VFS Global, a visa outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, has launched a travel insurance that will provide COVID-19 health-related coverage, exclusively developed by global insurers such as AXA, Allianz and AIG.
Available through VFS Global’s online and offline distribution channels, the policy complies with EU requirements and waives the exclusion of epidemic and pandemic diseases in most travel medical insurance plans to give consumers confidence when travelling abroad.
Travellers to countries in the Schengen area, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine require travel insurance with a COVID-19 cover ahead of applying for a visa. The policy offered through VFS Global caters to the requirements of client governments whilst protecting travellers against COVID-19-related issues whilst abroad.
The coverage includes emergency medical care and repatriation costs should travellers contract the virus whilst travelling and need to return home. Additionally, COVID-19 cover is also available for those travelling to other destinations worldwide, including the US and Canada. Although not mandatory for visa applications, travellers may need insurance with a COVID-19 cover as a precaution when travelling overseas.
The cost of the insurance plan is calculated in consideration of the duration of stay, visa applicant’s age and if any additional benefits requested.
Basic insurance with COVID-19 cover for a minimum of five days costs AED95 ($26) for applicants aged 65 and below. VFS Global offers a 50% discount for children under 16.