Quarantinable Diseases

* Since 2006, quarantinable diseases has been commonly excluded from the majority of general  insurance policies due to the absence of re-insurance cover for this risk globally. This may include travel insurance, business insurance, credit insurance and all other classes. Where an exclusion operates (defined in your PDS) a policyholder can typically not claim a loss caused by a quarantinable disease – for example Swine Flu.

* Consumers who perceive quarantinable disease as a risk to their business, particularly as it  impacts on staff, resource and market availability, should consult their policy and insurer to clarify their understanding of the policy exclusion.

Travel Insurance and Quarantinable Disease

* Travel insurance covers the policyholder for insurable events that may occur before or during travel, such as medical expenses and other occurrences.

* Most travel insurance policies have standard exclusions which can include epidemic and pandemic and travelling against government advice as well as civil unrest. 

* The cost of travel insurance is based on the type of cover requested, the age of the insured, the risk of the destination of travel, length of stay and any pre-existing medical conditions. 

* Always read the product disclosure statement and ensure that you understand exactly what your travel insurance covers and what it does not cover. 

* Travel insurance is not unlimited and therefore if you are unsure about any aspect of your travel insurance you should contact your insurer directly and seek clarification before travelling.

* Ensure that medical cover is adequate for possible expenses in the country or countries you are going to visit.  In some parts of the world medical costs can be very expensive.

* It is important to review any special travel advisories issued at http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/ and/or http://www.dfat.gov.au/ prior to booking your trip or travelling. 

* Most policies do not cover cancellation as a result of government prohibiting or advising against travel to a particular destination or changing a travel advice.

* If travel has already commenced, you should contact your insurer as soon as possible. 

For further information on Pandemic Infuenza visit the website below:

Australian Government Department of Health & Ageing