For those planning to vacation in any of the countries that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lifted its advice against, it is important to think carefully. If you have been sick with COVID-19 or have shown symptoms in the last three months, your travel insurance will not apply if you fall ill on site.
”It can be very expensive if you have to receive intensive care and then be transported home to Sweden,” says Anna-Karin Baltzari Danfors, head of the Consumer Insurance Agency.
Spain and Greece are on the top list of countries Swedes prefer to visit during their holidays. Together with Italy, France, Belgium, Croatia, Iceland, Portugal and Switzerland, they now belong to the group of countries that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lifted its advice against. As of June 30, it is therefore okay for Swedes to go there.
But the fact that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lifted its advice does not mean that it is risk-free to go there, the coronavirus is still very present and healthcare is strained. Should you fall ill with Covid-19 during your trip, it is not at all certain that your insurance company will cover the costs that a hospital stay may entail. The Swedish Consumer Insurance Agency wants to take an extra step towards this. If you have shown symptoms within the last three months and become ill during your stay abroad, it could cost you dearly. Intensive care and transport home to Sweden can cost upwards of one million kronor, says Anna-Karin Baltzari Danfors, head of the Swedish Consumer Insurance Agency.
”"You should think about whether you have had symptoms and visited a doctor. If you get sick again while you are abroad, it will be considered an illness that started at home and then the insurance will not apply and it can be very expensive if you have to pay for hospital care and transport home yourself. We are afraid that those who have been sick may want to go down to Europe and rest in the sun, then you are taking a huge risk.".
Even those who have recovered from being infected with Covid-19 should think about it, says Anna-Karin Baltzari Danfors.
”"Because it is such an unknown disease, we do not yet know what effects it has. If you have been sick with Covid-19, your lungs may have taken a beating and if you experience continued or worsened problems while abroad, your hospital stay will be considered related to your previous illness with Covid-19 and you will then be without insurance coverage. For example, air travel can be risky for the lungs, which is something we want to highlight.".
Consumer advice is to check with your home insurance before booking your trip what applies. If you are unsure whether you have had symptoms or not, or are in a risk group, you can ask to have a medical assessment carried out in advance.
”"The largest insurance companies cooperate with emergency centers and you can use them to make a preliminary medical assessment of whether your travel protection applies."”
For other countries in Europe and the rest of the world, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' advice remains in effect until July 15. As a rule, travel coverage in home insurance does not apply at that time. However, there are exceptions. A few insurance companies offer travel coverage even when the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against travel.
