Still worth buying insurance against Covid trip interruption
Covid-19 cases and hospitalisations are once again spiking across the country due, in part, to the highly contagious Omicron variant, however, InsureMyTrip is still urging travellers to invest in travel protection
Infectious disease official, Dr. Anthony Fauci says, Americans who are vaccinated and boosted can proceed with their holiday travel plans. However, many Americans, vaccinated or not, may still be concerned about travel. For this reason, the experts at InsureMyTrip recommends purchasing travel insurance, and say: “While you'll have access to the most benefits when purchasing travel insurance soon after booking a trip, it's not too late. There are still plenty of benefits available if you're looking to purchase a comprehensive plan.” Bottom Line: As we get closer to taking off for the holidays, there is still time to purchase a Comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy with important benefits. "It is important to know what your travel supplier's refund policies are, and purchase the insurance as soon as possible if you stand to lose a significant amount of money," says InsureMyTrip’s Meghan Walch.
Walch is breaking down the benefits that may still be available for holiday travellers:
Cancel for Any Reason
According to a new report, of those researching CFAR on InsureMyTrip.com:
- 85% are concerned about needing to cancel a trip due to travel changes around Covid-19 restrictions.
- 60% are concerned about needing to cancel due to fear of contracting Covid-19.
However, CFAR is a time-sensitive benefit and must be purchased within 10-21 days of putting money down on a trip.
Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption
Many plans may offer Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits for a covered illness. That illness could include COVID-19. There are certain requirements, however. For example, the illness would have to occur after a policy's effective date and a doctor must advise that you are not well enough to travel or continue traveling.
Emergency Medical
Emergency Medical travel insurance would kick in if you become ill while on a trip and need emergency medical attention. It is important to note that domestic health plans may not cover you when you are traveling abroad.
Quarantine Coverage
Plans may offer coverage if an insured traveler faces a covered quarantine. For a quarantine to be covered, it must be physician-ordered, and you are in strict isolation for a specific period of time. Plans will not cover self-quarantine or stay-at-home orders.
Weather Delay
Covid-19 isn't the only concern for travellers this holiday season. Bad weather can also cause problems. Comprehensive travel insurance plans may offer Travel Delay and Trip Cancellations/Interruption benefits in the event of a weather-related flight delay. Usually, the delay would have to last a certain number of hours, but it could be helpful in the event your flight is delayed and you end up paying for an overnight accommodation.
Baggage Issues
Comprehensive travel policies purchased last minute also offer Baggage Loss/Baggage Delay benefits. This can help to reimburse you for items if your bags are lost or damaged during a trip. Baggage Delay benefits can help with reimbursement for necessities if your luggage is misdirected and you don't receive it for a specified number of hours.