What to consider during coronavirus outbreak
Fear alone of a rapidly spreading disease not covered under most travel insurance
With spring break vacations vast approaching, many Canadians have to decide if they still want to travel amid the uncertainty caused by the spread of COVID-19.
As of Tuesday morning, the World Health Organization director-general reported a total 90,893 cases of COVID19 globally, and 3,110 deaths. Outside China, 1,848 new cases were reported in 48 countries and, while 80 per cent of those came from just three countries — Korea, Iran and Italy — it’s hard to predict where the next big outbreak might occur.
“We haven’t suggested anybody cancel their trip, we’ve just said be very, very cautious,” said Irfan Jetha, CEO of Travel Health Now, which provides medical consultations to travellers.
“I think it’s really up to an individual’s comfort level. If they’re looking to book travel now, given what’s going on, if they’re comfortable with getting on a plane, we can’t provide more guidance than what Health Canada has already provided on that risk level.”
Canada, which now has at least 33 cases, but no deaths, currently describes the risk to Canadian travellers as low and has held off recommending against all travel to any of the coronavirus hotspots around the world except Hubei province, the epicentre of the outbreak. And the World Health Organization (WHO) has continually advised against travel bans to countries with cases of the coronavirus.
“In general, evidence shows that restricting the movement of people and goods during public health emergencies is ineffective in most situations and may divert resources from other interventions,” WHO says on its website. “Several countries that denied entry of travellers or who have suspended the flights to and from China or other affected countries, are now reporting cases of COVID-19.”
However, anyone who is sick should postpone their travel plans, WHO advises, especially elderly travellers and people with underlying health conditions.
For those considering cancelling a trip, it’s important to keep in mind that fear alone of a rapidly spreading disease is not covered under most travel insurance. Only countries that are under a “level three” or “four” travel advisory issued by the Canadian government qualify under most policies. While the government currently advises against nonessential travel (level three) to China, Northern Italy and Iran, travellers to Japan and South Korea are only advised to practice “special precautions” (level two).
There are at least five cases in Mexico and one in the Dominican Republic, both popular spring break spots for Canadians, but no travel advisories have been issued.
While there are insurance policies that allow a cancellation for any reason, those tend to be more expensive and must be purchased within a few weeks of booking.
Anyone booking a trip now should consider how much protection they want given the uncertainty.