Travel Insurance Explained for Flu & Other Sickness (2024)

FAQs

Travel Insurance Explained for Flu & Other Sickness? ›

Does travel insurance cover cancellation due to illness? Travel insurance with Trip Cancellation coverage will cover you if you, a traveling companion or family member come down with an illness before your trip and an in-person visit to a doctor certifies that you're too sick to travel.

Filing a Claim for a Covered Illness

Submit all the requested documentation, which may include a Physician Statement Form, statements and records from treating doctors, documentation of refunds received from travel suppliers and more.

Is the flu a pre-existing condition? No! Flu is not a pre-existing condition and hence is covered in travel medical insurance. However, if you have flu before the purchase of the insurance policy it will be considered as a pre-existing condition.

Travel insurance policies with cancellation cover will generally cover cancellation costs arising from circ*mstances such as: You suffer from an unforeseen illness, injury or death.

Conditions which may not be covered

Conditions like terminal illness, the need for oxygen, pending surgery, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, specific types of cancer, congestive heart failure, and recurring pain are generally excluded from coverage.

A sick note, sometimes called a doctor's note or a medical certificate, is a recommendation from your doctor about your medical condition and how it affects your ability to attend school or work. Sick notes can be for short illnesses, minor surgeries, or chronic conditions and explain why and how long you'll be absent.

The most common reasons for a denied claim include: There's insufficient documentation or evidence to support a claim. These include a lack of receipts, proof of payments or proof of the incident that you're making the claim for, such as a cancellation, necessary medical care or anything else that cost you money.

If you traveled and feel sick, particularly if you have a fever, talk to a healthcare provider and tell them about your travel. If you need medical care abroad, see Getting Health Care During Travel.

Most people with influenza will recover without medical care. But if symptoms are severe or the infected person is at high risk for complications, see a doctor. The U.S. embassy in the country you're visiting can help you find medical help.

What qualifies for trip cancellation? ›

Trip cancellation insurance provides prepaid, nonrefundable reimbursem*nt for trip expenses if you must cancel a trip due to an unforeseen circ*mstance such as illness, injury, or the death of the traveler or a loved one.

Our analysis found that AIG, Seven Corners and WorldTrips offer the best “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) travel insurance. A travel insurance policy with CFAR partially reimburses your insured trip costs if you cancel for reasons not listed in the policy.

The most common covered reason is unforeseen illness, injury, or death of the traveler, a traveling companion, or a non-traveling family member. Other common covered reasons include terrorism, inclement weather, or a natural disaster, among others.

What are pre-existing medical conditions? A pre-existing medical condition (PEMC) is an illness or injury you had before your policy began or was renewed. Examples of pre-existing medical conditions include, diabetes, asthma, high cholesterol or a long-term back condition.

If you're about to sign up for travel insurance, make it clear that you have this condition when you register. If you don't tell your insurer about a pre-existing medical condition (including high cholesterol), you may not be able to claim if something happens as a result of your condition on holiday.

Travel insurance companies generally require proof of the duration of a trip in order to assess the appropriate policy. This is generally to ensure that customers are fully covered for the duration of their trip and are not left without medical or emergency assistance overseas should something happen.

Do I have to declare anxiety on travel insurance? Yes, you will need to tell us about any mental health-related conditions that you or, any travellers on your policy, have been diagnosed with. As part of your quote, you'll be able to declare anxiety as a pre-existing health condition.