Coronavirus Advisory

AIG Travel is closely monitoring coronavirus (COVID-19), and its potential impact on travel. Travelers should consult the World Health Organization (WHO)  and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites for the most up-to-date information on the COVID-19 outbreak.

FOR POLICIES PURCHASED ON OR AFTER MARCH 11, 2020

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Therefore, any losses for trip cancellation, trip interruption and/or trip delay caused by or resulting from quarantine due to COVID-19 is not considered “Unforeseen” and will not be covered under the terms and conditions of this insurance policy.

However, this does not affect any Medical Benefits available under the insurance policy. If you contract COVID-19 prior to departure, you would be covered for Trip Cancellation, if you have a confirmed and documented diagnosis and/or you are medically unable to travel at the time of departure due to COVID-19. If you contract COVID-19 while on a covered trip, you would be covered for Medical Expense and Trip Interruption/Curtailment benefits if you have a confirmed and documented diagnosis.

Please thoroughly read the Description of Coverage for your insurance policy and note that Travel Guard offers a free-look period, which means you can cancel this insurance policy by giving us written notice within 15 days from the Effective Date of your insurance policy to receive a refund of the premium paid (provided that you have not started your trip or filed a claim). For Kansas and New York residents, please call 1-800-826-1300 for more information about refunds.

If you have already purchased an insurance policy, the facts and circumstances surrounding your trip and the terms and conditions of your policy will determine the extent of coverage for COVID-19 related claims.

If you are considering canceling your trip due to COVID-19, please read your insurance policy thoroughly. Generally, fear of travel is not a covered event under most of our policies.

The information presented here is only applicable to Expedia Group* customers in the United States. It does not apply to AIG travel insurance policies issued to residents outside of the United States. For non-US residents, click here.

*Expedia Group brands include Expedia, CheapTickets, Hotels.com, Hotwire, Orbitz, Travelocity, and Expedia Partner Solutions


The following are the questions we are receiving most frequently in our Service Center:

Frequently Asked Questions regarding COVID-19 and Travel Insurance:

What happens if I am quarantined due to COVID-19?

If you purchased your policy before March 11, 2020 and are quarantined as a result of COVID-19, you could be covered under the Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, or Trip Curtailment benefits due to quarantine subject to the terms and conditions of your insurance policy.

What does this mean for the travel insurance policy booked with your trip?

We advise that you review your insurance policy wording for eligibility, benefits, and the type of expenses that can be claimed, as these can vary depending on which insurance policy you have purchased.

I want to cancel my travel plans because I’m afraid to travel due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Am I covered?

Trip Cancellation for concern or fear of travel associated with COVID-19 is not covered.

You are encouraged to file a claim if you have to cancel.  Please be specific on why you cancelled, as some policies may provide coverage depending on the exact reason of cancellation.

The U.S. State Department has advised against travel due to the Coronavirus. Am I covered if I cancel my travel due to the U.S. State Department warning?

There is no coverage for this specific reason.  However, you should consult the Unforeseen covered reasons portion of your insurance policy and are encouraged to file a claim if one of the covered reasons could possibly apply to your situation. You may also contact the travel supplier to seek a refund. 

Am I covered if I contract COVID-19?

If you contract COVID-19 before your trip, you could be covered for Trip Cancellation benefits if there is a confirmed diagnosis, subject to the terms and conditions of your insurance policy.

If you contract COVID-19 while on a covered trip, you could be covered for Medical Expense and Trip Interruption & Curtailment benefits if there is a confirmed diagnosis, subject to the terms and conditions of your insurance policy.

 

Other resources:

World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Travel Guard Health Advisory: https://www.travelguardworldwide.com/news/coronavirus

Travel Guard COVID-19 FAQ Portal for Expedia Group Customers: https://www.travelguardworldwide.com/egusportal