Can You Get a Refund for Coronavirus Interruptions?

As coronavirus continues to sweep the globe, more airlines, attractions, hotels and cruise lines offer full refunds, credits for future trips, no cancellation or change fees and flexible change policies. However, some travelers have reported issues trying to cancel through travel insurance companies.

AIG states that, generally, fear of travel over COVID-19 or other crises is not a covered event under most policies. Travelers should first ask the airline or travel provider directly about cancellation, changes and refunds. The ability to cancel directly prompts travelers to wonder if they should bother to pay the premium for airlines’ and hotels’ flexible “cancel for any reason” option instead of travel insurance. However, travel insurance can still protect against trip interruptions once the vacation has begun.

Before canceling, travelers should call their travel provider to find out about cancellation and change policies. With phone lines backed up, looking online for answers about effects during COVID-19 may be a faster route. Next, travelers can call their travel insurance provider to ask about any changes in coverage since the coronavirus outbreak.

Some travel insurance providers may not cancel due to COVID-19, but there are still other ways to cancel. Trip interruption or the need to quarantine could qualify as a medical emergency under your travel insurance policy.

Overall, travel insurance is dealing with COVID-19 cancellations on a case-by-case basis. But if you are still traveling during the outbreak, travelers should know trip insurance may not offer the protection they need.