Last updated April 11, 2023
COVID-19 vaccine coverage is excluded from Travel Insurance
Although most countries have now ended their COVID-19 vaccine and testing requirements, they may still exist depending upon where you're traveling. If you are traveling to a location that requires proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test, the airline may still require you to show that proof or your test result before being allowed to board.
These exact requirements still vary depending upon where you’re flying from, where you’re traveling to, and the requirements put in place by airports, governments, or the airline itself. Your destination country may require you to be fully vaccinated, or you may simply want to be vaccinated or boosted before you travel by personal choice.
However, any short-term medical insurance or travel insurance plan excludes expenses for vaccines or booster shots, also called immunizations. You will see the specific exclusion in the certificate wording.
The same exclusion applies in any trip cancellation insurance, travel medical insurance, international student insurance, or any other insurance plan that is short-term in nature.
I read that there is a rule that all insurance plans must cover the COVID-19 vaccine. How can you exclude that?
Such a rule only applies to permanent health insurance plans that are Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant in the U.S., meaning long-term, major-medical insurance plans.
There is no such rule for short-term or travel insurance plans.
My parents are traveling soon to the U.S., and the airline requires a COVID-19 vaccine before allowing them to travel. Will visitors insurance cover it?
No. They should get vaccinated before traveling. The vaccination cost should be considered as part of the overall travel cost.
My parents are in a high-risk category. Can you make an exception and cover the COVID-19 vaccine?
No. Vaccines are excluded.
Why are vaccines and boosters excluded from the coverage?
Vaccines and boosters are considered preventive measures, and they are excluded from all short-term or travel insurance plans.
Are you sure? Have you checked thoroughly?
Yes. Vaccines and boosters are excluded.
Is it just your insurance plans that exclude vaccine and booster coverage? Are there other plans from other companies that would cover the coronavirus vaccine?
We are a leading marketplace for travel insurance plans, and we offer all major products from all major U.S.-based companies. All of them have the same exclusion.
We are not aware of any short-term or travel insurance plans currently on the market that would cover the COVID-19 vaccine or a COVID-19 vaccine booster.
The certificate wording does not specifically mention the COVID-19 vaccine exclusion. Why is this excluded?
All vaccines fall under the category of immunizations, which are excluded according to the certificate wording. The COVID-19 vaccine is no different.
I am ready to pay for the required vaccine, but it is not available in my country. What are my options?
If the vaccine or booster is not available in your country, then an insurance company cannot help pay for it, even if it is covered in a given insurance plan.
I heard that the U.S. government will pay for the actual vaccine. However, the doctor will charge money to administer the same. Will the insurance pay for the same?
No. All charges related to vaccination are excluded.
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