These insurers cover travellers if they get Covid-19 abroad. Many of us itching to get to our holiday homes or a relaxing holiday in a static caravan, the easing of travel restrictions has been great news.
With travel to Spain, France, Italy and other holiday hotspots now exempt from Foreign Office advice, we can finally consider getting away after lockdown. But would-be holidaymakers will need to do some research when it comes to their travel insurance, with some insurers refusing to take on new clients or provide cover for Covid-19.
What about travel insurance?
According to Which? most travel policies currently fall into one of two groups – those that provide no coronavirus cover at all, and those that will cover your costs if you catch coronavirus abroad but won’t pay out if you have to cancel your trip. This means that if you have to cancel your holiday because you’re self quarantining, you’re unlikely to be covered for the costs. And if you turn up and lockdown restrictions have changed in your destination country, you won’t be able to claim.
The good news is that some insurers have started adding emergency medical treatment to their travel insurance cover so you won’t be left high and dry if the worst happens on your holiday. It’s also worth remembering that you’re still covered by the EHIC scheme until the end of 2020, so if you don’t have one or it needs renewing you can still apply through the NHS.
What insurers will cover my trip?
The situation is changing all the time as insurance providers update the policies they have on offer. Insurers who stopped selling travel insurance in the wake of the pandemic are beginning to release travel insurance policies to the public, but at the time of writing, these are the ones to look out for:
Trailfinders
The holiday and insurance company Trailfinders have revamped their travel policy to include Covid-19 protection. This includes medical expenses cover if you catch the virus when you’re on holiday abroad. But you can also claim for cancellation costs if you catch the virus or are ordered into self-quarantine.
TUI
TUI, the biggest tour operator in the UK, have also launched their Covid-19 cover. This will be provided to every TUI traveller until 2021 and is designed to use alongside travel insurance. This will cover overseas testing costs and repatriation if required. It also covers the costs of an extended stay and new flight home if travellers are forced to quarantine
Insurefor.com
Insurefor.com are offering cover for travellers who have to cancel before they travel because they’ve tested positive for the virus. This includes testing positive at the airport. It also covers emergency medical treatment and repatriation if you catch the virus abroad.
Is your policy updated?
Asda, Boots, ESure, Flexicover and Holidaysafe have all updated policies for existing customers to add cover for medical costs if you contract the virus abroad.
Alphatravel, Insurancewith, J S Insurance, the Post Office, Saga and Staysure are all accepting new customers and will provide cover for medical expenses if you catch coronavirus on holiday.
What else should I bear in mind before booking?
Check what’s covered with your holiday tour operator before you travel as more insurers make new policies available. If you’re making your own bookings then check with ferry operators and airlines.
