Coronavirus Coverage in Travel Medical Insurance and Visitors Insurance for USA

Coronavirus Coverage in Travel Medical Insurance and Visitors Insurance for USA

Last Updated: 06/14/2023

Due to continuing 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 would be covered if they were to fall sick from coronavirus. As the disease continues to spread, they have many questions.

These FAQs aim to clarify some of the questions specific to international travel insurance that covers COVID-19. As the situation changes rapidly, it is best to check with us for the latest information.

Q: Will I be covered if I get infected with coronavirus?

A: Exclusion varies based on the insurance plan:

  • WorldTrips Plans:

    As of Friday, May 15, 2020, coronavirus coverage will be available to customers who purchase the ExchangeGuard and StudentSecure plans on May 15 and afterwards.

    As of Wednesday, July 15, 2020, coronavirus coverage will be available to customers who purchase the Atlas plans and VisitorSecure plans on July 15 and afterwards.

    Anyone that has purchased the insurance up to 3/27/2020 can have the coronavirus coverage for a maximum of 10 days from 3/27/2020. If the CDC had already issued a travel warning for a given destination country prior to 3/27/2020, the coronavirus coverage would end within 10 days from the travel warning for a given country.

  • IMG Plans:

    As of Wednesday, July 1, 2020, coronavirus coverage will be available to existing and new customers who purchase Patriot Exchange Program, Student Health Advantage plans.

    As of Tuesday, September 1, 2020, coronavirus coverage will be available to new customers who purchase Patriot America Plus or Patriot America Platinum plans.

    As of May 5, 2020, coronavirus coverage will be available to new customers who purchase Visitors Care, Patriot International Lite, Patriot International Platinum, Patriot International Group, or Patriot Platinum International Group plans.

    As of March 31, 2021 coronavirus coverage will be made available to new customers who purchase Outreach America, Outreach Group, or Outreach International plans.

  • Trawick Plans:

    Covid coverage is available for most Safe Travels plans.

    As of October 12, 2022, coronavirus coverage will be excluded for customers who purchase the Safe Travels USA Cost Saver plan.

  • PIU Plans:

    Covid coverage is offered as an optional coverage for the International Major Medical and USAway plans.

  • TIS Plans:

    As of Thursday, August 13, 2020, coronavirus coverage will be available to customers who purchase the Study USA - HealthCare plans on August 13 and afterwards.

    As of Wednesday, September 23, 2020, coronavirus coverage will be available to new customers who purchase the Visit USA-HealthCare plans.

    As of April 15, 2021, coronavirus coverage will be available to new customers who purchase the WorldMed or InterMedical plans.

  • Azimuth Plans:

    As of Tuesday, August 23, 2022, coronavirus coverage will be available to customers who purchase the Beacon America and Beacon International plans. These plans will cover COVID-19 up to $100,000 or to the policy maximum, whichever is lower.

Q: I don’t have any symptoms, but I want to get tested to confirm that I don’t have coronavirus. Will visitors insurance cover that?

A: It is not covered.

Q: Some insurance plans (such as the “Safe Travels” series) include a “Wellness Visit” benefit. Can it be used for Coronavirus testing?

A: Wellness visits are governed by ICD code, which does not include specific testing. Therefore, it will not cover the coronavirus test, even if the doctor advises that you should get tested within the course of the wellness exam. In any case, as $125 is the total payout, the benefit usually doesn’t cover 100% of the wellness exam, anyway.

Q: I noticed that the prices of many consumer goods have increased significantly. Have the visitors insurance companies similarly raised the prices due to high demand?

A: No. Fortunately, insurance prices are regulated by law, and no visitors insurance company has raised prices due to coronavirus.

Q: If I have the symptoms of coronavirus, go to the lab for tests, and the results are negative, would I be covered for that test?

A: Test expenses are not excluded simply because the results are negative.

Please note that the exclusion related to CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notices, where applicable, still applies.

If you have symptoms of a sickness, the insurance company would cover whatever is medically necessary, as long as it is not excluded due to other restrictions such as travel warnings, pre-existing conditions, etc. Medically necessary procedures are not considered preventive checkups.

Q: How does insurance decide if the medical condition I contracted is a new medical condition or coronavirus?

A: Only a medical professional can diagnose when a person acquired COVID-19. The insurance company would rely upon the professional opinion of the treating physician. Only a medical professional can diagnose when a person acquired COVID-19.

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:

  • 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 more specific cases. It depends on the location of the insured, where they are traveling, etc. Coverage for pre-existing conditions depends on the condition. The location affects the pandemic exclusion due to travel advisories.

  • Trawick:
    The virus is treated the same as any other illness, including how pre-existing conditions are applied to chronic conditions.

If you have a question that this FAQ doesn’t include, please contact our office at ofni or +1 (972) 985-4400 for help, or to find the best COVID-19 travel insurance for your needs. 

Did you know?

Prices are regulated by law.

You cannot find a lower price anywhere for the same product.

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Why purchase insurance from Insubuy®?

Same Price. Better Service.®

There are many advantages in purchasing from Insubuy® and no disadvantages.

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Visiting USA?

Healthcare costs are very high in the U.S.

Buy U.S. based visitors insurance and enjoy your trip.

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Traveling abroad?

Did you know that your insurance may not cover you abroad or that it may only provide limited coverage?

Purchase travel medical insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation.

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New immigrant to USA?

You are not eligible to enroll in Medicare for the first 5 years.

Purchase new immigrant medical insurance to bridge the gap.

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Going on a vacation?

You could lose your non-refundable trip costs if you had to cancel your trip.

Buy a trip cancellation insurance package plan and be worry-free.

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Are you an exchange visitor to USA?

The U.S. Department of State requires all J visa holders to purchase compliant insurance.

Buy J visa medical insurance to meet your requirements.

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Traveling to Europe?

Schengen countries require most non-US citizens to purchase Schengen visa insurance.

Make an instant purchase online and get instant visa letter.

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Traveling frequently throughout the year?

You don't need to purchase travel insurance for every trip.

Purchase annual multi trip travel insurance for your travels.

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International student in the U.S.?

Most schools require international students to purchase health insurance.

Purchase international student health insurance that meets most school requirements.

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