You should know that not all policies cover pandemics. Others might only cover them after the event has been declared. You should carefully read your policy documents to find the details. You can opt for comprehensive travel insurance if you aren't sure. It is also a good idea to choose a policy that offers Cancel For Any Reason coverage.
Cancel Any Reason
Standard travel insurance policies do not cover pandemics or epidemics. The optional "Cancel-for-Any Reason" coverage is not available to travelers. They will not likely be able recover any costs related a pandemic. New York law doesn't allow cancellations for "cancel any reason" coverage because they don't cover a specific event. Insurers can still comply with the law if they prove that the benefit is related to an "authorized company."
Many insurance companies have added the COVID-19 Pandemic to their travel insurance policies in recent times. Travelers must be certified by their doctor to get this coverage. In addition, "I'm afraid to travel" coverage is not covered. However, travelers with Cancel for Any Reason coverage may qualify for 50-75% of their trip costs. This coverage is very time-sensitive. Cancel for All Reasons is only available to those who cancel at least two business days before they depart.
Standard trip cancellation policy
Standard travel insurance policies may not cover travel costs resulting from a pandemic. You must purchase an upgrade to your policy to include this coverage. This upgrade is about 40% more expensive than the standard insurance and covers upto 75 percent of your non-refundable travel costs. If you're concerned about a pandemic, this is an option.
Make sure to read your policy to determine whether pandemic coverage is included. To check if there are any other mishaps, you can also go to your policy. Also, make sure that your policy limits are adequate to cover the expenses of other mishaps. You should also ensure that your policy covers evacuation and transportation in an emergency.
Cancellation due to fear of travel
The majority of travel insurance policies do not cover cancellations due the fear of pandemics, or other diseases. Some companies have relaxed their policy guidelines. Under the optional Cancel Any Reason benefit, 50-75% can be claimed if you are ill and cancel your trip. To be eligible, you must act quickly. Cancelling at least two days before departure is the best way to do this.
Most standard travel insurance policies do not cover cancellations due to epidemics, pandemics, or viral outbreaks. If you cancel your trip due to "fear" of traveling, your plan won't pay for it. But travelers should know that there are many reasons why they may need to cancel. In addition to airline flight cancellations, cruise ship travel suspensions, and other problems can justify the need for travelers to cancel their trips.
Waiver for pre-existing condition
Traveling can be dangerous and you could get hurt or become ill, especially if your pre-existing condition is present. You may not be covered by most travel policies, but you may be able to get a waiver if you have a chronic disease.
This waiver allows you not to have to pay a high premium for a condition that you already have. If you have been suffering from a disease or other health problem for more than 60 days, you can get a waiver of pre-existing condition. However, you should make sure that your policy covers any type of illness by reviewing your medical records.
Cancellation coverage for COVID-19
If you are traveling to a region affected by the Covid-19 virus, it's important to have travel insurance. Certain illnesses may be covered by some insurance policies. Others will cover quarantine costs. It doesn’t matter if it’s for business or pleasure. Make sure you know your specific coverage.
Insurance policies often exclude loss from epidemics. If you are unsure, ask your provider for cancellation coverage. It depends on what coverage you have and what your policy limits. COVID-19 can be excluded from some plans because it is a communicable condition. If they're part a joint public/private initiative, however, others might provide coverage.