The travel landscape has changed significantly since COVID, and while the emergency response to the pandemic appears to be behind us, no one is ready to throw caution to the wind just yet. People are still catching the virus, isolations can still be enforced, and travel plans may be impacted. We caught up with our friend Dr Geoff Ramin at Allianz Partners again to discover what cover applies if COVID strikes.
One of the most frequently asked questions for travel in the post-COVID-era is, “What happens if I get COVID?”. We get the low down on the answer to this and other commonly asked FAQS from Dr Geoff Ramin, Chief Medical Officer at Allianz Partners.
Am I covered if I catch COVID-19 before my trip?
Not all travel insurance policies are created equal, so check the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). Some insurers might not cover you for anything pandemic-related. Allianz’s Comprehensive Travel Insurance includes benefits for trip cancellation if you are diagnosed with COVID-19.
If you need to cancel, reschedule, or shorten your journey due to unplanned and unexpected circumstances (like getting you-know-what) this benefit is designed to cover the non-refundable portion of paid, but unused, travel and accommodation costs*.
You can also claim a full refund of your travel insurance premium if you haven’t started your journey nor made a claim (or plan on making a claim), or intend to exercise any other right under the policy.
Am I covered if I catch COVID during my overseas trip?
It’s important to remember that whether or not you are covered depends on the terms of your policy, your specific situation as well as a range of factors, as discussed in our last catch-up with Dr R, so it’s not always a simple answer.
Allianz’s Comprehensive & Multi-Trip Travel Insurance is designed to reimburse travel and accommodation expenses that you’ve already paid for and are non-refundable (and some extras if it’s reasonable). This cover is available if you or your travel buddy get COVID when you’re overseas and can’t continue your holiday, need to come home, or your journey is otherwise disrupted*.
This policy is also designed to reimburse reasonable medical or hospital expenses incurred if you become ill as a result of being diagnosed with COVID-19. If you need emergency assistance whilst overseas, Allianz’s 24/7 help desk has Australia-based case managers with access to doctors and nurses who can provide overseas emergency assistance and can repatriate you to Australia if your condition requires it.
Additionally, Allianz may also provide a partial refund on your insurance premium based on a pro-rata basis from the date you returned home before the end date of your policy.
What happens if my travel buddy catches COVID and needs to cancel their trip?
Insurers have specific definitions around travel companions or travelling partners. Allianz Travel Insurance defines a travel companion as someone you have planned your holiday with before you purchased your travel insurance and intend to travel with for at least 75% of your journey.
If you hold an eligible Allianz policy and your travel companion is diagnosed with COVID, Allianz may provide cover for your trip cancellation if you can no longer go away and can’t get a refund from other providers. If the diagnosis occurs after you have commenced your journey, Allianz may also assist with additional expenses relating to changing your travel arrangements.
Do I need medical proof of my positive COVID-19 result before I can make a claim?
All insurer requirements will be different. If you think you may need to make a claim related to a positive COVID diagnosis, check your PDS and contact your insurer as soon as practical.
Can I claim the cost of my RAT/PCR test?
Some health funds and travel insurance policies may cover COVID-19 testing for travel, so it is worth checking your PDS.
Discover more
It is said, ‘prevention is better than cure’, and this new post-COVID era stands testimony to this. If you find yourself in a pinch overseas, the Allianz team have got your back.
For more information about Allianz travel insurance, visit the Allianz website and its dedicated COVID page.
*Refer to the PDS for a detailed list of the terms, conditions, exclusions, sub-limits and/or limits that apply.
Travel Insurance is issued and managed by AWP Australia Pty Ltd ABN 52 097 227 177 AFS Licence No. 245631, trading as Allianz Global Assistance (AGA) as agent of the insurer Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFS Licence No. 234708 (Allianz). Travel Insurance is underwritten by the insurer Allianz. Conditions, terms, limits and exclusions apply. We do not provide advice based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision, please consider the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination available at www.allianz.com.au. If you purchase this insurance, AGA will receive a commission that is a percentage of the premium. Ask us for more details before we provide you with any services on this product.
