Covid & Travel Insurance
- JCooperTravels
- Mar 9, 2021
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 21, 2021
Let's Talk About Travel Insurance: A Chat With Jacqui Cooper..
Many of you know me from LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and the talk shows I host (JCooperTravels, LoveTravelScotland, & CryptoMom).
I started these talk shows to feature my love of travel around the world & the adventures we can have as we visit different countries. I became a Certified Travel Agent to assist others with their travels and to provide insurance to provide the peace of mind needed as we take our next adventure.
As a Certified Travel Agent, I have access to different travel insurance companies who can help you when you travel in the USA or anywhere around the globe.
Although airlines and hotels have loosened their requirements for cancellations, there are many other reasons why travel insurance is important.
Depending on the country you are traveling to and the requirements of that country, one of these travel insurance companies will have a policy that works for your needs.
Let's Talk About Why You Need Travel Insurance...
As you plan your next international trip, you may be wondering which countries have a mandatory travel insurance requirement. Countries may require travel insurance for different reasons. One of the most common reasons is that the country is part of the Schengen zone. Schengen countries generally will not grant travel visas if specific travel insurance requirements are not met.
Another reason some destinations have a travel insurance requirement is due to diplomatic relations. For example, the relationship between the U.S. and Cuba had historically been strained, so when both countries agreed to allow travel for limited reasons, Cuba's government stipulated that travel insurance including medical coverage would be required for U.S. travelers.
Many countries are also requiring travel insurance is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some international destinations are now mandating that travelers arrive with specific travel medical insurance that covers COVID-19.
Which Countries Require Travel Insurance?
If you will be traveling to any of the 26 following destinations, you may be required to show proof of specific insurance:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
When traveling to any of these countries, their embassies may request that you show proof of the following insurance benefits:
$50,000 of Medical Emergency/Hospitalization Coverage,
$300,000 of Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Coverage,
$0 Deductible, and proof that the insurance company who provides this coverage has offices located in Europe.
Other Countries have their own requirements:
All visitors to Anguilla are required to apply for permission to visit Anguilla. In addition, travelers must complete a pre-registration form, show proof of insurance that covers COVID-19 medical costs and full hospitalization, doctors’ visits, prescriptions and air ambulance, and take a COVID-19 PCR test within 3 to 5 days of travel which presents negative results. All arrivals must remain quarantined at their approved location for at least 10 days, and will be tested on day 10 of their visit. To be released from quarantine, a negative result is required.
Antarctica is a unique destination, with many travel variables that could threaten a traveler’s significant investment in their trip. It is for this reason travel insurance is considered a necessity, in addition to the actual requirements for entry into the country. Required medical coverage varies based on a traveler’s itinerary and the tour operator they are traveling with. However, based on the nature of a trip to Antarctica, it is recommended to also consider at least comprehensive plans that include Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, and Medical Evacuation
And the list goes on.....
Why Else Should I Have Travel Insurance?
Nothing is going to happen....Right?
True... but in case it does.. you might need insurance because of the following....
You might need affordable medical insurance for those coming to the USA.
You might need Student insurance for those coming to the USA or studying abroad away from home
You might need travel insurance that includes travel cancellation insurance and protection plans, interruption, and medical expenses
You might need additional travel medical insurance plans that assist you when you have unexpected expenses & some countries require this now. Do you have enough cash to afford a medical expense as you wait for reimbursement?
Whatever your reasons, contact me for a no obligation quote prior to booking your trip.
For daily updates join my Covid-19 Travel FB Group, click here:
For Example, there was a recent announcement about travel insurance companies now adding ‘Epidemic’ Coverage to their travel insurance Policies.
The news means that travelers who opt to cover their trip will be covered if they become ill with COVID-19 or another future epidemic, are individually ordered to quarantine, or are denied boarding due to a suspected illness. It also means that if a traveler is forced to stay at a hotel during a quarantine, they will be covered via their insurance. While the insurance giant had made some temporary changes to its policies to cover those types of expenses, the move this week formalizes those changes. Aside from the delays and cancellation coverage, the big piece of news is the trip interruption part. That will cover travelers and their companions for lodging, food, and transport -ation costs should they be forced to quarantine, whether or not they are ill (though there is a maximum daily limit for the coverage and a five-day limit for those who do not test positive). Those who are ill or test positive for COVID-19, will not be subject to the trip interruption benefit’s five-day maximum limit for additional accommodation and transportation expenses. All consumers and travel advisors still need to check with someone like myself (A Certified Travel Agent) and their state’s rules, ahead of any travel insurance purchases.
Another update included a special insurance package for travel to Costa Rica and the the Costa Rican entry requirements!
The Safe Travels Voyager, Safe Travels International and Safe Travels International Cost Saver programs meet and exceed the insurance requirement to legally enter the country.
Whenever you travel, connect with me so I can help you.
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