How does Coronavirus (COVID-19) affect your BMC Travel Insurance policy?

Posted by Emma Travers on 01/12/2020

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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DOWNLOAD: Insurance Product Information Document

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 11^th March 2020

Click here for information about policies bought after 6pm 11^th March – 3^rd August

Click here for information about policies bought 4^th August – 30^th 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 climbing / hillwalking? Here's what you can and can't do in the 2nd English Lockdown (November 2020)

🌳 What's the situation in Wales? Read the full November update here

😷 When and how will the walls reopen? In England they're now closed for the November Lockdown. Read our November Walls article

✈️ Can I now travel abroad again? Get the latest answers to going abroad with travel restrictions now easing

🛒 Is the BMC shop open? Yes - we officially reopened at the start of July!

🏡 Do you have any advice for clubs and huts? The latest club huts update and a ll you need to know

📜 Will the BMC keep running smoothly? Read more or watch our weekly live updates from our CEO

🚗 What have the BMC access team been doing during this time? Read on

As the climbing walls, crags and mountains start to open, we wanted to say thanks to every BMC member who supported us through the Coronavirus crisis.

From weekly Facebook Lives and GB Climbing home training videos, to our access team working to re-open the crags and fight for your mountain access, we couldn’t have made it without you.

If you liked what we did, then tell your friends about us: www.thebmc.co.uk/join

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Anonymous User

28/02/2020

Can I ask if you buy your insurance now (28/02) would you still be covered if you do not travel because FCO/WHO advice is not to?

Like this comment (5)

Emma Travers(author comment)

28/02/2020

So if the FCO / WHO advice issued advises against travel meaning you cannot go on your trip, or complete it, you may be able to make a claim under Section 8. Journey Disruption including Airspace Closure.

Like this comment (4)

Anonymous User

03/03/2020

Can you just confirm that if the FCO advise "against travel" to a certain country then the standard Alpine & Rock policy covers this. The wording in the policy states that you are covered where the FCO "prohibit" travel. Are prohibiting travel and advising against travel the same thing?

Like this comment (10)

Anonymous User

03/03/2020

Thanks, but my question is more about the wording in your policy. If the FCO "advise against travel" does this necessarily mean they are prohibiting a person from travelling (is it a total ban on travel) - because the wording in the Policy (Section 8, Clause 5a) doesn't actually use the words "where the FCO advise against" instead it uses the word "prohibit" which could be argued as 2 different things. Can you clarify. Thanks

Like this comment (2)

Anonymous User

03/03/2020

Re:-
"A: If you are kept in quarantine / lock down by an overseas government or health authority, you should not be expected to pay anything, so there would be no claim. "

Having missed the scheduled return flight there is likely to be at least the additional cost of a later return journey.

Like this comment (0)

Emma Travers(author comment)

03/03/2020

RE: "Prohibit" vs "Against travel" wording from the FCO, the best place for clarification would be from our insurance team who you can call on 0161 438 3319 and they'll be in the best position to explain further.

Like this comment (0)

Anonymous User

06/03/2020

If I were to be abroad in an area which the FCO had not advised against travel to and was to develop symptoms meaning that I had to self isolate for two weeks, I would need to get accomodation somewhere that I could do this. Would the cost of this be covered by BMC insurance?

Like this comment (2)

Emma Travers(author comment)

06/03/2020

RE: If I were to be abroad in an area which the FCO had not advised against travel to and was to develop symptoms meaning that I had to self isolate for two weeks, I would need to get accommodation somewhere that I could do this. Would the cost of this be covered by BMC insurance?
---
ANSWER:
If you're still unsure about your own BMC travel insurance coverage for your next trip, it's best to contact our team on 0161 438 3319 or email jim@thebmc.co.uk

Like this comment (0)

Anonymous User

10/03/2020

I had booked a flight direct with Flybe, now no longer trading. I have an annual Rock policy. The policy does not specifically cover airline going into administration, but does not explicitly exclude this either. Can you advise whether this is covered.

Like this comment (0)

Emma Travers(author comment)

10/03/2020

Q:I had booked a flight direct with Flybe, now no longer trading. I have an annual Rock policy. The policy does not specifically cover airline going into administration, but does not explicitly exclude this either. Can you advise whether this is covered.
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A: We have an article where we address what to do when your flights are cancelled:
https://www.thebmc.co.uk/how-to-cancelled-delayed-flights-compensation-bmc-insurance

However if you're still unsure of the answer after reading it, my best advice is to phone our insurance team as they will be able to respond with the latest advice and they will know how the Flybe situation is being handled currently. Their number is 0161 438 3319

Like this comment (1)

Anonymous User

12/03/2020

What is the situation if you have an annual policy purchased in early January?

Will existing bookings (made prior to March 11th) be covered if the FCO later says that area/country should not be visited? e.g. say I've a trip booked to the alps in the summer?

Also what is the situation for new bookings made after 6pm on 11th March if the traveler has an annual policy that was taken out in early January?

E.g. if I book a trip for November now will I have any cover for this as my policy was purchased at the start of January or are all trip bookings made after March 11th impacted too?

Many thanks

Like this comment (1)

Emma Travers(author comment)

12/03/2020

Q: What is the situation if you have an annual policy purchased in early January?

Will existing bookings (made prior to March 11th) be covered if the FCO later says that area/country should not be visited? e.g. say I've a trip booked to the alps in the summer?

Also what is the situation for new bookings made after 6pm on 11th March if the traveller has an annual policy that was taken out in early January?

E.g. if I book a trip for November now will I have any cover for this as my policy was purchased at the start of January or are all trip bookings made after March 11th impacted too?
------
A: Our insurance team will shortly be updating this article with information regarding already purchased annual insurances and what that means for your trips, pre-booked or not. In the meantime, for a fast response please email insure@thebmc.co.uk

Like this comment (1)

Anonymous User

13/03/2020

Can you confirm the situation if you have a skiing trip booked and the ski areas have now been closed early due to the corona virus.

Like this comment (2)

Emma Travers(author comment)

13/03/2020

Q: Can you confirm the situation if you have a skiing trip booked and the ski areas have now been closed early due to the corona virus.
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A: For an answer from the our expert team, it's best to call 0161 438 3319 or email insure@thebmc.co.uk regarding your own travel circumstances

Like this comment (0)

Anonymous User

16/03/2020

The country I'm insured to visit on holiday(Australia) is now forcing 14 days of self-isolation - the duration of my trip! Can I claim?
My policy was bought before 11th March.

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Anonymous User

16/03/2020

What is the insurance status for European travel on holiday? I am due to fly to Sweden on Friday? The flight is still on, and nobody has banned travel. However Boris has just advised everyone avoids "non-essential" travel.

Like this comment (3)

Anonymous User

18/03/2020

What about UK government guidance to "self isolate" if you have a cough

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