Travel Insurance.
Travel insurance protects travelers from financial losses due to unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage. In today’s world, two crucial areas of concern are:
- COVID-19 Coverage
- Political Unrest/Evacuation Coverage
COVID-19 Coverage.
Included in COVID-19 Coverage:
| Coverage Type | What It Includes |
|---|---|
| Trip Cancellation | If you, a travel companion, or a close family member gets COVID before departure |
| Trip Interruption | If you test positive mid-trip and must return or quarantine |
| Medical Expenses | If you require treatment or hospitalization abroad for COVID-19 |
| Quarantine Costs | Daily lodging and food expenses if you’re forced to isolate |
| Telehealth Services | Remote consultations with doctors while traveling |
Common Exclusions:
- Traveling to high-risk countries with Level 4 CDC warnings
- Ignoring government advisories or quarantine mandates
- Pre-existing COVID conditions (in some policies)
Political Unrest and Civil Disorder Coverage
Political unrest can include:
- Protests and civil commotion
- Military coups
- Terrorist attacks
- Border closures or curfews
What’s Covered:
| Coverage Type | What It Includes |
|---|---|
| Trip Cancellation/Interruption | If a government advisory warns against travel after booking |
| Evacuation | Emergency evacuation (military, charter flight, etc.) |
| Security Assistance | Access to crisis teams for navigation out of hostile zones |
| Travel Delay | Reimbursement for additional hotel and food costs due to unrest |
Exclusions:
- Traveling to countries already under official “Do Not Travel” advisories
- Participating in protests or civil disobedience
- Ignoring evacuation orders
Check Before Buying
- Does the policy include “Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR)” coverage?
- This gives flexibility to cancel even if your reason isn’t covered.
- Is political evacuation covered by default or as an add-on?
- What is the maximum daily quarantine benefit limit?
- Does the policy cover trip changes due to changing government advisories?
- Which countries are excluded from coverage?
Top Insurers Offering These Coverages.
Here are some top global providers that offer combined COVID-19 + Political Unrest coverage:
| Provider | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Allianz Global Assistance | COVID-19 and political evacuation available in premium plans |
| World Nomads | Popular for adventure travelers, with political and COVID coverage |
| Travel Guard by AIG | Extensive coverage options including CFAR and crisis response |
| AXA Assistance USA | Solid emergency medical and security evacuation support |
| Seven Corners | Known for customizable travel medical and crisis assistance plans |
| IMG Global | Strong for long-term or expat travelers, includes pandemic clauses |
Best Practices for Travelers
- Register your trip with your government’s travel alert program (e.g., STEP for U.S. citizens)
- Keep printed and digital copies of all policy documents
- Monitor local news and advisories daily before and during your trip
- Contact your insurer immediately if a crisis or illness arises
Example Use Case Scenario
Imagine you’re traveling to South America:
- You catch COVID-19 halfway through your trip → Covered under medical and quarantine costs.
- Political protests erupt in the capital, roads are blocked, and the airport is shut down → Covered under trip interruption and evacuation.
Emergency Contact Tips
Always carry:
- Your insurer’s emergency contact number
- Your policy number
- The local embassy/consulate details
- A translation of your medical history if traveling to non-English speaking countries.