Issued 4:07pm AEST, 31st January 2020. Please be aware this post has 1 subsequent relevant update
If you’re currently affected by the Coronavirus Outbreak, then please read these FAQs – if after reading you’re still unsure about your situation, please get in touch
Global Coronavirus Outbreak: where to now?
Issued 4:07pm AEST, 31st January 2020
Updated 11:34pm AEST, 5th February 2020
Please be aware this post has 1 subsequent relevant update. Click here to view our updated post.
On 7th January 2020, Chinese authorities identified a Novel (new) Coronavirus in Wuhan City in Hubei Province, and named it 2019-nCoV.
On 20th January 2020, Chinese authorities confirmed human-to-human transmission, leading to widespread media articles being released. As of 21st January 2020 (12:00am AEST), we consider this to be a known event affecting the Hubei Province of China.
On 29th January 2020, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) advised all Australians to reconsidered their need to travel to China. The Hubei Province was categorised ‘’Do Not Travel”.
On 31st January 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has deemed this event an international health emergency. As of 31st January 2020 (4:00pm AEST), we consider this to be a known event globally.
We advise all travellers to reconsider your need to travel to China, as advised by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) Smartraveller website. Due to the rapidly evolving nature of the outbreak and claim considerations on DFAT advice, the entitlements of your policy may change depending on the advice given by DFAT. On top of this, please pay close attention to the local media and emergency services, including the World Health Organisation (WHO).
If you have travelled to locations affected by this outbreak and have developed symptoms of respiratory illness, please contact your doctor. If you have a trip planned to locations affected by this outbreak, please contact your travel, accommodation and tour providers to amend your travel plans. Also contact your airline, cruise or travel operator to check if tourist services are affected or for cancellations.
Please note if you choose to cancel your trip, there are no provisions to claim under your policy for change of mind or fear of travel.
Am I Still Covered For Claims Related To This Event?
- If you bought your policy before 12:00am AEST on 21st January 2020:
- and were in, or due to travel to the Hubei Province you may be covered for cancellation or medical expenses as per the benefits in your specific PDS.
- and were due to travel elsewhere you may be covered as per the benefits of your specific PDS, but you will not be covered for cancelling your trip due to change of mind or fear.
- If you bought your policy after 12:00am AEST on 21st January 2020 and before 4:00pm AEST on 31st January 2020:
- You may not be covered for claims arising in other parts of China, where disruptions to the itinerary occur as a result of publicly known tourist attraction closures directly related to the Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). For example: Shanghai Disneyland, the Forbidden City or the National Museum of China temporarily closing to contain the outbreak.
- If you bought your policy after 4:00pm AEST on 31st January 2020, you will not be covered for claims related to the Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). It would be expected a policy was entered into with awareness of the virus and its developments.
Important Notice
Any advice provided is general in nature and does not take into account of your particular needs and circumstances. Before purchasing the insurance, decide whether this product is right for you by reading the combined Product Disclosure Statement and Financial Services Guide available here. A Target Market Determination for this product is available here. We also recommend consulting with relevant governmental and local authorities, including checking the Smart Traveller website, before making any travel decisions – https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/disclaimer
This insurance is underwritten by the insurer Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company Limited (MSI), ABN 49 000 525 637, AFSL 240816. Europ Assistance Australia Pty Ltd (EAA) ABN 71140219594, AFSL 552106 holds a binding authority from the insurer, MSI to issue contracts of insurance and to deal with or settle claims on MSI’s behalf and as MSI’s agent.
AllClear Insurance Services Pty Ltd, ACN 165 270 066, trading as AllClear Travel Insurance, is an Authorised Representative (AR number 1311154) appointed by EAA to distribute and administer this insurance product.