Half of the year is already behind us, and now we can easily declare 2020 as a year of no travel. And if you have travelled planned even in the next few months of the year, chances are you are rethinking your travel plans with the ongoing pandemic. While some have cancelled their plans, some are rescheduling their travel tickets for the next year. However, some have kept their late-year plans in the hope that things will get back to normal. The news around COVID-19 is changing rapidly, so what if something were to happen at the last minute? That’s where your travel insurance will come in handy. But is it cut and dry?
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Booking A Trip During The Pandemic
Currently, travel insurance companies have declared COVID-19 as a foreseen event, which means that if you have booked a trip recently, you’ve agreed to travel at your own risk as far as your provider’s concerned. The insurance company will only cover your trip if you or someone going with you has the virus. This means that cancelling your trip due to the fear of travelling won’t be covered. Here are the New Cancellation And Refund Policies Of 5 Major International Airlines.
Coverage Of Unforeseen Events
However, standard travel insurance offered by airlines or partnerships with online booking agencies strictly covers unforeseen events like unexpected sickness, accidental injuries, or the death of a family member. So unless you or a person you’re travelling with has is tested COVID-19 positive, before or during the trip, you won’t be entitled to financial compensation.
If you are purchasing a flight and insurance assuming that fear of the pandemic would be reason enough to cancel, first look up your specific insurance provider to understand the current position and what they are offering. Do not get discouraged yet! There are still two promising alternatives: alter your travel plans through the airlines itself or cancel for any reason. You can Go On An Epic Bus Journey From Delhi To London In 70 Days Covering 18 Countries.
Cancellation Policies
Cancel for any reason travel insurance is incredibly nuanced. For example, you have to purchase the plan within a specific window of purchasing your trip, typically somewhere between one and two weeks of booking. This may be cost-effective depending on your financial situation and whether you only booked flights or purchased a whole travel package.
CFAR Travel Insurance
CFAR insurance needs you to insure the entirety of your travel purchase. It typically 40 t0 60 percent more than your standard travel package. It will also reimburse just 50 to 75% of your trip. Despite having its downsides, this is the travel insurance type that will cover your decision to cancel plans over concern of the virus. India Might Start International Flights To 13 Countries; Air Bubbles Expand.
Flight Cancellation Policies
Fortunately, airlines have relaxed their policies to be much more accommodating. Many major airlines announced that cancellation of flights would be possible without any of the usual fees. Many airlines are also offering travel credits for two years. Taiwan To Operate A Hello Kitty Flight To Nowhere That Will Offer Michelin-Star Meals.
If you want an actual money refund, changing flights through your airline may be less than ideal. That said, in terms of cost and flexibility, airlines alone provide more protection than any travel insurance. With the pandemic situation continually changing, it’s imperative to stay up to date to ensure your travel is a safe and happy one.