COVID-19 Information & Advisory

Policy:

Amid ongoing concerns regarding the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), Starr Insurances' top priority is the health, safety and well-being of our policyholders. We understand the concern and uncertainty you may be experiencing regarding this evolving situation and want to provide you with information related to your policy underwritten by Starr Indemnity & Liability Company, Starr Specialty Insurance Company or Starr Surplus Lines Insurance Company.

We are dedicated to helping those in need during this challenging time. If you have been negatively impacted due to COVID-19, we may be able to provide you with reasonable accommodations to ease your burden. Depending on the applicable state laws and your specific circumstance, these accommodations may include: extension of premium payment grace periods; waiver of late payment fees; a moratorium on cancellations and non-renewals for premium non-payment; deferral of non-renewal underwriting actions; continuing coverage for expiring policies; allowing you to catch up on overdue premium payments; and other options that may be available to you. We may be able to provide such reasonable accommodations where commercially practicable and/or as may be required by applicable law, regulation or state regulatory guidance.

We understand that our policyholders and brokers need all the support they can receive during this challenging time. We are fully open for business and available to assist. Please contact us by calling (866) 519-2522 or via email at covid.19@starrcompanies.com to discuss the options that may be available to you.

Notice for New Jersey Policyholders is Available Here.

Notice for Oklahoma Policyholders is Available Here.

COVID-19 Travel Insurance Information & Advisory

05/15/2020

Starr Insurance is closely monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its potential impact on travel. If you are considering canceling your trip due to the Coronavirus, please read your insurance policy thoroughly. Generally, fear of travel is not a covered event under most of our policies.

Travelers should consult the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites for the up-to-date information on the Coronavirus outbreak.

Listed below are frequently asked questions that you might find helpful. Please contact your broker or agent for questions specific to your policy.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Coronavirus and Travel Insurance

I want to cancel my travel plans because I'm afraid to travel due to the Coronavirus. Am I covered?

Trip cancellation for concern or fear of travel associated with sickness, epidemic or pandemic, including Coronavirus, is not covered, as a general matter.

If the cancellation of your trip is not covered, you may be eligible for an insurance premium refund. For more information on refunds, see the question below regarding “Can I cancel my insurance and get my premium refunded?”

I have booked a trip to an area affected by Coronavirus that is scheduled in the near future. Will I be able to cancel my trip and be reimbursed?

It depends on the reason for cancellation. If you need to cancel your travel plans, please consult the “Unforeseen Events for Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption” portion of your insurance policy to see a list of reasons for Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption that may be covered, along with General Exclusions from coverage. You are encouraged to file a claim if one of the covered reasons could possibly apply to your situation as you may be eligible to be reimbursed for your unused, non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs if you need to cancel your trip. Please be specific about why you cancelled, as coverage depends on the exact reason for cancellation. If the cancellation of your trip is not covered, you may be eligible for an insurance premium refund. For more information on refunds see the question below regarding “Can I cancel my insurance and get my premium refunded?”

Can I cancel my insurance and get my premium refunded?

You may be eligible for a full or pro-rated refund of your premium if:

Your request for a refund is within your policy Free Look period, or
Your tour operator/cruise line/airline/cancelled your trip

And, you have not

started your trip, or
filed a claim.

Can I rebook my covered trip over the next 24 months, and can I apply the travel insurance premium from my original trip to the rebooked trip?

If you have not yet begun your trip and you have not filed a claim, you may modify your insurance policy and apply the entire premium paid to your rebooked trip. This must be done prior to your current policy travel date, and does not apply to Annual Plans. (See below FAQ for information on Annual Plans)Your new premium will be calculated based on the details of your rebooked trip. If the new premium is greater than your original premium, there will be additional premium charged. If the new premium is less than your original premium, no amount of the original premium will be refunded. Please note that once you modify your policy, you will not be able to file a claim against the original policy or trip. To modify your policy, please call the Starr travel insurance contact center at 866-477-6741 Monday through Friday 7am to 10pm Eastern Time.

Can I change my policy period or get a refund on my Annual Plan?

The policy period cannot be changed on annual plans. The policy will remain in force for the original policy period on your Confirmation of Insurance. Policy refunds will only be granted within the free look period.

I have upcoming travel. Will I be able to cancel my trip and be reimbursed?

It depends on the reason for cancellation. If you need to cancel your travel plans, please consult the “Unforeseen Events for Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption” portion of your insurance policy to see a list of reasons for Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption that may be covered, along with General Limitations and Exclusions from coverage. You are encouraged to file a claim if one of the covered reasons could possibly apply to your situation as you may be eligible to be reimbursed for your unused, non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs if you need to cancel your trip. Please be specific about why you cancelled, as coverage depends on the exact reason for cancellation. If the cancellation of your trip is not covered, you may be eligible for an insurance premium refund. For more information on refunds see the question above regarding “Can I cancel my insurance and get my premium refunded?”

What if the airline cancels my flight due to the Coronavirus?

If the flight to or from your destination is cancelled due to Coronavirus, there is no coverage under the insurance policy for the canceled flight itself. However, we suggest you contact the airline to seek a refund for your flight. Should you have other unused, non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs, consult the “Unforeseen Events for Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption” portion of your insurance policy. You are encouraged to file a claim if one of the covered reasons could possibly apply to your situation. Even though the cancellation of your flight is not covered, you may be eligible for an insurance premium refund. For more information on refunds see the question above regarding “Can I cancel my insurance and get my premium refunded?”

The U.S. State Department has advised against traveling on cruise ships due to the Coronavirus. Am I covered if I cancel my cruise due to the U.S. State Department warning?

If you purchased a “standard” travel insurance policy, your cancellation would not be covered. We suggest you contact the cruise line to seek a refund. Should you have other unused, non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs, consult the “Unforeseen Events for Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption” covered reasons portion of your insurance policy. You are encouraged to file a claim if one of the covered reasons could possibly apply to your situation. You may also be eligible for an insurance premium refund. For more information on refunds see the question above regarding “Can I cancel my insurance and get my premium refunded?” If you purchased Cancel for any Reason coverage, see below.

Am I covered if I have Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage?

If you purchased Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, you may be covered for a percentage of the loss, depending on the level of CFAR coverage purchased, and provided the trip is cancelled no less than 2 days prior to the scheduled departure date as well as the other CFAR requirements are met as listed in your policy. Refer to your insurance policy (or Description of Coverage) for details.

Can I purchase a policy with CFAR coverage?

CFAR coverage is only available at the time a plan is purchased and, unless otherwise noted on your policy, must be within 14 days of your initial trip deposit. As a result, if you have an existing insurance policy, you are not eligible to add on CFAR coverage.

Am I covered if I contract Coronavirus?

If you contract Coronavirus prior to your departure, you may be covered under Trip Cancellation if there is a confirmed diagnosis, including proof of illness from your doctor that states you are medically unable to travel at the time of departure. If you become ill with Coronavirus while on a covered trip, you may be covered for Emergency Accident and Emergency Sickness Medical Expense and Trip Interruption if there is a confirmed diagnosis, including proof of illness from a doctor. These coverages are subject to the terms and conditions of your insurance policy.

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Please note each particular case is unique and coverage cases shall be determined based upon the specific facts, as applied to the relevant policy terms and conditions.