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?
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.
This exclusion does NOT apply to Emergency Medical Expenses. All BMC Travel Insurance policies include cover for COVID-19 related claims for emergency medical expenses and repatriation.
Please check the FCO has not advised against “all” or “all but essential” travel to your destination.
Policies purchased before 6pm on 11 March 2020 are unaffected. Check the bottom of these questions and answers to find out more about these policies.
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: If the FCO / WHO issues advice which means you can’t go on your trip, or complete your trip, you may be able to make a claim under Section 8. Journey Disruption including Airspace Closure. The limit is £2,500 and is subject to £95 excess.
However, 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. You must take all reasonable steps to mitigate your out of pocket expenses.
Q: If I already have an Annual Multi-trip policy are my future trips covered?
If you bought an Annual Multi-trip policy before 6pm on 11th March 2020 and you booked a trip before the 6pm on 11th March 2020, then depending upon other circumstances of the policy you may be able to make a claim under Section 8 - Journey Disruption.
If you have an Annual Multi-Trip policy and look to book a trip on or after 11th March for future travel, exclusion 11. under Section 8 of the policy wording will likely apply as the coronavirus outbreak is now classed as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation and can therefore be expected to cause significant disruption to travel plans. Such a trip booking would also fall after the BMC issued their advisory further reinforcing the coronavirus outbreak as known circumstance.
Q: What happens to Travel Insurance when travel restrictions are lifted?
A: As travel restrictions are easing more people are looking book trips to go climbing abroad. Here is what BMC Travel Insurance can do for you.
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.
The good news is that this exclusion does NOT apply to Emergency Medical Expenses. All BMC Travel Insurance policies include cover for COVID-19 related claims for emergency medical expenses and repatriation.
Of course, all of the usual policy benefits such as cover for travel money, personal belongings, search and rescue expenses are unaffected.
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 of 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)
Information for policyholders who purchased BMC Travel Insurance before 6pm on 11 March 2020:
Are there added restrictions to the insurance cover?
There are no added restrictions in the cover of existing policies in light of the recent coronavirus outbreak. However, in the event of a serious outbreak of coronavirus the ability of the insurers to react could be very limited because the government of an affected country would probably take over control and treatment with lockdown measures similar already seen around the world. In this event, it might be that the Emergency Medical Helpline are only able to offer limited assistance, but should still be called as they may still be able to assist in management of the case and be able to assist with any other underlying medical conditions that may present following contracting Covid 19.
Journey Disruption including Airspace Closure
In Section 8 of the BMC policy there is cover for irrecoverable costs (£2,500 max) in the event that the FCO / WHO advises against travel to, and evacuation from the intended destination.
Locked down
If you have to remain in a ‘locked down’ region, country or cruise ship, cover will be automatically extended until it is possible for you to return to the UK (for up to 60 days of extension).
What’s covered?
Normal policy terms (including Section 8 see above)
What’s not covered?
Deciding not to go (in the absence of FCO / WHO advice against travel)
Travel to a region / country where the FCO / advise against all travel.
Cancellation due to circumstances already known
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 start climbing / hillwalking? Yes, but be cautious in your actions, respectful of local communities and vigilant in avoiding transmitting the virus. Read our latest advice for July here and for the general return to climbing here
🌳 What's the situation in Wales? Read the full July update here
😷 When and how will the walls reopen? In England it's July 25th Read the ABC's advice for walls and watch their live update here
✈️ 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 all 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
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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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