Traveling has become much easier post-pandemic, but the potential for COVID-19-related disruptions remains a concern. In Malaysia, travel insurance policies have evolved to include comprehensive COVID-19 coverage, offering travellers financial protection and peace of mind. This guide outlines five crucial aspects of COVID-19 coverage, explaining how to make claims, maximise benefits, and manage situations if you contract COVID-19 before or during your trip. With these insights, you can confidently choose a plan that safeguards your travel investment and helps you navigate the unexpected.
Let’s have a peak!
1. Medical Coverage for COVID-19
How it Helps: Medical coverage for COVID-19 ensures you don’t bear the full financial burden if you contract COVID-19 while abroad. This covers hospitalization, treatments, and medications, providing peace of mind as you explore new destinations.
How to Claim: To be eligible, you must promptly report symptoms to the insurer and seek medical assistance at an approved healthcare provider. Collect receipts and medical records for submission.
When You Can Use It: This coverage applies as soon as you test positive for COVID-19 and require treatment during your trip. Some policies even cover quarantine expenses if you’re required to isolate.
Benefits: Beyond cost savings, this coverage also often includes 24/7 assistance services, helping you locate healthcare facilities and navigate language barriers.
2. Trip Cancellation and Interruption Due to COVID-19
How it Helps: Trip cancellation/interruption benefits are crucial if you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to a positive COVID-19 test or restrictions imposed by authorities. This coverage can reimburse you for non-refundable expenses, such as flights and accommodations.
How to Claim: Claims can be submitted if your trip is canceled due to your illness or sudden travel restrictions. You will need proof, such as a positive COVID-19 test or a government notification of travel bans.
When You Can Use It: Use this coverage if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 before departure, or if a lockdown or quarantine order disrupts your plans while traveling.
Benefits: You avoid losing money on pre-booked expenses, offering you flexibility to rebook your trip when conditions improve.
3. COVID-19 Travel Delay and Quarantine Expenses
How it Helps: If your travels are delayed due to COVID-19-related issues, such as mandatory testing or quarantine, this coverage helps pay for meals and lodging. In the case of forced quarantine, some policies cover accommodation costs, which can alleviate financial stress.
How to Claim: Keep detailed records, including receipts for meals, hotel stays, and any quarantine-related documentation, to ensure a smooth claim process.
When You Can Use It: This benefit is available for both delays during transit and unexpected quarantine requirements, often with daily reimbursement limits.
Benefits: It prevents your travel budget from being exhausted by unforeseen expenses, allowing you to continue your journey without significant financial strain
4. Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation if COVID-19
How it Helps: This benefit is essential if you need to be evacuated to a healthcare facility or repatriated back home due to severe COVID-19 symptoms. It covers the high costs associated with emergency transport, often necessary in remote areas.
How to Claim: Emergency evacuation requires pre-approval from the insurer, so contact your insurance provider as soon as possible if you need evacuation services.
When You Can Use It: You can use this coverage when local medical facilities are inadequate or if a transfer to a better-equipped facility is needed due to your condition.
Benefits: This coverage provides crucial support in critical situations, ensuring you receive proper care without excessive out-of-pocket costs.
5. What to Do if You Get COVID-19 Before or During Travel
If Diagnosed Before Departure: Contact your insurer immediately to activate trip cancellation benefits. Obtain a doctor’s note or positive test result to support your claim.
If Diagnosed During Your Trip: Follow local guidelines for quarantine and notify your insurer. Depending on your policy, you can claim coverage for medical treatment and additional quarantine accommodations.
What to Expect: Many policies now include telehealth services, allowing you to consult with a doctor remotely, which can be useful if local healthcare services are overwhelmed.
By selecting a policy that includes these key benefits, you can travel with confidence, knowing that your travel investment is protected against COVID-19-related disruptions. Always review policy details thoroughly and clarify any doubts with your insurer before departure to make the most of your coverage.