Travel insurance inquiries spike from Zika virus concerns

mosquito zika virus travel insurance

Vacationers and business travelers, alike, are looking into coverage to give them peace of mind.

According to a recent data release, calls regarding travel insurance have skyrocketed from airline travelers who are worried about the type of medical care they would receive if they were to be infected with the Zika virus while away from home, how much that care would cost, and whether or not it will provide them with the opportunity to cancel their plans if they are headed into an area where infections are known.

People heading to places where the Aedes aegypti mosquito has been reported are worried for their health and wallets.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the carrier of the Zika virus, which has now been added to the list of the biggest worries experienced by airline travelers. Also in that category are extreme weather and terrorism. According to the InsureMyTrip website, there has been a 20 percent increase in inquiries with regards to travel insurance and whether or not it will cover medical care for a potential Zika virus infection.

This virus has been causing great concerns in the travel insurance and other services communities.

mosquito zika virus travel insuranceSymptoms of the Zika virus include: joint pain, fever, rashes, and/or conjunctivitis (pink eye). The virus is also suspected of causing potential birth defects should it infect a woman who is pregnant at the time. That said, that last issue has yet to be confirmed by the global medical community.

Experts in travel policies have stated that the majority of insurance companies do not offer standard coverage that would allow someone to cancel vacation or business trip plans out of fear or the Zika virus, even for a pregnant woman. That said, in the case of the more expensive policies that allow a traveler to cancel for any reason, travelers would be able to have their travel expenses refunded if they decide not to go as a result of their fear of contracting Zika.

According to the InsureMyTrip chief exec, Jim Grace, “The Zika virus is a real concern for travelers.” Aside from buying travel insurance, other options have been made available to some people traveling into areas where the Zica virus is present. For instance, certain airlines (including Delta and United) have made it possible for people to obtain refunds or schedule their flights if they had booked travel into parts of the world where Zika is problematic.

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