Travel Insurance, Ebola, and Travel to Africa

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) regarding the ongoing epidemic of the Ebola virus in central Africa. With cases reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, its international hub Goma, and surrounding areas like Uganda, this health emergency has the potential to affect travel plans for those who plan to visit the affected or surrounding areas.

Current State of the Outbreak

This most recent outbreak started in 2018, following the Ebola crisis in Western Africa that stretched from 2014 to 2016. The rate at which the disease spread as well as its high death rate has raised international concern from both the public and organizations such as the WHO.

In order to combat the spread of the disease, local and international health authorities have worked to produce an effective vaccine that is being administered to those who have possibly come into contact with anyone who has contracted the virus.

As of August 13, 2019 scientists have developed and began to distribute a new treatment that can cure those who have already been infected with the virus. This breakthrough drug is able to drastically increase the survival rate of the disease.

Keeping Safe While In or Near the Affected Areas

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) cite hand washing as the most effective method of preventing contraction of Ebola, along with receiving the vaccine. Other effective practices as stated by the CDC include avoiding contact with others’ body fluids, bats, and nonhuman primates. It is also important to avoid contact with those exhibiting symptoms of Ebola.

To stay updated on the Ebola outbreak ahead of your travels, visit the WHO’s page on Ebola, and learn more about how you could be covered for medical needs while abroad on our website.

How Travel Insurance Can Help Protect a Trip To or Near the Affected Areas

Cancel For Any Reason

Being wary of the health situation in these regions is a sensible concern for many people who plan to travel there. However, cancellation over fear of something happening – like fear of contracting a disease – is not a covered reason for trip cancellation under the benefits in the standard Arch RoamRight travel insurance plan.

For these cases, Arch RoamRight offers Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage – an optional upgrade that can be applied that can provide reimbursement up to 75% of your trip cost if you have to cancel for any reason at all prior to 48 hours before your scheduled trip departure.

In order to be eligible for Cancel for Any Reason coverage, you must:

• Purchase your insurance coverage within 21 days of your initial trip deposit;
• Insure 100% of the cost of all travel arrangements that are subject to cancellation penalties or restrictions by the travel supplier; and
• Cancel your trip 48 hours or more before your scheduled departure date.
• Cancel for Any Reason is available with Arch RoamRight’s Preferred, Elite, Pro and Pro Plus plans.

You can learn more about Cancel for Any Reason and how it could provide coverage for your trip on our website.

Medical Coverage

In the event that you fall ill or have a medical emergency during your trip, Arch RoamRight could be able to provide medical coverage. Our travel insurance plans can include emergency medical, medical evacuation and trip interruption benefits that may provide coverage if a medical emergency is encountered while traveling.

Beyond providing coverage in the event of a medical emergency, all Arch RoamRight insureds have access to a 24/7 emergency assistance line which puts trained emergency travel assistance providers at your fingertips. They also can help you find quality, local medical care and provide translation services if needed.

For a list of benefits and related limits and exclusions, refer to your policy.

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.