Is Monkey Pox Covered by Travel Insurance?

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a rare viral disease caused by the same family of viruses that causes smallpox. Its symptoms are also similar to that of smallpox, however, monkeypox shows milder symptoms and is rarely fatal. 

The monkeypox virus can be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact via infected individuals. However, it can also transmit through oral fluids, respiratory droplets or through contact with infected material.

This week, the World Health Organisation declared Monkeypox a ‘public health emergency of international concern’ due to the rising number of cases.

Is Monkeypox Covered by Travel Insurance?

As of now, India has reported its 4th case of Monkeypox. While you question the fairness of it all, there are other pressing questions to focus on- for instance, will your travel health insurance cover this disease?

Here comes some relief- since most travel insurance plans cover hospitalisation costs due to infectious diseases while you're travelling, monkeypox will be covered by your travel health insurance too.

This is possible if you need to be hospitalised abroad while travelling. Being an infectious disease, you can easily claim reimbursement if you get infected by Monkeypox while you’re travelling abroad. What’s more, we highly recommend that you buy travel insurance for all your trips so that you’re safe from these unexpected expenses while you’re on a trip.

Monkeypox: Quick Overview

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease usually spread through animals that were infected by the virus. Getting bit by the infected animal or consuming their meat can lead to the spread of this infection. Take a look at the table below to know everything you need to about Monkeypox:

The disease can be detected through testing and usually requires the patient to isolate to avoid further infection.

How Will Existing Travel Insurance Cover Monkeypox?

While on a trip abroad, your travel insurance will protect you from several extra expenses due to a Monkeypox infection. These include medical and hospitalisation expenses, trip interruption or compassionate visits, depending on your policy benefits.

Similarly, here are a few things to remember if you're wondering about your travel insurance coverage for Monkeypox:

• If your international travel insurance only covers accidental death or hospitalisation, you won't be covered for any medical hospitalisation
• Your trip insurance should include medical expenses, so only the plans offering OPD coverage will be covered under different travel health insurance plans
• Make sure to confirm the sub-limits and other restrictions before buying any travel insurance plan for your trip abroad

Finally, depending on your policy terms you should be aware of what's covered or not covered. Your trip insurance won't cover these medical expenses if you get infected after returning back to India. In this case, your individual health insurance policy will cover relevant expenses as per the conditions and limits of your policy.

Over to You,

In the last 7 months, over 16,000 cases of monkeypox infections have been reported from 60 countries as per WHO. Of these, monkeypox has caused five deaths and is a serious concern because of its rapid spread. 

In this scenario, the best we can do is take proper precautions including buying travel insurance before any trip. Since most comprehensive travel insurance plans cover infectious diseases, you can easily claim compensation in case you contract Monkeypox.