2020, the year of grounded flights, docked cruises, closed borders, and stay-at-home orders, was tough on both avid and casual travelers.àWith the one year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic now upon us, itâÂÂs only natural that people around the globe experience a little wanderlust. Now that vaccine distribution is underway around the world and countries are reopening to international travelers, the question remains: Is it safe to travel?ÃÂ
The answer depends on your country of origin, your destination country, how long youâÂÂre staying and what kind of travel insurance coverage you have. When deciding whether itâÂÂs safe for you to travel again, youâÂÂll need to consider these factors.ÃÂ
Is Travel Insurance Required?
As borders reopen to international tourists, some countries already require travel insurance for entry. This requirement reduces the spread of Covid and keeps you and your fellow travelers safe. Travel insurance may cover many expenses related to Covid, like mandatory quarantine, screenings and hospitalizations. When travelers have access to these benefits, their risk of spreading the virus in the destination country or carrying it back home decreases.ÃÂ
Even if your destination doesnâÂÂt require travel insurance, itâÂÂs still a good safeguard for travelers. Whether youâre a student looking to conduct research abroad, a business executive trying to broker a big overseas deal, or a tourist on a vacation, you can find Covid coverage options that suit your needs.
Vaccine Availability
While vaccine distribution is underway globally, each country has unique protocols, resources and challenges when it comes to mass vaccination. As you track Covid cases in your home and your destination countries, itâÂÂs a good idea to keep up with each countryâÂÂs rate of inoculations. Once the majority of the population is vaccinated, the threat of Covid is reduced.àààààÃÂ
COVID-19 Protocols & Standards
Consider how the safety standards and protocol differ between your home and destination countries. Most airlines, lodging accommodations, and restaurants have implemented strict standards for cleanliness and social distancing, which follows their home countryâÂÂs official guidelines.ÃÂ
The worldâs grappling with the best ways to keep people safe during a pandemic, but every country has unique challenges, limitations and resources. If youâre planning on traveling internationally, be mindful of the protocols in your destination country and every place you visit within its borders.
Trend of COVID-19 Cases
While Covid cases trend down worldwide, the virus is still a threat. As you think about where and when to travel, track the latest case rate in both your country of origin and your destination country. The number of cases vary day by day and itâs challenging to know whether a trend will continue.ÃÂ How can you predict what the case rate will be during your scheduled trip? The trouble is you canât be completely sure.ÃÂ This is when adding a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) option to your travel insurance plan can help.ÃÂ
With CFAR, you can cancel your travels without penalty and even recoup some of your prepaid expenses. That means if Covid cases in your destination country rise sharply just before your trip, you can cancel travel plans with reduced financial loss. Of course, with CFAR, you can cancel your trip for reasons completely unrelated to Covid, too.
Your Own Health
When youâÂÂre deciding whether or not to travel, consider how healthy you and your travel companions are. If youâÂÂre elderly, have diabetes, breathing difficulties, or heart conditions, youâÂÂre considered high risk for a severe Covid-related illness. People in high-risk groups should avoid travel until the threat of the virus diminishes or theyâÂÂre fully vaccinated. If youâÂÂre not in a high-risk group, you should still exercise caution.ÃÂ
If you decide to travel make sure you know all your safety options, including the right travel insurance coverage. VisitorsCoverageâÂÂs Customer Success Team is on hand to help.ÃÂ