As borders are gradually reopening, no less than 40 countries now require Covid insurance in addition to the usual travel documents and proof of vaccination.
[Updated Feb 14, 2022 2:19 PM] Planning a city break for a long weekend or a trip to Europe or elsewhere in the coming weeks? While more and more countries are reopening their borders and easing the conditions for entering their territory, some destinations require insurance against Covid-19 in addition to the usual travel documents and proof of vaccination. when requested.
Countries for which insurance against Covid-19 is mandatory ask travelers for a certificate of insurance with the mention “Covid”. More specific than traditional travel insurance, this document guarantees the assumption of charges for any costs related to the pandemic in the country of destination. In order to avoid unpleasant surprises when boarding, take the time to find out about your destination country to find out if it requires Covid insurance. Indeed, the control of the document will be carried out when boarding the plane.
Covid insurance covers all the costs related to the disease in the country in which you are staying: the payment of medical expenses, quarantine in a hotel after a test that turned out to be positive or an obligation to isolate on arrival, medical repatriation, early return to France if a member of your family has a severe form of Covid or even the visit of a relative in the event of hospitalization abroad. For some countries, a minimum amount of support must be mentioned on the document. Thailand, for example, requires medical expenses to be covered up to 50,000 dollars (about 44,000 euros).
Some banks provide cover for pandemic-related risks, so don’t hesitate to call an advisor to find out what is or is not already included in your bank card’s travel insurance. The Visa Premier card thus covers medical expenses and hospitalization in the event of an epidemic. On the other hand, it does not include repatriation or trip cancellation, unless you are hospitalized or ill and unable to leave. Before your trip to a country in which Covid travel insurance is compulsory, consider asking for a certificate mentioning the coverage of health costs in the event of contracting the virus on site.
If you contract the coronavirus during your stay abroad your medical expenses will be covered with American Express, provided that “medical assistance and medical expenses” are included and that you do not travel despite the contraindications of your doctor. If you test positive for Covid-19 during your trip, you will need to contact your Medical Assistance by calling the number on the back of your Card to find out what to do.
Here is the list, by continent, of the 40 countries that require insurance against Covid 19 for travelers on their territory:
Covid-19 travel insurance can be included in the basic contract you take out on vacation or offered as an option for a few euros more. The best known travel insurers are Axa, Groupama, Allianz, Europ Assistance or Le Lynx.
The price of Covid insurance depends on the destination, the length of stay, the age of the traveler or the healthcare system in the country. The comparator Insurly thus estimates that for a 30-year-old traveler who would spend 30 days in Brazil in Israel, the cost of Covid insurance will be 48 euros. Another example for a 70-year-old traveler who would spend a month in Tahiti, the cost of Covid insurance will be 140 euros. In addition to the price of the insurance, count between 3% and 5% of the price of the stay for the cancellation insurance.
