The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak is an ongoing, rapidly developing situation. Aegis Insurance encourages its readers to monitor publicly available information and to always follow federal, state, and local health organization guidance and government mandates.
This information is intended to assist Aegis Insurance’s readers with important guidance when dealing with a range of matters related to COVID-19. This information may vary and may be updated as needed.
Aegis Insurance gives no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. Further, the information contained herein is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter.
A: Yes, US citizens can travel to Canada during a pandemic. However, at this time, only fully vaccinated travelers who have received at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine (or at least one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine) at least 14 days before travel may enter. A Canada travel COVID test is no longer required for fully vaccinated travelers as of April 1, 2022. Moraine Lake, Canada -
A: Yes, you can travel to Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic. Travelers are not required to present proof of vaccination to enter the country or to engage in routine activities. You may be asked to fill out a health questionnaire by your resort; however, there is no need to provide a negative COVID test or quarantine on arrival.
A: Though there is travel insurance that covers COVID, providers like Aegis offer specific pandemic travel insurance that includes the widest range of COVID-related coverage. The Aegis Go Ready Pandemic Plus Plan provides emergency medical, evacuation, and repatriation benefits if the insured (or their traveling companion, child’s caregiver, family member, or business partner) contracts COVID-19.
A: Some, not all, OTC COVID tests meet travel requirements. OTC tests for travel must be a SARS-CoV-2 viral test (nucleic acid amplification test [NAAT] or antigen test) with an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) classification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Tests must also include a real-time telehealth video call, during which someone authorized by the manufacturer must supervise the testing procedure.
A: Several countries have begun to ease pandemic travel restrictions at this time, including Australia, Bali, and the Philippines, which opened their borders to international travelers in February; Malaysia, which reopened to international travelers in March; and New Zealand, which will allow international travelers in July 2022.
Traveling in a pandemic can be a bit intimidating — especially if you’re unsure if your travel insurance covers trip cancellations or interruptions due to a positive COVID test for yourself or your companion. Fortunately, there is travel insurance that covers COVID, like the Go Ready VIP Plan.
A VIP travel Insurance Plan offers coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, and travel delay (with quarantine accommodations) if the insured, a traveling companion, or a family member contracts COVID-19. This coverage also includes emergency medical and transportation benefits for the insured.
Though VIP travel insurance offers robust coverage, travel insurance for pandemic plans provide ultimate protection. The Go Ready Pandemic Plus Plan extends VIP coverage to include coverage for an airline ticket change fee and extends trip cancellation and interruption benefits for cases where the insured’s business partner or their child’s caregiver contracts COVID.
Traveling in a pandemic doesn’t need to be stressful, so long as you’re equipped with pandemic travel essentials. The first thing you’ll want to do is check the travel requirements for the destination you’ll be headed to and learn what you’ll need once you arrive.
For instance, countries like Canada require proof of vaccination to enter the country. So be sure to store your vaccination cards in a safe place until travel and stock up on other pandemic essentials, like masks and hand sanitizer, before heading to the airport.
Air travel is beginning to pick back up worldwide; however, there are still requirements for post-pandemic air travel. For example, in the United States, all persons two years or older must wear a mask at the airport and for the flight duration. Mask mandates vary in other areas of the world, but it’s anticipated that travelers will be required to wear a mask while in the air.
OTC COVID tests also called “at-home tests” and “self-tests,” detect current COVID-19 infections and return results in just a few minutes. The BinaxNOW COVID test for travel has quickly become the preferred at-home test for travelers going abroad. While this test can be purchased online or in the drugstore, some retailers provide COVID testing in-store.
There are no current Mexico COVID travel restrictions. Travel to Mexico during the pandemic has been reopened since November 8, 2021, and travelers have not had to fill out a health declaration form since March 2022. Mexico does not require tests or quarantine upon arrival or proof of vaccination to visit, but individual establishments may vary.
Visitors do not need to present a negative COVID test or quarantine to travel to Costa Rica during the pandemic. You also do not need to be vaccinated; however, unvaccinated individuals 18 and older must purchase a travel insurance policy for the duration of their time in the country. The travel policy requirement will expire on April 1, 2022.
All travelers three years and older must provide a COVID-19 vaccination card with a QR code or a COVID-19 vaccination certificate proving you have received a complete series of vaccines at least 14 days before travel. Ecuador travel COVID test requirements for the unvaccinated include proof of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR taken no more than 72 hours prior and a declaration of traveler health.
During the pandemic, travel to Puerto Rico requires visitors to complete an Online Travel Declaration Form. Additionally, travelers from the US must provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken two days before or after arrival. International travelers must provide a negative COVID-19 test taken a maximum of one day before arriving in Puerto Rico.
Travelers headed to the Dominican Republic need to present a negative COVID test to enter; however, COVID-19 rapid tests and temperature checks may be performed randomly on selected travelers above the age of seven upon arrival. Travelers who present a vaccination card or negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of arrival are exempt from random testing.
St. Martin COVID travel requires a mandatory health pre-authorization application through the Electronic Health Authorization System (EHAS) for all visitors. However, no testing is required for fully vaccinated travelers at least 14 days before arrival, and unvaccinated travelers may enter with a negative COVID rapid test.
1. France
Like many European Union COVID travel restrictions, France’s COVID travel restrictions were eased in February 2022. As a result, fully vaccinated travelers no longer require a COVID test to enter France. However, unvaccinated travelers must still present a negative COVID test performed within 72 hours before arrival (if a PCR test) or 48 hours before arrival (if an antigen test).
Ireland’s COVID travel restrictions were removed on March 6, 2022. To date, travelers do not need to complete a passenger locator form, provide proof of vaccination or recovery, or present a negative COVID-19 test.
All travelers aged 12 and older must submit proof of full vaccination to enter Germany — ‘full’ referring to an initial vaccination series and a booster at least three months after the second vaccination. Children under 12 may provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken 48 hours before arrival. If not vaccinated, only those traveling for essential reasons can enter.
This amazing feature allows our clients to potentially avoid fronting their own monies and going through a claim reimbursement process. By contacting Aegis immediately when experiencing any covered event such as a flight disruption, illness, or injury, our team can coordinate the solution and pay for it on the spot. This includes booking or rearranging flights and hotels, coordinating medical care, or arranging a medical evacuation or repatriation. Learn More →
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