How does Coronavirus (COVID-19) affect your BMC Travel Insurance policy?

Posted by Jim Krawiecki on 16/12/2021

Now with Covid Cover. Travel has been disrupted around the world since Coronavirus hit the headlines at the beginning of 2020. As travel restrictions to certain countries are being lifted, BMC Travel Insurance is adapting to ‘the new normal’. If you’re planning a trip and have BMC Travel Insurance, what should you know about Coronavirus?

Emergency Medical Expenses

BMC Travel Insurance continues to INCLUDE cover for COVID-19 related claims for emergency medical expenses and repatriation.

New cover for policies bought after 1^st September 2021

Additional Covid Cancellation Cover

The latest BMC Travel Insurance policies now have cancellation cover if an insured person has to cancel their trip due to them or their travelling companion being tested positive for COVID-19 (within 14 days of departure). This cover only applies where it is you or a travelling companion who has received a Positive Test for Covid-19 and not if a Close Business Associate, Close Relative or anyone else is suspected of contracting Covid-19 or receives a Positive Test for Covid-19.

There shall be no cover if you or your travelling companion have refused or not taken up an offer of vaccination for Covid-19 (this means both doses) for any reason other than genuine medical grounds.

Additional Covid missed departure or missed connection cover

This section of the cover now includes up to £1,000 for extra transport or accommodation costs to continue your journey, if you miss your outbound or return transport, or you are denied boarding your return flight due to symptoms of an infectious disease (including Covid-19)

As with the cancellation cover, there won’t be any cover if you or your travelling companion have refused or not taken up an offer of vaccination for Covid-19 (this means both doses) for any reason other than genuine medical grounds.

No cover for Quarantine, Isolation and Testing

We have worked steadily throughout the pandemic to put the best cover in place for our members. Unfortunately, we are still unable to offer cover for the costs of quarantine, isolation or the costs of PCR and lateral flow tests for Covid-19.

What about new travel restrictions?

If travel restrictions mean that your trip can no longer go ahead then you will need to contact your airline, rail or ferry company about a change of date, or refund. The same applies to accommodation providers. BMC Travel Insurance cannot offer cover for trip cancellation, or curtailment due to Covid-19 related travel restrictions.

📥 DOWNLOAD: Evidence of Cover

📥 DOWNLOAD: Insurance Product Information Document

For policies bought 1^st December 2020 – 31^st August 2021

These policies 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.

📥 DOWNLOAD: Evidence of Cover

📥 DOWNLOAD: Insurance Product Information Document

For policies bought before 1^st December 2020 please contact the BMC office: insure@thebmc.co.uk

Questions and answers

Q: Will BMC Travel Insurance cover me for places where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advise against travel?

A: It is important to always check the FCDO has not advised against “all” travel to your destination.

BMC Travel Insurance does not cover any Trip to a destination, which is an area where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has advised against 'all travel'. However, there is cover for travel to areas there the advice is against ‘all but essential travel’.

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 FCDO 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 happens to Travel Insurance when travel restrictions are lifted?

A: As travel restrictions are eased more people will be looking book trips abroad. BMC Travel Insurance is ready when you are! Enhanced cover for cancellation and missed departure are included in the latest polocies, as well as all of the usual benefits are in place for your walking, climbing, skiing and mountaineering plans.

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. However, there won’t be any cover if you have refused or not taken up an offer of vaccination for Covid-19 (this means both doses) for any reason other than genuine medical grounds.

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: 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, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)

If you're still unsure about your own BMC travel insurance coverage please email our team at: insure@thebmc.co.uk

WATCH: BMC Travel Insurance built for the mountains

Rock Up Abroad with BMC Travel Insurance

Wherever the hot rock calls, make sure that you go prepared with our travel insurance before you head off.

You can get cover with a BMC Rock policy from just £56* for a week.

BMC Travel Insurance comes in five policies: Travel, Trek, Rock, Alpine and Ski and High Altitude.

*Policy details: £55.21 for 7 days European Rock policy, price for up to age 69.

For full terms and conditions see our Evidence of Cover

Europe by Train

Seat61 has a plethora of information, ready-planned for you to make your train journeys to Europe plain sailing. We fully recommend checking out the routes available and booking in advance to get the best deals on cheaper tickets.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL: Use public transport routes from Seat61 to help you plan your low-impact travels

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Emma Travers(staff comment)

28/02/2020

So if the FCO / WHO advice issued advises against travel meaning you cannot go on your trip, or complete it, you may be able to make a claim under Section 8. Journey Disruption including Airspace Closure.

Like this comment (6)

Anonymous User

03/03/2020

Can you just confirm that if the FCO advise "against travel" to a certain country then the standard Alpine & Rock policy covers this. The wording in the policy states that you are covered where the FCO "prohibit" travel. Are prohibiting travel and advising against travel the same thing?

Like this comment (10)

Anonymous User

03/03/2020

Thanks, but my question is more about the wording in your policy. If the FCO "advise against travel" does this necessarily mean they are prohibiting a person from travelling (is it a total ban on travel) - because the wording in the Policy (Section 8, Clause 5a) doesn't actually use the words "where the FCO advise against" instead it uses the word "prohibit" which could be argued as 2 different things. Can you clarify. Thanks

Like this comment (4)

Anonymous User

03/03/2020

Re:-
"A: If you are kept in quarantine / lock down by an overseas government or health authority, you should not be expected to pay anything, so there would be no claim. "

Having missed the scheduled return flight there is likely to be at least the additional cost of a later return journey.

Like this comment (0)

Emma Travers(staff comment)

03/03/2020

RE: "Prohibit" vs "Against travel" wording from the FCO, the best place for clarification would be from our insurance team who you can call on 0161 438 3319 and they'll be in the best position to explain further.

Like this comment (0)

Anonymous User

06/03/2020

If I were to be abroad in an area which the FCO had not advised against travel to and was to develop symptoms meaning that I had to self isolate for two weeks, I would need to get accomodation somewhere that I could do this. Would the cost of this be covered by BMC insurance?

Like this comment (3)

Emma Travers(staff comment)

06/03/2020

RE: If I were to be abroad in an area which the FCO had not advised against travel to and was to develop symptoms meaning that I had to self isolate for two weeks, I would need to get accommodation somewhere that I could do this. Would the cost of this be covered by BMC insurance?
---
ANSWER:
If you're still unsure about your own BMC travel insurance coverage for your next trip, it's best to contact our team on 0161 438 3319 or email jim@thebmc.co.uk

Like this comment (0)

Anonymous User

10/03/2020

I had booked a flight direct with Flybe, now no longer trading. I have an annual Rock policy. The policy does not specifically cover airline going into administration, but does not explicitly exclude this either. Can you advise whether this is covered.

Like this comment (0)

Emma Travers(staff comment)

10/03/2020

Q:I had booked a flight direct with Flybe, now no longer trading. I have an annual Rock policy. The policy does not specifically cover airline going into administration, but does not explicitly exclude this either. Can you advise whether this is covered.
----
A: We have an article where we address what to do when your flights are cancelled:
https://www.thebmc.co.uk/how-to-cancelled-delayed-flights-compensation-bmc-insurance

However if you're still unsure of the answer after reading it, my best advice is to phone our insurance team as they will be able to respond with the latest advice and they will know how the Flybe situation is being handled currently. Their number is 0161 438 3319

Like this comment (1)

Anonymous User

12/03/2020

What is the situation if you have an annual policy purchased in early January?

Will existing bookings (made prior to March 11th) be covered if the FCO later says that area/country should not be visited? e.g. say I've a trip booked to the alps in the summer?

Also what is the situation for new bookings made after 6pm on 11th March if the traveler has an annual policy that was taken out in early January?

E.g. if I book a trip for November now will I have any cover for this as my policy was purchased at the start of January or are all trip bookings made after March 11th impacted too?

Many thanks

Like this comment (1)

Emma Travers(staff comment)

12/03/2020

Q: What is the situation if you have an annual policy purchased in early January?

Will existing bookings (made prior to March 11th) be covered if the FCO later says that area/country should not be visited? e.g. say I've a trip booked to the alps in the summer?

Also what is the situation for new bookings made after 6pm on 11th March if the traveller has an annual policy that was taken out in early January?

E.g. if I book a trip for November now will I have any cover for this as my policy was purchased at the start of January or are all trip bookings made after March 11th impacted too?
------
A: Our insurance team will shortly be updating this article with information regarding already purchased annual insurances and what that means for your trips, pre-booked or not. In the meantime, for a fast response please email insure@thebmc.co.uk

Like this comment (1)

Anonymous User

13/03/2020

Can you confirm the situation if you have a skiing trip booked and the ski areas have now been closed early due to the corona virus.

Like this comment (2)

Emma Travers(staff comment)

13/03/2020

Q: Can you confirm the situation if you have a skiing trip booked and the ski areas have now been closed early due to the corona virus.
-----
A: For an answer from the our expert team, it's best to call 0161 438 3319 or email insure@thebmc.co.uk regarding your own travel circumstances

Like this comment (0)

Anonymous User

16/03/2020

The country I'm insured to visit on holiday(Australia) is now forcing 14 days of self-isolation - the duration of my trip! Can I claim?
My policy was bought before 11th March.

Like this comment (0)

Anonymous User

16/03/2020

What is the insurance status for European travel on holiday? I am due to fly to Sweden on Friday? The flight is still on, and nobody has banned travel. However Boris has just advised everyone avoids "non-essential" travel.

Like this comment (3)

Anonymous User

18/03/2020

What about UK government guidance to "self isolate" if you have a cough

Like this comment (0)

Anonymous User

21/10/2021

Hi,

I am considering the scenario where the French or UK Government places controls on travel to France which lead to cancellation. Section 8 of the policy 'evidence' does not make clear whether the cover for 'travel' and 'excursions' includes contracted services like airport transfer, ski lift passes, ski lessons, and ski equipment rental. (for a family of 5, btw, the £2500 limit might just cover this...).

("We will pay
1. £30 for each 12 hour delay up to a maximum of £120 in respect of delayed departure
provided You eventually travel; or
2. a) up to £2,500 in respect of unused travel and Accommodation costs (including
excursions up to £250) which You have paid or are contracted to pay and which You
cannot recover from any other source")

Like this comment (0)

Tim Waterhouse(staff comment)

03/11/2021

Questions about the cover provided are best answered by our travel insurance team. You can contact them by email insure@thebmc.co.uk or by phone 0161 445 6111

Like this comment (0)

Anonymous User

22/06/2022

It looks as if a positive covid test within 14 days of departure is covered (cancellation cost would be insuranced) . However does this 14 days extend to after arrival - If you arrive at your destination and then test positive for covid, and thus cannot complete part or all of the remaining trip through illness or quarantine - what insurance claim could made for loss of local travel, accommodation and pre-paid guided trips?

Like this comment (0)