On May 5, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that it no longer considers COVID-19 to be a global health emergency. The announcement from WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, “Yesterday, the emergency committee met for the 15th time and recommended to me that I declare an end to the public health emergency of international concern. I have accepted that advice.”
Coronavirus was first declared a public health emergency of international concern in January 2020. The end of the global health emergency coincides with the United States ending its coronavirus restrictions on May 11.
Since the pandemic began, it has infected more than 765 million people worldwide, and caused nearly 7 million deaths.
What Does the WHO Announcement Mean for International Travel?
For the most part, the end of the global health emergency should have little impact on travelers. Over the past year, the vast majority of travel destinations throughout the world have ended their COVID vaccination and testing protocols as infection rates have decreased. The USA will follow suit by ending its vaccination requirement in less than a week from this writing.
It is possible that the remaining countries that still have coronavirus entry restrictions will alter or end them in the wake of the WHO’s announcement. In any case, travelers should be sure to research the current mandates for the country they’re planning to travel to. Rules can and do change, often with little advanced warning.
Is Travel Insurance Still Necessary Now That COVID is Less of a Health Threat?
According to Dr. Mike Ryan, the executive director of the WHO’s Health Emergency Programme, the risk still exists. He said on Friday, “There’s still a public health threat out there, and we all see that every day in terms of the evolution of this virus, in terms of its global presence, its continued evolution and continued vulnerabilities in our communities, both societal vulnerabilities, age vulnerabilities, protection vulnerabilities, and many other things.”
So, while COVID may be less of a concern, it is still a valid concern, and you should take the necessary precautions to stay as safe as possible when traveling internationally. It’s also important to keep in mind that the coronavirus is just one virus out of many. You’re still just as likely to get influenza while traveling abroad, break a bone, get a concussion, have an allergic reaction, or many other health problems. Therefore, travel insurance is just as important now as it ever was before.
What Travel Insurance Should I Get?
The right insurance coverage depends on where you’re traveling and your priorities.
- If you or a family member are planning to travel to the USA from another country, get visitors medical insurance.
- If you’re traveling internationally to a country that is outside the USA, look into travel medical insurance.
- If you’re traveling domestically in the US or abroad and want coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, and delay, consider travel insurance.
- If you plan to take part in adventurous activities that may not be covered by standard travel insurance, purchase hazardous sports travel insurance.
Shop this website today to find the perfect insurance plan for your needs. You can also contact us to speak to a knowledgeable licensed representative.