While international travel restrictions have eased, things are not yet back to ‘normal’. It’s important for overseas travellers to check they are adequately covered for COVID-related events (on top of standard travel coverages) in their insurance policies.
According to Insurance Business Australia, this includes:
- Cancellation costs due to lockdowns, both at home and at destinations.
- Cancellation costs due to contracting COVID – yourself and/or a member of your party.
- Return-home cover – such as where a family member at home gets COVID and you need to return early.
- Medical expenses for COVID – check how much insurance is required to cover these costs in your destination countries.
- Cruises – overnight cruises are considered high-risk and may not be covered for COVID at all.
- Additional costs – such as change of tour or accommodation due to COVID.
- Costs due to country border closures or quarantine requirements in destination countries.
- Coverage at destination countries – e.g. insurance cover may be excluded or limited in countries categorised by Smart Traveller as ‘do not travel’ or ‘reconsider travel’ destinations.
Insurance Business Australia says some travel companies are offering complementary COVID-19 cover to travellers. If you are considering this, you should examine the fine print to see what’s included.
But whether you choose this or purchase your own travel insurance, make sure to check the documentation for inclusions and exclusions regarding COVID.
Contact your local Reliance Partner to find out more.