Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars)

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars)

The Insurance Council is today alerting travellers to a change in insurance policies which relates to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, otherwise known as SARS.

A number of insurance companies have removed cover for SARS following warnings issued by the New Zealand Government urging people to postpone travel to particularly severely affected areas.

The main areas being affected are China, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore. However, insurance companies have now removed cover for all SARS-related claims. This position is not an industry-wide one, and people are encouraged to seek cover from other insurance companies that may still be offering this particular type of insurance.

Persons who have already bought their tickets are likely to have cover for SARS. However, those buying their tickets from today on may not have cover for SARS and will need to check with their travel agent, insurance broker or insurance company.

The removal of cover for SARS is in addition to the removal of cover for acts of terrorism and war. It also relates to the list of high-risk destinations identified by the New Zealand Government on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s website.

Insurance Council CEO Chris Ryan says all travellers should check their policy before signing it and if they are not happy should seek a competing insurer for cover.

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