Nearly four years on from the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, life seems to be back to something approaching normal as lockdowns, social distancing and travel restrictions are consigned to history.
With flights grounded in those darkest days, it’s no wonder holidaymakers are now making up for lost time as they get back to their international globe-trotting.
However, Covid is still present in the UK, with 14% of 2,003 survey respondents confirming they tested positive for the virus in 2023.
But six in 10 are likely to go abroad in the next 12 months, and 43% of respondents said Covid still plays on their mind when it comes to planning overseas holidays.
Indeed, even those planning a staycation in the UK are troubled by the virus, as 38% said Covid is still something they think about.
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And it’s little wonder, as one in five revealed Covid had impacted a previous holiday abroad.
Nearly half (45%) of those impacted said they had to cancel their trip, a quarter (24%) quarantined in the UK, while 17% had to isolate overseas. Meanwhile, 14% had to come home early.
With that in mind, nearly six in 10 (58%) people said it’s important that Covid cover remains available either as standard on travel insurance policies or as an add-on when travelling overseas.
According to business information site Defaqto, there are 99 single and 99 multi-trip travel insurance companies that include Covid as standard.
But with many travel insurance policies, such as Post Office travel insurance, additional cover can be added as an optional extra. However, it includes an element of Covid cover as standard on all policies.
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It provides single and annual multi-trip cover options as well as backpacker cover with an element of Covid cover as standard.
This means it provides cover for cancellation if you test positive before your trip (within 14 days). It also provides emergency medical cover if you fall ill while you’re away, as well as curtailment cover (cutting short your trip), should you need to return home for someone who is seriously ill with Covid.
Plus, for an additional premium, holidaymakers can upgrade their insurance to include comprehensive Covid-19 insurance, which can be added at any time up to the start date of your holiday.
Travellers can choose between three varying levels of cover to suit budgets and needs: Economy, Standard or Premier travel insurance.
As part of the Covid-19 cover, Post Office provides between £1,000 and £5,000 towards trip cancellation, and up to £1,500 for a missed departure from the UK.
For those already overseas, it provides up to £5,000 (dependent on the level of cover chosen) if you’re forced to cut short your trip. Meanwhile, missed departures and connections outside of the UK are covered between £500 and £1,500, with holidaymakers also eligible for a £500, £750 or £1,000 maximum benefit to cover costs.
Further, if there is a change in Covid testing or quarantine requirements during your trip, Post Office provides up to £1,500 to cover additional expenses.
There’s also an additional Covid-19 test benefit of between £150 and £250 that covers you in the case of testing requirements changing when you’re abroad, which means you need to take a test to re-enter the UK.
For those buying a family policy, the additional Covid cover protects all listed members.
Check Covid cover terms and conditions
According to the Association of British Insurers, travel insurers provide cover for emergency medical treatment needed overseas, including any relating to Covid-19. For new policies, many travel insurers also now provide cancellation cover due to Covid-19 diagnosis, often within two weeks of your travel start date.
However, it is always important to check your policy to understand any exclusions. For instance, if Covid cases are surging in your holiday destination, you won’t be covered for “disinclination to travel”, and UK cover may also be excluded.
It’s also worth keeping in mind that if you decide to travel to a destination that is against Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advice, a standard insurance policy won’t protect you, and neither will adding Covid-19 cover.
As such, keep an eye on official advice sites for your travel destination; buy travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday; take your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) or GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card), but don’t rely on them as a substitute to comprehensive travel cover.
It’s also vital to share your medical history so you can have peace of mind that the travel insurance you’ve purchased has you protected before, during and even after your trip.
