Everything you need to know about Covid and travel insurance

As the world begins to open up after two years of Covid restrictions, many people will be looking forward to their first summer holiday since 2019.

But with Covid still causing travel chaos, many people will be wondering—what will happen if my trip is impacted?

While you should always get travel insurance to make sure you’re covered if things go wrong, it might be even more crucial with Covid in the mix.

Alex Hasty, director at comparethemarket.com told Metro.co.uk: ‘Travel insurance can help ease concerns around travelling in a post-pandemic world, with one-third of Brits (33%) more likely to take out travel insurance in the aftermath of the pandemic.

‘It is important to consider booking insurance when you book your trip, so you’re covered immediately for unforeseen events, that could force you to cancel your trip before your planned departure date.’

Is Covid covered under travel insurance?

There are travel insurance providers that are still offering Covid travel insurance that includes emergency medical care and repatriation. 

However, for most insurance policies to be valid, you must  travel in line with Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advice.

This advice will vary depending on where you’re travelling, and it can change frequently and suddenly.

Additionally, vaccine requirements vary by country, and this could impact the kind of insurance you need before travelling.

So make sure you’re aware of the most up to date rules and advice when buying your insurance.

Comparethemarket.com director Alex Hasty said: ‘Many insurance policies are designed to protect against the risks of Covid, refunding the cost of cancellations, medical treatment, and even repatriation.

‘It is a good idea to compare policies carefully, ensuring that you get all the protection you need at a reasonable price.’

Which providers offer Covid travel insurance? 

Holiday Extras

Holiday Extras offers cancellation cover if you’re diagnosed with Covid within 14 days of departure, and includes medical cover and repatriation if you get Covid while on holiday.

RAC

RAC includes Covid protection in its travel insurance policy at no extra cost, which includes cancellation cover within 14 days of departure, emergency medical cover, and repatriation. 

RAC also offers enhanced Covid protection, which includes cover if you travel when the FCDO advises against all but essential travel (relating to Covid). The enhanced policy also covers cancellation due to having an adverse reaction to a Covid vaccine, and having to miss a vaccine due to illness.

Sainsbury’s Bank

Sainsbury’s Bank offers Covid protection as standard under its travel insurance policy, including cancellation cover and medical treatment.

Like RAC, Sainsbury’s Bank has an enhanced Covid add-on, which also covers you if you have a bad reaction to a vaccine or miss a vaccine dose due to illness, as well travelling against FCDO advice.

Admiral

Admiral’s travel insurance covers some Covid-related events, including medical and repatriation costs, and trip cancellation if you get Covid, or if a close relative is hospitalised or dies of Covid within two weeks of departure.

SAGA

Covid is covered in SAGA’s travel insurance. You’ll be covered if someone you were planning to travel or stay with gets Covid, or if you are too unwell with Covid to travel. You’ll also be covered for emergency medical travel and repatriation costs.

Post Office Money

All new Post Office Money travel insurance policies include cancellation and medical costs relating to Covid in certain circumstances. 

But there’s also the option to add extra cover for other Covid-related situations like a chance in testing or isolation rules, or cutting a trip short if someone you’re travelling with gets Covid.

Can you get a refund if your flight or trip is cancelled due to Covid? 

If an airline cancels your flight, you are entitled to a full refund and you won’t need to claim on your travel insurance.

Dozens of flights have been cancelled in recent weeks, due to staff shortages caused by Covid cases.

Is Long Covid covered under Covid travel insurance? 

Compare the Market says: ‘Long Covid is still not being named by most travel insurers and according to Defaqto, the statisticians, it’s not been mentioned in any policies so far.

‘That means insurers are probably looking at Long Covid on a case-by-case basis.’

It is recommended that you ask your specific travel insurance provider about their policy on Long Covid if you’re concerned. 

Is Covid covered under travel insurance if you are travelling domestically?

Domestic travel insurance policies vary by provider, so if you’re planning on travelling within the UK, check to see if you’ll be covered if Covid impacts your trip.

Some travel providers may only cover Covid-related circumstances for trips abroad, but others will cover domestic travelling too.

How to make a claim on your Covid travel insurance

Contact your travel insurance provider as soon as possible and tell them you need to make a claim.

They’ll give you a claim form and explain the documents you will need to help your claim.

Make sure you understand your policy carefully to know when you will and won’t be covered.

MORE : How to prove your Covid vaccine status for international travel

MORE : Where can you travel unvaccinated? 64 destinations you can visit

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