From travel insurance that covers in case of cancellation due to Covid to airline advice – here’s everything you need to know about travelling to and from the UK during the pandemic.
Purchasing travel insurance during the time of Covid can be overwhelming – will you be covered in case of cancellation, or do policies that offer medical assistance for Covid exist? Here, we break down the policies that offer Covid cover, plus what to look for in a travel insurance policy and whether your insurance is invalidated if the government advises not to travel.
What is the best travel insurance with Covid cancellation cover?
Currently, all policies have restrictions on claims relating to Covid-19, and it is essential to double-check the latest cover before you make a purchase.
- All Clear Travel Insurance: cover is available to people of all ages but is particularly suitable for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions that other insurers may be reluctant to cover.
- Axa: this long-established, French-owned company is one of the largest insurers, providing a wide range of different policies geared to various travel types.
- Battleface: geared towards individuals and groups with an emphasis on adventurous activities abroad and travel to remote destinations.
- Campbell Irvine Direct: this insurer has been established for over 45 years, and policies offer coverage for travel to challenging and adventurous locations, including conservation and volunteer projects.
- CoverForYou: competitively priced policies include winter sports and backpacker cover, featuring enhanced silver, gold, and platinum options.
- Holidaysafe: a catch-all travel specialist with a portfolio of niche policies covering specific sporting activities including triathlon, sailing, and cycling.
- LV Travel Insurance: one of the UK’s largest and longest-standing insurers, founded in 1843, offering both single and multi-trip cover.
- PJ Hayman: strong on customer care, covering medical conditions and hazardous activities plus round-the-world and gap-year travel.
- Puffin Insurance: annual or single-trip policies for customers aged 18-74, covering more than 75 different activities with numerous optional add-ons.
- Trailfinders: policy includes children up to 21 years free of charge, with the note that those aged 19-21 must be in full-time education.
Can I get travel insurance during Covid?
In a word, yes. Some companies in the list above state they will still sell you insurance, including crucial medical-expenses cover, provided the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) doesn’t advise against all or all but essential travel. Checking the current FCDO list for the latest advice is advisable. Some insurers may offer cover for destinations on the red list, but it is essential to keep in mind that rules governing travel to individual countries can change quickly. Tools provided by travel insurance specialists can help you stay updated on the latest developments.
Why is travel insurance important?
If you have a trip planned and don’t yet have insurance, it is imperative to buy a policy as soon as possible. This ensures that if anything changes, such as FCDO advice, you will already have coverage in place. However, choosing the best policy is challenging since everyone has different requirements, influenced by destination, trip type, and detailed provisions such as travel disruption cover, especially relevant in the current climate. Therefore, thorough research on key provisions of any insurance you are considering is essential.
What should I look for in a travel insurance policy during the pandemic?
This is a critical issue. Insurers are understandably cautious about claims for cancellations and medical treatment related to Covid-19. As a result, many have added restrictions and exclusions to their policies. It is vital to check exactly what those are and ensure you understand the coverage limitations.
Does travel insurance cover Covid cancellations?
If you already have travel insurance, it typically covers your cancellation costs if you, or one of your travelling companions, falls ill before departure and cannot travel, though a medical report from your doctor will be required. Some policies cover losses incurred if you have booked independently and must cancel due to FCDO advice. Look for terms like “travel disruption cover” in the policy details, which may or may not include disruptions due to epidemics. Moreover, quarantine in a hotel after visiting a red list country is unlikely to be covered. If you choose to cancel simply due to apprehension about travel, known as “disinclination to travel,” no policy will provide coverage.
So what use is travel insurance during the Covid pandemic?
The primary value of travel insurance lies in the medical cover it provides while you are travelling. This covers the costs of treatment and hospital stays if you fall ill on holiday. However, whether you are covered for accommodation costs if diagnosed with Covid-19 while abroad varies among policies. Some insurers will pay if you need a new flight home under these circumstances. Consequently, it is essential to read the fine print.
Is my travel insurance invalidated if the FCDO advises not to travel?
In usual circumstances, travel insurers do not provide coverage for countries or regions where the FCDO advises against all but essential travel. Traditionally, this includes regions like Afghanistan, Iraq, or Yemen but may now encompass many parts of Europe, as countries are frequently added to or removed from the UK’s quarantine list. Nonetheless, some insurers now offer affordable policies targeted at travellers heading to these European destinations, which may be valuable as lockdowns ease. As always, reading the fine print is crucial; for instance, policies may be rendered invalid during government-imposed regional or national lockdowns in the UK.
Can I get insurance cover if I catch Covid abroad?
Some insurers will cover against Covid-19 if the FCDO has labeled your destination as safe to visit before you travel. Additionally, some offer cancellation cover if you contract Covid-19 within two weeks of your departure, including emergency medical expenses abroad as well as repatriation, and cover if a travelling companion contracts the virus. Insurers that provide coverage for medical expenses resulting from Covid-19 can be found for all destinations, including countries with various travel advisories.
So what happens if my holiday is cancelled?
If you have booked a package with a tour operator and the FCDO advises against all but essential travel, your tour operator is obligated to cancel the holiday and provide a full refund. Alternatives may include offering an alternative holiday or suggesting postponed travel dates; nevertheless, you are entitled to your cash back. If feasible, consider postponing your trip rather than cancelling entirely, particularly as updated government advice may later allow for your departure. Keeping the travel industry thriving is vital as many dependent on tourism for their income.
What if I booked my trip independently?
Travellers who booked a flight and accommodation separately generally have no right to a refund if they cancel independently, even if the FCDO has advised against travel. However, many airlines are cancelling flights and issuing refunds in such cases. A hotel or villa company is not obliged to refund your payment, although it is worth discussing options with them as they may permit you to postpone your stay.
Will my insurance cover me if my airline collapses?
It’s crucial to ensure you pay for flights with a credit card; for flights booked directly with the airline that cost over £100, you can claim your money back from the credit card company. Furthermore, verify that any tour operator you choose has up-to-date Atol protection or an alternative bonding arrangement in place.
Which websites should I check for the best travel insurance information and advice?
A reputable website providing up-to-date figures for Covid-19 cases in every country is worldometers.info. For the latest FCDO travel advice on every country worldwide, consult gov.uk. The most reliable health guidance is available at nhs.uk.
Am I still covered by the EHIC scheme in Europe?
Yes and no. As of Thursday 31 December 2020, Britain left the EU, but anyone holding a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) is covered for state-supplied medical care while holidaying in Europe until it expires. For those who do not currently hold an EHIC, it has been replaced by the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card).
Anything else I need to worry about?
Insurers have become increasingly cautious regarding pre-existing medical conditions, as they contribute to the risk of expensive medical claims and cancellations. It is critical to declare any conditions you may have when purchasing a policy; otherwise, you may find your claim refused if you require treatment while travelling.
