H1N1 swine flu pandemic increases need for travel insurance

November 4, 9:32 AMWorldwide Travel ExaminerMark Resnicoff

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A Romanian mocks the masked health workers that disinfected a school, which was closed, after five confirmed H1N1 flu virus infections were reported among staff and students in Bucharest, Romania, Monday Nov. 2, 2009. Health state secretary Adrian Streinu-Cercel said five schools, including two in the capital, are closed temporarily after an outbreak, and appealed to parents not to take children with flu symptoms to kindergarten or schools.(AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

As the H1N1 swine flu pandemic continues to reach into every corner of the world, it has become more essential for travelers to obtain a good level of comprehensive travel insurance. This new strain of influenza has added an extra element of unpredictability to travel and could cause additional, unnecessary expenses.

Comprehensive travel insurance policies can support travelers when away from home by not only providing coverage in case of trip cancellation, but also paying for necessary medical treatment and drugs during trips.

Most travel insurance plans provide trip cancellation coverage for H1N1 as long as the policy covers unforeseen illnesses and the traveler purchased the policy prior to contracting the illness.

When traveling in foreign countries, most insurance plans can provide medical coverage for H1N1 as long as the traveler contracted the virus while on the trip. Some plans can also reimburse the insured for additional expenses incurred if the person is quarantined due to H1N1 or other covered reasons, up to the maximum limits of coverage.

All travelers should familiarize themselves with the limits of their travel insurance plans prior to departure.

Precautions to observe when traveling

Swine flu and other strains of the H1N1 virus are easily spread in public places, especially when basic hygiene practices are not followed. Devastating consequences can occur when when patients do not take proper care of such an illness.

To remain healthy, travelers are advised to observe several basic precautions when traveling to other countries. These simple precautions include:

• Get vaccinated for both the seasonal flu and H1N1
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Immediately throw out the tissue when done.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizers are not a replacement for soap and water, working best only after washing your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.