As the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to investigate more potential U.S. cases of a mysterious coronavirus, InsureMyTrip reports an uptick in calls from concerned travelers seeking clarification on travel insurance coverage.

InsureMyTrip says over 16,000 US travelers have active travel insurance policies and live in one of the four states the CDC has identified with a confirmed nCoV case*.

Researchers at InsureMyTrip analyzed the most widely purchased comprehensive travel insurance plans and found the vast majority do offer coverage in the event a US-based traveler contracts coronavirus prior to their trip and must cancel due to illness.

Q: Is there any uniform date after which you will not be able to claim travel insurance benefits or does that vary by provider?

“We are still receiving information and waiting for clarification from companies, but it looks like some companies are restricting coverage related to Coronavirus for plans purchased after a certain date,” says InsureMyTrip Product Manager Meghan Walch. The specific date varies by company.

Q: Is Cancel For Any Reason the only way now to protect your trip?

“If your concern is cancelling your trip due to fear of traveling and potentially contracting the Coronavirus, then yes, CFAR is the only way to protect your pre-paid, non-refundable trip cost,” says InsureMyTrip Product Manager Meghan Walch.

CFAR is a time sensitive option available on some plans, and certain eligibility requirements apply.  Reimbursement under this coverage is typically up to 75% of your pre-paid, non-refundable trip cost.

Source: InsureMyTrip