Travelling during the coronavirus season?

We're here for you!

Going on holiday during the Covid-19 pandemic is not easy. But if you are careful and have the latest information, you can still enjoy a long-awaited break. However, you should always respect the sanitary measures in place and avoid taking risks. At Europ Assistance, we follow the news closely in order to provide you with up-to-date information and to do everything possible to help you leave with peace of mind.

Red zones, "very high risk" zones

On 25/09/2020, the FPS Foreign Affairs lifted the ban on travel to "red countries and zones". However, the risk of contracting Covid-19 in these areas remains very high. The official travel advice of the Belgian authorities is therefore to avoid travelling to these destinations, or to do so only for essential trips and in strict compliance with health rules and monitoring.

As an assistance company, we strongly advise travellers to carefully follow the recommendations and advice of the authorities, both FPS Foreign Affairs and FPS Public Health.

Please also bear in mind that destination countries may also impose restrictions or bans on access to their territory for foreign nationals. If this is the case, this information will be mentioned on the FPS Foreign Affairs website.

Europ Assistance Belgium's medical assistance in the red zones and risk zones of Covid-19

Following the new recommendations of the FPS Foreign Affairs, it is important to know that Europ Assistance Belgium will always assist you in the event of a medical problem on site, whether or not you are in a "red zone". However, we will always act in accordance with the decisions taken by the local authorities (e.g. access to the zone or to local medical and hospital care) and with the sanitary rules imposed by the competent authorities (e.g. quarantine or isolation period, screening, sanitary protocols...).

People infected with the coronavirus while travelling abroad should strictly adhere to the rules of containment, avoid contact with other people and contact their assistance company for recommendations. If the trip has been booked with a tour operator or airline, it is of course also important to contact them to see if an extension of the stay (in quarantine) and/or a postponement of the return trip is possible and under what conditions.

Are you travelling during the coronavirus period? Read the advice about each country.

We all know that Covid-19 is a terrible pandemic. But not all countries or regions are affected at the same time and/or with the same intensity. The advice for a trip to France may therefore vary greatly from that for Spain or Italy. It is extremely important to find out about the health measures in place in the country of destination and the conditions for returning home. You can find the regulations, official notices and recommendations and the latest information on diplomatie.belgium.be. We advise you to register your trip on the the FPS Foreign Affairs website. Before your return, don't forget to fill in the "Passenger Locator Form". You can find it here.

On this page,you will find the measures related to the coronavirus implemented at your holiday destination. This will allow you to travel with peace of mind. It goes without saying that you should bring a mask and wear it if necessary. You should also take hydroalcoholic gel to disinfect your hands.

As the situation is likely to change every day, information and instructions may also change. Some countries now require you to present a certificate of non-contamination with the coronavirus before crossing the border. The cost of the test is your responsibility and is not covered by your travel insurance.

What if you can't go because of Covid-19?

Epidemics, pandemics and possible confinement are not covered by the NoGo cancellation insurance. We advise you to contact your tour operator, airline or hotel if your trip is cancelled. In case of a negative travel advice, there are specific rules (possibility of cancellation, change of dates, postponement...) for trips organised by tour operators.

Are you ill in Belgium and can't go? Then you can use your NoGo cancellation insurance.

Your trip is cancelled?

Has the tour operator or airline cancelled your trip or flight because of the coronavirus? The tour operator can offer you an equivalent alternative, but if you don't accept it, they still have to refund you. The same rules apply to airlines. If the travel ban comes from the destination country, both parties will still be obliged to reimburse you.

Does my travel insurance cover Covid when I am in a "red zone"?

Yes, Covid-19 is considered an illness and is therefore covered by your travel assistance, even if you are in a "red zone". For this illness, our medical intervention will however be subject to very strict sanitary measures and protocols, as decreed by the country in which you are and the country to which you could possibly be repatriated. The medical expenses and the possible costs of an extension of stay (quarantine) ordered by a doctor and preventing you from returning home on the date initially planned, will be covered in accordance with the General Conditions of the assistance contract that you have subscribed.

Please note: countries, regions or areas for which the government authorities (FPS Foreign Affairs) have issued a general travel ban or a ban on all travel other than essential travel are not covered. However, if you are already in that destination before the travel ban, you can make use of our assistance services.

Have you contracted Covid-19 during your trip?

Notify Europ Assistance as soon as possible and know that we will cover all medical costs - depending on the type of travel insurance you have taken out.

However, we are obliged to respect local measures and health regulations, in particular for medical assistance, quarantine obligations and repatriation protocols.

Is your return impossible because of quarantine or confinement? Contact your tour operator, airline and/or hotel to find out to what extent they will cover a possible extension of your stay. Europ Assistance can intervene to provide you with your medication during your quarantine or confinement, always respecting the local sanitary measures. However, you must be able to show us your doctor's prescription.

It may be worthwhile to contact the Belgian Consulate on site for further information.

Holidays by plane in times of coronavirus

As soon as you arrive at the airport, you will be tested to check your temperature. This test often takes place even before you enter the airport. If you have a temperature of over 38°C, you will have to undergo a medical examination, the results of which may result in you being denied access to the plane.

Arriving at your destination with a high temperature? Contact a medical service (doctor, hospital, screening centre, etc.) as soon as possible and inform your travel insurance. Make sure that your companions confine themselves and observe a quarantine, as they may have been contaminated. Be aware that the disease is included in the cancellation conditions.

Travelling during the Covid-19? A question of common sense!

It is essential to use common sense and follow the rules. The coronavirus is still around and if you are travelling, take all the necessary precautions. Here are some tips:

Organise your trip

• Find out about solutions, colour codes and measures at your holiday destination. You can find advice on the FPS Foreign Affairs website
• Avoid crowded places and opt for areas where you can observe a social distance.
• A good travel insurance is more than ever essential. Check out the solutions and choose the insurance that suits you best.
• Prepare a plan B and find out about the cancellation conditions.
• Register on Travellersonline so that the FPS Foreign Affairs can contact you in case of emergency.
• Make sure you have enough masks and hydroalcoholic gel.
• Do not forget to fill in the Passenger Locator Form 48 hours before your return.

Put together a "coronavirus kit”

Do you want to travel abroad with peace of mind during Covid-19? Take your "coronavirus kit" with you. Take several masks and hydroalcoholic gel for the whole family. Keep them handy. Disinfectant wipes for wiping surfaces and a bottle of liquid soap can be useful. If you are on medication, make sure you have enough medicine.

At your holiday destination

It is essential that you take a mask with you and follow the sanitary measures. The rules of hand washing and social distancing still apply. Follow the evolution of local measures to adapt quickly.

Avoid crowded places and avoid taking risks. If you become ill or suspect that you have contracted Covid-19, call a doctor immediately. If you need hospitalisation or medical assistance, contact your travel insurance. We are here for you!