as no payable claim has been filed under the plan. (This is not available for annual travel insurance plans, which may be canceled any time for a refund of unearned premium.) Refunds must be requested within 770 days of the original plan purchase date.*

To cancel your plan for one of these situations, please call us at the number listed on your plan.

Unless earlier canceled or otherwise ended in accordance with its terms or the accommodations stated here, plans end 770 days after the original plan purchase date. Plans do not provide any coverage or accommodation for any loss incurred after the plan ends.

+ - If I rebook my trip to a later date, can I change my travel protection plan’s effective dates to cover the rebooked trip?

Yes, you may change your travel protection plan’s effective dates to cover a new or rescheduled trip, as long as that trip is scheduled to be completed within 770 days from the plan’s original purchase date. Changes can be made at www.allianztravelinsurance.com or by calling the phone number on your plan.

Please note, if you wish to move your plan’s covered trip dates to cover a new or rescheduled trip, you must update your trip dates prior to the departure date of that new or rescheduled trip and prior to any loss for which you seek coverage.* Additionally, if your trip costs for your new or rescheduled trip are different than the cost of your original trip, you will need to update your plan’s coverage limits accordingly. Any change in trip cost insured for the new or rescheduled trip may result in a change in premium. If you update your plan’s trip dates to cover a new or rescheduled trip but do not adjust your limits, the original plan limits will apply to the new or rescheduled trip.

+ - What are your temporary accommodations for COVID-19?

To learn more about the temporary, specific accommodations we are currently offering, please read our Coverage Alert . These accommodations apply to plans currently in effect but may not apply to plans purchased in the future, so please refer to our Coverage Alert for the most up to date information before purchasing.

+ - Am I covered for trip cancellation due to COVID-19 if I have a Cancel Anytime plan?

Our Cancel Anytime plans provide up to 100% reimbursement of non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs when a trip is canceled for a covered reason, and up to 80% of those costs for most other unforeseen reasons for cancellation. However, our plans do not provide “Cancel For Any Reason” coverage, and coverage under these plans is subject to terms, conditions, and exclusions. Specifically, Cancel Anytime plans generally exclude coverage for losses directly or indirectly resulting from any of the following: known, foreseeable, or expected events, epidemics, and government prohibitions, and certain other causes of loss. As such, losses directly or indirectly resulting from COVID-19 are not generally covered under our Cancel Anytime plans.

+ - Am I covered if I need emergency medical care because I become ill with COVID-19 while on my trip?

Claims due to known, foreseeable, or expected events, epidemics, government prohibitions, warnings, or travel advisories or fear of travel are generally not covered. As such, our travel insurance plans do not generally cover medical claims directly or indirectly related to COVID-19.

However, we are pleased to announce the introduction of our Epidemic Coverage Endorsement to certain plans purchased on or after March 6, 2021. This endorsement adds certain new covered reasons related to epidemics (including COVID-19), including related to emergency medical care if you or a traveling companion become ill with COVID-19 while on your trip, to some of our most popular insurance plans. Please see the below FAQ section on “Epidemic Coverage Endorsement” for more information. Note, the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement may not be available for all plans or in all jurisdictions. To see if your plan includes this endorsement, please look for “Epidemic Coverage Endorsement” on your Declarations of Coverage or Letter of Confirmation.

Please note, the above applies to emergency medical care for insured individuals who become ill with COVID-19 while traveling. For the elimination of doubt, we do not provide coverage or reimbursement for the cost of COVID-19 testing required for travel, the cost of COVID-19 vaccination, or any other such expenses.

We urge any customer who has a medical issue while traveling or needs help to call us. We are assisting customers 24/7/365 who wish to change their travel plans, need travel assistance, or would like to file a claim. Our assistance team is ready to help all of our customers who need help while traveling, such as locating medical facilities or rebooking transportation. You can also use our self-service options on this website. We review every claim based on its unique facts and circumstances and are happy to answer any questions you may have.

+ - Is a “long-haul” or an ongoing or active case of COVID-19 considered a pre-existing medical condition?

Our plans generally define a pre-existing medical condition as an injury, illness, or medical condition that, within the 120 days prior to and including the purchase date of your travel protection plan:

Caused a person to seek medical examination, diagnosis, care, or treatment by a doctor;
Presented symptoms; or
Required a person to take medication prescribed by a doctor (unless the condition or symptoms are controlled by that prescription, and the prescription has not changed).

The illness, injury, or medical condition does not need to be formally diagnosed in order to be considered a pre-existing medical condition.

If your medical documentation indicates that COVID-19 symptoms/treatment were present within the 120 day look-back period prior to your insurance purchase, the condition could fall under the definition of a pre-existing medical condition.

Please note: Many plans include a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver. If your travel insurance plan includes this Waiver, and you meet the conditions of the Waiver, then this exclusion will not apply to your plan. One of the conditions to qualify for this Waiver is that you must be medically able to travel on the day you purchased your plan. As such, if you are not medically able to travel on the day you purchase your plan as a result of “long-haul” or an ongoing or active case of COVID-19, you may not be eligible for this Waiver. Please see your plan documents for details, and learn more about pre-existing medical conditions here .

Epidemic Coverage Endorsement

+ - if i was exposed to someone with covid-19, would trip cancellation benefits apply.

Exposure to someone with COVID-19 is not by itself a covered reason under the Trip Cancellation benefit. However, the Trip Cancellation benefit would apply if you or a traveling companion test positive for COVID-19 or you are diagnosed with COVID-19 by your physician.

The Trip Cancellation benefit would also apply if you or your traveling companion are individually-ordered to quarantine as a result of your exposure. Benefits may not cover the full cost of your quarantine and are subject to applicable benefit limits. For information on what qualifies as an “individually-ordered quarantine,” see the FAQ above on what is meant by individually-ordered quarantine .

For more information, please refer to the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement within your plan details.

Please note, this answer is specific to products that include the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement and applicable benefit(s) and covered reason(s) described. To see if your plan includes this endorsement, please look for “Epidemic Coverage Endorsement” on your Declarations of Coverage or Letter of Confirmation.

+ - What happens when a traveling companion or I become ill with an epidemic disease such as COVID-19 or is ordered to quarantine?

If you or a traveling companion become ill due to an epidemic disease (such as COVID-19) or are individually-ordered to quarantine, these are covered reasons that could trigger Trip Cancellation or Trip interruption benefits for the insured . Note, the plan only covers expenses of the insured. Expenses of traveling companions are not covered unless they are also an insured under the plan. Benefits may not cover the full cost of your quarantine and are subject to applicable benefit limits. For information on what qualifies as an “individually-ordered quarantine,” see the FAQ below on what is meant by individually-ordered quarantine .

+ - What is meant by “individually ordered” quarantine?

A quarantine is considered “individually ordered” when these conditions, as specified in the plan, are met:

i. The quarantine is specific to you or a traveling companion, meaning that you or a traveling companion must be specifically and individually designated by name in an order or directive to be placed in quarantine due to an epidemic; and

ii. The quarantine does not apply generally or broadly (a) to some segment or all of a population, geographical area, building, or vessel (including without limitation shelter-in-place, stay-at-home, safer-at-home, or other similar restriction), or (b) based on to, from, or through where the person is traveling. This condition (ii) applies even if the quarantine order or directive specifically designates you or a traveling companion by name to be quarantined.

Example 1 : While you are on a cruise, the crew of your cruise ship is checking temperatures of all passengers and you or your traveling companion demonstrate a temperature outside the accepted range, causing you both to be ordered to quarantine while on board. This would qualify as an individually-ordered quarantine.

Example 2 : While you are on a cruise, the crew of your cruise ship is checking temperatures of all passengers. As a result of a passenger (not part of your traveling party) demonstrating a temperature outside the accepted range, all passengers on the ship are ordered to quarantine while on board. Because this quarantine applies generally or broadly to the population of the entire vessel, this would not qualify as an individually-ordered quarantine.

Example 3 : While you are on a cruise, the crew of your cruise ship is conducting random COVID-19 testing of passengers. A passenger who is not part of your traveling party but with whom you have had close contact tests positive for COVID-19. As a result, you or your traveling companion are ordered to quarantine while on board. Other passengers who are not close contacts of the ill passenger are allowed to continue freely moving about the ship as normal. This would qualify as an individually-ordered quarantine.

Example 4 : You fly to a country that requires all persons entering the country to quarantine for fourteen days prior to being permitted to freely travel in the country. Because this is a general/broad quarantine that applies based on the country to which you are traveling, this would not qualify as an individually-ordered quarantine.

+ - Will the new Epidemic Coverage Endorsement meet government requirements for my trip?

Travel requirements vary by country and continue to rapidly shift and evolve. While we continually monitor and adapt our products and services as best as we can to meet these requirements, and our plans offer robust benefits in an effort to provide products that meet our customers’ needs, we cannot guarantee that a plan will meet the need in all situations.

Though it is the insured’s responsibility to comply with the specific country requirements, we can assist in locating this information. Our interactive map shows current information on travel requirements and entry restrictions for international destinations, including COVID-19 testing, vaccination policies, necessary travel documents and quarantine periods. Check your destination’s entry requirements here. (Content is provided by Sherpa, an affiliated third party).

We also can provide a summary letter of travel insurance plan benefits, which we refer to as Proof of Insurance. If your destination requires proof of travel insurance, we're happy to provide a summary letter that describes your travel insurance plan benefits, also called Proof of Insurance. Click here to request Proof of Insurance (please allow approximately 48 hours for a response).

If it is unclear whether the information provided in the Proof of Insurance satisfies the requirements of the destination country, we recommend that you or your travel advisor contact the nearest embassy or consulate of that country to confirm. To the extent you determine the plan you purchased does not meet your needs, contact us so that we can help you find one that does.

+ - If I’m diagnosed with COVID-19 but I’m asymptomatic, would Trip Cancellation benefits apply?

Even if you or a traveling companion are asymptomatic, proof of a positive COVID-19 test or confirmation of a COVID-19 diagnosis by a doctor would be accepted as verification of illness and may be coverable under Trip Cancellation. For more information, please refer to the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement within your plan details.

+ - Is a positive COVID-19 test administered by someone other than a doctor considered sufficient proof of illness?

To confirm COVID-19 illness, we require a physician's diagnosis or confirmation, or the verified record of a positive molecular (e.g. PCR) or antigen COVID-19 test performed by a third party testing service provider.

+ - Which types of COVID-19 test results can be accepted as proof of illness?

+ - if i believe i’m sick with covid-19 but my test result is negative, how can i show proof of illness.

If you’re sick but test negative for COVID, a doctor must advise you to cancel your trip before you cancel it. If this isn’t possible, a doctor must examine or consult with you within 72 hours after the cancellation to confirm the decision to cancel.

+ - If I’m asymptomatic when I arrive at my destination, and then test positive for COVID-19, would trip interruption benefits apply?

Even if you or a traveling companion are asymptomatic, proof of a positive COVID-19 test would be accepted as verification of illness and may be coverable under Trip Interruption.

+ - What happens if I’m denied boarding based on suspicion of COVID-19 illness, but do not test positive and I end up not being ill?

Even if you never test positive or become ill, if you or a traveling companion is denied boarding due to suspicion of COVID-19 illness, and your plan includes the denied boarding covered reason under Trip Interruption or Travel Delay, you may be eligible for coverage under that benefit. The specific expenses that may be covered depends on the benefit and may vary by plan. Please note, this does not include being denied boarding as a result of your refusal or failure to comply with rules or requirements of entry to your destination. You may file a claim under multiple benefits, but you may not be paid more than once for the same expense.

+ - If I’m denied boarding due to suspicion of being ill with COVID-19, would travel delay benefits apply?

If you or a traveling companion is denied boarding due to suspicion of COVID-19 illness, and your plan includes the denied boarding covered reason under Trip Interruption or Travel Delay, you may be eligible for coverage under that benefit. The specific expenses that may be covered depends on the benefit and may vary by plan. Please note, this does not include being denied boarding as a result of your refusal or failure to comply with rules or requirements of entry to your destination.

Example 1 : The crew of your cruise ship is checking temperatures of all passengers prior to allowing them to reboard following a shore excursion. You or your traveling companion demonstrate a temperature outside the accepted range, causing you both to be denied boarding. This may qualify for coverage under the denied boarding covered reason.

Example 2 : During the process of reboarding a cruise ship after a shore excursion, you are required to fill out a form indicating whether you have attended any gatherings of 50 or more people while off the ship, which the cruise ship has indicated is prohibited for cruise ship passengers. However, you did not follow that rule and attended a party with more than 50 people during the shore excursion. You indicated that on the ship’s form, and as a result, you were not allowed to reboard the ship. This boarding denial would not qualify for coverage under the denied boarding covered reason because you did not follow the travel supplier’s rules and requirements to travel, an express condition of the denied boarding covered reason.

+ - If I contract COVID-19 after starting my trip and must quarantine, would I qualify for both quarantine and interruption benefits?

Being individually ordered to quarantine while on your trip is a covered reason under the Trip Interruption benefit. However, “Quarantine” is not itself a benefit under the plan that provides any separate coverage from Trip Interruption. For information on what qualifies as an “individually-ordered quarantine,” see the FAQ above on what is meant by individually-ordered quarantine .

If you or a traveling companion later become ill with COVID-19 while on your trip, in addition to the Trip Interruption, you may also be eligible for other benefits as well, such as Emergency Medical Care and Emergency Transportation benefits. You may file a claim under multiple benefits, but you may not be paid more than once for the same expense.

+ - Do your insurance plans cover the cost of additional accommodations for an individually-ordered quarantine?

If an insured is individually ordered to quarantine while on their trip, they may be eligible for coverage under the Trip Interruption benefit for expenses incurred for additional accommodations while quarantined. Benefits may not cover the full cost of quarantine and are subject to applicable benefit limits. For information on what qualifies as an “individually-ordered quarantine,” see the FAQ above on what is meant by individually-ordered quarantine .

Additionally, as a temporary accommodation, if you or a traveling companion become ill with COVID-19 while on your trip, you will not be subject to the Trip Interruption benefit’s five-day maximum limit for additional accommodation and transportation expenses (however, the maximum daily limit for such expenses and the maximum Trip Interruption benefit limit still apply).*

This temporary accommodation is strictly applicable to COVID-19 and is only available to customers whose plan includes the Trip Interruption benefit. This accommodation applies to plans currently in effect but may not apply to plans purchased in the future, so please refer to our Coverage Alert for the most up to date information before purchasing.

+ - If I’m diagnosed with COVID-19 and need emergency medical care while traveling, would Emergency Medical Care benefits apply?

If you are diagnosed with an epidemic disease such as COVID-19 or test positive with COVID-19 and require necessary emergency medical care while traveling, then you can be reimbursed for reasonable costs for emergency medical care up to your specific plan’s maximum limit for the Emergency Medical Care benefit. For more information, please refer to the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement within your plan details.

+ - If products including the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement become available in my state before I travel, do I need to buy one of the new products to have any coverage related to COVID-19?

The introduction of the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement does not affect any terms or conditions of existing policies. Accommodations that were applicable to existing policyholders prior to the introduction of the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement products remain applicable to those policyholders, including temporary claims accommodations for customers who become ill with COVID-19. For information on these accommodations, please see our Coverage Alert .

+ - Will your current COVID-19 accommodations be expanded to include the broader coverage that the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement offers?

No, this new coverage is only available under plans containing the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement. For other plans, our existing temporary accommodations continue to apply, including temporary claims accommodations for customers who become ill with COVID-19. For information on these accommodations, please see our Coverage Alert .

These accommodations apply to plans currently in effect but may not apply to plans purchased in the future, so please refer to our Coverage Alert for the most up to date information before purchasing.

* - The accommodations described here are strictly applicable to COVID-19 and are only available for customers whose plan includes the applicable benefit. All other terms, conditions, and exclusions of the plan apply as normal. All plans continue to generally exclude losses for epidemics, including COVID-19, except as expressly covered in that plan’s Epidemic Coverage Endorsement. All benefits are subject to maximum limits of liability, which may in some cases be subject to sublimits, day limits, and daily maximums. Please read your plan for details. The above-described accommodations are an explicit and limited expression of donative intent only, which is for only the limited purposes expressly specified here and for no other further purpose, express or implied. Further, this is expressly not a guarantee of coverage or admission of legal or equitable liability. Nothing contained or described here, nor any payment made pursuant to the position described here, is or should be construed to be a waiver of any term, condition, or exclusion of any plan, or any applicable rights, remedies, or defenses under any plan or at law or equity. We and our applicable underwriters and reinsurers reserve all rights, remedies, and defenses under the plan and under applicable law and at equity. Please note, the above accommodations, refunds, and opportunities to change dates may not apply to any third party travel cancellation fee waiver you purchased from a travel supplier.

For all of the above FAQs : Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply to all plans. Plans are available only to U.S. residents. Not all plans are available in all jurisdictions. Availability of Epidemic Coverage Endorsement, including specific benefits and covered reasons described here, varies by product and by state. Products may not include all benefits or covered reasons described here. Benefits may not cover the full cost of your expense or loss. All benefits are subject to maximum limits of liability, which may in some cases be subject to sublimits and daily maximums. Benefits and limits vary by plan. Be sure to review your plan carefully to understand what coverage is available and what limits apply to your plan. For a complete description of the coverage and benefit limits offered under your specific plan, carefully review your plan’s Letter of Confirmation/Declaration of Coverage and Certificate of Insurance/Policy. Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company, or Jefferson Insurance Company, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel, Event Ticket, and Registration insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between Allianz Global Assistance and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through Allianz Global Assistance. Any non-insurance travel cancellation fee waiver purchased is provided by the travel supplier from whom you purchased that travel cancellation fee waiver. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties.

Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.

Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at 800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected] .

Return To Log In

Your session has expired. We are redirecting you to our sign-in page.

How do you choose travel insurance that covers COVID-19?

Oct 26, 2021 • 5 min read

couple discussing over travel insurance and bills while using laptop at table.

COVID-19 has made it more important to check the health coverage on your travel insurance © Maskot/Getty Images

After 18 months of pandemic-related travel restrictions, you may be itching to act on your pent-up wanderlust⁠⁠—but the situation and the rules are still continuously evolving. So before you go anywhere, it’s best to have a travel insurance plan that protects the investment you’ve made in a long-awaited trip.

A robust travel insurance plan will reimburse pre-paid trip costs and non-refundable deposits if you have to cancel or interrupt your trip, encounter trip delays, experience baggage loss or require medical expense and medical evacuation. Your policy will also reimburse “covered reasons” in your plan, such as death, illness or injury, serious family emergencies, unplanned jury duty, military deployment, acts of terrorism, or your travel supplier going out of business.

But COVID-19 has added an additional checklist to your usual insurance needs⁠—it’s now important to check to ensure your travel insurance plan includes coverage for COVID-19 medical expenses, and losses related to illness. Your policy should also cover quarantine costs if you need to self-isolate after testing positive for the virus.

What do I look for in COVID-19 insurance coverage?

When you’re shopping for a travel insurance plan that covers COVID-19, you need to do your research and read the fine print of your plan.

Look for a travel insurance product that will protect your non-refundable, prepaid expenses if you have to cancel your trip due to illness caused by COVID-19. Your policy should also cover emergency medical treatment and emergency medical transportation. With regard to COVID-19 coverage, be sure your policy covers medical care, medicine, hospitalization and quarantine expenses.

“The type of coverage you should look for depends on you, your needs, travel dates, and the type of trip you’re taking,” says Sasha Gainullin, CEO of battleface , a travel insurance carrier. He says some travel insurance companies have now excluded COVID-19 coverage because it has been labeled a “known/foreseeable event”, while others may exclude pandemics altogether.

“It’s important to search for plans that include medical and quarantine expenses as well⁠—this will be critical in the event you become ill and need to receive treatment while traveling,” continues Gainullin.

One additional tip is to confirm there are no exclusions based on the destinations you’re traveling to⁠—this can happen with countries under government-issued travel warnings, Gainullin says.

“If a traveler feels uncertain, I recommend speaking with the travel insurance company directly. They can review the policy details with you, answer all of your questions, and confirm all of your required coverage options are included,” he adds.

Is getting coverage dependent on vaccination?

While it’s a good idea to be fully vaccinated before traveling, vaccination is not required to purchase a travel insurance policy, says Daniel Durazo, spokesperson with Allianz Partners USA.

What are the medical costs that are covered by travel insurance?

Travel insurance can cover the cost of both medical treatment and emergency medical transportation. A US health insurance plan, as well as Medicare, generally will not cover overseas medical expenses, so it’s best to check with your personal health insurance provider if any global coverage is available.

“While losing the cost of a trip due to an unexpected cancellation would be painful, paying for expensive emergency medical treatment or emergency medical transportation can be financially devastating,” Durazo says.

Under a travel insurance plan, medical costs could range doctor visits, pharmacy expenses, imaging costs and covering a hospital stay if required. Other expenses that can be covered are transportation to medical care and medicine.

Read more: Will my health insurance cover getting COVID-19 while traveling in the US⁠⁠—or abroad?

What about covering an unexpected quarantine due to COVID-19?

Many international destinations are now requiring that visitors purchase travel insurance coverage for an unexpected quarantine. Allianz Travel Insurance has added coverage to many of its products that includes reimbursement for quarantine-related accommodations if you or a traveling companion is individually-ordered to quarantine while on their trip, says Durazo.

This coverage typically covers the cost of additional food, lodging and transportation while quarantined. In addition, trip interruption and travel delay benefits on certain Allianz plans also provide coverage if you or your travel companion is denied boarding by your travel carrier due to suspicion of illness.

The benefits for quarantine coverage vary from carrier to carrier. For example, on select Trawick International plans, they offer $2,000 in quarantine benefits and for an additional charge, and you can increase it up to $7,000.

What about pre-flight COVID-19 testing?

Your plan may provide coverage for flights if you are turned away at a border for not passing a health inspection. Foster says Trawick’s travel insurance plans that cover COVID-19 would cover the expenses if you could not pass your pre-health inspection. Also, the plan would cover the costs of the failure of your PCR test to return to the United States, such as having to quarantine abroad.

Doctor in protective workwear taking nose swab test from young woman.

It’s important to note that the actual cost of the PCR test is not covered by your policy, just the loss associated with the negative test.

Read more: PCR tests for travel: everything you need to know

Some destinations require COVID-specific insurance coverage⁠—how do I comply with those restrictions?

Before any international travel, you should check the country where you are headed to make sure you comply with insurance coverage requirements. Countries like Spain, Turks and Caicos and Thailand are among the nations that mandate COVID-19 insurance coverage.

“You first must check the countries’ specific COVID regulations for entry into the country. Some countries require travelers to provide proof of travel insurance that covers COVID-19 related expenses purchased from a third party,” explains Foster. Providing proof coverage is key; so travelers need to ensure they receive documentation from their insurance provider that their policy covers COVID-19 related expenses to show customs officials, she says.

Should you arrive in a country that requires proof of insurance to cover COVID-19 medical expenses and quarantine costs, and you don’t hold a policy, you will not be granted entry.

For more information on COVID-19 and travel, check out Lonely Planet's Health Hub .

You may also like: What happens if I'm denied entry to a country on arrival? What is a vaccine passport and do I need one to travel? What is the IATA Travel Pass and do I need it to travel?

Explore related stories

international travel insurance covid 19 cover

Art and Culture

Sep 2, 2024 • 6 min read

It’s hard not to have a fabulous time in marvelous Malta. Familiarizing yourself with these tips will make it an even better one.

Black man standing on Great Wall of China, Beijing, Beijing, China

Mar 28, 2023 • 3 min read

Sep 22, 2024 • 4 min read

Sep 20, 2024 • 8 min read

Great Wall of China in autumn, License Type: media, Download Time: 2024-08-22T18:13:35.000Z, User: joe_lp, Editorial: false, purchase_order: 56530, job: Global Publishing WIP, client: Your UltimateTravel Adventure List 1, other: Joe Fullman

Sep 20, 2024 • 6 min read

Sep 20, 2024 • 12 min read

Cozy riverbank vibes in Lambertville, New Jersey, USA.

Sep 19, 2024 • 11 min read

Tourists dining al fresco at Taverna Nikos, in Mykonos, Greece for evening meal.

Sep 19, 2024 • 6 min read

Sep 19, 2024 • 9 min read

Young homosexual couple walking on the beach of Varadero during sunset, having a drink, talking and having fun together, Cuba.

MarketWatch Guides is a reviews and recommendations team, independent of the MarketWatch newsroom. We might earn a commission from links in this content. Learn More

Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Companies (2024)

with our partner, Faye

Sarah Horvath is a finance writer and researcher based in New York City. She specializes in writing about home warranties, insurance and home financial protection.

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated the best travel insurance companies

According to our research, the best travel insurance companies offering COVID-19 coverage are Faye and Travelex. While some travel insurance policies now classify COVID-19 as a standard inclusion under medical expense and evacuation coverage, others include varying terms.

As the world continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, hotels, airlines and other hospitality-related businesses have seen a surge in travelers . However, the concern of a new variant is consistent — experts have identified new strains of COVID-19 as recently as Dec. 2023, which could cause some travelers to consider purchasing travel insurance.

Compare Top Travel Insurance Companies with COVID-19 Coverage

Use the table below to compare COVID-19 coverage inclusions and details of travel insurance companies:

The Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Plans

Faye: Our top pick
Seven Corners: Best for visitors to the USA
Tin Leg: Best for customizable coverage
Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for concierge services
TravelSafe: Best for additional AD&D coverage
Generali: Best for trip interruption coverage
John Hancock Travel Insurance: Best for delay coverage
Trawick: Best for student travel insurance
HTH Travel Insurance: Best for group travel

We pulled price quotes for four vacations outlined in our methodology at the bottom of this page. The costs in this article reflect the premium for each of those four trips for each provider averaged together.

Why We Picked It

Faye is our top choice for COVID-19 travel insurance because it includes a robust set of protection to support policyholders both before and after diagnosis. The company classifies COVID-19 as a standard illness under its medical insurance policies, which means you can use any medical and evacuation coverages deemed necessary by local health professionals.

Since Faye classifies its travel medical insurance as primary coverage, it goes into effect before your domestic health coverage. This is especially beneficial for COVID-19, which could lead to hospitalization in some cases and include higher diagnosis, evacuation and treatment costs.

Pros and Cons

Classifies health coverage as primary to health insurance

Includes COVID-19 as a standard illness under medical coverage

Features $250,000 in medical expense coverage

Only one policy option

Higher than average premiums, according to our review

Coverage and Cost

Add-On Options

Faye currently offers the following add-ons for international excursions:

Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage
Adventure and extreme sports protections
Rental car coverage
Vacation rental damage protection
Pet care protection

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Faye’s average trip cost is $298.

Seven Corners Travel Insurance

Another top option for COVID-related travel concerns, Seven Corners offers a wide range of medical policies, all of which include coverage for coronavirus as a standard illness. Seven Corners policies indicate that both trip interruption and cancellation coverage extends to COVID-19-related reasons, including quarantines. Missed connection coverage may even extend to your travel plans if COVID causes you to miss a portion of your trip, specifically while on a cruise . Overall, Seven Corners offers COVID-friendly policies and includes generous cancellation and interruption benefits to give you peace of mind while traveling.

Affordable coverage

Cancel for any reason coverage available in basic plans

Coverage extends if you have to quarantine at the destination

Limited policy types

Large price jump from basic policy to premium policy

Below are add-on options you may be able to include in your Seven Corners policy:

Cancel for any reason coverage
Trip interruption for any reason coverage
Rental car damage coverage
Sports and gold equipment coverage

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Seven Corners’s average trip cost is $206.25.

Tin Leg’s Silver and Gold policies include COVID-19 hospitalization and diagnosis as a standard inclusion under trip cancellation and interruption benefits. Like competitors, Tin Leg’s policies include stipulations that allow you to use travel delay benefits for ordered quarantine periods, offering between $500 and $2,000 depending on your chosen coverage level. However, you will need to receive a documented diagnosis from a licensed medical professional to use your trip benefits — a home rapid test is not sufficient proof.

Low-cost coverage

Many customized insurance plan types to choose from

Extended coverage for quarantine at the destination

Cancel for any reason coverage only available on select plans

Limited policy add-ons

Below are add-on options for Tin Leg travel insurance:

Rental car damage

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Tin Leg’s average trip cost is $166.50.

TravelSafe Insurance

Both of TravelSafe’s insurance policies for international travel include comprehensive coverages and protections for COVID-19 , with identical medical coverage and evacuation limits no matter the condition. Trip delay benefits — available up to $2,000 on the TravelSafe Classic policy — include coverage for mandatory quarantines if required by a licensed medical professional. Policyholders can also apply mandatory quarantine benefits to missed connections coverage, which adds another layer of protection if you have multi-leg trips planned.

24-hour travel assistance

Extended personal property coverage

Specialized coverage for Canadians

More expensive than other options on the list

Cancel for any reason only available in select plans

Below are add-on options you may include to your TravelSafe policy:

Accidental death and dismemberment (air only)

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, TravelSafe’s average trip cost is $241.

Allianz Global Assistance

Allianz Global Assistance offers a policy endorsement to cover concerns related to COVID-19. Referred to as the “ Epidemic Coverage Endorsement ,” this benefit extends medical expense, emergency evacuation and trip delay coverage to include COVID-related situations. Like most other competitors, you will need a documented diagnosis of COVID-19 and a written order from a local government figure or medical authority requiring you to quarantine before you can use benefits.

When we requested a quote, all three available policies included the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement free-of-charge with standard pricing. However, it’s important to note that coverage for COVID-19 is not specifically written into the terms of Allianz’s policies in the same way as other illnesses, which is the standard verbiage in the industry. Be sure your policy includes this endorsement to maintain COVID-related coverage.

Many policy options for single and multiple trips

24/7 concierge service for support

Access to a network of prescreened hospitals

More expensive than other providers on the list

Cancel for any reason only available with select plans

Below are add-ons to consider for your Allianz Travel Insurance policy:

Rental car protection
Required to work coverage

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Allianz’s average trip cost is $265

Generali Global Assistance

In addition to including COVID as a standard coverage under medical, cancellation and interruption benefits, Generali Global Assistance includes the added peace of mind that comes with around-the-clock assistance. All policies include 24/7 emergency travel assistance with a multi-lingual support team, which can help policyholders communicate with medical staff. This is especially useful if you’re visiting an area where you do not speak the primary language.

However, as of Jan. 2020, newly issued policies include an exclusion that prevents you from using trip delay benefits to cover a quarantine period unless officially diagnosed with COVID-19. This exclusion does not apply if you are sick and quarantined with the virus, in which you can access your benefits to cover the cost of related expenses. This exclusion remains in effect even if a local government mandates your quarantine due to exposure — so we recommend researching the quarantine procedures for the country you’re visiting beforehand if you choose Generali.

24-hour travel support

Up to $1,000 in medical bills paid upfront

Telemedicine offered for doctor consultations

One of the more expensive insurers to make this list

Add-on coverage options are limited

Below are coverages you may be able to add to your Generali policy:

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Generali’s average trip cost is $255.

John Hancock Travel Insurance

Under most travel insurance verbiage, COVID-19 is now considered a known threat, and the announcement of a new variant is considered a risk you accept when booking. This means that travel insurance may not allow reimbursement for trip cancellation due to concerns about the emergence of a new variant.

Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage extends your cancellation benefits to include fear of traveling due to COVID-19 or a new variant. In addition to classifying COVID-19 as a standard medical condition, John Hancock allows you to add CFAR coverage to a wider selection of policy choices, including its lower-cost Bronze package. Comparatively, most travel insurance providers limit your ability to add CFAR coverage to the most expensive plan.

Premiums paid are transferable to rebookings

Cancel for any reason coverage an option for basic plans

Coverage available for ticket changes and missed connections

Limited info about coverage limits on the website

Limited customizations

Add-on options for John Hancock travel insurance:

Rental car collision coverage

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, John Hancock’s average trip cost is $225.

Trawick International

Trawick International offers one policy with coverage for COVID-19: Safe Travels International . This plan includes up to $1 million in medical coverage, up to $2,000 in trip delay benefits for potential quarantines and up to $2 million in medical evacuation coverage. This general range of coverage combined with CFAR add-on availability can make Trawick a customizable choice for travelers looking to add protections that cover COVID-19 without reviewing multiple plans.

Multiple coverage types and add-ons

lans for travelers visiting the U.S.

Lower BBB rating than other companies on the list

Cancel for any reason coverage only for select plans

Below are Trawick International add-on options:

24-hour accidental death and dismemberment
Additional accident and sickness medical coverage
Interruption for any reason coverage
Upgradable trip delay coverage

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, Trawick’s average trip cost is $212.

HTH Travel Insurance

While HTH’s policy details do not outline special benefits specifically for COVID-19 , its plans include standard medical interruption language allowing the use of benefits if you’re hospitalized. HTH’s policies include generous medical coverage and evacuation limits of $500,000 and $1 million respectively. The company also offers higher-than-average trip interruption benefits with a maximum benefit of 200% in reimbursements.

Discounted rates for group trips

Expat health insurance options

Travel perks, like translation tools and health alerts

Website doesn’t explicitly explain COVID-19 protections

Fewer add-ons than other policies

Below are additional options that may be available through HTH Travel Insurance:

Based on quotes we obtained using the seven trip profiles outlined in our methodology, HTH’s average trip cost is $221.

HTH also offers discounted pricing for group travel insurance policies.

What To Look for in Pandemic Travel Insurance

Once you understand how travel insurance can benefit you in the event of a COVID-19 diagnosis or emergency, you can get into the details of each coverage option. We’ve compiled a few essential features to consider when shopping for travel insurance with a focus on COVID-19 coverage.

Medical Expense Coverage

If you’re traveling to an area where you think you might be at risk of catching COVID-19, consider choosing a travel insurance policy with higher medical coverage limits. Travel medical insurance can help cover the cost of medical treatments you receive outside the U.S. if you become sick or injured. Most travel insurance policy providers now classify COVID-19 as a standard illness, meaning you can qualify for reimbursement if hospitalized with coronavirus abroad.

Trip Delay Coverage

If you contract COVID abroad, depending on the country’s requirements, you may have to undergo a mandatory quarantine period before you can leave or enter another country. In these circumstances, your trip delay benefits could help cover the cost of expenses like meals, additional hotel stays and any toiletries you might need. To qualify to use trip delay benefits, most policies state a licensed medical professional must order a quarantine for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until expiration.

Trip Interruption Coverage

If you’re leaving dependents or older loved ones at home and concerned about the effect COVID-19 could have on their care, consider a policy with higher trip interruption coverages. Trip interruption insurance compensates you for things like the cost of an early return flight home and unused trip expenses if you must leave your trip ahead of schedule due to a covered reason. Some travel insurance providers like Seven Corners and Travelex include the illness of a family member and hospitalization with COVID-19 as a valid reason to use interruption benefits. Other providers only consider the health status of the insured traveler.

CFAR Coverage

CFAR coverage is an optional add-on that allows you to receive a partial trip reimbursement if you cancel your trip for a reason not covered by insurance. For all providers on our list, this includes fear of a new variant of COVID-19 emerging at home or your destination. If this is a concern for you, consider a provider like John Hancock, which offers more options for policyholders to buy CFAR-level benefits.

Does Travel Insurance Cover COVID-19 Directly?

Most travel insurance policies now classify COVID-19 as a standard inclusion under medical expense and evacuation coverage. This means coronavirus is usually treated the same way as any other illness or injury you might sustain abroad or before your trip. While this offers protection for your travel plans if you’re hospitalized due to COVID-19, fear of new variants and minor illnesses will usually not qualify you for a reimbursement .

Let’s take a look at sample situations when you might need to use COVID-19 coverage as a part of your travel insurance. First, say you fall sick before traveling and are diagnosed with a serious case of COVID-19. Your physician determines you require hospitalization a day before you’re supposed to travel. If you purchased travel insurance, you could file a claim to reimburse nonrefundable trip costs, such as airfare and lodging, because you’re medically unable to travel.

Now, let’s imagine you have a trip planned to Germany. A few days before your travel, information on a new Covid variant becomes available and officials advise the public to avoid travel if possible. While you may be hesitant to travel due to the new strain, you would not be entitled to reimbursement with travel insurance unless specifically outlined in your policy. However, if you opted for CFAR coverage during enrollment, you could cancel your trip and get a refund for nonrefundable expenses regardless.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Quarantine?

Your travel insurance policy might cover the COVID-19 quarantines if ordered by a medical professional, which includes expenses related to additional lodging. If you’re diagnosed with a new variant of the virus before your trip and forced to quarantine at home, you will usually qualify for trip cancellation benefits under your policy’s illness cancellation clause. However, travel insurance will not compensate you for additional domestic quarantine-related expenses like food and rent.

If you’re advised to quarantine abroad after being diagnosed with COVID-19, you could also qualify for coverage under your insurance’s travel delay benefits. While travel delay benefits are designed to help cover hotel rooms and alternate airfare if you’re forced to miss a connection, you can also use coverage for mandatory quarantine orders. To qualify, you will usually need to provide documentation of both your illness and a quarantine recommendation from a local medical professional.

If you’re concerned about the cost and possibility of an international quarantine, it’s important to look at the travel delay benefits included with your insurance coverage. Policies with higher total travel delay benefits will cover more quarantine-related expenses, which can make these policies more valuable. Be sure to note both overall and daily limits on trip delay benefits, which can also influence policy value.

How Much Does COVID-19 Travel Insurance Cost?

In our comprehensive review of travel insurance policies, we found the average cost of a plan with COVID-19 coverage is about $220 per trip. However, the price of your premium will vary depending on the level of benefits included with your policy. Browse the table below to compare how some of our top travel insurance providers compare in terms of average price and included benefits.

Factors That Impact Cost

Factors that affect the cost of your travel insurance include your age, where you’re traveling to, the cost of your trip and the length of your trip. Adding various custom riders, like protection for a rental car or cancellation for any reason coverage, will also increase the cost.

Is Pandemic Travel Insurance Worth It?

While almost all COVID-19 restrictions are lifted in the U.S., the virus is still a global health threat. Even if travel insurance isn’t required for a trip, purchasing insurance that includes COVID-19 protections can help you avoid a financial burden if you contract the virus before or during the trip.

You might not need the pandemic travel coverage if you’re taking a low-cost trip and not crossing international borders. Your health insurance may cover medical costs within the country, and the money you lose from canceling an affordable trip could be too low to justify shopping for and buying coverage. It’s different if you pay a lot of money upfront for a long, expensive vacation.

Another option is looking at the travel protections that your credit card company provides. Some cards offer trip protection for emergencies that could include coverage if you call off a trip or end a trip early after contracting COVID-19. But travel costs usually have to be paid for with the card for them to qualify.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance

What are the cheapest ways to get travel insurance for a pandemic.

The best way to find cheap travel insurance with pandemic coverage is by shopping around with different providers. Many offer free quotes online, and it takes minutes to check rates.

What are the advantages of purchasing pandemic travel insurance?

The advantage of pandemic travel insurance is that it reimburses prepaid travel costs if you cancel or cut short a trip because of getting COVID-19 before or during the trip. And if a family member contracts COVID-19 while you’re away, pandemic travel insurance may reimburse you for expenses related to returning home early to care for a loved one.

Can you cancel your flight if you have COVID?

Many travel insurance policies now include coverage for trip cancellations due to COVID-19. However, coverage is usually included under standard medical inclusions, which means you must be medically unable to travel at the time of your scheduled departure to claim a reimbursement. Review your specific travel insurance coverage to learn more about flight cancellation benefits.

What does travel insurance not cover?

Travel insurance usually does not cover cancellations due to fear of travel, government restrictions or pre-existing medical conditions. You generally cannot cancel your trip and claim any reimbursements unless it’s for a covered reason such as the illness or death of a family member or natural disasters. Carefully read your policy to understand the exclusions and limitations unique to your coverage.

Methodology: Our System for Rating Travel Insurance Companies

A 30-year-old couple taking a $5,000 vacation to Mexico.
A family of four taking an $8,000 vacation to Mexico.
A 65-year-old couple taking a $7,000 vacation to the United Kingdom.
A 30-year-old couple taking a $7,000 trip to the United Kingdom.
A 19-year-old taking a $2,000 trip to France.
A 27-year-old couple taking a $1,200 trip to Greece.
A 51-year-old couple taking a $2,000 trip to Spain.
Plan availability (10%): We look for insurers with a variety of travel insurance plans and the ability to customize a policy with coverage upgrades.
Coverage details (29%): We review the baseline coverage each company offers in its cheapest comprehensive plan. A provider with robust coverage earns full points, including baggage delay and loss, COVID-19 coverage, emergency evacuation and medical coverage, trip delay and cancellation coverage, and more. Companies also receive points for offering a variety of policy add-ons like accidental death and dismemberment, extreme sports, valuable items, cancel for any reason coverage and more.
Coverage times and amounts (34%): We compare each company’s waiting periods and maximum reimbursement amounts for baggage, travel and weather delays. Companies that offer customers reimbursement after fewer than 12 hours of delays earn full points in this category. We also reward travel insurance providers that cover more than 100% of trip costs in the event of cancellations or interruptions.
Company service and reviews (17%): We look for indicators that a company is well-prepared to respond to customer needs. Companies with an established global resource network, 24/7 emergency hotline, mobile app, multiple ways to file a claim and concierge services score higher in this category. We assess reputation by evaluating consumer reviews, third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, specifically from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

For more information, read our full travel insurance methodology.

A.M. Best Disclaimer

If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides. com .

MarketWatch Guides may receive compensation from companies that appear on this page. The compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear, but it does not influence the recommendations the editorial team provides. Not all companies, products, or offers were reviewed.

COVID Travel Insurance

What does travel insurance cover .

We recognize that the outbreak has created unprecedented challenges for travelers and have sought to provide coverage that is relevant and useful in the current context. One of the most significant changes that we have made to our Travel protection plans is to include COVID coverage. This coverage varies depending on the policy and includes benefits such as Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption coverage if the insured or a family member contracts COVID, as well as Emergency Medical and Evacuation coverage related to COVID.

AXA Travel Protection coverages:

Coverage for medical emergencies if you have an accident or become ill, including COVID
Coverage for medical repatriation, including when its causes are related to COVID
Cancellation of your trip if you fall ill with COVID before your departure or if you are placed in quarantine
Your doctor advises you not to travel due to a proven medical contraindication
You (or your travel companion) fall ill with COVID before your departure
You are placed in quarantine because a member of your household has tested positive for COVID or if you have been officially notified

Disclaimer: The COVID Coverage applies within the limits provided in the general conditions and when supporting documents are provided to us - i.e., results of an official PCR test medical certificate attesting to your isolation. It is important to note that the specifics of travel coverage for COVID will depend on the plan selected, date of purchase, and state of residency. Customers are advised to carefully review the terms and conditions of their policy and to contact AXA Partners with any questions or concerns they may have. Consult the general conditions of the travel policy to ensure that the guarantees offered correspond to your needs.

Getting Travel Insurance has never been easier!

Start your quote now, and within minutes, you’ll have your insurance certificate in hand. Select your destination, travel dates, and traveler details, compare travel coverage options , and add any optional benefits to create a custom policy that fits your unique needs. In addition, we have taken steps to ensure that our customers can access the coverage and assistance they need if they contract COVID while traveling. Travelers seeking more information while traveling or who have any other questions regarding their specific travel protection plan, call us at 1-855-327-1442 or via collect call at 1-312-935-1719 While travel remains challenging in the current context, our effort to provide relevant and useful coverage can help provide peace of mind for travelers as they navigate the new normal. IMPORTANT : This list is subject to change depending on the evolution of the health situation. Travelers are advised to keep themselves regularly informed of the situation in the country they wish to visit. We advise you to consult the website of the U.S. Department of State, which updates and details the conditions of entry and/or obtaining visa country by country.

Compare Travel Insurance Plans

Get covered against Trip Delays, Medical Emergencies, Lost Baggage, and more!

If I am quarantined before or during my trip because of COVID exposure or illness, am I covered?

Can i take out travel insurance even though i am not yet vaccinated against covid, if i want to cancel my trip because i’m afraid of exposure to covid, does my travel protection plan cover that, if i have booked a trip that leaves at some future date and my destination is affected by covid-19, will i receive reimbursement for my claim if i cancel my trip, does the u.s. require covid testing for re-entry, if i am required to be quarantined on my scheduled return date, will my additional expenses be covered for hotel, food, and transportation, if i test positive for covid during my trip, does the plan provide reimbursement for my lodging expenses, can i claim the ticket expenses if the airlines denied my boarding due to failure to meet the entry requirements of the destination country related to travel restrictions associated with covid, a family member who was our host contracted covid, and i am now forced to incur hotel expenses. is this covered, if the destination/resort to where i traveled mandates covid testing: 1) is the cost of the mandatory test covered 2) will a positive test result administered by a non-qualified physician be satisfactory, due to the restrictions in place in the country where i had to travel, my travel agent changed my dates of stay and/or destination. does my travel coverage apply the same way, i tested positive for covid and my physician ordered me to quarantine. my quarantine is now over, and i am feeling well; however, i have an upcoming trip next month, can i proceed to file a trip cancellation claim.

Do you have questions about your policy regarding COVID? Receive a free quote within minutes Or call us at 855-327-1441 to speak with our licensed Travel Insurance Advisors. Monday-Saturday, 8 AM-7 PM Central Time

Need Help Choosing a Plan?

Speak with one of our licensed representatives or our 24/7 multilingual Insurance advisors to find the coverage you need for your next trip. From Medical Coverage to Trip Cancellation Protection, our team of travel experts will help you choose the right coverage.

Supported by

What You Need to Know Now About Travel Insurance

A spate of new travel insurance policies have begun covering Covid-19, just as many international destinations begin to require it. Here’s what to look for.

Share full article

By Elaine Glusac

When the pandemic struck, many travel insurance policies failed to cover Covid-19-related trip interruptions and cancellations, often because they excluded pandemics. But in the intervening months, the travel insurance industry has introduced a spate of new policies covering the disease just as many foreign destinations begin to require them.

“We’ve seen progress in that many plans will now treat Covid like any other unexpected sickness or illness,” said Stan Sandberg, a co-founder of the comparison website Travelinsurance.com . “If you have a trip and travel insurance and came down with Covid-19, which made it impossible to travel, that would fall under cancellation coverage as an unexpected illness that prevents you from traveling.”

Likewise, policies now including Covid-19 would cover holders in the event that a doctor diagnosed them with the virus while traveling under the trip interruption benefit.

Not all travel insurance excluded pandemics when the coronavirus began to spread early this year; Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection was one exception. But the broader change partially arises from consumer demand, a better understanding of the virus — including mortality rates and hospital costs — and the industry’s eagerness for travel to resume.

“People who are traveling are more conscious of their risks and thinking about protecting themselves and their investment,” said Jeremy Murchland, the president of the travel insurer Seven Corners. The company launched policies that included Covid-19 coverage in June; they now account for more than 80 percent of sales.

But, like all insurance, the devil is in the details when it comes to understanding travel insurance, including what’s covered, destinations where it’s required, and the inevitable caveats, as follows.

How travel insurance covers Covid-19

The new Covid-inclusive insurance generally covers travelers from the day after purchase until their return home. During that period, if you become sick and a doctor determines you cannot travel (because of the virus or another illness), trip cancellation and trip interruption benefits would kick in.

These benefits vary by policy, but a search to insure a $2,000 weeklong trip to Costa Rica in December on Travelinsurance.com turned up a $69.75 Generali Global Assistance Standard 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.

If this happened before your departure, the policy would cover your prepaid travel expenses. If you or your travel companion contracted Covid-19 during the trip and were diagnosed by a physician, it would reimburse prepaid arrangements, such as lodgings, and cover additional airfare to return home — once a doctor deems it safe to travel — up to $2,500. Should you be required to quarantine and can’t travel, travel delay coverage for lodging, meals and local transportation would pay up to $1,000. The policy also covers medical expenses for up to one year, even after you return home, up to $50,000 — though the policy also states that a holder would have to exhaust their own health insurance benefits before seeking coverage under the travel insurance plan.

Travelers should read these policies carefully to understand the benefits (for example, some rules vary by your state of residence), but brokers like TravelInsurance.com, InsureMyTrip and Squaremouth are making them easier to find through filters, F.A.Q.s and flags.

The new more comprehensive policies don’t necessarily cost more. On a Squaremouth search for insurance for two 40-year-olds on a two-week trip costing $5,000, the site turned up a variety of policies with or without coronavirus exclusions from $130 to $300, with no apparent premium for Covid-19 coverage.

Not every Covid-19-related expense is covered by many of these policies, including tests for the virus that many destinations require before arrival (those may be covered by private insurance).

Many policies include medical evacuation to a nearby facility, but won’t necessarily transport you home. For those concerned about treatment abroad, Medjet , a medical evacuation specialist, now offers Covid-19-related evacuations in the 48 contiguous United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean that will transport you to the hospital of your choice in your home country (trip coverage starts at $99; annual memberships start at $189).

“Covid-19 requires special transport pods to protect the crew and others, which adds logistical issues,” said John Gobbels, the vice president and chief operating officer for Medjet.

In addition to the Medjet plan, travelers would need separate travel insurance with medical benefits to cover treatment costs and trip interruption.

Destination insurance requirements

Travelers aren’t the only ones worried about health. A growing list of countries are mandating medical coverage for Covid-19 as a prerequisite for visiting, often along with other measures like pre-trip virus testing and health screenings for symptoms on arrival.

Many Caribbean islands are among those requiring travel medical insurance, including Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas . St. Maarten requires health insurance coverage and strongly recommends additional travel insurance covering Covid-19.

Farther-flung countries also require policies that cover Covid-19, including French Polynesia and the Maldives .

Some destinations specify the required plan as a way to ensure travelers have the correct coverage and to expedite treatment. Aruba requires visitors to buy its Aruba Visitors Insurance, regardless of any other plans you may have.

“Insurance through a destination typically only covers Covid and infection while you’re there,” said Kasara Barto, a spokeswoman for Squaremouth.com. “If you catch Covid before, they don’t offer cancellation coverage. If you break a leg, the policy may only cover Covid medication. It varies by country.”

Costa Rica also requires insurance that includes an unusual benefit stipulating a policy cover up to $2,000 in expenses for a potential Covid-19 quarantine while in the country.

In response to the new requirement, which Costa Rica announced in October, insurers, including Trawick International , have begun introducing policies that meet the standard.

“It was a pretty quick and nimble reaction,” Mr. Sandberg of TravelInsurance.com said.

Normally, travel insurance varies by factors including the age of the traveler, destination, trip length and cost (most range from 4 to 10 percent of the trip cost). But some destinations are providing it at a flat fee, with most policies spelling out coverage limits and terms for emergency medical services, evacuation and costs associated with quarantines.

Jamaica, which will require insurance, but has not said when the new rule will go into effect, plans to charge $40 for each traveler. The Bahamas will include the insurance in the cost of its Travel Health Visa, an application that requires negative Covid-19 test results, which runs $40 to $60 depending on length of stay (free for children 10 and younger). The Turks and Caicos is offering a policy for $9.80 a day, and Costa Rica ’s policies, if purchased locally, cost roughly $10 a day.

Expect this list of destinations to grow. In January, the Spanish region of Andalusia plans to require travel medical insurance and is working on finding a provider to make it easy for travelers to buy it.

Gaps in travel insurance

Policies that cover Covid-19 as a medical event that may cause trip cancellation or disruption, or those that provide coverage for medical treatment and evacuation still don’t necessarily cover travelers who have a change of heart when they learn they will have to quarantine upon arrival, even if they don’t have the virus. Nor are policies necessarily tied to conditions on the ground, like a spike in infections, State Department travel warnings, a government travel ban or the cessation of flights to and from a destination.

For those events, there’s Cancel For Any Reason, or CFAR, an upgrade to plans that generally only returns 50 to 75 percent of your nonrefundable trip costs.

“Prior to the pandemic, we wouldn’t necessarily recommend CFAR because most of travelers’ concerns were covered by standard plans,” Ms. Barto of Squaremouth.com said. “It’s about 40 percent more expensive and we didn’t want travelers to pay for additional coverage.” Now, she added, there’s been a surge in interest in the upgrade, including in 22 percent of policies sold at the site since mid-March.

Industry experts predict some of these outstanding issues may work their way into policies of the future as they adapt to enduring realities, much as they did after 9/11 in covering travelers in case of terrorist events, which was not the norm before.

The pandemic “was unprecedented, but once it happened, the industry has been pretty quick to react and create coverage, and that’s in the spirit of how this industry is trying to define itself, to be one of those subtle but valuable assets,” Mr. Sandberg said. “Once the world opens back up, we expect travel insurance to be much more top of mind with travelers.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation.

Credit cards
View all credit cards
Banking guide
Loans guide
Insurance guide
Personal finance
View all personal finance
Small business
Small business guide
View all taxes

Will My Travel Insurance Cover Coronavirus?

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

If you have upcoming travel plans and are considering a travel insurance policy, check if it covers COVID. Not all providers do, and it's important to know for sure. So, does your travel insurance cover COVID? How can you tell?

As with many things in life, the short answer is: "It depends." And the long answer is: You can only start to determine if your insurance covers COVID when you understand what type of coverage you have, which provider you bought it from and what the exact reason is for your trip cancellation.

While we can give general guidance as to most travel insurance plans, it is in your best interest to give your insurance provider a call to verify whether a given policy will cover coronavirus-related interruptions.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance policies that include COVID coverage

Reasons travel insurance typically covers

While not a comprehensive list (and remember all insurance policies are different), here are some standard reasons when a comprehensive travel insurance policy will kick in:

Sickness, injury or death.

Common carrier cancellations or delays.

Labor strike.

Car accident.

Hijacking or quarantine.

Home uninhabitable.

Destination uninhabitable.

Travel document theft.

Medical evacuation.

Military duty.

Military leave revoked.

Terrorist act.

New vaccination requirements.

Civil disorder.

Some of those reasons might apply to your specific coronavirus situation, such as if you are already ill or under quarantine by a doctor's orders. If you (or your travel companion) contract COVID-19, your travel insurance provider may cover cancellation for a medical reason. You will likely be required to submit a medical diagnosis from a physician.

Nonetheless, we recommend giving your travel insurance provider a call before your trip to verify coverage. And, since many airlines and hotels have loosened change and cancellation policies due to COVID-19, first try to get a refund from the travel supplier. It may be an easier process than dealing with the insurance provider.

Is coronavirus a foreseen event?

If you purchased travel insurance after the World Health Organization declared coronavirus a pandemic on March 11, 2020, then COVID-19 might be viewed by your insurance company as a foreseen event and it may not be covered.

In other words, the company says that you should have known about the potential risks but still chose to travel, so the cost of travel and its consequences are on you. We recommend checking with your insurance provider about the "known" or "foreseeable" status dates of the coronavirus outbreak and how this may affect your specific coverage.

Claims due to known, foreseeable or expected events, epidemics or fear of travel are generally not covered, and coverage can vary by state. However, until further notice, although not covered under most plans, some underwriters are currently accommodating claims for:

Under Emergency Medical Care and Emergency Medical Transportation Benefits: Emergency medical care and emergency medical transportation for a customer who becomes ill with COVID-19 while on their trip.

Under Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption Benefits: Trip cancellation and trip interruption if a customer becomes ill with COVID-19 either before or during their trip.

Under Trip Cancellation Benefit: Nonrefundable, nontransferable trip cancellation expenses for customers who purchased their plan prior to January 22, 2020, for trip components in Mainland China, South Korea or the Lombardy or Veneto regions of Italy and departing prior to April 1, 2020.”

However, due to the evolving pandemic over the last few years, many providers have updated their policies to include coronavirus coverage. For example, in May 2021, Allianz announced the addition of epidemic-related covered reasons to its popular insurance plans. Plans are now offering accommodations for COVID-19.

» Learn more: Where U.S. citizens can travel right now

Is "I’m afraid to travel" a legit reason?

Almost all travel insurance policies have a "fear of travel" clause. According to AIG , one of the world’s largest travel insurance providers, "Trip cancellation for concern or fear of travel associated with sickness, epidemic, or pandemic, including Coronavirus, is not covered."

If you bought a ticket, then become afraid to travel because of any sickness, that is probably not a covered reason. If you want ultimate flexibility in canceling your trip for any reason, you’ll want to consider "cancel for any reason" (CFAR) travel insurance coverage.

Consider Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance

"Cancel For Any Reason" coverage allows you to cancel a trip for any reason and receive a partial refund (up to 75%) of your nonrefundable trip costs as long as the trip is canceled at least two days in advance. You cannot purchase CFAR coverage on its own; it is an optional upgrade that is sometimes available when you buy travel insurance. Not all providers offer it, so if you’re looking for the CFAR supplement, you’ll have to ask your travel insurance provider about it or filter your online search accordingly.

» Learn more: Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance explained

Use your credit card's built-in travel insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance policies offer the highest levels of trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage. Some premium travel credit cards include trip insurance as a complimentary benefit. Although the coverage limits may be below those offered by travel insurance companies on comprehensive plans, the limits may be sufficient for you. As with paid travel insurance, check with the provider to confirm if known conditions such as the coronavirus are covered.

» Learn more: Travel insurance benefits on American Express credit cards

As an example, we took a look at the policy for one of the popular travel cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . There are some notable bullet points that are common across many programs.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Similarly, this insurance will not cover a "disinclination to travel based on a pandemic." If you decide that you don’t want to travel because you might get sick or you are afraid to go, you won’t be covered.

The insurance does clearly state, however, that if you are sick or hospitalized before or during your trip, you may be covered by the plan:

Accidental bodily injury, loss of life or sickness experienced by you or your traveling companion which prevents you or your traveling companion from traveling on the trip.

Accidental bodily injury, loss of life, or sickness experienced by an immediate family member of you or your traveling companion when the accidental bodily injury or sickness is considered life-threatening, requires hospitalization or such immediate family member requires care by you or your traveling companion.

If either you or your traveling companion becomes sick and you are prevented from traveling, you may be covered. Also note that if a family member of either you or your traveling companion requires hospitalization and you are needed to care for them, that may be covered as well.

As with all things insurance-related, if you have specific questions about your policy or your credit card’s coverage, it’s always best to give the company a call beforehand. Still, the general consensus is that if you’re afraid you might contract COVID-19, your insurance won't cover you.

» Learn more: Your guide to the Chase Sapphire Reserve's trip cancellation and travel insurance

How travel medical insurance differs

If your trip doesn't include nonrefundable trip costs paid to a travel provider or the trip insurance coverage you have from your credit cards is sufficient, purchasing a standalone travel health insurance policy may be your best bet for an upcoming trip.

These policies provide reimbursement for emergency medical expenses, including evacuations, while you’re traveling. Again, it's important to check if the policy you’re considering has any clauses related to pandemics or exclusions for travel to countries that have current travel advisories to ensure you don't nullify your medical coverage.

» Learn more: Travel medical insurance: emergency coverage while you travel internationally

It depends. Fear of travel generally isn't an allowable reason, so you won't benefit from trip cancellation coverage for nonrefundable payments made to a trip supplier. The reason for cancellation has to fall into one of the unforeseen events listed in the policy. However, if you’ve purchased a CFAR add-on and want to cancel, you will be covered for up to 75% of your nonrefundable deposit as long as you cancel at least two days before the departure date.

Although staying home is the best way to safeguard yourself and others from catching coronavirus, there are some general precautions you can take to reduce the spread. According to the CDC, a few ways include: Checking if the destination you’re going to has increasing cases in the past seven days, knowing whether you’re at an increased risk for severe illness from coronavirus and staying up to date with the airline’s and destination’s requirements/restrictions for travelers (such as wearing masks, enforcing quarantine, etc.). If you choose to travel, consider purchasing a travel insurance policy or a standalone emergency medical insurance plan just in case.

requirements/restrictions for travelers

(such as wearing masks, enforcing quarantine, etc.). If you choose to travel, consider purchasing a travel insurance policy or a standalone emergency medical insurance plan just in case.

How can I be sure if my travel insurance covers COVID?

Deciding whether to travel during the coronavirus pandemic is a personal decision. Get familiarized with the different insurance protections and airline change/cancellation policies that may be applicable for your trip, as they could help you get your money back in the event of a trip cancellation.

When considering the health implications of travel, keep in mind that travel medical insurance is an option, especially if you don’t need the trip cancellation coverage provided by comprehensive policies. Regardless of which policy you choose, confirm that coronavirus-related losses are covered by insurance before purchasing coverage.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

85,000 Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

U.S. News takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

The 5 Best International Travel Insurance Companies for 2024

Allianz Travel Insurance »

AIG Travel Guard »

Generali Global Assistance »

World Nomads Travel Insurance »

GeoBlue »

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best International Travel Insurance Companies.

Table of Contents

Allianz Travel Insurance
AIG Travel Guard

With demand for international travel still on the rise, buying travel insurance makes more sense now than ever before. Having an international travel policy in place will ensure you won't lose the money you spent if your trip is canceled or interrupted for reasons beyond your control – or if your bags are delayed or lost entirely by your airline or cruise line .

Other protective benefits come from the best international travel insurance policies as well, including travel medical coverage for unexpected medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation. You may even find that the destination you plan to visit requires travel insurance, although most countries have dropped travel insurance requirements they initially put in place due to the pandemic.

U.S. News editors compared more than 20 of the top providers to find the best travel insurance companies for trips around the world. If you're hoping to secure the best international travel policy for your needs this year, the policies outlined below provide a solid foundation for you to start your research.

Allianz Travel Insurance: Best Overall
AIG Travel Guard: Best for the Cost
Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical
World Nomads Travel Insurance: Best for Active Travelers
GeoBlue: Best for Expats

Quiz: Not sure which travel insurance fits your trip?

Buy coverage for single trips or multiple trips at once

Annual plans available

Lower coverage amounts for emergency medical expenses than some other plans

Trip cancellation coverage up to $100,000
Trip interruption coverage up to $150,000
Emergency medical coverage up to $50,000
Emergency medical transportation coverage up to $500,000
Trip change protector coverage worth up to $500
Baggage loss and damage coverage up to $1,000
Baggage delay coverage up to $300 (12-hour delay required)
Travel delay coverage up to $800 ($200 per day)

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Add-on coverage available for lodging expenses, preexisting medical conditions and rental cars

Optional CFAR coverage available with some plans

Coverage limits for its lowest-tier Essential plan may be insufficient for some trips

Add-on coverage for preexisting conditions must be purchased within 15 days of the initial trip payment

Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of the trip cost
Trip interruption coverage worth up to 100% of the trip cost
Baggage coverage worth up to $750
Up to $200 in coverage for baggage delays
Travel medical expense coverage worth up to $15,000
Up to $150,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation

Choose medical coverage limits based on your needs

Generous limits for emergency medical expenses and medical evacuation across all plans

CFAR coverage must be purchased within 24 hours of initial trip deposit and is only available with Premium plan

Rental car coverage only included in top-tier Premium plan

Trip cancellation coverage up to 100% of the trip cost
Trip interruption coverage up to 175% of the trip cost
Travel delay coverage up to $1,000 per traveler ($300 daily limit)
Up to $2,000 per person in baggage protection
Up to $2,000 in coverage for sporting equipment
Up to $500 per person for baggage delays
Up to $500 per person for sporting equipment delays
Up to $1,000 per person in protection for missed connections
Up to $250,000 per person in coverage for emergency medical and dental procedures
Up to $1 million in coverage for emergency assistance and transportation
Up to $25,000 per person in rental car coverage
Up to $100,000 per plan in accidental death and dismemberment coverage

24-hour travel assistance services included

More than 200 sports and activities covered in every plan

Coverage limits within standard plans may be insufficient

No coverage for most preexisting conditions

Up to $10,000 in coverage for trip cancellation
Up to $100,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses
Up to $500,000 in protection for emergency medical evacuation
Up to $3,000 in protection for damage or theft to your bags or gear

Purchase international travel medical insurance for individual trips, multiple trips or long-term travel

Coverage is mostly for emergency medical expenses abroad

Some plans require a primary U.S. health insurance plan

Frequently Asked Questions

While many countries began mandating travel insurance for visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic, most have loosened entry requirements and dropped this condition by now. Countries that still require international visitors to have travel insurance include the following:

Antarctica: Travel medical insurance is generally required by cruise lines and tour operators for trips to Antarctica , with a standard minimum of $100,000 in emergency medical and evacuation coverage.
Ecuador: You do not need travel insurance to visit the country of Ecuador, but you do need insurance with medical coverage to visit the Galápagos Islands .
Qatar: Travelers visiting Qatar for more than 30 days are required to have a travel insurance policy that is approved by the country's Ministry of Public Health.
Saudi Arabia: Visitors to Saudi Arabia from eligible countries must pay for an eVisa, and the cost includes compulsory travel insurance coverage.

International travel insurance works the same as travel insurance for domestic trips. These plans include various coverage options and coverage limits, and a deductible may or may not apply. Travelers can choose to purchase international travel insurance for a single trip or multiple trips; long-term plans for expats and missionaries are available from some providers.

While travel insurance policies can include a broad range of coverages, the main protections you'll want for international trips include the following:

Trip cancellation and interruption coverage: This type of protection can reimburse you for prepaid travel expenses when a trip is canceled or interrupted for a covered reason beyond your control.
Baggage delay insurance: This coverage can pay for incidental expenses that occur when your bags are delayed for a specific period of time (usually six hours or longer).
Lost luggage coverage: This protection can replace your luggage and your belongings or reimburse you for costs if your bags are lost by a common carrier.
Rental car insurance: This type of insurance may provide primary coverage when you rent an eligible rental car.
Emergency medical and dental coverage: This type of insurance will pay for emergency medical treatment or dental expenses that may arise during your trip.
Emergency evacuation coverage: This protection can pay for emergency transportation costs when you're sick or injured during your trip.

Also note that many travelers booking an international trip choose to purchase travel insurance that offers cancel for any reason protection, so they can cancel a trip for any reason at all, even if they just decide they don't want to go. That said, adding CFAR coverage to your policy will make your travel insurance plan more expensive. Most plans also have limits on how much of your prepaid travel expenses can be refunded, which are usually capped between 60% to 80% of your trip costs.

While coverages offered through international travel insurance plans tend to be broad, keep in mind that this type of insurance won't cover every situation that could arise. Some common issues that are not covered by international travel insurance plans include:

Acts of war
Claims due to air or water pollution
Claims due to natural disasters
Epidemics not specifically included in coverage
Extreme, high-risk sports
Government regulations or proclamations
Nuclear radiation and contamination
Terrorist events
Travel bulletins or alerts

Many travel credit cards offer international travel insurance benefits, but you should know that these coverages have some limitations. For example, travel insurance plans from credit cards never provide meaningful amounts of coverage for medical emergencies or dental emergencies. You also have to pay for each trip with your travel credit card for coverage to apply.

The best international health insurance plan depends on factors like the length of your trip, where you're traveling and how much coverage you need. While you can take the time to get quotes from several different companies, websites like TravelInsurance.com and Squaremouth make it easy to compare coverage details, limits and pricing among several providers all in one place.

The cost of international travel insurance varies and can depend on your age, the length of your trip, your total trip cost and other factors. Consider getting multiple travel insurance quotes through TravelInsurance.com to get an idea of the cost of coverage for your upcoming travel plans.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning content creator who has covered travel and travel insurance for more than a decade. Johnson has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world, and she has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. On a personal level, her family uses an annual travel insurance policy from Allianz. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg – who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states – in their family media business.

9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2024

Holly Johnson

Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings.

Travel Insurance for Europe: 4 Best Options for 2024

Learn about a range of coverage options for traveling abroad.

The Best Travel Insurance for Mexico in 2024

Find coverage options for medical emergencies, travel delays, lost baggage and more.

Does My Health Insurance Cover International Travel?

Private health insurance typically doesn't cover international travel expenses.

Skip to primary navigation
Skip to main content
Skip to primary sidebar
Skip to footer

Best Global Medical Insurance Companies
Student Insurance
Overseas Health Insurance
Insurance for American Expats Abroad
Canadian Expats – Insurance and Overseas Health
Health Insurance for UK Citizens Living Abroad
Expat Insurance for Japanese Abroad
Expat Insurance for Germans Living Abroad
Travel Health Insurance
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Annual Travel Insurance
Visitors Insurance
Top 10 Travel Insurance Companies
The Best Travel Insurance for Seniors
Evacuation Insurance Plans
International Life Insurance for US Citizens Living Abroad
The Importance of a Life Insurance Review for Expats
Corporate and Employee Groups
Group Global Medical Insurance
Group Travel Insurance
Group Life Insurance
Foreign General Liability for Organizations
Missionary Groups
School & Student Groups
Volunteer Programs and Non-Profits
Bupa Global Health Insurance
Cigna Close Care
Cigna Global Health Insurance
Cigna Healthguard
Xplorer Health Insurance Plan
Navigator Health Insurance Plan
Voyager Travel Medical Plan
Trekker Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance
Global Medical Insurance Plan
Patriot Travel Insurance
Global Prima Medical Insurance
Student Health Advantage
Patriot Exchange – Insurance for Students
SimpleCare Health Plan
WorldCare Health Plan
Seven Corners Travel Insurance
Trawick Safe Travels USA
Unisure International Insurance
William Russell Life Insurance

William Russell Health Insurance

Atlas Travel Insurance
StudentSecure Insurance
Compare Global Health Insurance Plans
Compare Travel Insurance Plans
Health Insurance in the USA
Health Insurance in Mexico
Health Insurance in Canada
Health Insurance in Argentina
Health Insurance in Colombia for Foreigners
Health Insurance in Chile
UK Health Insurance Plans for Foreigners
Health Insurance in Germany
French Health Insurance
Italian Health Insurance
Health Insurance in Sweden for Foreigners
Portuguese Health Insurance
Health Insurance in Spain for Foreigners
Health Insurance in China
Health Insurance in Japan
Health Insurance in Dubai
Health Insurance in India
Thailand Health Insurance
Malaysian Health Insurance for Foreigners
Health Insurance in Singapore for Foreigners
Australian Health Insurance for Foreigners
Health Insurance in New Zealand
South Africa Health Insurance for Foreigners
USA Travel Insurance
Australia Travel Insurance
Mexico Travel Insurance
News, Global Health Advice, and Travel Tips
Insurance Articles
Travel Advice and Tips
Best Hospitals in the United States
Best International Hospitals in the UK
Best Hospitals in Mexico

Or call for a quote: 877-758-4881 +44 (20) 35450909

International Citizens Insurance

Medical, Life and Travel Plans!

U.S. 877-758-4881 - Intl. +44 (20) 35450909

Global Health and Travel Insurance for COVID-19

Covid and international health insurance benefits.

The most devastating part of the global COVID-19 pandemic is behind us. But the new disease is still circulating, mutating, and causing illness and deaths. World travel has fully resumed, and most governments have lifted restrictions. Many people today are again shopping, eating in restaurants, attending concerts and flying, with barely a mask in sight. The worst danger may have passed, but it’s still important to be prepared and protect yourself, whether traveling or living abroad. After all, COVID-19 hasn’t disappeared, and it’s possible that other novel diseases will appear on the global scene.

Expatriates living abroad when the pandemic erupted were often unsure whether their global health insurance plan covered COVID-19 . These days, many policies cover expenses related to COVID-19 just like any other communicable disease. It’s still important, however, to check your current policy or ensure the policy you choose includes COVID-19 coverage.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Global Health Insurance

As health insurance brokers, we work with thousands of expatriates and international citizens every month. They come to us with questions, and they require a medical policy for a variety of reasons. But every expat needs health insurance covering COVID-19 if they want complete, high-quality health protection for themselves and their families.

Below, we’ll mainly focus on international health insurance policies. Such policies provide comprehensive medical benefits and are annually renewable, and they are not the same as travel insurance plans . We’ll touch on travel insurance and COVID-19 briefly, but these policies cover medical costs differently from global policies.

Is COVID-19 Covered in an International Health Insurance Plan?

The short answer is yes. Unlike with trip cancellation insurance, a pandemic is not a general exclusion — or automatically not covered — under medical benefits. However, the safe answer here is that it depends on the plan. Some plans are comprehensive, and some have exclusions. Therefore, the best solution is to check with your agent or review the terms of your policy to be sure.

“An agent is crucial in the process of choosing an insurer and finding the right coverage for your specific needs,” says Joe Cronin , President of International Citizens Insurance. “ An expert broker can answer your questions about global health plans - even some you may not realize you had.”

However, as a rule of thumb, if you work with one of the major insurance companies like Cigna Global , GeoBlue , or William Russell , these plans will most likely treat COVID-19 illness like any other illness and offer coverage up to your regular benefit limits. That means you will be covered for the Coronavirus in the same way you would be treated for the flu or a cold. As long as you purchased a plan with inpatient and outpatient coverage, your plan should cover your COVID-19 treatment.

Recommend Plans with COVID-19 (Coronavirus Coverage)

Cigna Global Insurance Plan

The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs
Access to Cigna Global’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service

William Russell plans cover you internationally, both in the country you reside in and wherever you are traveling to (addons required for USA)
Their network includes 40,000 hospitals around the world.
Plans have comprehensive cancer coverage, including genome testing.

Best Plan for US Citizens Living Abroad or Expats Moving to the US

Xplorer Worldwide Medical Plan

Premium Benefits, Coverage and Service
Define your deductible and prescription benefits
For Foreigners in the US or US citizens abroad

How Does the COVID-19 Coverage Work in My Global Health Plan?

Ask your insurer (or us) the following questions about COVID-19 coverage in your global health insurance plan.

Does My Health Insurance Cover COVID-19 Related Treatment Costs in Full?

This is a fundamental question to ask, and the answer might depend on your current plan and its benefits. If you already have a co-pay for inpatient or outpatient treatment, your insurer might include COVID-19 treatment in that category. Most reputable insurance companies were covering the treatment costs related to the novel coronavirus in full during the emergency declaration. However, many have transitioned to treating COVID-19 like any other disease.

Will COVID-19 Related Costs Be Deducted From My Annual Benefit Limit?

This is a natural follow-up question to the one above. It's important, as the costs might be high in the case of antiviral treatment, hospitalization or complications like long COVID. If the answer is no, consider increasing the overall medical benefit limits in your plan during your renewal period.

Does My Global Insurance Plan Cover COVID-19 Testing?

Your global medical plan will probably cover the cost of testing if you get a doctor to certify your symptoms. GeoBlue , as an example, provides "coverage, with no cost-share, for diagnostic testing for the virus, known officially as COVID-19, consistent with U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. "

Most plans, however, will not cover a COVID-19 test if you are asymptomatic, unless you have a confirmed exposure. Another common exclusion is when a hospital requires a negative COVID-19 test before an unrelated, or not covered, medical procedure.

Are There Any Location or Age-Related Limitations to my COVID-19 Coverage?

Check with your insurer or broker to see if there are any policy limitations. For example, some plans exclude coverage outside of your primary location, or in specific areas of the world. If you need to travel abroad frequently, make sure your coverage is genuinely worldwide.

Another common limitation might be related to age. Some insurers might exclude COVID-19 coverage to the elderly, so make sure you’re in the age brackets that receive coverage.

How Can I Receive Medical Care During a Lockdown?

While lockdowns are far less frequent than they were in the height of the pandemic, you should raise this question with your insurer. If you are in lockdown, how can you contact a doctor and get tested? Will you need a pre-authorization from the insurer for testing and treatment for COVID-19? Especially if you’re living abroad in a country where more stringent restrictions were in place, you should find out in advance what to do if your location locks down again.

How to Access Doctors and Hospitals Through an International Health Insurance Plan

How do international clients access healthcare or get a doctor's referral for testing without leaving home? One option that international insurers are offering is telemedicine. One insurer, Cigna Global , offers Global Telehealth services, which gives customers access to licensed doctors around the world for non-emergency health issues. Telemedicine provides access to an insurer’s global network of doctors by telephone or video without needing to leave your home.

Make sure your plan has the telemedicine option covered or ever offered for free in your plan. This is the safest and quickest way to "see" a doctor, via telephone, video, or chat. If necessary, you can get a referral to get tested or visit the nearest hospital.

Read More: Finding an International Doctor

Does My Global Health Insurance Plan Cover the COVID-19 Vaccine?

Similar to other vaccines, coverage aligns with governmental and health declarations and specific plan coverage. Some private providers charge individuals for the vaccine and its administration, but depending on where you are, you may still be able to get a vaccine for free.

Cigna Global suggests that as a general rule, you should check your specific policy documentation to determine if vaccination cover is available. If so, coverage of the COVID-19 vaccine should align with the coverage included for any other preventative vaccine.

Will My Travel Insurance Cover COVID-19?

The short answer is, it depends. If you’re looking for short-term medical coverage for your trip overseas, you should discuss your travel insurance options with your broker.

If you have a travel medical insurance plan, you should be covered for a doctor’s visit or a hospital stay, depending on your plan restrictions. However, travel insurance companies may not cover you if you’re visiting countries with a Level 3 or higher travel advisory in place that’s related to COVID-19. Before booking your travel, check your home country’s advisory for your destination.

If you purchased trip cancellation insurance , you should check to see whether your policy covers disease outbreaks. It may be best to contact your airline and lodging accommodations to find out if they have any policies in place as well. If you purchase Cancel For Any Reason insurance, you’ll definitely be covered. But this has to be purchased at the time of your trip deposit, so if you want to be extra-safe, be sure to get this add-on when you’re planning your trip.

Get the Right Insurance Plan for Your Needs

For more information about health insurance plans and pricing, feel free to contact us directly to get a free quote and plan comparisons. You will be matched with one of our agents who will answer all your insurance questions and ensure you are getting the coverage you want.

Expat Insurance
US Health Insurance Plans
Best Healthcare Systems in the World
Best International Health Insurance Companies

Get a fast, free, international insurance quote.

Global medical plans, specialty coverage, company info, customer service.

Commercial Motor Vehicle
Roadside Assistance
Public Liability
General Property
Management Liability
Small business
Contractors and tradies
Retailers insurance
Healthcare and beauty professionals
Real estate
Cafés and restaurants
NSW stamp duty exemption
ACT | NT | TAS | WA claims
NSW forms and resources
VIC forms and resources
ACT | NT | TAS | WA forms and resources
Workplace mental health
Training & webinars
Compare Travel Insurance
Caravan and Trailer
Cyclone support
Flood support
Storm support
Bushfire support
Extreme Weather Claims
Hail support
Customer counselling program
Financial hardship
Scam warning
Family violence support
Deceased estates
Olympics and Paralympics
Allianz Stadium
Coach For All
Grassroots Champions
Football Australia
Financial institutions
Insurance brokers
Partner News Hub
The Allianz Hub
Login to My Allianz
Renew a policy
Make a payment
Retrieve a quote
Retrieve life application

COVID-19 benefits with Travel Insurance

Benefits with cover for covid-19.

Cancellation if you or your travel companion are positively diagnosed with COVID-19 during your period of cover 1,2
Additional Expenses 1,3 related to changing your travel arrangements while travelling
Overseas Medical and Hospital Expenses 1,4
Overseas Emergency Assistance available 24 hours a day, with access to Registered Nurses and Doctors 1,4

What COVID-19 benefits our plans offer

Swipe to view more

Comprehensive

Why choose us, thousands of satisfied customers, network of medical experts, emergency assistance available, we’re an established insurer, flexible covid-19 policy cancellation options.

We offer the flexibility to cancel your Allianz Travel Insurance policy at any time if your plans need to change due to COVID-19, provided you haven't made or intend to make a claim or exercise any other right under your policy. 1

You may be entitled to receive a full or partial premium refund if you can’t travel or need to change your journey because of COVID-19 border closures or mandatory quarantine periods. This applies when travelling both domestically and internationally. 1

If you haven’t started your journey, we’ll provide a full premium refund. If you’ve started your journey, we’ll provide a partial premium refund, based on a pro-rata basis from the date you returned home from your journey until the end date of your policy listed on your Certificate of Insurance. Eligibility criteria applies, refer to the PDS for full details.

If you need to cancel your policy due to COVID-19, contact us on 1800 440 806 or email our Travel Helpdesk .

Ready to get started?

Frequently asked questions.

Yes, you can apply to buy a policy even if you haven’t received the recommended vaccinations against COVID-19. The section headed ‘Who is eligible to purchase this product’ in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) contains important information about who is eligible to buy a policy, age limits and cover types.

You may not be covered if you don’t follow any advice or warnings by the Australian government or that were published in a reliable mass media source.

Refer to Smartraveller and the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs for the most up to date travel advice.

Make sure you’re aware of what is required, including any proof of vaccination, before you travel.

If you select Comprehensive , Multi-Trip, or Domestic Travel Insurance, which include the cancellation benefit cover when you buy your policy, you may be able to make a claim if you:

are subsequently positively diagnosed with COVID-19, which prevents you from travelling and
need to cancel, reschedule, or shorten your trip as a result. 1

The Cancellation benefit is designed to cover the non-refundable costs, up to the amount chosen, associated with cancelling, rescheduling or shortening the paid and unused portions of your journey. 2

If you’re positively diagnosed with COVID-19, we’ll reimburse your reasonable additional travel and accommodation expenses 3 up to the limit shown in the Table of Benefits for the Plan you have selected, if you meet each of the following three conditions:

You have bought a Comprehensive, Domestic, or Multi-Trip Travel Insurance plan
You can’t continue your journey or your journey is disrupted because you or your travel companion are positively diagnosed with COVID-19
You need immediate and continued treatment from a medical adviser

Call emergency services in your location if your condition is life threatening.

If you’ve contracted COVID-19 overseas and need emergency assistance, contact our Emergency Assistance team on +61 7 3305 7499 . Call charges may apply.

Do You Need Special Health Insurance to Travel Internationally?

Some countries are requiring proof of medical coverage in the covid-19 era.

COVID-19 vaccination certification and travel health insurance form concept

Before your next international trip , you may have to add an item to your packing list: proof of health insurance.

As the world begins to reopen to tourism, Americans are finding that some countries, including many Caribbean nations, now require arriving passengers to document that they have medical coverage. And a few, such as Costa Rica , are even demanding special policies that cover up to $2,000 for the expense of quarantining in a hotel if a visitor tests positive for COVID-19, as well as at least $50,000 of expenses relating to coronavirus care.

"We're seeing this more and more,” says Brook Wilkinson, an editor at travel-advice website WendyPerrin. “If someone wants an easy-breezy trip 2019-style, that's going to be tricky."

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

You may already be covered by a health insurance plan in the U.S. A health insurance policy for international travel may be necessary if you don't have your own health plan, if your plan doesn't cover medical care outside of the U.S. or if your destination requires a special country-specific plan.

Here are questions to ask when considering whether you need to purchase travel health insurance.

Does the country you're visiting require travel health insurance?

Before COVID-19, some countries already required visitors to prove they had health insurance coverage, and now a growing number are requiring a special country-specific policy related to the pandemic.

While Western European countries haven't adopted the requirement, countries that have include Cambodia, which requires visitors to buy COVID-19 insurance from a local company ($90 for 20 days); Aruba; the Bahamas; the British Virgin Islands; Dubai; Egypt; Grenada; Jordan; Mauritius; Namibia; Rwanda; Saba; St. Martin/Sint Maarten; the Seychelles; Sri Lanka; and Thailand.

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT

Entry requirements are changing frequently. Ask your travel agent or search online for the latest updates. The best source of information is usually the country's tourism office and the U.S. State Department . Other helpful resources include CanITravel.net and WendyPerrin.com , which maintains a comprehensive list. The sites also have the latest traveler requirements for COVID-19 vaccination, testing and quarantining. Note that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises delaying international trips until you are fully vaccinated.

If a country requires special health insurance, you must bring written proof, sometimes specifically mentioning coverage for COVID-19, which the insurer can provide. Without it, airlines may not let you board and some countries may not admit you.

AARP® Dental Insurance Plan administered by Delta Dental Insurance Company

Dental insurance plans for members and their families

Travel Insurance Terms

Travel health insurance covers medical issues that arise while you're traveling. You may need it if you don't have another form of health insurance , your health insurance doesn't fully cover you outside the U.S. or your destination requires visitors to purchase a particular plan.

Medical evacuation insurance covers transportation to a medical facility if there isn't one in your immediate destination. It may be included in a travel health insurance policy or bought separately.

Trip cancellation or disruption insurance allows you to recoup the nonrefundable portion of a trip canceled for a covered reason. Sometimes it covers cancellation in case of illness, but it doesn't cover medical care. It may or may not cover cancellation due to disease outbreaks (such as COVID-19 ) in your destination.

Does your current health insurance policy cover medical care outside the United States?

Even if you have health insurance and special coverage isn't required for entry to your destination country, you may still need a travel health policy. Many traditional health insurance policies, including basic Medicare plans , do not provide coverage outside the U.S. And while some Medicare supplement polices include overseas coverage, it may be limited.

"A lot of U.S. travelers really aren't aware of how much medical coverage they have when they're traveling internationally,” says Stan Sandberg, cofounder of TravelInsurance.com. “They're assuming that health insurance travels with them, but in many cases it doesn't."

If you don't have health insurance (travel or otherwise) that covers you in your destination, you could face bills running many thousands of dollars if a health emergency arises.

Will you be particularly vulnerable during your travels because of a health condition or high-risk activities?

The CDC recommends travel health insurance for international travel, particularly for those who “have an existing health condition, are traveling for more than six months, or doing adventure activities such as scuba diving or hang gliding.”

You can find travel health insurance plans that cover preexisting conditions , but you often need to purchase one shortly after paying for your trip (usually within two or three weeks). And some plans won't cover medical care for injuries resulting from activities that are generally considered high risk. So be sure your plan does if you want to be adventurous and, say, skydive.

Do you need emergency evacuation coverage?

Even if your health insurance includes medical transportation, it may just cover the cost of getting you to the nearest appropriate medical facility. For example, if you sustained a serious injury on a safari in South Africa, your carrier may pay for transportation to a hospital in Johannesburg but not the cost to fly you back home.

Some travel health insurance policies include emergency evacuation home, and other companies, such as Medjet (MedJetAssist.com) and GlobalRescue.com, sell stand-alone plans that provide the coverage.

Choosing a travel health insurance plan

Travel health insurance generally isn't super expensive. A policy for a 65-year-old going to Europe for two weeks could cost less than $35 for $50,000 in coverage, Sandberg says. Paying just a bit more can bring higher policy limits and extras like lost-baggage coverage. (By contrast, trip cancellation insurance is pricier, costing up to 10 percent of the price of your trip. And coverage that lets you cancel for any reason runs even more.)

Shop around. Sandberg's company offers quotes from multiple plans, as do platforms such as InsureMyTrip.com. These companies also sell travel cancellation insurance, but you can narrow your search for travel health insurance policies by entering $0 as your total trip cost.

And, as noted above, you may want to consider whether a policy covers medical care for preexisting conditions or for COVID-19 and whether it includes emergency evacuation.

Benefits Recommended For You

SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS

IMAGES

Travelling During a Pandemic: Coronavirus Covid-19 Travel Insurance
UAE: Does my international travel insurance cover COVID-19?
Martin Lewis: Best travel insurance with coronavirus cover
Best Travel Insurance w/ Covid-19 Coverage
Travel Insurance During Coronavirus Pandemic: What To Know
What does travel insurance cover?

VIDEO

খেলোয়াড় ( Khiladi )
Travel Insurance, Covid & Boeing 777 problems, Eoghan Corry & Keith Finnegan

COMMENTS

Best Covid-19 Travel Insurance Plans Of 2024
Travel Insured, World Trips and Seven Corners are the best Covid-19 travel insurance companies, based on our analysis. Most travel insurance policies cover Covid-related issues like any other ...
The 5 Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Options
A COVID-19 travel insurance plan can help cover costs of testing, quarantine and treatment. ... Offers travel medical insurance, international travel health insurance and general travel insurance ...
How to Find Travel Insurance That Covers COVID
Here's what to look for when seeking a travel insurance policy to cover coronavirus-related cancellations. Updated Aug 12, 2024 7:43 a.m. PDT · 2 min read Written by Elina Geller
Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance in June 2024
The prices listed below are for the most basic COVID-19 travel insurance coverage. ... What makes Travel Insured International great: Multiple plans cover COVID-19 cancellation benefits as part of ...
Best Covid-19 Travel Insurance of 2024
AXA Travel Insurance. AXA offers three travel insurance plans starting at $16. Its silver plan, the lowest tier of coverage, offers high limits for emergency medical expenses at $25,000 and up to ...
Travel Insurance and COVID-19: The Epidemic Coverage Endorsement
The local clinic diagnoses COVID-19, but they're not equipped to treat you. How can your travel insurance plan with the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement help? If you're diagnosed with an epidemic disease such as COVID-19 while you're traveling and you require an emergency medical evacuation, then your Emergency Transportation benefit can help.
What Travel Insurance Covers COVID Quarantine?
Fortunately, there are still insurance providers that'll provide coverage in the event you're affected by COVID-19, including: Trip cancellation. Trip delay. Medical care/hospitalization ...
Top International Travel Insurance Plans for COVID-19
Here are our top insurance companies and their travel insurance plans offering Covid coverage: International Medical Group (IMG) Insurance. IMG offers family-friendly plans for both domestic and international destinations, including student plans that cover Covid. Most of their travel insurance plans, such as Patriot America Plus, cover Covid ...
COVID-19 FAQs
COVID-19 FAQ's. UPDATED APRIL 6, 2022. The information in this FAQ is current as of the time of publication but is subject to change. Please see our Coverage Alert for the latest coverage information. The information in this FAQ is intended to provide general information only and is not a coverage determination in any respect on any claim.
How do you choose travel insurance that covers COVID-19?
Foster says Trawick's travel insurance plans that cover COVID-19 would cover the expenses if you could not pass your pre-health inspection. Also, the plan would cover the costs of the failure of your PCR test to return to the United States, such as having to quarantine abroad. Travel insurance does not usually cover PCR testing for travel ...
Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Companies (2024)
Both of TravelSafe's insurance policies for international travel include comprehensive coverages and protections for COVID-19, with identical medical coverage and evacuation limits no matter the ...
Travel Insurance Cover for COVID-19 Related Events
All our travel insurance plans purchased from 14 July 2021 include emergency medical and repatriation cover if you get sick with COVID-19 while abroad. Our Explorer plans also offer cover for some COVID-19- related events. Benefit limits, conditions and exclusions apply, and cover varies depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you ...
Travel Insurance Cover for COVID-19 Related Events
Travel Insurance Cover for COVID-19 Related Events ... Here are our most frequently asked questions about buying travel insurance for COVID-19. ... NZBN 9429050505340), and is underwritten in Australia and New Zealand by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 311 193, NZBN 9429041356500. nib Travel Services Europe Limited trading ...
COVID Travel Insurance
From Medical Coverage to Trip Cancellation Protection, our team of travel experts will help you choose the right coverage. GET A QUOTE 855-327-1441. If you become ill with COVID while on your trip you may be covered for Medical Expense, Emergency Evacuation, Trip Interruption, and/or Trip Delay benefits with a confirmed diagnosis, including ...
Travel Medical Insurance Plans for COVID-19
COVID-19 cases are still prevalent, and having a travel medical insurance plan can help cover the costs associated with contracting the virus while on your trip. Travel medical plans generally cover Covid like any other new condition. For this reason and more, they are quickly becoming travel essentials. Here's a list of all of the travel ...
Best Travel Medical Insurance for COVID-19
Purchasing travel medical insurance can cover you in the event that you contract COVID-19 while on your trip, and the costs associated with your care. Lots of travel medical insurance plans cover COVID-19. While it's great to have so many options for Covid travel insurance during the pandemic, it can also make the decision process more complex.
What You Need to Know Now About Travel Insurance
Maarten requires health insurance coverage and strongly recommends additional travel insurance covering Covid-19. Farther-flung countries also require policies that cover Covid-19, including ...
Does Travel Insurance Cover COVID?
If you purchased travel insurance after the World Health Organization declared coronavirus a pandemic on March 11, 2020, then COVID-19 might be viewed by your insurance company as a foreseen event ...
The 5 Best International Travel Insurance Companies for 2024
For international trips, consider the Premium travel insurance plan from Generali. This tier of coverage includes the following: Trip cancellation coverage up to 100% of the trip cost. Trip ...
12 Best Travel Insurance Companies: Forbes-Rated 2024
Best Covid-19 Travel Insurance Plans ... Prime Cover, Travel Insured International and WorldTrips are among the best travel insurance companies, based on our analysis of 42 policies. We evaluated ...
Global Health and Travel Insurance for COVID-19
While the most devastating part of the global COVID-19 pandemic is behind us, the new disease is still circulating. Expatriates that already lived in a foreign country when the pandemic erupted were often unsure whether their global health insurance plan covered COVID-19. These days, many policies cover expenses related to COVID-19 just like any other communicable disease. It's still ...
COVID-19 Benefits Available with Allianz Travel Insurance
Benefits with cover for COVID-19. Cancellation if you or your travel companion are positively diagnosed with COVID-19 during your period of cover 1,2. Additional Expenses 1,3 related to changing your travel arrangements while travelling. Overseas Medical and Hospital Expenses 1,4. Overseas Emergency Assistance available 24 hours a day, with ...
Travel Health Insurance May Be Required in Covid-19 Era
Trip cancellation or disruption insurance allows you to recoup the nonrefundable portion of a trip canceled for a covered reason. Sometimes it covers cancellation in case of illness, but it doesn't cover medical care. It may or may not cover cancellation due to disease outbreaks (such as COVID-19) in your destination.