There is an ongoing outbreak of Coronavirus. The virus originated in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, however cases have now also been confirmed in other parts of China, and elsewhere in the world.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) are providing guidance on travel and details of the specified countries and areas that have implications for returning travelers or visitors arriving in the UK. The guidance includes information on the actions that these individuals should follow on returning to the UK and if they develop symptoms. We recommend you regularly check the FCO website for the most up-to-date guidance.
Useful links:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-specified-countries-and-areas
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/news/499/novel-coronavirus-covid-19-general-advice-for-travellers
Novel Coronavirus and Ageas Travel Insurance
Please find a summary below of the cover considerations under the Forces Mutual scheme:
- Cancellation Cover
There is cover for cancellation due to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office advising against travel to a country (or parts of a country). There is no cover for cancellation if the FCO have not advised against travel (this would be disinclination to travel).
In the first instance customers with travel booked to areas that the FCO have advised against travel to should contact their airline or tour operator in order to obtain a refund or arrange an alternative holiday.
- Curtailment Cover
There is cover for curtailment if evacuation is recommended.
If someone has travelled to an affected area (prior to the FCO advising against all/all but essential travel), curtailment cover would be provided if an insured person was taken ill overseas with Coronavirus and it was medically necessary to arrange early return home. Again, this is also the case in respect of someone that the insured person is travelling to stay with, a close relative, or a business associate (as defined).
- Medical Expenses Cover
Medical expenses claims for any travellers contracting Coronavirus overseas and requiring medical attention will be covered, subject to the standard policy terms and conditions (there is no cover if someone has travelled to a country or area after the FCO have advised against travel/all but essential travel). In the event that someone is detained abroad, their policy will automatically extend the period of insurance by up to 30 days.
Any other questions?
If you have any other questions or require any further information about your travel insurance you can contact us on 0151 363 5290.