Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Updated on Dec 21, 2020, 11:00am EDT
For ALC product FAQs, click here. Still have questions? Get additional assistance for ALC Health plans or ALC Travel plans.
The virus responsible for COVID-19, was first reported from Wuhan, China in December 2019. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of COVID-19, a “public health emergency of international concern” and, on March 11, 2020, the disease was characterized as a “pandemic.” On March 19, 2020, the U.S. Department of State issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory. On March 27, 2020, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Global Warning Level 3, "avoid nonessential travel," due to the widespread and ongoing transmission of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
As of August 6, 2020, the U.S. Department of State, in coordination with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has removed the Global Level 4 Health Advisory and reverted to a prior protocol of reviewing Travel Warnings on a country specific basis. The removal of the Global level advisory may affect the benefits afforded under IMG’s international medical product offerings.
Under the terms and conditions of IMG’s international medical products (not including iTravelInsured travel protection plans), travelers who purchase coverage on or after August 6, 2020 may be eligible for benefits directly or indirectly related to COVID-19, as long as the DOS or CDC have not issued a Level 3 or higher Travel Warning for your destination country. In addition, if a government agency from your country of residence has not issued a similar travel warning, you may be eligible for coverage for COVID-19 coverage.
If you have additional questions or concerns, please use this page to learn about the outbreak, access great resources for the most current information, and understand how you or your IMG coverage may be impacted by COVID-19.
Information regarding IMG's health risk assessment, as it pertains to the "back to office" plan for our European offices, can be found here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Insurance Plan FAQs
Operational Capability FAQs
IMG remains ready to provide advice, guidance, and practical support in this rapidly evolving situation. By far, most members who contract COVID-19 will have mild disease and not require admission to hospital but may be admitted to isolation facilities for up to 14 days. If members become more severely unwell, they should follow local advice – they may be directed to specific facilities that are better equipped to manage their condition.
IMG’s ability to move patients with COVID-19 varies throughout a pandemic. Both the originating and accepting countries will likely not allow any patient to travel when infectious. Additionally, travel restrictions are being placed on international travel by many countries across the globe. In most cases, members will have mild disease, remain in country, recover within 14 days, and then be able to travel (if necessary). It is possible that they may be subject to an additional period of quarantine on returning to their home country. As we progress further into a pandemic phase, where there is established community spread, restricting travel between countries becomes less helpful and it is possible that there will be a relaxation of restrictions. In reality, a lag in governmental response combined with regional variations will make transfer of COVID-19 patients complicated. The major challenge in these cases is sourcing an accepting bed, either because countries do not want to import cases or because of the lack of intensive care resources. IMG will make every attempt to coordinate transports in these cases and know which of our air ambulance providers can transfer these patients.
Patients with non COVID-19 disease or injury in outbreak areas may be subject to travel/evacuation restrictions. The extent to which this may occur depends upon the government involved. When widespread testing becomes available, it is our hope that port health authorities will allow transfer, but companies that have employees in poorly resourced areas must have contingency plans for staff to remain in country for treatment. In all cases, IMG will assess capabilities and options individually and will proactively maintain surveillance of our network providers, as well as the spread of the virus, to enable us to act quickly to supply our clients with the best course of action based on their unique situation.
IMG adheres to all governmental laws and regulations as they pertain to assisting and transporting members across the globe. If any member travels to a country after the ban was put in place, this may impact our ability to help them return home. Additionally, IMG must adhere to the travel restrictions themselves. This means that, for example, any member currently in Europe who may require a medical repatriation back to the United States should expect to experience delays in their return. As this is an evolving process, we will learn more in the upcoming days and weeks in terms of what, if any, exceptions of a medical nature can be made considering these travel restrictions. Each individual case is unique and will be reviewed and evaluated individually to determine the best course of action and plan.
Considering recent events and the quickly evolving global situation, IMG is not able to provide assurance that there will be no response interruption. In fact, the more likely outcome is that members should expect to experience a delay in movement in some form, and the extent to which this will impact an individual member and their situation will vary from case to case. IMG is taking steps to proactively remain in contact with our medical and transportation providers around the globe to understand their capabilities and limitations, and to provide the most current advice to our members. Our operations and medical teams also remain available 24/7 for any urgent inquiries, questions, or medical emergencies that may arise. IMG will “Be There” for our customers wherever their travels may take them, and will leverage our travel intelligence, provider network, and expertise in patient movements to come up with an action plan in the best interest of the patient.
Any individual decisions for cancelling or scheduling travel should be made by the member, weighing the most recent news, restrictions, and advice coming from various governmental and global agencies. Please refer to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of State, and World Health Organization (WHO) for the latest and most up to date information available.
IMG has extensive experience working with governments and medical organizations to assist our members during serious medical situations, including all global health emergencies since 1990. In addition, our robust network of air ambulance providers have experience transferring patients with infectious disease and we are engaged in a continual dialogue with them to understand their worldwide readiness.
General Coronavirus FAQs
The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19. The disease was first reported from Wuhan, China in December 2019. On January 30, 2020, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of COVID-19, a “public health emergency of international concern.
For all other questions regarding the disease itself, refer to the World Health Organization’s FAQ page.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems such as high blood pressure, heart problems, or diabetes are more likely to develop serious illness. About 2% of people with the disease have died. People with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.
People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person-to-person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick.
The “incubation period” means the time between catching the virus and beginning to have symptoms of the disease. Most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 range from 1-14 days, most commonly around five days. These estimates will be updated as more data becomes available.
To date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-19. However, those affected should receive care to relieve symptoms. People with serious illness should be hospitalized. Most patients recover thanks to supportive care.
Possible vaccines and some specific drug treatments are under investigation. They are being tested through clinical trials. WHO is coordinating efforts to develop vaccines and medicines to prevent and treat COVID-19.
The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue, and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who are coughing or sneezing.
*This is a summary of a selection of plan benefits offered only as an illustration and does not supersede in any way the Certificate of Insurance and governing policy documents (together the “Insurance Contract”). The Insurance Contract is the only source of the actual benefits provided.
**Insurance benefits contained within the travel protection plans described above are underwritten by the United States Fire Insurance Company. C&F and Crum & Forster are registered trademarks of United State Fire Insurance Company. The Crum & Forster group of companies is rated A (Excellent) by AM Best Company 2018.
Get Medical Insight and Practical Guidance in our Latest Webinar
In the latest Coronavirus-focused IMG webinar, Dr. Tothill shares his medical perspective on how best to prepare for and mitigate the growing threat of widespread COVID-19, advice for those in affected areas, and simple measures most effective in controlling the spread of this Coronavirus.
Updates from IMG's Chief Medical Officer
IMG's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Geoff Tothill, shares the the latest updates on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, advice for those in affected areas, and simple measures most effective in controlling the spread.
IMG Coronavirus Bulletin January 25th, 2020
IMG Coronavirus Bulletin February 25th, 2020
IMG Coronavirus Bulletin March 12th, 2020
IMG Coronavirus Bulletin March 20th, 2020
Primary Resources
Get the Latest Information
What you can do to protect yourself

Regular Hand Washing
One of the most effective ways of reducing spread is through regular and thorough hand washing and avoidance of hand to mouth contact. Use of alco-gel throughout the day can also significantly reduce the risk.

Catch Your Coughs
Medical expenses vary around the world. To provide the best balance of coverage and cost, plan coverage rates may be different for a traveler visiting the United States than they are for a traveler in a destination where healthcare is less expensive.

Avoid Large Crowds
Being in close proximity to a large number of people, even if they (or you) are wearing a mask, increases the probability that you will contract the virus. Many countries have cancelled large public gatherings in affected areas.

Social Distancing
Substituting face to face meetings with teleconferencing, avoiding shaking hands and distancing from those with flu like symptoms can all help reduce transmission. Staff working in contact centres in endemic areas should avoid sharing headsets or visiting each others work areas.
IMG's COVID-19 Preparedness
While IMG’s Chief Medical Officer and medical team continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and how it may affect our members, clients, and producers, they’re equally as focused on the IMG team’s safety and security. Based on their recommendations and in accordance with our company-wide pandemic response plans, we recently initiated our work from home policy. We believe this was necessary to protect the health and wellbeing of the IMG team, while also allowing us to continue serving you with limited service interruptions.
As a result of these remote working measures, please keep the following in mind:
- USPS mail service may be impacted, affecting mail delivery both to and from IMG. We recommend that IMG claims be submitted to IMGcustomercare@imglobal.com and iTravelInsured claims be submitted to iTravelClaims@itravelinsured.com
- Fulfillment of IMG physical ID cards and other documents may be impacted. As always, IMG plan documents, including ID cards, can be accessed through our website
Like other travel companies and insurance organizations, we are experiencing a high volume of calls, emails, and inquiries regarding COVID-19. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we diligently work to respond to all inquiries during this trying time. Please review the FAQs above for information regarding COVID-19 and how plan or policy benefits may be affected.
For ALC product FAQs, click here. Still have questions? Get additional assistance for ALC Health plans or ALC Travel plans.
ALC Prima & Travel FAQs
ALC Prima Plans FAQs
Yes, providing you have not travelled to a country that any government or health authorities have declared a no-go area/country (self-exposure is not covered).
Yes, the self-exposure exclusion will not apply as you already live there.
Asthma is an exclusion on your policy and therefore would be excluded from cover. However, treatment for COVID-19 would still be covered.
Evacuation cover is provided where emergency in-patient treatment is not available locally. If this is required and is covered under the plan, then yes, cover will be provided.
If appropriate treatment is available locally, then this benefit will not be considered.
Please note: when considering an evacuation or repatriation, we will be obliged to follow the advice and restrictions from the government or health authorities of the country you will travel from and to, and based on those restrictions, the ability to do so may not be within our control. We will also be unable to guarantee availability to evacuate/repatriate if airlines, local government, and global organisations apply restrictions.
If you wish to be evacuated from an area of high exposure, but there is no medical requirement for you to do so, this would not be covered.
If admitted to a State or Charitable Hospital and no claim is submitted under this policy for reimbursement of costs, then you are eligible for the cash benefit. Subsequently, if the State or Charitable Hospital were to submit a claim for costs in their facility and we have paid out under the claim, the cash benefit would not apply. All other policy terms and conditions would continue to apply.
We do not cover experimental, unlicensed, or unproven treatment, regardless of whether treatment is medically recommended or prescribed.
Isolation and Quarantine treatment costs in an appropriate medical facility will be covered. There are no exclusions for this in ALC plans. If you are self-isolating at home, we will not cover any incidental costs other than medicines, treatment, and advice provided by a medical practitioner, as per the terms and conditions of your plan.
Disclaimer
Regarding COVID-19, care should be taken that any suspected cases follow local Government/Health Department recommendations in terms of receiving treatment or attending a medical facility and members should call local authorities for advice BEFORE seeking treatment under the ALC plan. This advice should be followed – ALC will not recommend any actions outside of this.
If a member is advised by local Government/Health Department to attend a local medical facility ALC will honour claims as with any other condition, subject to usual policy terms and conditions.
Please note: in respect of all of the above, any advice that the government or health authorities have given would need to be followed. For example, if you were quarantined in a local hospital, we would not be able to move you to a private facility. Governments/organisations/local facilities could restrict the provision of developed treatments and vaccinations to the public sector and these may not be available through private facilities. In these circumstances, members will not be able to circumvent these restrictions despite having a policy that covers them for private facilities and will need to seek the relevant treatment through local public facilities in accordance with the regulations and restrictions for that area. All of the above is subject to your policy terms and conditions. Specific exclusion wordings referenced above.
35 – Costs which arise from or are directly or indirectly caused by self-exposure to needles danger, except in an attempt to save a human life.
42 – Costs and expenses incurred where an insured person has travelled against medical advice.
Cash Benefit – Where hospital accommodation and all treatment costs are provided in a State or Charitable Hospital and no claim is submitted under this policy for reimbursement of any in-patient costs, and providing that the medical condition suffered would be eligible for benefit.
ALC Travel FAQs
No, your policy has a general exclusion for any claims relating to an epidemic or pandemic. This is applicable regardless of when you purchased your insurance. On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organisation declared Coronavirus to be a pandemic. Consequently, there will be no cover for any claims relating to Coronavirus including medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment and travel disruption under your ALC Travel plan.
We will consider claims for medical expenses if you travelled before Coronavirus was declared to be a pandemic (provided you did not travel against Governmental advice against all or all but essential travel). If you suspect you have coronavirus, you should follow local Government or Health Authority advice for the country you are in. If you need urgent medical assistance, please contact the ALC emergency assistance helpline detailed in your policy wording.
You will not be able to claim for the cancellation of your trip if the reason for cancellation is related to Coronavirus.
Disclaimer
The advice above relates to coverage under your ALC Travel policy for claims relating to Coronavirus. The terms and conditions of your policy as they relate to other situations will continue to apply.
We encourage you to contact your travel provider(s) as soon as possible to establish if refunds are available or bookings can be changed and to follow governmental or local health guidelines. UK FCO advice can be found at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
IMG Insurance FAQs
IMG offers several different types of insurance plans and their coverages may vary. You should always refer to your Certificate of Insurance as the definitive source for the terms, conditions and exclusions of coverage.* The following information is being provided in response to inquiries received regarding the COVID-19, as well as recent updates regarding travel warnings and restrictions from the following recognized health organizations or governmental agencies:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Global Warning Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel.
U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory - Do not travel.
Most of our travel medical plans provide coverage* for COVID-19 related care if you have purchased and entered the destination country prior to either: 1) the CDC issuing a Warning Level 3 (avoid nonessential travel) for your Destination Country; or 2) a government agency of your Home Country publishing or issuing a Travel Warning or Emergency Travel Advisory regarding your Destination Country. Eligible Medical Expenses that may be considered for coverage include, but are not limited to, charges for illness, injury or medical evacuation.
There is no coverage* if you have not departed your Home Country/Country of Residence and not entered the destination country prior to either: 1) the CDC issuing a Warning Level 3 (avoid nonessential travel) for your Destination Country; or 2) a government agency of your Home Country publishing or issuing a Travel Warning or Emergency Travel Advisory regarding your Destination Country.
On August 6, 2020, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) removed the “Global Level 4” Travel Warning and published country specific assessments and advisories. Depending on the country where you reside you may have coverage for COVID-19. Traveling to countries with a Level 3 Travel Warning and higher, may still restrict coverage so please refer to the following website published by the CDC https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/warning/coronavirus-global to determine your destinations status. Additional information may also be found by contacting your destination countries Office of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Health.
Your global plan may provide coverage* for COVID-19 related care if you have purchased and entered the destination country prior to either: 1) the CDC issuing a Warning Level 3 (avoid nonessential travel) for your Destination Country; or 2) a government agency of your Home Country publishing or issuing a Travel Warning or Emergency Travel Advisory regarding your Destination Country. Eligible Medical Expenses that may be considered for coverage include, but are not limited to, charges for illness, injury or medical evacuation.
Only a medical professional can diagnose when a person acquired COVID-19. IMG would rely upon the professional opinion of the treating physician.
Testing will be covered as a medical expense if the insured meets all terms and conditions of the insurance plan or policy.
COVID-19 is a medical condition and will be treated as any other illness subject to all the terms and conditions of the insurance plan or policy. Any charges incurred and associated proof of claim should be sent to IMG for benefit consideration.
The pandemic exclusion would not be applicable if a travel advisory warning 3 is not in effect at the time the IMG plan is purchased. All exclusions, terms and conditions of the Certificate of Insurance are applicable*.
The pandemic exclusion applies based on the travel advisory dates and the date the insured purchased the IMG coverage or when he/she traveled. If the insured person has coverage* after the travel advisory and contracts the COVID-19 when the travel advisory is in place, he/she does not have coverage for this illness.
If the travel advisory changes and the pandemic exclusion no longer applies, coverage for the COVID-19 is available provided that the condition did not manifest during the time the travel advisory was in effect.
Disclaimer
If you have purchased an individual student product or are a part of a student group, the terms and conditions of your coverage may be different. Please refer to your Certificate of Insurance and Endorsement(s) for further details. These documents can be found on the MyIMG portal.
iTravelInsured Insurance FAQs
Yes. COVID-19 is treated that same as any other sickness for purposes of all coverages that are triggered by a sickness or that can reimburse losses resulting from a sickness – including deaths caused by sickness. Depending on the Plan Design, this can include – but is not necessarily limited to – the following (including the sub-benefits of many of these):
- Trip Cancellation,
- Trip Interruption,
- Accident and Sickness Medical Expense;
- Emergency Medical Evacuation / Medical Repatriation / Return of Remains.
The same limitation and exclusions that apply to all claims also apply to claims related to COVID-19, including the Exclusion for Pre-Existing Conditions. Please note that the same rules that govern all Pre-Existing Conditions also apply to COVID-19.
Certain Plan Designs include a Waiver of the Exclusion for Pre-Existing Conditions. If the Waiver of the Exclusion for Pre-Existing Conditions applies to losses stemming from sicknesses, it also applies to losses stemming from COVID-19.
Both Trip Cancellation coverage and Trip Interruption coverage can include “Sickness” as a covered reason. In order for the “Sickness” trigger to apply for either Trip Cancellation coverage or Trip Interruption coverage, you must require medical treatment at the time of the cancellation or interruption (as applicable), and a Legally Qualified Physician (as defined by your Plan) must determine that your sickness requires you to have to cancel or interrupt your trip. If a Legally Qualified Physician is employed by the travel supplier to administer the temperature check and she determines that your fever prevents you from being able to embark on or continue your trip, then there may be Trip Cancellation coverage or Trip Interruption coverage (as applicable), subject to the standard terms and conditions of your Plan.
If you fail a temperature check that is administered by someone who is not a Legally Qualified Physician, you must take additional action in order for this to be considered a covered sickness for purposes of Trip Cancellation coverage or Trip Interruption coverage. As soon as reasonably possible, you will need to seek the attention of a Legally Qualified Physician, and the Legally Qualified Physician will need to confirm that your fever prevented you from being able to embark on or continue your trip. Please note that we will consider a physician’s visit delivered via telehealth to satisfy this requirement.
The language in our forms does not support an exclusion due to an event becoming “known” or “foreseeable.” Because of this, US Fire cannot state that losses caused by COVID-19 would not be covered after a set purchase date. Rather, the date by which the Plan must have been purchased for benefits to be payable will vary from coverage to coverage and from Plan Design to Plan Design.
The coverage that you purchased may include, but is not necessarily limited to, the following covered reasons for Trip Cancellation – all of which could be triggered directly or indirectly by the COVID-19 pandemic. The exact language in each Plan may vary and not all covered reasons are included in each issued Plan:
- Sickness
- Death
- Quarantine
- Called to military duty for a national disaster
- Family or friends unable to provide accommodations due to life-threatening illness or death
- Being required to work during the trip
- Being laid off or fired from your job
In all cases, the triggering event must occur while coverage is in effect. Additional terms apply to all triggers discussed above. See your Plan Document for full details.
The coverage that you purchased may include, but is not necessarily limited to, the following covered reasons for Trip Interruption – all of which could be triggered directly or indirectly by the COVID-19 pandemic. The exact language in each Plan may vary and not all covered reasons are included in each issued Plan:
- Sickness
- Death
- Government mandated shut down of an airport or air traffic control system
- Quarantine
- Called to military duty for a national disaster
- Family or friends unable to provide accommodations due to life-threatening illness or death
- Being required to work during the trip
- Being laid off or fired from your job
In all cases, the triggering event must occur while coverage is in effect. Additional terms apply to all triggers discussed above. See your Plan Document for full details.
Plan Documents may include either or both Travel Delay coverage or Missed Connection coverage. Each of these separate coverages may include the following covered reasons – all of which could be triggered directly or indirectly by the COVID-19 pandemic (the exact language in each Plan may vary and not all covered reasons are included in each Plan):
- Common Carrier Delay
- Quarantine
For Travel Delay, an insured must be delayed (for the number of hours detailed in the Plan Document) while en route to/from or during a trip due to a covered reason.
For Missed Connection, an insured must miss a cruise or tour departure due to a delay (for the number of hours detailed in the Plan Document) caused by a covered reason.
In all cases, the triggering event must occur while coverage is in effect. Additional terms apply to all triggers discussed above. See your Plan Document for full details.
The ordinary meaning of the term “quarantine” is a strict medical isolation imposed by a recognized government authority, their authorized deputies, a medical examiner or a physician to prevent the spread of a disease. An order is not considered to impose a strict medical isolation unless the order requires you to be confined twenty-four hours per day, seven days a week throughout its duration.
If you decide to “self-quarantine” upon the advice of Dr. Anthony Fauci, or upon the advice of any other medical doctor in the media, this is not considered to be a physician-ordered quarantine. Rather, a physician must specifically order you to be quarantined (and the order must apply twenty-four hours per day, seven days a week throughout its duration).
Likely no. If a government or physician orders you to remain in your home or lodging, this can be considered a quarantine if – and only if – the order to shelter in place applies twenty-four hours per day, seven days a week throughout its duration. If there are exceptions that permit you to leave your home or lodging to obtain necessary provisions or food (etc.), this is not considered to be a quarantine as this is not a strict medical isolation.
Depending upon the Plan Design and the state, a quarantine meeting the definition described above can trigger benefits under the following coverages:
- Trip Cancellation;
- Trip Interruption;
- Missed Connection;
- Travel Delay.
Please note that Plan Designs vary. Your Plan may not contain one or more of the coverages above or may not include “quarantine” as a covered reason for one or more of the coverages that are included.
This will depend upon the restrictions imposed by the order. If a government or physician orders you to remain in your home or lodging, this is can be considered a quarantine if – and only if – the order to self quarantine applies twenty-four hours per day, seven days a week throughout its duration. If there are exceptions that permit you to leave your home or lodging to obtain necessary provisions or food (etc.), this is not considered to be a quarantine as this is not a strict medical isolation.
If the destination to which you are traveling is requiring all travelers similarly situated to you to be quarantined (as described above in response to FAQ 8) for a period of time upon entry, you may be eligible for Trip Cancellation coverage – provided the quarantine that you would face is in effect within 14 days of your scheduled departure date. You must cancel your trip within this 14 day period prior to departure. If you cancel your trip more than 14 days prior to your trip, there is no Trip Cancellation coverage due to a quarantine – unless you can provide proof that the quarantine would have been in effect on your scheduled departure date at the time you cancel your trip.
If you have already departed on your trip but have not yet entered the destination that is requiring all travelers similarly situated to you to be quarantined, there may be coverage for Trip Interruption – provided the quarantine that you would face is in effect within 14 days of your scheduled arrival into that destination.
Regardless of the terms of the Plan, United States Fire Insurance Company has made the administrative decision to allow for coverage to be extended for the entire duration of a COVID-19 related quarantine. In addition, coverage will be extended for five additional days following the end of the quarantine provided you have not arrived back in your return destination city.
No. An insured’s inability to enter a country or state (or municipality, etc.) altogether is not considered to be a quarantine for purposes of either Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption coverage. However, if the Plan that you purchased includes either or both Cancel for Any Reason or Interruption For Any Reason coverages, benefits would be payable (subject to the standard rules that apply to these coverages).
As stated above, certain Plans may include being laid off or fired from your job as a covered reason for Trip Cancellation coverage and/or as a covered reason for Trip Interruption coverage. If either or both coverages in your Plan include this language, we will consider a furlough (or other temporary layoff) to trigger coverage – provided that you are furloughed while your coverage is in effect and the terms of the covered reason are otherwise satisfied. As with all claims, proof of loss will be required to be submitted for benefits to be payable. We will accept a statement from your employer describing your furlough as satisfying this requirement.
A cancellation due to an insured’s fear of contracting COVID-19, even if reasonable and supported by a physician’s note advising the insured or a traveling companion not to travel due to an underlying condition (or any other reason), would not be covered unless you purchased Cancel For Any Reason coverage (subject to the standard rules that apply to this coverage).
The standard rules that apply to Cancel for Any Reason and Interruption For Any Reason coverages apply if you purchased either or both of these coverages.
The standard rules that apply to Change Fee, Itinerary Change, and Reimbursement of Miles or Reward Points apply if a Plan contains any or all of these coverages.
Additional coverages in your Plan Document may also be triggered.
We understand the nature of your situation and are here to provide assistance and applicable coverage under your Plan. We want to support all of our customers in a very meaningful way. Our ultimate goal is to help our customers navigate through this very serious situation.
This document only provides a general summary. Please refer to the actual Plan Document for the specific terms and conditions of the specific Plan issued to you as eligibility for coverage varies based upon the specific Plan terms, conditions and limitations, and may vary by state or may not be available in all states. Not all Plan Documents will include all of these coverages or coverage triggers, and certain features are not be available in all states.
While this is a fluid situation and subject to change, we would like to share some general information regarding the Travel Protection Plan you may have in force. Please keep in mind, however, that all Plans are different, so it is imperative for you to read your Plan Document and contact iTravelInsured if you have any questions related to your specific coverage.
Coverage for COVID-19 Related Claims under the iTravelInsured Travel Products
The answers to the FAQs above are based off of the travel insurance underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company that is available in most states. Please note, however, that it is possible that the answers to these questions could vary by Plan Design and by state. Your specific Plan Document controls.
IMG Europe Insurance FAQs
Globehopper FAQs
This is a summary of a selection of plan benefits offered only as an illustration and does not supersede in any way the Certificate of Insurance and/or governing policy documents (together the ‘Insurance Contract’). The Insurance Contract is the only source of the actual benefits provided.
Within the IMG Globehopper Plan range, we do provide cover for COVID-19 provided no other exclusions or limitations apply and provided the insured has not travelled in contradiction of a travel advisory or travel warning.
HOWEVER, care should be taken that if you have a suspected case of coronavirus you must follow local Government/Health Department recommendations in terms of receiving treatment or attending a medical facility and you should call local authorities for advice BEFORE seeking treatment under the IMG Europe plan. This advice should be followed – we will not be able to recommend any actions outside of this.
Below are some specific Question and Answers which may assist with any questions or concerns.
The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19. The disease was first reported from Wuhan, China in December 2019. On 11 March 2020, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of COVID-19, a “global pandemic.”
Yes, provided you have not travelled in contradiction of a travel warning or travel advisory from your country of residence or your destination country. COVID-19 will be treated as any other illness and will be subject to all the usual terms and conditions of the insurance plan or policy.
Important note: If you have a suspected case of COVID-19 you must follow local Government/Health Department recommendations in terms of receiving treatment or attending a medical facility and you should call local authorities for advice BEFORE seeking treatment under the IMG Europe plan. This advice should be followed – we will not be able to recommend any actions outside of this.
If you travelled in contradiction of a travel warning or travel advisory from your Country of Residence and then contracted COVID19, no benefits will be available for the care or treatment of the virus.
Yes, you will be covered for the care and treatment of COVID-19 subject to any other limitations or exclusions in your policy.
Our Globehopper plans do not cover pre-existing conditions, and this remains the case with COVID-19. Thus, your usual treatments and medications for any pre-existing condition would be excluded as usual. However, if your COVID19 diagnosis causes symptoms related to your pre-existing condition, then claims will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Evacuation cover is provided for conditions covered under the insurance (an “Eligible Medical Condition”) when emergency in-patient treatment is not available locally. However, if appropriate treatment is available locally then this benefit will not be considered.
Please note we will be obliged to follow the advice and restrictions from the government or health authorities of the country you will travel from and to if we were looking to evacuate or repatriate, and hence the ability to do so may not be within our control. We will also be unable to guarantee availability to evacuate/repatriate if airlines, local governments and global organisations apply restrictions.
If you are admitted to a State or Charitable Hospital for an eligible medical condition and no claim is submitted under this policy for reimbursement of costs, then you are eligible for the cash benefit. Subsequently, if the State or Charitable Hospital were to submit a claim for costs in their facility after we have paid out under the cash benefit, we would not cover the medical claim as well. All other policy terms and conditions would continue to apply.
COVID-19 itself does not affect this benefit. However, our standard terms state that we will not pay claims under this benefit if your local government has issued a travel advisory or warning against travel to another country in the 6 months prior to you travelling there. Clearly most countries now have significant travel advisories and it is likely this benefit would not be payable for new travel.
Provided your plan includes travel related benefits, you may be entitled to Missed Departure and Journey Disruption benefits if a qualified national or local authority issued a travel advisory or warning for your destination. Please refer to the specific wording in your plan.
We do not cover experimental, unlicensed or unproven treatments, regardless of whether treatment is medically recommended or prescribed. This applies in respect of any illnesses, not just COVID-19.
Isolation and quarantine treatment costs in an appropriate medical facility will be covered for COVID-19 where another exclusion or limitation does not apply and you have been instructed to quarantine by an authorized official of the country you are being treated in.
If coverage is available and you are self-isolating at home or elsewhere, we will only cover medicines, treatment and advice provided by a medical practitioner for an eligible medical condition per the terms and conditions of your plan, and not for any other incidental costs.Provided the consultation is for an eligible medical condition and is medically necessary, your plan will cover a teleconference consultation as it would any face-to-face consultation. Standard policy terms and conditions would apply.
Yes, provided you pay any additional premium for the extension period. If you were covered for COVID-19 on your original plan (i.e. you had travelled there prior to any travel advisories against such travel) then your extension plan will also continue to provide the same level of cover in that country.
Yes, provided you pay any additional premium for the extension period. If you were covered for COVID-19 on your original plan (i.e. you had travelled there prior to any travel advisories against such travel) then your extension plan will also continue to provide the same level of cover in that country.
GlobalSelect FAQs
This is a summary of a selection of plan benefits offered only as an illustration and does not supersede in any way the Certificate of Insurance and/or governing policy documents (together the ‘Insurance Contract’). The Insurance Contract is the only source of the actual benefits provided.
Within the IMG Global Select Plan range, we do provide cover for COVID-19 provided no other exclusions or limitations apply and provided the insured has not travelled in contradiction of a travel advisory or travel warning.
HOWEVER, care should be taken that if you have a suspected case of COVID-19 you must follow local Government/Health Department recommendations in terms of receiving treatment or attending a medical facility and you should call local authorities for advice BEFORE seeking treatment under the IMG Europe plan. This advice should be followed – we will not recommend any actions outside of this.
If you are advised by local Government/Health Department to attend a local medical facility IMG Europe will honour claims as with any other condition, subject to usual policy terms and conditions.
The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19. The disease was first reported from Wuhan, China in December 2019. On 11 March 2020, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of COVID-19, a “global pandemic.”
Yes. Provided you have not travelled in contradiction of a travel warning or travel advisory from your country of residence or your destination country, COVID-19 will be treated as any other illness and will be subject to all the usual terms and conditions of the insurance plan or policy.
Important note: If you have a suspected case of COVID-19 you must follow local Government/Health Department recommendations in terms of receiving treatment or attending a medical facility and you should call local authorities for advice BEFORE seeking treatment under the IMG Europe plan. This advice should be followed – we will not be able to recommend any actions outside of this.If you travelled in contradiction of a travel warning or travel advisory from your Country of Residence and then contracted COVID19, no benefits will be available for the care or treatment of the virus.
Yes, you will be covered for the care and treatment of COVID-19 subject to any other limitations or exclusions in your policy.
If there is an exclusion for a specific condition on your plan then this will continue to be excluded from cover. Your usual treatments and medications for any pre-existing condition would be excluded as usual. However, if your COVID19 diagnosis causes symptoms related to your pre-existing condition, then claims will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Evacuation cover is provided for conditions covered under the insurance (an “Eligible Medical Condition”) when emergency in-patient treatment is not available locally. However, if appropriate treatment is available locally then this benefit will not be considered.
Please note we will be obliged to follow the advice and restrictions from the government or health authorities of the country you will travel from and to if we were looking to evacuate or repatriate, and hence the ability to do so may not be within our control. We will also be unable to guarantee availability to evacuate/repatriate if airlines, local governments and global organisations apply restrictions.
If you are admitted to a State or Charitable Hospital for an eligible medical condition and no claim is submitted under this policy for reimbursement of costs, then you are eligible for the cash benefit. Subsequently, if the State or Charitable Hospital were to submit a claim for costs in their facility after we have paid out under the cash benefit, we would not cover the medical claim as well. All other policy terms and conditions would continue to apply.
COVID-19 itself does not affect this benefit. However, our standard terms state that we will not pay claims under this benefit if your local government has issued a travel advisory or warning against travel to another country in the 6 months prior to you travelling there. Clearly most countries now have significant travel advisories and it is likely this benefit would not be payable for new travel currently.
We do not cover experimental, unlicensed or unproven treatments, regardless of whether treatment is medically recommended or prescribed. This applies in respect of any illnesses, not just COVID-19.
Isolation and quarantine treatment costs in an appropriate medical facility will be covered for COVID-19 where another exclusion or limitation does not apply and you have been instructed to quarantine by an authorized official of the country you are being treated in.
If coverage is available and you are self-isolating at home or elsewhere, we will only cover medicines, treatment and advice provided by a medical practitioner for an eligible medical condition per the terms and conditions of your plan, and not for any other incidental costs.
Provided the consultation is for an eligible medical condition and is medically necessary, your plan will cover a teleconference consultation as it would any face-to-face consultation. Standard policy terms and conditions would apply.
GlobalFusion FAQs
This is a summary of a selection of plan benefits offered only as an illustration and does not supersede in any way the Certificate of Insurance and/or governing policy documents (together the ‘Insurance Contract’). The Insurance Contract is the only source of the actual benefits provided.
Within the IMG Global Fusion Plan range, we do provide cover for COVID-19 provided no other exclusions or limitations apply and provided the insured has not travelled in contradiction of a travel advisory or travel warning.
HOWEVER, care should be taken that if you have a suspected case of COVID-19 you must follow local Government/Health Department recommendations in terms of receiving treatment or attending a medical facility and you should call local authorities for advice BEFORE seeking treatment under the IMG Europe plan. This advice should be followed – we will not recommend any actions outside of this.
If you are advised by local Government/Health Department to attend a local medical facility IMG Europe will honour claims as with any other condition, subject to usual policy terms and conditions.
Below are some specific Question and Answers which may assist with any questions or concerns.The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19. The disease was first reported from Wuhan, China in December 2019. On 11 March 2020, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of COVID-19, a “global pandemic.”
Yes, provided you have not travelled in contradiction of a travel warning or travel advisory from your country of residence or your destination country. COVID-19 will be treated as any other illness and will be subject to all the usual terms and conditions of the insurance plan or policy.
Important note: If you have a suspected case of COVID-19 you must follow local Government/Health Department recommendations in terms of receiving treatment or attending a medical facility and you should call local authorities for advice BEFORE seeking treatment under the IMG Europe plan. This advice should be followed – we will not recommend any actions outside of this.If there is an exclusion for a specific condition on your plan then this will continue to be excluded from cover. Your usual treatments and medications for any pre-existing condition would be excluded as usual. However, if your COVID19 diagnosis causes symptoms related to your pre-existing condition, then claims will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Evacuation cover is provided for conditions covered under the insurance (an “Eligible Medical Condition”) when emergency in-patient treatment is not available locally. However, if appropriate treatment is available locally then this benefit will not be considered.
Please note we will be obliged to follow the advice and restrictions from the government or health authorities of the country you will travel from and to if we were looking to evacuate or repatriate, and hence the ability to do so may not be within our control. We will also be unable to guarantee availability to evacuate/repatriate if airlines, local governments and global organisations apply restrictions.
If you are admitted to a State or Charitable Hospital and no claim is submitted under this policy for reimbursement of costs then you are eligible for the cash benefit. Subsequently, if the State or Charitable Hospital were to submit a claim for costs in their facility and we have paid out under the cash benefit we would not cover any medical claim as well. All other policy terms and conditions would continue to apply.
COVID-19 itself does not affect this benefit. However, our standard terms state that we will not pay claims under this benefit if your local government has issued a travel advisory or warning against travel to another country in the 6 months prior to you travelling there. Clearly most countries now have significant travel advisories and it is likely this benefit would not be payable for new travel currently.
We do not cover experimental, unlicensed or unproven treatments, regardless of whether treatment is medically recommended or prescribed. This applies in respect of any illnesses, not just COVID-19.
Isolation and quarantine treatment costs in an appropriate medical facility will be covered for COVID-19 where another exclusion or limitation does not apply and you have been instructed to quarantine by an authorized official of the country you are being treated in.
If coverage is available and you are self-isolating at home or elsewhere, we will only cover medicines, treatment and advice provided by a medical practitioner for an eligible medical condition per the terms and conditions of your plan, and not for any other incidental costs.
Provided the consultation is for an eligible medical condition and is medically necessary, your plan will cover a teleconference consultation as it would any face-to-face consultation. Standard policy terms and conditions would apply.
Notes in respect of all Q&A above:
- Any advice that the government or health authorities have given must be followed. For example, if you were quarantined in a local government hospital, we would not be able to move you to a private facility.
- Governments/organisations/local facilities could restrict the provision of developed treatments and vaccinations to the public sector and these may not be available through private facilities. In these circumstances, you will not be able to circumvent these restrictions despite having a policy that covers you for private facilities and you will need to seek the relevant treatment through local public facilities in accordance with the regulations and restrictions for that area.
- Where your plan includes benefits affected by travel warnings or advisories, you should refer to your wordings and review travel advisories carefully. Cover may be restricted, especially for any new travel being arranged.
- Any excesses or coinsurances under you plan will apply as normal.
- All of the above is subject to your policy terms and conditions.
Headquarters
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Send a Message
Thank you for your message! We'll be in touch shortly.
(If Applicable)
Thank you for your message! We'll be in touch shortly.
(if applicable)
Thank you for your message! We'll be in touch shortly.
Thank you for your message! We'll be in touch shortly.
Thank you for your message! We'll be in touch shortly.
Thank you for your message! We'll be in touch shortly.
Get additional assistance for ALC Health plans or ALC Travel plans.