Coronavirus Updates
Mar 06, 2020 | Aon
Since the first reported case of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Dec. 31, 2019 in Wuhan, China, the situation and response have evolved rapidly – from the number and the location of cases to how the travel industry is responding to keep travelers safe. The following resources can help you stay up-to-date on the latest:
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The Aon Travel Takeaway? Beth Godlin, president of Aon Affinity Travel Practice, says: “This situation is changing daily, so do your homework if you plan to travel. Stay-up-to-date on the Coronavirus via reputable sources like the WHO and CDC, and read the terms and conditions of any travel protection policy before you make a purchase to ensure it meets your specific needs.”
Read more on the coronavirus and travel insurance:
- Would travel insurance cover me in a Coronavirus outbreak?
Plans that include a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) benefit allow travelers to do just that – cancel for fear of something potentially happening, including Coronavirus concerns. It’s important for consumers to understand that with some CFAR plans, they may not always get 100 percent cash back. They may receive a portion of their loss, receive future travel credits, or both. However not all plans provide the CFAR option.
It’s also important to note that, based upon the travel insurance package purchased, even if the plan does not include a CFAR option, most traditional travel insurance plans would still provide coverage if a traveler contracts the virus or another illness during their trip. They could be eligible to receive medical benefits to cover emergency medical expenses, trip interruption to pay for certain extra expenses, emergency assistance to arrange local medical care and even, if very serious, a medical evacuation back home.
- What are airline and hotel cancellation policies in case of a pandemic?
Travelers should always check with their travel suppliers about cancellations and refunds, as these may vary drastically based upon the type of supplier, travel dates, destination, etc. These situations can be fluid and change with a moment’s notice, for example if a government, the State Department or another organization like the CDC, WHO or other body makes official designations about the risk.
- What kind of precautions should I take now if I’m going to be traveling overseas?
International travelers need to have a clear understanding of what their health insurance will or will not cover so that supplemental coverage options can be explored. Travelers should contact their health insurance company prior to a trip and inquire about the specific medical services included in their coverage when overseas. The level of medical coverage available for international travel can vary widely, depending on your domestic health care provider and plan. But keep in mind that most regular health insurance plans provide partial or no coverage while traveling in another country. Countries with universal health care might assist with minor needs, but in the event of major or ongoing medical expenses, they would cease to help, and would not pay to help with the return trip home.
If traveling within the United States, Medicare coverage travels with you. However, the rules change when overseas. Medicare does not cover emergency medical service for travelers out of the country, so travelers should explore supplemental coverage that stretches for foreign travel. Travelers should not assume a health insurance provider will pay to transport them back to the United States if overseas, or even back to a home medical facility if traveling domestically.
Travelers should take stock of their travel plans: how long you’ll be gone, and what experiences you possibly expect to find yourself in. For the vast majority of trips taken that are a few weeks or less, travel protection plans typically package medical benefits along with other key travel benefits and services.
Need to file a travel insurance claim? Visit AonTravelClaim.com
Want to learn more about Aon’s CareFree Travel Assistance and how it can help travelers: Visit https://www.aon.com/risk-services/travel-assistance.jsp
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