How Does Travel Insurance Work in a Covid World?

If there's one thing we've learned in the past two years, it's that life can change unexpectedly. Nobody could have expected the shifts that the pandemic has created across industries, supply chains and even the concept of working from home! We want to maintain control and certainty in a very uncertain environment, and when it comes to travel in particular, the ins and outs of navigating the effects of the pandemic can be challenging.

As a travel company, Ketanga has always highly recommended that our fitness retreat participants purchase a comprehensive travel plan because, well, you just never know. They tend to be less expensive than you think, and they could save a whole lot of time, money and stress if something does happen.

Now, more than ever, it is important to understand what travel insurance is and how it can help you on your next getaway. We spoke with an insurance expert at Travelex, the insurance company we recommend as a starting point for travelers looking into policies, to help de-mystify travel insurance and make it easier to understand.

​Thanks to you, the Ketanga community, for submitting questions about travel insurance. If you have any additional questions, comment at the bottom of this post and we'll try and get them answered!

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Do I really need travel insurance?

Trips don’t always go according to plan, and if something unexpected should happen while you’re traveling, travel insurance can provide a much-needed safety net. In the event your flight is canceled or delayed, for example, or you experience a medical emergency during transit, travel insurance can help. Additionally, travel insurance can offer reimbursement for certain incurred travel costs as well as provide 24/7 travel assistance and emergency medical help if needed. Plus, with options such as Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR), you are able to book travel with the confidence that even if you need to cancel your trip--for any reason--you can recoup some travel costs. 

Ketanga Fitness Retreats highly recommends that each participant purchases a comprehensive travel insurance policy. 

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How does travel insurance help if I get Covid before or during a trip?

A travel insurance policy can provide trip cancelation coverage in the case that you or a traveling companion test positive before your trip and are required to quarantine. Similarly, if a non-traveling family member is diagnosed and requires your care, you may be eligible for coverage. Please note that all policies and providers are different, and you must read through your policy for exact coverage details.

If you or a travel partner contracts Covid while on your trip, you could be eligible for trip interruption, trip delay, emergency medical, and medical evacuation coverage:

• Trip interruption provides coverage for the unused portion of your prepaid non-refundable expenses as well as any additional transportation expenses you may incur to return home or re-join your trip.
• Trip delay provides coverage for any additional expenses you may incur, such as hotel and meals, if a physician orders you to physically quarantine while on a trip and you are delayed by it.
• Emergency medical and evacuation provides coverage for medical expenses incurred while treating the coronavirus and emergency evacuation if medically necessary.

Also, if you test positive while traveling, travel assistance can help you make arrangements for lodging and bookings to extend your stay as well as helping to refer you to a local clinic or medical facility if you are experiencing symptoms.

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What does travel insurance NOT cover when it comes to Covid?

It is important to note that travel insurance does not cover FEAR of contracting coronavirus. If you are concerned that this may become an issue or that you. may have un-covered reasons for cancelation, it is highly recommended to purchase a Cancel For Any Reason policy upgrade!

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What is a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy upgrade?

CFAR is a great option for anyone who is concerned that they may need to cancel their trip for any reason. Many insurance providers offer a CFAR upgrade. With Travelex in particular, a CFAR upgrade is available on a Select Plan. You will have up to 48 hours before the start of your trip to cancel for any reason, and you can be reimbursed up to 50% of your nonrefundable trip costs. Note that In order to be eligible for reimbursement with this optional upgrade, you will need to insure all non-refundable trip costs within your policy at the time of purchase. Additionally, the Cancel For Any Reason upgrade must be purchased with your initial plan and within 15 days of the initial payment made for your trip.

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I purchased insurance when I booked my flight. Is that good enough?

I assume you refer to the difference between flight insurance and travel insurance in general. Generally, flight insurance provides basic coverage for situations like flight delay and cancellation (due to reasons out of your control), lost/stolen/delayed luggage, medical emergencies, etc. Travel insurance covers all the situations covered by flight insurance and many more, for higher amounts and a wider variety of reasons/causes. 

So depending on your personal needs and concerns, you may not be fully protected with flight insurance alone.

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