When planning a vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is a stomach bug disrupting your plans. Unfortunately, Norovirus has been making headlines for its rise on cruise ships and across the country, threatening to turn dream getaways into logistical nightmares. Being highly contagious, the virus can spread rapidly in close quarters and shared spaces of cruise ships. However, with proper precautions and Norovirus travel insurance, you can minimize risk and protect your trip.
Best Practices to Prevent Norovirus
Frequent Handwashing: Handwashing for at least 20 seconds with soap and water is the most effective way to prevent the spread of Norovirus.
Skip the Hand Sanitizer: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective against the virus, so always opt for washing with soap and water.
Disinfect Surfaces: Clean surfaces especially high-touch areas using bleach-based cleaners.
Proper Food Handling: Wash fruits and vegetables before eating and do not prepare food for others if you are sick.
Stay Home: If you are sick, stay home and/or away from others for at least 48 hours after symptoms subside.
How Travel Insurance Can Help:
Emergency Medical: If you need medical care during your trip, onboard or at a port, coverage can help offset the out-of-pocket treatment costs (which are often steep).
Trip Interruption: If you get sick mid-vacation and must cut your trip short, travel insurance may be able to cover the unused part of the trip or cruise.
Emergency Evacuation: If things get serious, the Coast Guard or similar entity handles getting you off the ship, but once at port travel insurance steps in to cover transportation to an appropriate medical facility, if necessary.
Trip Cancellation: If you, a travel buddy, or even a family member back home gets too sick to travel (with a doctor’s note), you can get your non-refundable trip costs reimbursed.
Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Coverage: Those worried about the risk of contracting the virus or other illnesses should consider the optional Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage. If qualification requirements are met, CFAR allows you to cancel a trip for something other than a covered reason, like fear of traveling.
While Norovirus outbreaks are concerning, they don’t have to ruin your travel plans. By taking precautions and planning ahead with Norovirus travel insurance, you can safeguard your health and your vacation. Whether you’re embarking on a cruise or exploring exciting destinations on land, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a worry-free trip.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article serves as a general overview of benefits and should only be used for informational purposes. Refer to your individual certificate of insurance for specific coverages, exclusions and benefits. When in doubt, please contact one of our licensed agents for additional assistance.
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Treat the globetrotter in your life to gifts that spark their love of adventure and make travel a breeze. From essentials that ease long flights to thoughtful mementos celebrating past journeys, these items bring comfort and joy to every journey. Whether you’re looking for practical gear or pieces that fuel future explorations, you’ll find the perfect gift for every kind of traveler here.
This essential travel accessory has gotten an update. Travel Pillows from trtl offer neck and shoulder support for long flights. It’s soft, lightweight, and oh so comfortable.
Weekender backpacks are easier to carry through the airport compared to a standard duffel bag. The Travel Backpack from tomtoc is carry-on approved, water-resistant, lightweight, and fits your laptop!
Know someone who is a travel shopper or loves souvenirs? This Samsonite foldaway packable duffel bag is perfect for those who might come back from their trip with a bit more than they came with.
There’s nothing worse than checking your bag just to realize it’s overweight. A luggage scale makes an excellent stocking stuffer and a must-have for anyone who travels.
A 4-in-1 travel makeup kit is the ultimate travel hack. This Subtl Beauty stack includes a mirror lid, mini brush, eyeshadow, powder, cream highlighter, and lip and cheek color.
Keep track of all your bags and wallets with AirTags. If something does get lost in the shuffle, you can see exactly where it is. Get one for every piece of luggage!
The gift that travelers and nontravelers both love. A digital frame is the perfect way to display all your travel photos. The Skylight frame allows for easy WiFi photo uploading and a touchscreen display to look through photos.
Budget air travel baggage rules can be hard to navigate. This personal item sized roller luggage takes the guesswork out of it. It has removable wheels to take off before boarding.
The gift for the person who has everything. A Kindle Unlimited subscription offers thousands of books and magazines for on-the-go reading. It will definitely be used.
Compression socks are an underrated travel item. They can be a game changer for leg comfort. These Conrad socks offer graduated compression, which is tighter at the feet and looser at the knee, helping with comfort.
Traveling often means picking one hair tool for the trip. With this 2-in-1 travel curling iron and straightener, no styling or luggage space sacrifices have to be made.
The theme park accessory that makes walking around in hot weather much more enjoyable. Neck fans are a hands-free way to stay cool and this one has thousands of positive reviews.
The ultimate gift, perfect for everyone, is the Airpods Pro2. These offer active noise cancellation. Essentially turning them into the highest quality earplugs to drown out those plane sounds so you can get some rest. They also have amazing audio.
For families that love to travel together, this family passport holder from tomtoc holds up to four passports while being RFID-blocking and water-resistant. It also has holders for an AirTag and your SIM card.
Hate the wired earphones they give out to watch in-flight entertainment? The Airfly Bluetooth Transmitter is a game changer. Easily connect your wireless earphones to enjoy all the entertainment the plane has to offer.
When you are shorter than 5’7, long flights can take a toll on your legs. An airplane footrest is easy to use and makes a huge difference in flight comfort.
An RFID-blocking travel wallet is essential for international trips. This one is designed to keep your items safe and includes an AirTag slot for extra security.
A compact travel steamer is a game changer, especially when traveling for work or an event. No more hoping the hotel has an iron or spending too much vacation time ironing. This steamer weighs less than a pound and heats up in 15 seconds!
Nuun electrolytes tablets are a compact way to bring extra hydration and vitamins with you on the trip. It’s a stocking stuffer that will be appreciated and most definitely used.
A practical stocking stuffer – this universal adapter really is universal. No more guesswork is needed to find out if you have the correct adapter. This adapter works for 150 countries and charges six devices at a time.
A selfie stick extendable tripod makes taking any type of photo a breeze. This one adjusts up to 62″ and comes with a remote to take group photos or selfies without additional hands.
