Key Takeaways
- Norovirus is highly contagious and spreads quickly on cruise ships.
- Comprehensive travel insurance covers Norovirus-related disruptions, including medical expenses, trip cancellation, and trip interruption.
- Trip cancellation requires a doctor’s note confirming you’re too sick to travel.
- Cancel for any reason (CFAR) is needed if you want to cancel your trip because you’re worried about a Norovirus outbreak.
Norovirus is commonly spread through contaminated food, water, or surfaces. A highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea, it can spread rapidly in close quarters and shared spaces like cruise ships. However, with proper precautions and travel insurance, you can minimize risk and protect your trip.
What Is Norovirus Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance for Norovirus is comprehensive travel insurance that covers illness-related trip disruptions. Comprehensive travel insurance plans generally include emergency medical coverage and trip protection benefits that apply when illness impacts your travel plans.
How Travel Insurance Can Help
These important coverages are typically included in a comprehensive travel insurance plan:
- Emergency medical: Covers out-of-pocket treatment costs if you need medical care during your trip, including onboard a cruise ship or at a port. For cruises, you should look for a plan with at least $100,000 in emergency medical coverage.
- Emergency evacuation: Covers transportation to the nearest acceptable medical facility. For cruises, you should look for a plan with at least $250,000 in emergency evacuation benefits.
- Trip cancellation: Trip cancellation reimburses up to 100% of nonrefundable trip costs if you, a travel companion, or a family member back home is too sick to travel. This will require a doctor’s note.
- Trip interruption: Trip interruption reimburses up to 150% the unused portion of your trip or cruise if you get sick mid-vacation and need to cut your trip short.
For increased flexibility with your travel plans, you might want to consider this upgrade:
- Cancel for any reason (CFAR): This optional add-on allows you to cancel a trip for reasons not covered under standard policies, such as fear of contracting the virus. Depending on the plan, CFAR typically reimburses up to 50% or 75% of nonrefundable trip costs.
Trip Cancellation vs. Cancel for Any Reason
Is CFAR worth it? This table compares trip cancellation vs. cancel for any reason coverage.
| Coverage Type | When It Applies | Reimbursement |
|---|---|---|
| Standard trip cancellation | Requires a doctor’s note confirming illness prevents travel | Up to 100% of nonrefundable costs |
| Cancel for any reason (CFAR) | Covers fear of illness or any reason; no documentation required | Typically, up to 50% or 75% of nonrefundable costs |
Best Practices to Prevent Norovirus
- Frequent handwashing: Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water is the most effective way to prevent the spread of Norovirus. According to the CDC, hand sanitizer does not eliminate all types of germs, but you can use sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- 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 away from others for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop. You are most contagious from the times symptoms start until up to three days after recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Travel Insurance Cover Norovirus on Cruises?
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance covers Norovirus-related medical expenses and trip disruptions on cruises, just as it would for any covered illness.
Can I Cancel My Trip if I’m Worried About Norovirus?
Standard trip cancellation coverage requires you to be sick with a doctor’s note. To cancel due to fear of illness, you need to add cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage to your policy.
What Documentation Do I Need to File a Norovirus-Related Claim?
To file a claim, you’ll typically need medical records or a doctor’s note confirming your diagnosis, receipts for expenses incurred, and proof of your original trip costs.
While Norovirus outbreaks are concerning, they don’t have to ruin your travel plans. By taking precautions and planning ahead with 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.
