Revenge Travel’s Must Have Accessory: Travel Protection for International Journeys

Jun 23, 2021 | AON

2020 was the summer of the great American road trip. 2021 is the summer of revenge travel. And consumers are taking that term seriously. In fact, according to a recent survey by Destination Analysts, 80% of Americans now say they are ready to travel and initial booking data indicates they are ready to go beyond U.S. borders.

While many countries are reopening to American tourists, each is doing so with its own unique requirements that balance welcoming guests with maintaining progress in reducing COVID-19 cases. For some countries – like Costa Rica, those requirements include a specific level of travel protection to enter, even for vaccinated tourists. According to visitcostarica.com, “Tourists must acquire mandatory travel insurance that covers lodging in the event of quarantine as well as medical expenses due to contracting COVID-19. If the tourist has already been vaccinated, this does not exempt them from this requirement, and they must acquire an insurance policy as described. This requirement remains in force.”

Beth Godlin, president of the Aon Affinity Travel Practice, noted that these requirements underscore how instrumental travel protection will be in revitalizing international travel. “Travel protection gives consumers the confidence to invest in a longer haul trip and it gives countries the confidence to welcome them at the very moment when tourism business is much needed,” Godlin said. “It’s a win-win as both groups look to a return to normal.”

Since the start of the pandemic, the travel insurance industry has been adapting coverage to meet evolving needs and concerns and enable consumers to travel safely – including creating new products to address travel insurance entry requirements. For example, Aon recently launched Travel Pro Plus, which may supplement an existing travel protection plan to help meet certain country requirements or be purchased as a stand-alone post departure plan. The plan’s maximum benefits include $50,000 for accident and sickness medical expenses, including those related to COVID-19, and $2,000 for trip delays, including delays due to COVID-19 exposure/quarantine orders. The plan is valid for up 30 days of travel; extended trips require purchase of an additional plan.

To choose adequate coverage for their journey, Godlin strongly recommends travelers research their destination’s entry requirements before booking and continue to monitor those requirements ahead of departure. “Even though the pandemic is easing in many regions around the world, this is still a fluid situation. Country requirements are subject to change, so travelers should check prior to arrival to determine whether a product meets their needs,” she said.

Aon Travel Takeaway: As travelers prepare to cross borders once again, they should remember that no two COVID-19 travel protection plans are the same. Travelers should carefully review each plan’s terms and conditions and compare them to their destination’s requirements to determine the most appropriate plan for their trip.

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