COVID-19 caused a huge stir in the travel insurance market. Holiday-goers have been left high and dry as social distancing measures cause countries across the world to close their borders.
Some insurers are changing the way they operate at this time – it is vital that anyone affected remains aware of any updates regarding their specific situation. How a COVID-19 related claim is responded to will vary hugely depending on the provider.
Most major insurers are now offering pro-rata refunds to policy holders who are unable to travel due to COVID-19. Those requiring a refund will need to request one – only do so if you now have no travel plans and have acquired refunds for any cancellations. These will not be available to anyone with an ongoing claim and will not cover any future claims.
Those with reliable policies should be covered, but this will not be the case for everyone. The first point of contact should always be your travel provider. Many are gaining reparations this way, but failing this, you may be able to fall back on your travel insurance policy. It won’t necessarily be noted in individual wordings whether policies can cover pandemics, but this should be discussed directly with your provider.
Most insurers are now suspending travel policies. You cannot take out a policy for any COVID-19 related cancellations. It is also expected that most providers will not be covering travel disruption, at least until the spread and severity of the virus can be curbed and the travel situation reassessed. If you are thinking of booking any future holidays, please speak with your insurance provider regarding the possible claims implications should COVID-19 continue longer than expected. It may be worth keeping your policy if you are considering this, as it would be very difficult to take out another in the current climate.
All travel providers will be following Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)’s advice, this can be publicly accessed here.
Many believe that COVID-19’s impact will form future policy wordings, terms and restrictions for travel insurance policies. Be sure to keep an eye on government updates and anything that might affect your travel plans.
Brunel Insurance for People is a fully independent broker with an extensive knowledge of the travel sector. Our goal is to provide fast, informal, reassuring and informed client service, tailored to the individual needs of our client’s business. To discuss any of your insurance requirements, please contact a member of our expert team on contactus@brunel-insurance.co.uk or 0345 873 4451.
