Travel and the Coronavirus: Advice and Risk Guidance for Trips to China
The outbreak of Coronavirus in some regions of China is a rapidly developing situation. We strongly advise anyone travelling to the country to check the guidance issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), which is updated regularly.
Additional information can be found at Wuhan Novel Coronavirus Guidance for the Public.
As of 29 January 2020, the FCO advises against “all but essential travel” to China.
Travel Insurance Guidance
From a travel insurance perspective:
Travel before FCO advice (29 January 2020): Consumers who purchased travel insurance and travelled before the FCO issued its advice are expected to be covered while in China, including Hubei province if visited before the original advice on 23 January. Coverage includes medical expenses up to the limits in the policy.
Most insurers provide a 24-hour emergency medical advice hotline. Travellers who feel they may have been affected by this event are encouraged to contact their insurers.
Cancelled or shortened trips: Consumers who booked travel before 29 January may be covered for unused travel and accommodation costs, or necessary extra travel costs if their trip is cut short.
Travel after 29 January 2020: Insurers are excluding cover for trips to China following the FCO’s advice. This is standard practice.
Concerned travellers who booked via a tour operator, travel agent, or credit card should contact them to discuss refunds or rearrangements.
All travel policies are different. It is crucial to read your policy carefully to understand exactly what is covered and how to make a claim. If the policy was purchased through an insurance broker, contact them for guidance.
