FAQ: Travel Insurance and COVID-19

What does travel insurance cover?

There are several types of categories of travel insurance including:

Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?

Most standard travel insurance policies are not likely to provide trip cancellation/trip interruption coverage related to COVID-19. If you have a travel insurance policy for an upcoming trip, coverage for COVID-19 will likely depend on two key issues.  

What if I get COVID-19 before my trip, does travel insurance cover me?

If you contract COVID-19 and must cancel your trip, you are likely covered if you have a standard travel insurance policy. One of the most common covered events under trip cancellation/trip interruption policies is the illness, injury, or death of the traveler, a traveling companion, or a non-traveling family member.  You may be required to provide documentation from your medical provider.

What if I get COVID-19 while I am traveling?

A travel insurance policy may include medical coverage for emergencies and evacuations. You will need to check your travel insurance policy to see if these coverages are provided. As with trip cancellation/trip interruption coverage, the claim may not be covered it was a "foreseeable" risk.  Exclusions may also apply. 

What if I miss my flight because long lines at the airport delays due to COVID-19?

Travel insurance policies do not usually cover you because you missed your flight due to extra screenings at the airport.

What if I cancel my trip, do I get a refund of my travel insurance premium?

Some policies offer a refund of the travel insurance premium. The offer may be for a partial refund and it may be offered for a limited period after you purchase the policy.  You will need to read your policy for the specific terms. 

If I am going on a trip, can I buy travel insurance to cover COVID-19?

If you purchase a standard travel insurance policy today, it likely would not provide trip cancellation/trip interruption coverage for COVID-19. 

You may be able to purchase "cancel for any reason" protection in conjunction with, or as an alternative to, a standard travel insurance policy.  This protection would cover the cancellation or interruption of a trip for any reason not covered under the policy, including any COVID-19 fears or concerns.

What is "Cancel for any Reason" (CFAR) protection?

CFAR protection may be offered with, or as an alternative to, a travel insurance policy. As the name implies, a CFAR benefit generally applies to cancellation of a trip for any reason. A CFAR benefit may apply if you decide to cancel your trip because you are concerned about COVID-19.  You will need to read the specific terms of the CFAR benefit before purchasing because some policies may contain a specific exclusion, such as for pandemics or COVID-19.  

CFAR benefits typically cost more than a travel insurance policy and it may be more expensive now versus before the COVID-19 outbreak.  Be sure to know how much CFAR will reimburse for the cost of your trip before you buy the benefit.

What if my flight gets cancelled?

If you have an airline ticket and your flight is cancelled, you have rights, regardless of whether you hold a travel insurance policy. 

For example, if your flight is cancelled and you do not wish to rebook your flight, you may be entitled to a refund of the unused portion of your ticket under your "contract of carriage" with the airline.

Does the Governor's declaration of a State of Emergency affect my travel insurance policy?

No, the Governor's declaration doesn't change the terms of your travel insurance policy. 

Can the Pennsylvania Insurance Department help me if the insurance company or travel agent does not?

Whether you have a general question or want to file a complaint you can get help online at www.insurance.pa.gov or you can contact us at (877)881-6388.

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