Richmond, VA, March 9, 2020 – As the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to impact travelers from the U.S., travel insurance provider Allianz Global Assistance is currently allowing specific medical and cancellation claims that are typically not covered under its plans.  For a limited period, the company will nevertheless accommodate claims for trip cancellation and emergency medical care for customers who become ill with the coronavirus, as well as cancellation claims for customers traveling to China, South Korea, and the Lombardy and Veneto regions of Italy.  This is a temporary action that the company hopes will help customers who become ill or who are struggling with the decision on whether to travel to these destinations.

Travel insurance claims due to known, foreseeable or expected events, epidemics or for fear of travel are typically not covered by standard travel insurance products.  However, until further notice, the company will be accommodating claims for the following:

1. Emergency medical care and emergency medical transportation for a customer who becomes ill with COVID-19 while on their trip.

2. Trip cancellation and trip interruption if a customer becomes ill with COVID-19 either before or during their trip.

3. Non-refundable, non-transferrable trip cancellation expenses for customers who purchased their plan prior to January 22, 2020 for trips that include stops in Mainland China, South Korea or the Lombardy or Veneto regions of Italy, who are departing prior to April 1, 2020.

These three allowances are being made only for claims related to COVID-19 and only for customers whose plan includes those benefits. All other plan terms, conditions and exclusions still apply.

“This is undoubtedly a difficult time for both travelers and the travel industry,” said Mike Nelson, CEO of Global Travel Insurance at Allianz Partners.  “By taking these steps today, we want to support our customers in a very meaningful way. Our ultimate goal is to help both our customers and our distribution partners to navigate what we hope will be a short lived but admittedly very serious situation. ”

A coverage alert with full details can be found on our website at  www.allianztravelinsurance.com  .  The company will review every claim received based on the unique facts and circumstances described in the claim, and it urges customers to contact them if they need help while traveling or have questions about their policy.

Customers may also change their plan’s effective dates to cover a new or rescheduled trip.  Alternatively, for a temporary period, the company is offering refunds for the cost of the customer’s travel protection plan for trips canceled by travel suppliers due to COVID-19, as long as no payable claim has been filed under that plan.

Customers should contact their travel provider prior to canceling their travel arrangements.  Some airlines and other travel suppliers may allow customers to cancel their trip and receive a refund or change their dates of travel without change fees when traveling to a destination affected by COVID-19. 

Allianz Global Assistance is currently assisting customers who wish to change their travel plans, need travel assistance or would like to file a claim.  Our assistance team is available 24/7 to help all of our customers who need help while traveling, such as locating medical facilities or rebooking transportation. 

The information offered in this press release is current as of its posting date but is subject to change without notice as this situation continues to evolve.

Please note this is an explicit and limited expression of donative intent only.  Nothing contained or described here, nor any payment made pursuant to the position described here, is or should be construed to be a waiver of any term, condition, or exclusion of any plan, or any applicable rights, remedies, or defenses under any plan or at law or equity.    We and our applicable underwriters and reinsurers reserve all rights, remedies, and defenses under the plan and under applicable law and at equity.

Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply to all plans, and nothing in the above is a waiver of any such term, condition, or exclusion. Benefits and limits vary by plan. For a complete description of the coverage and benefit limits offered under your specific plan, carefully review your plan’s Letter of Confirmation/Declaration of Coverage and Certificate of Insurance/Policy. Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company, or Jefferson Insurance Company, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel, Event Ticket, and Registration insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between Allianz Global Assistance and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through Allianz Global Assistance. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties.