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Coronavirus FAQ for travelers

Frequently asked questions about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and our travel protection plans 1

Nationwide is monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) and its potential impact on our customers and their travel. Travelers should consult the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the most up-to-date information on COVID-19.

We are here to assist you in understanding your specific situation and to provide assistance regarding the terms of your travel protection plan. We urge any customer who has a medical issue while traveling or who has any other question regarding their travel protection plan to call us at 1-877-970-9059. Our website is also available at travel.nationwide.com. We review every claim based on its unique facts and circumstances and are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Please read your travel protection plan documents carefully if you are considering canceling your trip due to COVID-19. Fear of travel is generally not a covered reason for cancellation under most of our travel protection plans and each plan includes different coverages, limits and terms.

Below are some general answers to questions we are receiving from customers regarding coverage under our travel protection plans:

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Cancellation of a trip for general concerns related to potential COVID-19 exposure is not generally covered under our travel protection plans.

Please check with your travel provider to see if you can cancel or reschedule your trip without incurring fees or penalties and regarding potential refund, travel credit, or rescheduling options.

As almost all destinations are currently impacted by COVID-19, coverage depends on a number of factors, including, but not limited to: (1) the terms of your specific travel protection plan; (2) your destination; (3) your reason for cancelling; and (4) the availability of a refund or credit from you travel provider. Fear or concern of traveling is generally not a covered reason for cancelling your trip. However, certain travel protection plans may provide coverage if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, are under quarantine or are traveling to a destination that is currently under a CDC travel restriction.

Prior to canceling your trip, please review the Trip Cancellation section of your plan to determine covered reasons for which you may be eligible to receive reimbursement or a refund or credit.

Please check with your travel provider to see if you can cancel or reschedule your trip without incurring fees or penalties and regarding potential refund, travel credit, or rescheduling options.

If you postpone your trip due to COVID-19, your current travel protection plan may extend to your new trip dates provided:

  • The new trip dates are no more than 18 months from your original trip dates.
  • Additional costs, if required based on the new or postponed trip, will be collected. Plan costs will not be reduced or refunded for coverage for the new or postponed trip.

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, Trip Interruption, Missed Connection and Travel Delay benefits may be available. Please check your specific travel protection plan for terms and conditions. Time restrictions may apply. Also, please check with your travel provider to determine your options.

If your travel protection plan includes CFAR benefits, you may be covered for a percentage of the loss in the form or a credit or refund based on the terms of your specific plan. The availability of this coverage may be impacted by when you purchased your plan, the trip cost you elected to cover, and when you cancel your trip. Please refer to your plan documents for specific details as coverage may vary by state and plan.

If you have an existing travel protection plan, you will not be able to add CFAR coverage to that plan at a later date. If available, CFAR coverage may generally only be included at the time of original purchase within the time sensitive period listed in your plan. Scope and availability of CFAR coverage may also vary by state and plan.

If you become ill with COVID-19 prior to your departure and after the effective date of your plan, you may be eligible for Trip Cancellation coverage. These claims will usually require a confirmed diagnosis from a physician with proof of illness that states you are medically unable to travel at the time of departure or evidence that you are subject to quarantine.

If you become ill with COVID-19 while on your trip and your plan includes medical expense coverage, you may be covered for Medical Expense and Trip Interruption benefits with a confirmed diagnosis, including proof of illness from a doctor, or evidence that you are subject to quarantine. Please review your specific plan for the details and limits of such coverage.

If you are quarantined while on a trip due to COVID-19 exposure or illness, your travel protection plan will usually continue in effect during such quarantine.

Medically imposed quarantine may be a covered reason for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption or Medical Expense benefits depending on the terms of your specific plan. Please refer to your specific plan for the details and limits of such coverage and a description of covered expenses.

You may be eligible for a refund. Check your travel protection plan document for details.

If your travel provider cancels your trip and provides a full refund of your trip costs, upon request, we will refund the costs of your travel protection plan so long as no payable claim has been filed.

UPDATED 10/1/2020

[1] These FAQs are designed solely to provide general guidance regarding our travel protection plans and do not constitute legal advice nor advice with respect to any specific plan or claim. Please consult your plan documents or contact us for any specific questions regarding your coverage. In light of the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, these responses are subject to change.