{"id":2222,"date":"2021-06-09T17:38:28","date_gmt":"2021-06-09T09:38:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.lat\/blog\/?p=2222"},"modified":"2024-04-30T11:42:46","modified_gmt":"2024-04-30T03:42:46","slug":"how-to-choose-the-best-travel-insurance-in-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.lat\/blog\/how-to-choose-the-best-travel-insurance-in-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"Your guide on choosing the best travel insurance in 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"

While globally, more people are vaccinated, traveling is still largely unpredictable. You don\u2019t know if there\u2019s going to be a next wave at your destination, or if the government will be extending the quarantine. Given that, securing comprehensive travel insurance is more important than ever to protect your physical, mental, and financial health. In this Pacific Prime Latin America<\/a> article, you\u2019ll get a bird\u2019s eye view on how to choose travel insurance, and what is or isn\u2019t covered amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n

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\"General<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n\n

Frequently asked questions on how to choose travel insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic<\/h2>\n

From COVID-19 tests to travel advisories, it\u2019s not easy navigating the constantly changing waters of travel requirements<\/a>. In this section, you\u2019ll find answers to your frequently asked questions on how to choose travel insurance during the pandemic.<\/p>\n

1. What are vaccine passports or vaccine certification?<\/h3>\n

Designed to restore the freedom of travel, these (usually) one-piece documents display the traveler\u2019s vaccination status, as well as other relevant information. Some EU countries have already started to issue COVID-19 passports<\/a>. Others, however, are in the testing stage or are still considering their implementation. These will grant you entry into certain countries and you may be exempted from COVID-19 tests and more, depending on the country.<\/p>\n

2. Will insurers demand vaccine passports or vaccine certification?<\/h3>\n

As these documents are new to the scene, it\u2019s best to check with both your insurer and your departure and arrival countries for their travel requirements. Travel insurance is subject to change depending on the government. Having said that, some cruises are already requiring potential passengers to show proof that they\u2019ve taken the jab.<\/p>\n

3. Do travel insurance companies cover pandemics?<\/h3>\n

All travel insurance companies will cover medical expenses for COVID-19-related incidents while you\u2019re on holiday if<\/strong> your destination isn\u2019t on the non-essential travel advisories as of your date of departure. However, many wouldn\u2019t cover non-medical COVID-19-related claims. For example, flight or hotel cancelations are usually not covered.<\/p>\n

Also, most insurers won\u2019t provide cover if you travel to places where there are no travel corridors with your country of residence, or places that aren\u2019t approved for travel by your country. With that said, a few specialist providers continue to offer insurance to no-go destinations.<\/p>\n

4. What if the government advises against travel to my destination after I\u2019ve arrived? Will my policy become invalid?<\/h3>\n

Have you bought insurance before departing? If so, your policy should still stand. Check with your provider before buying a policy and only go for insurers who are prepared to offer cover in similar situations.<\/p>\n

5. Does my insurance cover trip cancellation or disruption resulting from COVID-19?<\/h3>\n

Most travel insurance companies will cover urgent medical care and repatriation during the pandemic. However, they likely won\u2019t cover non-medical-related costs resulting from COVID-19 such as flight or hotel cancellations. Asking for a refund or postponing your trip with your airline, hotel, or tour operator is a good move.<\/p>\n

6. Does your insurance cover you if you want to cancel the trip because of COVID-19?<\/h3>\n

Short answer: it depends. Most of it appears to hinge on whether you knowingly go against government advisories or not. For instance, you won\u2019t be covered if you knowingly booked a trip to a country on your government’s non-essential travel advisory listand then changed your mind.<\/p>\n

With that said, according to Defaqto<\/a>, the majority of plans in the UK will cover cancellation due to positive COVID-19 tests before travel. Similarly, a last minute change to government advice that forces you to cancel your holiday will be covered.<\/p>\n

On that note, be aware of the \u201cdisinclination to travel<\/a>\u201d exclusion. Simply put, it is deciding not to travel when the government has not warned against going to your destination country. For instance, if your government deems your destination safe for travel on the day of your departure but you\u2019ve decided not to go, then it qualifies as \u201cdisinclination to travel\u201d. As always, this depends on your insurer, so check with them directly.<\/p>\n

7. Will my insurance still be valid if I have to quarantine for longer than expected while abroad?<\/h3>\n

Are you extending your stay because of reasons beyond your control? Some insurers will automatically extend your policy and even cover the costs of your stay.<\/p>\n

8. Should I take out insurance for a domestic trip or weekend away?<\/h3>\n

As mentioned, travel rules are unpredictable these days. Thus, we recommend securing the best travel insurance plan<\/a> you can get your hands on before hopping on a flight. Almost all annual travel insurance covers such trips. The majority also cover holiday cancellations if you\u2019re tested positive for your pre-travel covid test.<\/p>\n

Tip<\/strong>: Check for rules regarding the length of your trip. Flexible booking terms for airlines and hotels may be your best choice.<\/p>\n

Choosing the right insurance policy for 2021<\/h2>\n

With your health on the line, it\u2019s crucial to choose the right travel insurance policy. Read on for a few quick tips on how to choose travel insurance. We also have a brief guide on finding the best health insurance in Mexico and Latin America<\/a>.<\/p>\n