Monkeypox, a viral disease that affects humans and other animals, entered the news in May, 2022 when an initial outbreak was discovered in the United Kingdom. Within a few months, the disease had spread globally. On July 23, 2022, the World Health Organization declared monkeypox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). As of August 2nd, 2022, nearly 25,000 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in over 80 countries usually unaffected by the disease.
Although monkeypox is typically only transferred through the exchange of bodily fluids or through broken skin, and the vast majority of those affected recover fully, the public is understandably concerned. On the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are wary of another global disease affecting them if they travel, and wonder if monkeypox would be covered by their travel insurance or travel medical insurance plan.
Is Monkeypox Covered by Travel Insurance?
Based upon information received from insurance providers at the time of writing this article, the following coverage for monkeypox is available.
Coverage for monkeypox will only be affected if a Travel Warning of Level 3 or higher is issued for the destination country the insured is purchasing coverage for. Unless a Level 3 or higher Travel Warning is issued for the destination, monkeypox would be covered just as any other new illness that occurs after the effective date of the policy.
WorldTrips plans include an exclusion that is triggered by a CDC Travel Warning of Level 3 or higher in the destination country for all diseases other than COVID-19. If a Level 3 or higher Travel Warning is issued for a country, monkeypox would be excluded from coverage there. So long as the Travel Warning does not reach Level 3 for that country, monkeypox would be covered the same as any other eligible new illness.
There are currently no exclusions for monkeypox in any Global Underwriters plans. It will be covered just like any other new illness that occurs after the policy’s effective date.
Petersen International Underwriters (PIU) Plans
There are no exclusions for monkeypox at this time, and it would be covered just as any other eligible new sickness.
Monkeypox is covered the same as any other eligible illness that occurs after the effective date of the policy in all Trawick plans.
Please note that while this information is deemed correct as of publication, and will be updated when possible, monkeypox coverage and exclusions could change along with global response to the outbreak. If you have any questions regarding monkeypox coverage for your specific destination, please contact our office.
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