Atlas Travel®, Atlas Premium^TM, Atlas Group®, Atlas MultiTrip^TM, & StudentSecure®

As the coronavirus outbreak continues to spread, we're working to keep you informed and provide the answers to your travel and coverage-related questions.

Please review the information below if you're currently traveling with an Atlas Travel, Atlas Premium, Atlas Group, Atlas MultiTrip, or StudentSecure policy or you're preparing for an upcoming trip.

Does My Travel Medical Insurance Plan Include Any Coverage for Expenses Resulting from COVID-19?

If You Purchased Your Atlas or StudentSecure Policy on or After February 2, 2023:

Your plan will cover eligible medical expenses resulting from COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2. Eligible medical expenses are medically necessary expenses that are not subject to another plan exclusion.

Where to Review This Information

You can review this information by reading through the “General Exclusions” section of your Description of Coverage (DOC).

You will find the link to your DOC in the fulfillment documents attached to your purchase confirmation email. You can also find your DOC in Member Portal at worldtrips.my.site.com/MemberPortal. Sign in to the portal, click “Policy Information” in the navigation menu, and then click the box labeled “Description of Coverage.”

The general exclusion related to epidemics, pandemics, public health emergencies, natural disasters, and other disease outbreaks states that it does not apply to COVID-19-related expenses.

The Full Exclusion Reads:

Any illness or injury incurred as a result of epidemics, pandemics, public health emergencies, natural disasters, or other disease outbreak conditions that may affect a person’s health when, prior to your effective date, any of the following were issued:

1. the United States Centers for Disease Control & Prevention had issued a Warning/Alert Level 3 or higher for a location or destination, including common carriers; or
   
   
2. the United States Centers for Disease Control & Prevention had issued a Global or Worldwide Warning/Alert Level 3 or higher.

This exclusion is applicable when:

1. any of the above were in effect within 60 days immediately prior to your effective date or
    
2. within 10 days following the date the alert/warning is issued you have failed to depart the country or location.

This exclusion does not apply to charges resulting from COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2.

If You Purchased Your Atlas Policy on or After July 15, 2020 or Your StudentSecure Policy on or After May 15, 2020:

Your plan will cover eligible medical expenses resulting from COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2. Eligible medical expenses are medically necessary expenses that are not subject to another plan exclusion.

Where to Review This Information

You can review this information by reading through the “General Exclusions” section of your Description of Coverage (DOC).

You will find the link to your DOC in the fulfillment documents attached to your purchase confirmation email. You can also find your DOC in Member Portal at worldtrips.my.site.com/MemberPortal. Sign in to the portal, click “Policy Information” in the navigation menu, and then click the box labeled “Description of Coverage.”

The general exclusion related to epidemics, pandemics, public health emergencies, natural disasters, and other disease outbreaks states that it does not apply to COVID-19-related expenses.

The Full Exclusion Reads:

Any illness or injury incurred as a result of epidemics, pandemics, public health emergencies, natural disasters, or other disease outbreak conditions that may affect a person’s health when, prior to your effective date, any of the following were issued:

1. the United States Centers for Disease Control & Prevention had issued a Warning/Alert Level 3 or higher for a location or destination, including common carriers; or
2. the United States Centers for Disease Control & Prevention had issued a Global or Worldwide Warning/Alert Level 3 or higher.

This exclusion is applicable when:

1. any of the above were in effect within 6 months immediately prior to your effective date or
   
2. within 10 days following the date the alert/warning is issued you have failed to depart the country or location.

This exclusion does not apply to charges resulting from COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2.

If You Purchased Your Atlas Policy Before July 15, 2020 or Your StudentSecure Policy Before May 15, 2020:

Your plan contains an applicable exclusion and will NOT cover medical expenses resulting from COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2.

Where to Review This Information

You can review this information by reading through the “General Exclusions” section of your Description of Coverage (DOC).

You will find the link to your DOC in the fulfillment documents attached to your purchase confirmation email. You can also find your DOC in Member Portal at worldtrips.my.site.com/MemberPortal. Sign in to the portal, click “Policy Information” in the navigation menu, and then click the box labeled “Description of Coverage.”

The general exclusion related to disease outbreaks applies to COVID-19-related expenses.

The Full Exclusion Reads:

Charges resulting from a disease outbreak in a country or location for which the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a Level 3 Travel Warning are excluded if:

• the warning has been in effect within the 6 months immediately prior to your date of arrival, or
• within 10 days following the date the warning was issued you have failed to depart the country or location.

Advice for Travelers

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) assert that preventive measures are the best way to avoid exposure to the virus and prevent illness. Carefully read the preventative measures and recommendations regarding COVID-19 and travel 

Follow These Preventive Measures from the CDC:

• Stay up to date with all COVID-19 vaccines.  
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating or after going to the bathroom, blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid crowded areas or keep distance between yourself and others when possible. 
• Improve ventilation and move indoor activities outside if possible. 
• Wear a mask over your nose and mouth that fits snugly against the sides of your face. 
• Avoid contact with people who are sick or have suspected or confirmed COVID-19. 
• Follow recommendations if you have been exposed to COVID-19 and stay home if you have suspected or confirmed COVID-19. 

Follow These Recommendations from the State Department:

Many countries around the world now require individuals to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test to enter the country. See the requirements for entering the U.S. below: 

COVID-19 Testing Is Currently Required for Air Travelers Entering the United States from the People’s Republic of China (Including Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR)

According to the U.S. Department of State's "COVID-19 Travel Information" page:

“Effective January 5 at 12:01 Eastern Time, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will require a negative COVID-19 test result, taken within two days of departure, or proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days, for all travelers, age two years and older, to the United States on flights originating from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including the Special Administrative Regions (SAR) of Hong Kong and Macau.

This requirement will also apply to persons traveling from the PRC, including Hong Kong SAR or Macau SAR, via third country transit and to passengers connecting through the United States onward to further destinations.

These requirements apply to all air passengers regardless of vaccination status or nationality.”

You can learn more via the CDC.

The U.S. Department of state also provides tips for individuals who decide to travel abroad or who are already outside of the U.S.: 

• Contact your airline for specific information about testing requirements for travel. 
• Read the country specific Travel Advisory and U.S. Embassy COVID pages for updates on COVID-19 around the world. 
• Check with your airline, cruise line, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans or restrictions. 
• Have a travel plan that doesn't rely on the U.S. government for assistance. 

Additional Traveler Advice from Travel Risk Management Company On Call International:

• Many countries maintain alert systems, such as the U.S. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), that allows the embassy to disseminate important information, contact you in an emergency, and track those who may require evacuation. Check with your respective country to sign up for such a program.
• Multiple independent organizations have released maps detailing the global and regional outbreak of COVID-19. Review Johns Hopkins’ map for global infection rates by country.
• Consider that many countries have placed restrictions on travelers entering their borders if they have previously traveled to a country with a high rate of COVID-19 infection, including solely through connecting flights.
• Expect heightened screening procedures to be conducted at transportation hubs such as airports and train stations.
• If you traveled to a region with a high rate of COVID-19 infections or had exposure to COVID-19—and within fourteen days have become ill with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing—seek medical care promptly.
• When feeling sick with fever or experiencing other significant symptoms, such as trouble breathing and cough, stay home to avoid exposing anyone else.
• Do not travel while sick. If you must travel while sick with a respiratory illness, wear a snuggly fitting surgical mask.
• Practice good cough etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing. Do not use your hands because subsequent contact of your hands to surfaces or other people can spread the infection.
• If you’re in an area with a high rate of confirmed COVID-19 cases, avoid large public gatherings in enclosed spaces.
• Review the CDC’s website and the WHO’s website for the most up-to-date information relating to COVID-19 exposure, risk, and prevention.

Stay Informed

Use these resources from the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization to stay updated and informed about the spread of coronavirus and the risks associated with international travel.

Resources from the U.S. Department of State

• Travel Advisories
• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) - For U.S. citizens and nationals

Resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• COVID-19 Overview
• COVID-19 Data Tracker
• Travel Health Notices 
• Information for Travelers 
• Tips for International Travel to and from the U.S. 

Resources from the World Health Organization (WHO)

• Coronavirus Overview
• WHO'S COVID-19 Response Timeline 
• Weekly Epidemiological Update and Operational Update 
• Travel Advice