Travel Insurance for Colombia (Red list)

Nlovell

Hi, Ive been looking through posts on here but I remain quite confused about travel insurance - or rather - Im struggling to find a company that will insure me for a trip to Colombia (South America) - which is on the red list. I havent seen my fiance since 14th June 2020 and until recently it wasnt possible to visit Colombia as they banned UK citizens from entering (for fear of the then "Kent" variant). My fiance cannot come to the UK (all of South America banned from entering) - so I want to travel there for 3 weeks in September.

I saw some links posted by others about insurance companies - I got an online quote from one - but it was only at the very end of the process that there was an option to add a premium to cover travel to red list countries in Europe - but not elsewhere. Im finding it hard to tell from the small print of insurance companies whether they are truly covering travel to Colombia.

What I primarily need from the insurance is:-
- Medical expenses cover (should I have an accident or get covid despite being double jabbed with Pfizer).
- Flight cancellation cover (eg if Colombia reinstates ban on UK entering)
- Cover for cancellation or additional costs (eg to rebook flights) if I contract covid or have to self isolate (eg pinged by App / contacted by Track & Trace) just before the outbound flight or the same prior to my return home (eg pre-flight PCR test is positive while Im in Colombia).
- Usual other stuff you'd expect from a travel insurance policy - belongings cover etc.

My primary need is for the medical cover, I'll book flights that I can change if necessary (even if at cost) and obviously the standard things any holiday insurance policy would cover - but the one from my bank wont because Im travelling to a red list country against Government travel advice.

Im not going to be travelling around while there - I'll basically just be living with my partner for 3 weeks - he'll be at work 5 days a week during the day and with the restrictions in Bogota - will only be able to leave his apartment every other day for non-essential trips. Not going there for a holiday - going because we havent seen each other in over a year - and while my risk of serious disease from covid is significantly increased because of vaccination - its not zero and I cant afford £10,000's in medical bills should the worst happen.

Anyone able to point me in the direction of companies that will insure me for a red list country trip?

Thanks for your help.

sheramber

Have you tried Battleface. they do have limits on what they cover so would need to check carefully that they provide what you want.

Nlovell

sheramber said:

Have you tried Battleface. they do have limits on what they cover so would need to check carefully that they provide what you want.

That was certainly one of the ones I found in another forum post - but their policies just make it so difficult to be really clear on what is/isnt covered or in this case - what countries they will/wont cover.

CKhalvashi

I'd also suggest speaking to Battleface, but I'm not sure they'll cover this.

It may be worth looking at another country you can both enter that is not on the red list, as this will at least make the insurance aspect much easier.

Nlovell

CKhalvashi said:

I'd also suggest speaking to Battleface, but I'm not sure they'll cover this.

It may be worth looking at another country you can both enter that is not on the red list, as this will at least make the insurance aspect much easier.

Unfortunately seeing each other in another country isnt really an option. When my fiance returned to Colombia in June last year it took him a while to find a new job and he doesnt have any holiday entitlement until late September and even then he only gets 15 days which we will need over the coming year to see each other. My visiting him even though he will be at work at least gives us quality time together in the evenngs/weekends for 3 whole weeks. His leave can then be used for us to see each other over the next year - as you say - in other countries (the USA being the easiest once they open the doors to the UK - he can go to the USA but currently I cant).

Will take a look at Battleface and see whether they will provide cover.

sheramber

There is a lot to read about the cover they provide.

there covid cover needs checking carefully. I read it that they wouldn't cover any quarantine expenses such as accommodation or extras flight costs etc.

No cover for pre existing conditions.

Nlovell

sheramber said:

There is a lot to read about the cover they provide.

there covid cover needs checking carefully. I read it that they wouldn't cover any quarantine expenses such as accommodation or extras flight costs etc.

No cover for pre existing conditions.

Pre-existing conditions is a risk as I have a few health issues - so I'll check that out carefully. I dont need accommodation costs cover as Im staying with my fiance and I'll cover any costs for changes to flights if needs be. Its primarily medical expenses as thats the single biggest cost Im likely to incur should something happen while Im away.