Will travel insurance cover monkeypox?
You’ve already made plans for a well-deserved holiday or trip abroad for business purposes and purchased travel insurance to receive peace of mind and financial security. But now, you find out that monkeypox is spreading across the globe, and you might be wary about whether your policy will cover you or not. Need some answers?
To ease your worries, this Pacific Prime article looks at what this virus is, whether your travel insurance policy will cover it, and who to turn to for clarity and support.
What is monkeypox?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Monkeypox is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family of Poxviridae. It’s not a new virus, but it has been known for a few decades since the late 1950s. It was said to have been discovered among laboratory monkeys.
Monkeypox is now mpox
In November 2022, WHO announced that mpox is the preferred term for monkeypox. The change comes after scientists and experts urged for a new name since the latest outbreak to avoid the stigma that could prevent people from getting tested and vaccinated. What’s more, WHO noted that monkeypox will still be a searchable term in the International Classification of Diseases and “both names will be used simultaneously for one year while ‘monkeypox’ is phased out”.
Other key facts about monkeypox
- Monkeypox is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal or on surfaces contaminated with the virus. Examples include close contact with lesions, body fluids, and respiratory droplets.
- Monkeypox can be found in tropical rainforest areas of central and west Africa and can be easily exported to other regions worldwide.
- Monkey symptoms typically include fever, rash, and swelling of lymph nodes, which can lead to other medical complications.
- A vaccine exists for treatment, which is approved for the prevention of monkeypox.
For more details on what monkeypox is, see our complete guide to monkeypox.
Does travel insurance cover monkeypox?
The honest answer depends on your travel insurance plan and the insurer you are with. As you know, travel insurance is valid for the duration of the trip you requested when quoting for the plan, and there will be specific benefits (including limitations) mentioned on your plan.
Check the terms and conditions
Ever wondered why advisors say to read the small print of any insurance policy you secure? If the terms and conditions (or policy wording) confirm that your plan covers infectious diseases, including monkeypox, then you are covered. However, if the more delicate details state differently and include specific cases or scenarios that omit coverage for monkeypox, then the answer is no.
As a policyholder, you are responsible for checking the details of your plans and enquiring about the benefits before signing a contract confirming your policy agreement.
What to do if your travel insurance claim is rejected?
If you submitted a claim and are informed that your case has been rejected, you should ask for a full explanation if your insurer hasn’t provided details. You may want to read the following article on what to do if your health insurance claim is rejected for more guidance.
Where to find the policy wording?
Your insurance advisor/consultant would have sent an email with multiple documents, including the policy wording and agreement. You may also have your insurer’s mobile application downloaded on your mobile, which will provide access to your documents and resources. Alternatively, you could access it via a web platform. And if you don’t have access details, then the next option is to call or email your insurer or broker.
What if you want to secure travel insurance but are unsure how
As you’ve probably picked up during your search already, the insurance world is immense, and the multitude of insurers and travel insurance plans available will leave your head spinning. Not only can the lingo used seem foreign to most but the concepts can be hard to grasp.
Get in touch with Pacific Prime
Luckily, Pacific Prime can help you decide on which insurer and travel insurance (short term health insurance) plan is best for your needs and budget. With over 20 years of experience providing impartial advice and comparing plans from our range of insurance partners, you can rest assured that you’ll find what you’re looking for.
Whether that’s the latest news regarding monkeypox or the limits placed on a plan you are interested in, our experts have the answers. And if we don’t, our close working relationships with our insurance partners will surely do.
Contact us today for a FREE quote or plan comparison!
His expert view and wealth of knowledge on insurance can also be found in his blogs for China, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
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