All Categories ​>​ ​Travel Insurance ​ > ​ ​Coronavirus ​>​ How do I prepare myself for a possible COVID-19 diagnosis whilst travelling?

How do I prepare myself for a possible COVID-19 diagnosis whilst travelling?

Knowing what you’re covered for, what to do and who to contact in the event of a positive COVID-19 test during your trip will help navigate these potentially new situations for many travellers:

  • Before you go - plan ahead to make sure you understand what you will need to do if you do receive a positive COVID-19 test during your trip
  • On-trip – what to do if you test positive 

Here are a few tips that may assist you: 

Before you go 

  • Research the government requirements around a positive COVID-19 test at the destinations you intend to visit 

No two countries are alike, and neither are their rules around dealing with COVID-19 cases. Some countries may require hospitalisation if you test positive for COVID-19 while travelling to or through them, regardless of whether or not you have symptoms. It’s important that you know if there are any quarantine or testing requirements on both entry and exit from where you're travelling, as well as the costs.

  • Understand your travel insurance policy and its benefit limits 

All our travel insurance plans have different benefit limits and exclusions – make sure you know what they are and if you’ve purchased the right level of cover for you.  You can read more about what is, and isn’t, covered for Coronavirus-related events in your Product Disclosure Statement. If you’re not sure, contact us. 

  • Budget for a positive COVID-19 test result 

It’s always a good idea to keep some reserves for last minute unexpected costs you might incur if you do test positive for COVID-19 while you are travelling.   

 

On trip 

  • Talk to your airline or travel provider

If you need to make changes to a flight or your accommodation, even at the last minute, don’t delay in speaking with your airline or provider.  If you can’t continue with your planned arrangements due to a positive COVID-19 test, simply not showing up could mean you forfeit your booking or incur additional fees when you may have been able to move your dates or times at no or minimal cost. If you booked through a travel agent, they may be able to assist you with this, too. 

  • Contact Emergency Assistance if you need help overseas 

If you’ve received a positive COVID-19 test and you’re already travelling, contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team who can help with what to do.  They can help navigate what to do if you can’t travel home as planned, help you access medical attention or hospitalisation if you’re sick, or talk you through options to extend your policy if you’re stuck and can’t get home. If your diagnosis is at the end of your trip and you are unfit to travel, your policy may automatically extend to when you’re able to fly and get home by the first available flight. 

-----

Qantas Travel Insurance policies are managed by nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Limited (nib) ABN 81 115 932 173 AFSL 308461 and underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 311 193. Qantas (AR 261363) is nib’s authorised representative and acts on behalf of nib. This is general advice only. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Target Market Determination (TMD) and your personal circumstances before you buy.

Was this information helpful?

Powered by HelpDocs (opens in a new tab)