Last Updated: 06/14/2023
Due to continuing coronavirus (COVID-19) infections and variants, many people traveling abroad, including visitors to the U.S.A. and their families, are concerned about whether medical treatment would be covered if they were to fall sick from coronavirus. As the disease continues to spread, they have many questions.
These FAQs aim to clarify some of the questions specific to international travel insurance that covers COVID-19. As the situation changes rapidly, it is best to check with us for the latest information.
Q: Will I be covered if I get infected with coronavirus?
A: Exclusion varies based on the insurance plan:
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As of Wednesday, September 23, 2020, coronavirus coverage will be available to new customers who purchase the Visit USA-HealthCare plans.
As of April 15, 2021, coronavirus coverage will be available to new customers who purchase the WorldMed or InterMedical plans.
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As of Tuesday, August 23, 2022, coronavirus coverage will be available to customers who purchase the Beacon America and Beacon International plans. These plans will cover COVID-19 up to $100,000 or to the policy maximum, whichever is lower.
Q: I don’t have any symptoms, but I want to get tested to confirm that I don’t have coronavirus. Will visitors insurance cover that?
A: It is not covered.
Q: Some insurance plans include a “Wellness Visit” benefit. Can it be used for Coronavirus testing?
A: Wellness visits are governed by ICD code, which does not include specific testing. Therefore, it will not cover the coronavirus test, even if the doctor advises that you should get tested within the course of the wellness exam. In any case, as $125 is the total payout, the benefit usually doesn’t cover 100% of the wellness exam, anyway.
Q: I noticed that the prices of many consumer goods have increased significantly. Have the visitors insurance companies similarly raised the prices due to high demand?
A: No. Fortunately, insurance prices are regulated by law, and no visitors insurance company has raised prices due to coronavirus.
Q: If I have the symptoms of coronavirus, go to the lab for tests, and the results are negative, would I be covered for that test?
A: Test expenses are not excluded simply because the results are negative.
Please note that the exclusion related to CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notices, where applicable, still applies.
If you have symptoms of a sickness, the insurance company would cover whatever is medically necessary, as long as it is not excluded due to other restrictions such as travel warnings, pre-existing conditions, etc. Medically necessary procedures are not considered preventive checkups.
Q: How does insurance decide if the medical condition I contracted is a new medical condition or coronavirus?
A: Only a medical professional can diagnose when a person acquired COVID-19. The insurance company would rely upon the professional opinion of the treating physician. Only a medical professional can diagnose when a person acquired COVID-19.
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