COVID-19 Travel Health Insurance
Due to the possibility of future coronavirus (COVID-19) infections and variants, many people traveling abroad, including visitors to the U.S.A. and their families, are concerned about whether medical treatment is covered if they were to fall sick from coronavirus.
These FAQs aim to clarify some of the questions specific to travel medical insurance that covers COVID-19.
Q: Will I be covered if I get infected with coronavirus?
A: This depends on the exact travel health insurance plan you have purchased.
WorldTrips Plans:
- Since May 15, 2020, travel medical insurance covering coronavirus has been available to customers who purchase both the ExchangeGuard and StudentSecure plans.
- Since July 15, 2020, covid coverage in travel medical insurance has been available to customers who purchase the Atlas plans and VisitorSecure plans.
IMG Plans:
- Since July 1, 2020, coronavirus coverage in travel medical insurance has been available to customers who purchased the Patriot Exchange Program and Student Health Advantage plans.
- Since September 1, 2020, COVID-19 coverage has been available to customers who purchase the Patriot America Plus or Patriot America Platinum plans.
- As of May 5, 2020, coronavirus coverage has been available to new customers who purchase Visitors Care, Patriot International Lite, Patriot International Platinum, Patriot International Lite Group, or Patriot Platinum International Group.
- Since March 31, 2021 coronavirus coverage has been available to customers who purchase Outreach America, Outreach Group, or Outreach International plans.
Q: I don’t have any symptoms, but I want to get tested to confirm that I don’t have coronavirus. Will travel medical insurance cover that?
A: Travel medical insurance plans do not cover coronavirus testing unless the test is ordered by a physician or other medical professional. You will have to pay for voluntary testing out of your own pocket.
Q: Some insurance plans include a “Wellness Visit” benefit. Can that be used for Coronavirus testing?
A: Wellness visits are governed by ICD code, which does not include specific testing. Therefore, the benefit will not cover coronavirus testing.
Q: I noticed that the prices of many consumer goods have increased significantly. Have travel insurance companies similarly raised the prices due to high demand?
A: No. Travel health insurance prices are regulated by law, and no insurance company can legally charge a different price for the same coverage.
Q: How does the insurance company decide if the medical condition I contracted is a new medical condition or coronavirus?
A: Only a medical professional can diagnose whether or not a person has contracted COVID-19. The insurance company will rely upon the professional opinion of the treating physician to determine the details of any medical condition.
Q: I have read that coronavirus can cause pre-existing conditions, such as high blood pressure, to flare up again. Will insurance cover this? How should the claim be declared?
A: Different companies have provided different answers to this question. Below are the answers we have received from travel medical insurance providers:
WorldTrips: The complications would be covered if the cause of the issues was a covered condition, i.e., coronavirus.
IMG Plans: More details are required for specific cases. It depends on the location of the insured, where they are traveling, etc. Coverage for pre-existing conditions depends on the condition.
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