TRAVEL is back and if you are planning to travel again make sure you have a travel insurance policy that protects you adequately and has Covid-19 coverage.

       This will help in case you contract the disease overseas. Medical cost in a foreign land can cost you an arm and a leg.

       Some countries make it mandatory to have an insurance cover with Covid-19 protection.

       For example, if you plan to travel to Bali or Riau Islands, you need to have insurance coverage for Covid-19 treatment worth at least US$100,000 (RM415,350). You need to pay for your own accommodation during a five-day quarantine period.

       Some countries do not welcome travellers without insurance coverage, especially for Covid-19.

       If you scout around for travel insurance, not all have coverage for Covid-19.

       Both AIG Malaysia Insurance and Tune Protect Group Bhd have some of their travel insurance plans with Covid-19 cover.

       Tune Protect Group lifestyle lead Normah Baharom said during the pandemic, several countries in Asean such as Thailand and Singapore have imposed a ruling for all inbound travellers to obtain travel insurance which covers medical and hospitalisation expenses due to Covid-19 of US$100,000 ((RM415,350) and S$30,000 (RM92,100), respectively.

       A travel insurance plan provides financial protection if you face problems while on your trip. It normally covers lost and delayed baggage, flight delays and cancellations and the cost of medical expenses if you become ill or meet with an accident.

       Ensure your policy also covers you for medical evacuation and even repatriation in the event of serious illness or death.

       Some covers even include credit cards being used fraudulently overseas. Others have covers to protect you against travel agencies that suddenly go bust.

       Look out for products that can help you in case of emergencies or trip disruptions linked to the virus. Your Covid-19 cover should include circumstances before, during and after the trip.

       Plan your trip well before taking off. Read the incidence rate, regulations and advice imposed by the government in the country you plan to visit.

       Normah of Tune Protect said its travel protection includes medical costs, expenses and quarantine at a hospital if a customer contracts Covid-19 during the trip.

       “In addition, there is also the payment of daily hospital allowance which covers the cost of compassionate visits (flight and accommodation) of a relative or a friend during hospitalisation,’’ she said.

       Insurance premiums are determined by several factors such as coverage benefits, intended travel destinations (domestic, Asia Pacific and worldwide), sum insured of each benefit, and whether the sum is a single trip or an annual plan, among others, she added.

       Normah said travellers must be aware that there are several variations between international and domestic travel insurance plans. One of them is the sum insured for the different coverage benefits between the two plans.

       There is also a difference in terms of the benefits as some benefits may not be applicable to domestic travel.

       In this case, coverage such as loss of personal money, loss of travel documents and loss of credit card are applicable to only international travel.

       She said the insurance premiums for international travel are naturally higher as they will correspond to the risk, coverage, and benefits that are offered in the plans.

       Read the fine lines of the agreement before you sign for any cover to avoid unnecessary issues later.