Top International Destinations for U.S. Travelers Listed as 'Very High' COVID-19 Risk
Last updated on 03/28/2023
WARWICK, R.I., Feb. 4, 2022 -- This week the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice (THN) for Mexico due to a very high level of COVID-19 in the country. With Mexico's addition to the THN list, InsureMyTrip reports that all of the top 10 international destinations for travel insurance policyholders are now at a Level 4.
Top International Destinations
- Mexico
- Bahamas
- Costa Rica
- United Kingdom
- Italy
- Spain
- Dominican Republic
- Canada
- British Virgin Islands
- Ecuador
(Source: InsureMyTrip purchasing data from Jan. 24, 2022 – Jan. 30, 2022)
For those planning a trip to a country with a very high level of COVID-19, the experts at InsureMyTrip recommend purchasing travel insurance. In addition, many top international destinations require it, including Costa Rica, The Bahamas, and the British Virgin Islands.
MORE: Countries That Require Travel Insurance
InsureMyTrip Product Manager Meghan Walch offered responses to top questions from travelers regarding how benefits may apply:
Q: What if you want to back out of a trip because of a Level 4 Travel Health Notice?
Walch: Most travel insurance policies will not provide coverage just because a country is listed as a Level 4 for COVID-19 risk.
However, adding the optional Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance benefit will offer travelers the most flexibility to cancel a trip because of COVID-19 fears.
CFAR is a time-sensitive benefit and must be purchased within 10-21 days of putting money down on a trip. If all eligibility requirements are met, reimbursement is typically 50% - 75% of the insured prepaid non-refundable trip cost.
MORE: Cancel for Any Reason Information and Eligibility Tool
Q: What benefits may be triggered if you contract COVID-19 while in a Level 4 country?
Walch: If you contract COVID-19 while traveling and have a physician's diagnosis, you may find coverage in a comprehensive travel insurance policy. These benefits may include:
Trip Interruption - This coverage may apply if you had to cut your trip short and return home after recovering. Travel insurance may cover the unused portion of your trip.
Emergency Medical - This coverage would kick in if you become ill while on a trip and need emergency medical attention. It is important to note that most domestic health plans do not cover you when you are traveling abroad.
Travel Delay - If a quarantine is ordered during a trip, benefits may be available under Travel Delay to help cover costs if additional accommodations are necessary. This is a bit tricky, though. For a quarantine to be covered, it must be physician-ordered, and you must be in strict isolation for a specific time period.
Plans will not cover self-quarantine. So, it is important to read the details of a policy to understand how "quarantine" is defined and what exactly is covered.
Note: coverages are governed by the specific plan certificate. Traditional travel insurance does not offer cancellation coverage for fear of travel, whether related to COVID-19 or not. Cancel For Any Reason is required.
Reporters can request an interview or quote from Travel Insurance Expert Meghan Walch by contacting [email protected].
Contact:
Meghan Kayata
[email protected]
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SOURCE InsureMyTrip
