The World Health Organisation declared the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a pandemic on 11th March 2020. This is now a known event, which affects the cover provided by Rias travel insurance policies.
As claims caused by known events are excluded from Rias travel insurance policies, any policy purchased on or after 14/03/2020 will not include cover under any section whatsoever for claims directly or indirectly caused by the Coronavirus. This includes any preventative containment or delay measures. For any policies issued before 14/03/2020 cover remains as per the policy terms and conditions.
If you have purchased a Rias travel insurance policy before 14/03/2020 and are concerned about how the Coronavirus might affect your cover, we’ve provided these helpful answers to some frequently asked questions.
We are continuing to monitor the situation with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and are following the advice provided by the Government.
Rias Travel Customers - Q&A
1. I’m currently abroad and have been placed into quarantine, what cover is in place?
- From 17th March the FCO has advised British citizens against all but essential travel worldwide, this initially applies for a period of 30 days.
- British citizens overseas should refer to the FCO travel advice page for the country they are visiting and plan accordingly.
Provided you did not travel to one of these areas after the FCO advice was issued, your Rias Travel policy insurance period will be automatically extended up to 30 days if you have to be held in quarantine.
2. I am looking to travel to an area where the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) have advised against all or all but essential travel. Will my cover be impacted?
From 17th March the FCO has advised British citizens against all but essential travel worldwide, this initially applies for a period of 30 days. British citizens planning to travel should refer to the Foreign Office Coronavirus travel advice page, and also sign up to email alerts.
If you travel after the FCO advice was issued, you will not be covered by any part of your Rias Travel policy.
You should contact your airline or tour operator to change your flights, obtain a refund or arrange an alternative holiday.
3. While abroad I have contracted Coronavirus (COVID-19) and am in need of medical help, am I covered?
From 17th March the FCO has advised British citizens against all but essential travel worldwide, this initially applies for a period of 30 days.
British citizens planning to travel should refer to the Foreign Office Coronavirus travel advice page, and also sign up to email alerts.
Provided you did not travel after the FCO advice was issued, then your medical expenses will be covered as outlined in your travel policy.
4. I have contracted Coronavirus (COVID-19) before travelling and have to cancel a planned trip, am I covered?
Our travel policies will provide cover for unused travel and accommodation costs (which have not been or cannot be recovered from your travel provider or from anywhere else) if you become ill before your trip and are confirmed as not medically fit to travel.
You should first contact your airline or tour operator to change your flights, obtain a refund or arrange an alternative holiday.
5. I am currently aboard and want to return home early, am I covered?
The FCO advises all British travellers overseas to return home to the UK now. If you are already abroad, you should contact your travel agent, tour operator or airline, or the British embassy where you are, to enquire about the availability of an early return home.