Navigating travel insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic can be confusing. At Admiral Travel Insurance, we understand your concerns and are here to provide clarity on how your policy is affected by Coronavirus. This guide answers common questions about your Admiral travel insurance coverage in relation to COVID-19, ensuring you travel informed and protected.
Understanding COVID-19 Exclusions in Your Admiral Travel Insurance Policy
Like most travel insurance providers, Admiral Travel Insurance policies include a general exclusion for COVID-19 and anticipated events. An “anticipated event” refers to something you were aware of, or could reasonably expect to happen, either when your insurance policy began or when you booked your trip – whichever occurred later.
However, it’s crucial to understand that this exclusion doesn’t mean you’re entirely unprotected. Admiral Travel Insurance provides cover for Emergency Medical and Repatriation if you test positive for COVID-19 while abroad, provided you are not travelling against the advice of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Furthermore, cancellation or curtailment of your trip may be covered under specific circumstances outlined in ‘Section 3’ of your policy wording. For complete details, please always refer to your specific policy documents.
Travel Against FCDO Advice and Your Admiral Travel Insurance
What if the FCDO advises against travel to my destination, or changes its advice? Will my Admiral Travel Insurance cover cancellation or cutting short my trip?
It’s important to be aware that Admiral Travel Insurance does not provide cover if you travel against FCDO advice, even if your trip is deemed essential. This also applies to cancellations or curtailments arising from FCDO advice against ‘all’ or ‘all but essential’ travel due to COVID-19, whether issued before or during your trip. For instance, if the FCDO advises travelers in your destination to return home, your Admiral policy will not cover trip changes related to this advice.
In such situations, your first step should be to contact your travel agent, airline, hotel, or accommodation provider. They may be able to assist with rescheduling your trip or processing a refund. If you are already travelling and the FCDO has not advised travelers at your destination to return home, your Admiral Travel Insurance coverage remains valid according to your policy terms and conditions for the remainder of your trip. It is your responsibility to continuously monitor FCDO advice for any updates or changes relevant to your travel plans. Always consult your policy terms and conditions for comprehensive information.
COVID-19 Diagnosis Before Your Trip and Cancellation Cover
I tested positive for COVID-19 before my trip and must self-isolate. Can I claim for cancellation under my Admiral Travel Insurance?
Yes, under certain conditions. If you receive a positive COVID-19 test result within 14 days of your scheduled departure date and are required to quarantine or self-isolate, you may be eligible to claim for trip cancellation with Admiral Travel Insurance. This is provided that contracting COVID-19 was not an “anticipated event”. This means you had no reason to suspect you might have COVID-19 or require testing or self-isolation at the time you booked your trip, purchased your insurance policy, or extended your coverage.
To initiate a claim, you can register a claim online. You will need to provide evidence of a positive COVID-19 test. Acceptable forms of proof include certification from a registered medical practitioner, a registered lateral flow test, or a confirmation letter from the NHS verifying a positive result if the lateral flow test cannot be registered. Photographs of lateral flow tests are not considered acceptable evidence. Please refer to your policy documents for complete terms and conditions regarding cancellation claims.
Cancellation Due to COVID-19 of a Relative, Companion, or Business Associate
Am I covered for cancellation if a close relative, travel companion, or business associate contracts COVID-19 before my trip?
Generally, Admiral Travel Insurance does not cover cancellation costs if a close relative, travel companion, or business associate contracts COVID-19 before your trip, unless they are specifically named on your policy.
However, there is an exception: Admiral Travel Insurance will cover cancellation costs if your close relative (as defined in your policy wording) is hospitalized or passes away within the 14 days leading up to your trip departure date due to contracting COVID-19. This cover is contingent on the COVID-19 contraction not being an “anticipated event”. For example, you must not have had reason to believe they might have had COVID-19 or that they were diagnosed with COVID-19 when you booked your trip, bought your policy, or extended your cover. For full definitions and details, please consult your policy terms and conditions.
Denied Boarding Due to COVID-19 Symptoms or Positive Test
I was denied boarding for my outbound travel due to COVID-19 symptoms or a positive test. Am I covered by Admiral Travel Insurance?
Yes, if you are denied boarding due to COVID-19 symptoms or a positive COVID-19 test result, and this is the confirmed reason for denial, your Admiral Travel Insurance policy will provide cover for cutting short your trip. This is again subject to the condition that contracting COVID-19 was not an “anticipated event”. For instance, you must not have had reason to believe you might have COVID-19 or require a test or self-isolation at the time of travel booking or policy purchase.
To make a claim, you can register it online. You will need to provide proof of a positive test from a registered medical practitioner. Always refer to your policy documents for the complete terms and conditions.
Self-Isolation Due to Potential COVID-19 Exposure
If I need to self-isolate due to potential COVID-19 exposure (e.g., NHS track and trace), am I covered for cancellation?
No, Admiral Travel Insurance generally does not cover trip cancellation if you choose to or are advised to self-isolate due to potential COVID-19 exposure (e.g., via NHS track and trace). The exception to this is if you need to self-isolate because one of your named travel companions tests positive for COVID-19 within 14 days before their trip departure.
COVID-19 Infection While Abroad: Medical Cover and Quarantine Costs
What happens if I get COVID-19 while I am abroad?
Admiral Travel Insurance provides cover for emergency medical treatment under Section 1 (Emergency Medical Treatment and Repatriation) up to your chosen policy limits if you contract COVID-19 while abroad. This is valid as long as you did not travel against FCDO advice and contracting COVID-19 was not an “anticipated event”. For example, you must not have had reason to believe you had COVID-19 when travelling or travelled against your GP’s advice.
Furthermore, your Admiral policy includes cover for up to £1,000 per person for additional travel and/or accommodation costs if you are required to quarantine or self-isolate during your trip. It is essential to contact our Emergency Medical Assistance team immediately at +44 292 010 7777 as soon as you become unwell, so they can provide the necessary assistance and guidance.
Quarantine Abroad or Upon Return to the UK Due to COVID-19
If I contract COVID-19 and cannot return to the UK on my planned date, or if I am quarantined upon return, am I covered by Admiral Travel Insurance?
General quarantine requirements imposed on a population or area are not covered by Admiral Travel Insurance. However, if you are unable to complete your trip as planned due to contracting COVID-19 and need to quarantine abroad, your Admiral Travel Insurance cover will be automatically extended at no extra cost. We will continue to provide cover as stated under Section 1 (Emergency Medical and Repatriation) until it is reasonably expected you can return home.
This extension of cover applies only if you did not travel against FCDO advice and the need for quarantine was not an “anticipated event”. For example, it must not have been public knowledge before you travelled, you had no reason to believe you had COVID-19 when travelling, and you did not travel against medical advice.
If you are placed into quarantine or isolation, contact our Emergency Medical Assistance team at +44 292 010 7777 as soon as possible for assistance. Costs for additional accommodation and food during quarantine should ideally be covered by the authority that issued the quarantine, along with reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. Contact your tour operator or resort manager to arrange this. If this is not possible, you can submit a claim for consideration. Please note that associated costs like loss of earnings due to isolation are not covered.
Travel Disruption and Restrictions Due to COVID-19
If I cannot return home on my planned date due to COVID-19 related travel disruption, restrictions, or quarantine rules, am I covered?
Admiral Travel Insurance does not cover additional costs resulting from COVID-19 related travel restrictions, travel disruption, or quarantine rules imposed by any government or local authority. However, if your trip is unavoidably delayed, including due to flight cancellation, making it impossible to return as planned, your Admiral Travel Insurance cover will be automatically extended at no extra cost until you can reasonably be expected to return home.
In case of delays or cancellations to your original return journey, your travel agent or airline should assist you in finding alternative transport, accommodation, or arranging refunds. You may need to book alternative travel arrangements yourself.
Travel Provider Cancellation Due to COVID-19
My airline/travel/accommodation provider has cancelled my booking due to COVID-19. Am I covered by Admiral Travel Insurance?
No, Admiral Travel Insurance does not cover cancellations made by your travel provider due to COVID-19. If your transport or accommodation is cancelled by the organizing company due to COVID-19, you are entitled to be offered an alternative booking, a credit voucher, or a full refund directly from them.
Quarantine Costs Upon Return from a Red List Country
Am I covered for quarantine costs upon returning from a red list country?
No, Admiral Travel Insurance does not provide cover for costs associated with quarantining upon your return from any country.
This information is intended as a helpful guide to understanding your Admiral Travel Insurance coverage in relation to COVID-19. Always refer to your policy documents for the complete terms, conditions, and exclusions of your specific Admiral Travel Insurance policy. For any further questions or clarification, please contact Admiral Travel Insurance directly.
