Travel insurance may play a much bigger role in this year's vacation season than ever. After all, many passengers want to cover themselves in the event of a corona illness abroad, because outside the European Union, the e-card (health insurance card) is not recognized for direct billing in many countries.

The fact that the EU member states are currently turning their travel rules upside down and the level of information changes almost daily also causes certain problems for the insurance industry. The products must be adapted to the new circumstances. The specialist departments of the largest Austrian travel insurers are currently dealing with the question of "how".

Industry prepares new products

A spokeswoman for Uniqa-Versicherung explained in an interview with Aviation Direct that new products that are adapted to the new travel rules will probably be available from the end of May 2021. The group is currently waiting for the exact form of the travel rules. The Uniqa communications employee also pointed out that travel health insurance for the vacation can also be taken out immediately before departure, in an emergency at the gate via the smartphone. The decisive factor is that the purchase of the policy is still made from Austria, according to the insurance company.

Travel cancellation insurance is also important. Exactly this point could be problematic for vacationers, because older annual travel insurances are of course not yet familiar with a corona pandemic. However, the travel warnings of levels 5 and 6 are likely. Most cancellation policies can be used if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs occupies an area with this level. But be careful: it is essential to read the fine print before purchasing, as some insurance companies exclude cover if a travel warning was issued at the time of booking.

The extent to which the ECDC card will affect future travel warnings from the State Department is also still unclear. However, it is precisely this point that is of particular importance for insurance companies, which is why most Austrian providers are still waiting. VAV, for example, has completely suspended the sale of travel insurance and is waiting to see how things will develop. This insurance company could also bring new products onto the market at short notice.

If anything is unclear, seek advice and have agreements made in writing

Regardless of which insurance product you choose, you should compare the covers and prices before buying. Cancellation insurance must be taken out in the course of or immediately after booking. Before buying, it is important to pay close attention to the reasons that are insured, as these differ greatly from company to company. In the case of foreign travel health insurance, you should also check which services are included and whether there is a direct billing or whether the traveler must first make an advance payment on site. In particular, the reasons for exclusion (keyword: travel warning that already exists at the time of departure) should be carefully checked.

If in doubt, it is advisable to seek advice from a travel insurance specialist, a broker or the insurance company itself. Any verbal promises that do not result from the contract documents should be given in writing in order to have proof.