Travel insurance and Zika virus

In the last few weeks word of a new, horrifying disease has spread rapidly, causing countless anxious travellers to question their holiday plans. We clarify the Zika virus in more detail and explain its impact on your next trip.

What exactly is the Zika virus?

On the 29th of January 2016 warnings were released regarding the outbreak of the Zika Virus. The virus, transmitted through mosquito bites, raised particular concerns due to its links to birth defects in pregnant women. Reported in Tonga, the Dominican Republic and the US Virgin Islands, Zika subsequently spread to 24 nations and territories in the Americas.

Although the virus has been around since 1947, it was mainly confined to Africa and Asia. However, it has now spread to the Western hemisphere and affected more than a million people in Brazil. The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a "public health emergency of international concern." There is no vaccine against the Zika virus and no way of completely preventing mosquito bites.

What are the symptoms?

The Zika virus can cause mild symptoms in adults, with fever, rash, joint pain or conjunctivitis being the most common signs of infection. The predominant cause of concern over Zika is its link to birth malformations and neurological syndromes.

What if I'm pregnant?

The question over whether the Zika virus directly causes birth defects is not definitive but there has been a substantial increase in Microcephaly (a condition where babies are born with unusually smaller heads) in Brazil where Zika has spread widely.

Smarttraveller, regarding the Zika Virus, warns pregnant women to be "aware of the areas of ongoing transmission." New Zealanders residing in or travelling to these regions are also advised to pay close attention to any relevant travel advisory and to stay informed.

Women who are pregnant (in any trimester) or those who are actively seeking to get pregnant are advised to consider postponing travel to any area with rampant Zika virus transmission.

If you do intend to travel to a Zika virus prone region and are pregnant or are intending to become pregnant, it's a good idea to speak to your doctor first and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip.

Does travel insurance cover epidemics like the Zika virus?

Be warned that travel insurance will generally not cover epidemics, particularly after official travel warnings have been released.

What if I go on my trip and contract the virus?

If you travel to an affected country and contract the Zika virus, in many instances your medical costs would be covered. Pregnant women and policies containing general exclusions relating to claims arising from pandemics and epidemics are the exception. Some insurers go further in the wording of their policies to exclude claims arising from "likely" epidemics or even the "threat" of an epidemic.

Insurers response

Initally insurers held back on making public announcements in relation to their stance on the Zika virus and any crucial cut-off dates that may apply. While the situation evolved insurers took a 'wait and see' approach.

TID said they will accept cancellation claims for some pregnant customers who bought their policy before the WHO announcement for the majority of destinations. Later cut-off dates applied to regions such as American Samoa, Costa Rica, Jamaica and Tonga. No cover was provided for cancellation/rearrangement costs if you were not pregnant at the time of travel to these countries.

NIB also accepted cancellation claims for pregnant customers who purchased insurance prior to cut-off dates (for the majority of destinations). Later cut-off dates applied to additional regions.

Tower provideed cancellation cover for pregnant women who purchased travel insurance before cut-off dates. All other claims for cancellation were generally not be covered and considered on a case by case basis.

State said that pregnant customers who purchased cover cut-off dates would be eligible for cancellation benefits.

On 3 Feb, Southern Cross Travel Insurance announced that there is provision to claim for medical costs if you purchased your policy prior to 1 February . Whilst there was no cover for cancellation, if you travelled to a country affected by the Zika virus and contract the virus, there was cover for overseas medical and hospital expenses.

Regardless of whether a Zika warning was issued for your intended travel region, your policy would still uphold all the usual benefits of travel insurance such as lost luggage, theft of cash, personal liability and more. However any claims directly relating to the pandemic may be invalid.

Mosquito bite prevention

There is no cure or vaccine for the Zika virus. Kiwis who choose to travel to affected countries should take the following steps to prevent mosquito bites during their trip:

• Cover up: wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and tuck your pants into your socks. Always a good look!
• Stay indoors: stay in air-conditioned rooms with window and door screens to prevent mosquito entry.
• Sleep safe: sleep under mosquito nets if you are unable to prevent mosquito entry.
• Use repellent: use doctor recommended mosquito repellents; be sure to reapply as directed and apply over sunscreen. When pregnant consult with your doctor as to which repellents are safe.
• Remove sources of stagnant water: Sources of standing water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

A final word

Whilst fears regarding the Zika virus are not unfounded, the general population will most likely remain unaffected by the pandemic. Pregnant women and those trying to conceive should consider postponing travel to any of the territories affected by the virus.