(479) 756-6330 | Farris Insurance offers business, property, and risk management service for NW Arkansas. We are based out of Springdale, AR. Call today for a quote.

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You’ve booked your business appointments. You’ve found the best deals on your hotel booking app. You’ve gotten a new passport size photo to update your travel documents. You may have even searched for “resorts near me” on Google. Now there’s a new must-have item to add to your travel checklist: travel insurance.

According to Reuters, there’s been a surge in demand for travel insurance and protection services as travel resumes. COVID-19 insurance benefits typically cover treatment up to $100,000. They sometimes include the costs of coronavirus testing and services like evacuation, local burial, or cremation. The benefits were introduced by insurers in the middle of 2020. They are sold either as add-ons or as separate policies with coverage for illness of quarantine.

The list of countries mandating travel insurance for visitors is growing. According to the website InsureMyTrip, travel insurance is mandated for travel to Aruba, Bahamas, Brazil, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Jamaica, Japan, Qatar, Russia, St. Maarten, Tahiti, Thailand, and United Arab Emirates. Travel insurance is not currently required for all of Mexico. However, travel insurance with medical coverage is required for visitors to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. The insurance is to protect travelers against any unforeseen medical event, including COVID-19 related illnesses.

A travel insurance plan that includes trip protection, protection if you have to cancel for any reason, medical expense coverage for COVID-19, and protection for baggage and personal effects typically costs 4% to 8% of the dollar value of the trip, according to Jeremy Murchland of Seven Corners.

Chubb insurance company has also put out a new survey, entitled Time to Fly: The Impact of Covid-19 on the Present and Future of Business Travel. It found that business travelers believe the COVID-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions have negatively impacted their effectiveness on the job and the ability of their employers to develop business, serve clients and maintain business relationships. Business travelers have also missed traveling for work or fun, and are eager to get back on the road.

Chubb Group Senior Vice President of Global Accident & Heath, Joe Vasquez says business travelers are now paying greater attention to the insurance coverage they have when they travel. Vasquez says the survey shows that business travelers have high levels of trust that their employer and airlines will take care of their health and safety. But they have much less confidence in the precautions being taken by their fellow travelers.

The survey also found that 81% of business travelers say the pandemic will make them pay more attention to what travel insurance coverage they have before taking a trip. 86% of business travelers also agree that having insurance makes them more comfortable when traveling for business or leisure.

If you’re looking to get protection, Farris Insurance can help. We serve businesses and people across Northwest Arkansas, including Springdale, Fayetteville, Bentonville, Rogers, and throughout Benton and Washington Counties. Contact us today at (479) 756 – 6330.