Coronavirus and Travel Insurance

This post was updated February 5, 2020.

Editor's Note (Feb. 5th): As of January 21, 2020, the Coronavirus is a known event. Quarantine is no longer considered unforeseen for Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption for policies purchased after 1/21/2020. However, coverage is still available for medical and emergency medical evacuation expenses in the event that a traveler contracts the disease while on their trip.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring developments around an outbreak caused by a coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Chinese authorities identified the new coronavirus, which has resulted in hundreds of confirmed cases in China, including cases outside Wuhan City, with additional cases being identified in a growing number of countries internationally.

This outbreak has affected travel, forcing many travelers going through China to undergo mandatory screening when entering other countries, and has left travelers with planned trips to China concerned about their visit. It is important for all travelers to understand their travel insurance coverage. This includes travelers with planned trips to China as well as travelers who may be susceptible to contracting the virus.

Below are a few examples of how Arch RoamRight’s plans may work during the Coronavirus outbreak. For full details, please call our customer service team at 1-800-699-3845.

Coverage Options for Trips to China

If you have a planned trip to China and want to cancel because of the coronavirus, you likely will not have coverage through most travel insurance policies. Cancellation due to the fear of contracting a virus is not covered under most Arch RoamRight plans. We encourage you to first contact your travel supplier directly to determine alternate options and arrangements.

Federal health officials have confirmed several cases in the United States. It is therefore useful to understand that, if you already have a trip insured and contract this virus (or any other unexpected illness) before you leave, you likely have coverage to cancel your trip.

Quarantine Coverage

If you or your traveling companion is quarantined, including if you have been detained during your trip due to suspected illness, such as a wellness check at an airport, you may have trip cancellation coverage, if your policy was purchased before January 21, 2020.

If your destination is placed under quarantine after your departure date, you may have trip delay or missed connection benefits.

Cancelled Flights

For cancelled flights, you may have coverage under most Arch RoamRight travel insurance plans, if the cancellation occurs on or after the scheduled departure date and you won’t be able to reach your destination before 50% of your trip has passed. If the flight cancellation occurs prior to the scheduled departure date, coverage is not available.

Itinerary Changes

If a travel supplier changes a trip itinerary after the scheduled departure date, and that change results in you not being able to participate in a non-refundable, prepaid event or activity, there would be coverage for those expenses, provided that:

1. The event was prepaid prior to departure;
2. The event was scheduled on the trip itinerary; and
3. No comparable event or activity of equivalent cost was rescheduled during the trip.

Emergency Medical Coverage for Insured Travelers in China

If you travel to China and have an Arch RoamRight travel insurance plan in place, you may be eligible for emergency medical coverage if you contract the coronavirus while in China. This includes help finding a physician, emergency medical care, and – if necessary – an evacuation back home for care and treatment.

Travelers, such as those covered by Arch RoamRight, who are abroad and are feeling ill can contact their insurance company’s emergency assistance provider. Arch RoamRight’s emergency assistance provider can by collect call at +1-443-279-7335.

Trip Interruption Coverage for Sick Travelers

Sick travelers may also be eligible for trip interruption coverage, which can reimburse for additional transportation expenses to take you home, as well as any unused, pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses.

Contact Arch RoamRight for Travel Insurance Questions

Arch RoamRight is a leading provider of travel insurance for Americans traveling domestically and abroad. If you are an Arch RoamRight traveler and have questions about your plan, or you are looking to purchase a travel insurance plan for an upcoming trip, contact our award-winning customer service team at 1-800-699-3845.

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.