Travel has been disrupted around the world since Coronavirus hit the headlines at the beginning of 2020. Now restrictions on travel to certain countries are being lifted. If you’re planning a trip and have BMC Travel Insurance, what should you know about Coronavirus?
This article is for policies bought after 1st December 2020
BMC Travel Insurance includes cover for COVID-19 related claims for emergency medical expenses and repatriation. This is provided that the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has not advised against “all” travel to any places you are travelling.
BMC Travel Insurance does not cover any cancellation claim in any way caused by or resulting from a) Coronavirus disease (COVID-19); b) severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); c) any mutation or variation of SARS-CoV-2; any fear or threat of a), b) or c).
BMC Travel Insurance does not cover any Trip to a destination, which is an area where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has advised against 'all travel'. However, there is cover for travel to areas where the advice is against ‘all but essential travel’.
Please check the FCO has not advised against “all” travel to your destination.
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Questions and Answers
Q: I’d rather not go on my trip because of coronavirus, can I make a claim? Or can I get a refund of the premium?
A: Where FCO advice against travel has been lifted, unfortunately you wouldn’t be able to make a claim because you no longer wish to travel.
Q: I’d rather not go on my trip because of coronavirus, can I get a refund of the premium?
A: If you bought your policy less than 14 days ago, we can cancel your policy and refund the premium in full. If you bought your policy more than 14 days ago, you are not entitled to a refund but special circumstances could be considered.
Q: What if my trip gets cancelled, or cut short because of advice from the FCO / WHO?
A: All BMC Travel Insurance policies purchased after 6pm on 11 March 2020 do not cover claims for cancellation, curtailment, delays or journey disruption in any way caused by or resulting from: a) Coronavirus disease (COVID-19); b) Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); c) any mutation or variation of SARS-CoV-2; d) any fear or threat of a), b) or c) above.
We recommend you contact your travel agent, travel provider or airline (EU Regulation EC 261/2004 covers most regulations for air travel) regarding the best option in altering your trip. Some travel providers may provide penalty free options to amend travel arrangements and we recommend you contact them for further details.
Q: What happens to Travel Insurance when travel restrictions are lifted?
A: As travel restrictions are eased more people will be looking book trips abroad. BMC Travel Insurance is ready when you are! All of the usual benefits are in place for your walking, climbing, skiing and mountaineering plans.
Q: Will my policy cover medical treatment for Covid-19?
A: Yes, all BMC Travel Insurance policies include cover for COVID-19 related claims for emergency medical expenses and repatriation; but Medical Expenses will not cover; any costs linked to quarantine; any costs where you have travelled without having received the result of a Covid-19 test that has already been undertaken prior to your trip.
Q: Am I Covered for Cancellation due to coronavirus?
A: Sorry but, all BMC Travel Insurance policies purchased after 6pm on 11 March 2020 do not cover claims for cancellation, curtailment, delays or journey disruption in any way caused by or resulting from: a) Coronavirus disease (COVID-19); b) Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); c) any mutation or variation of SARS-CoV-2; d) any fear or threat of a), b) or c) above.
Q: What happens if I get locked down overseas due to coronavirus and my policy expires before I can get home?
A: If you have to remain in a ‘locked down’ region or country, cover will be automatically extended until it is possible for you to return to the UK (for up to 60 days of extension).
Q: If I am quarantined due to coronavirus, what cover is in place?
A: If you have to self-isolate / be quarantined in a country overseas, cover will be automatically extended until the authorities allow you to return home (for up to 60 days of extension). You will not be able to claim for expenses associated with self-isolation / quarantine, either overseas or once you arrive home.
Q: Where can I get more information about travel and the coronavirus?
A: The best and most up to date information can be found of the website of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)
For all policies purchased before 1st December 2020, please click through to the following pages:
Click here for information about policies bought before 6pm 11th March 2020
Click here for information about policies bought after 6pm 11th March – 3rd August
Click here for information about policies bought 4th August – 30th November
READ: How will Brexit affect travel insurance?
If you're still unsure about your own BMC travel insurance coverage please email our team at: insure@thebmc.co.uk
More FAQs about the BMC and Covid-19
🌳 Can I go climbing / hill walking in England? Here's what you can and can't do in the 3rd Lockdown (January 2021)
🌳 What's the situation for climbing and hill walking in Wales? Read our full January update
😷 When and will the walls reopen? In England and Wales they're now closed for the National Lockdown. Read our walls article
✈️ I have a travel insurance question! Here's the FAQs
🏡 Do you have any advice for clubs and huts? Check out our latest clubs, meets and huts update
🛒 Is the BMC shop open? Yes - it is and BMC members get 10% off!
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