Many Minnesotans who have trips planned in coming months are cancelling their travel plans in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.  While many travelers purchase travel insurance, travelers should carefully review their policies before cancelling their trips.

“If you purchased trip insurance, don’t assume that it will cover the costs associated with cancelling your flights or other expenses if you are cancelling because of COVID-19,” warned Steve Kelley, Minnesota’s Commissioner of Commerce.  “Many travel insurance policies have specific exclusions for epidemics and pandemics, so there may not be coverage for trips cancelled due to COVID-19,” he added. 

Travel insurance does typically cover the costs associated with cancelled trips if the traveler is too sick to travel or is quarantined.  So if travelers cancel trips because they themselves are sick, there should be coverage.  Travel insurance also provides coverage in other situations, such as natural disaster or where the airline or cruise operator goes out of business.  But when a traveler decides to cancel a trip solely because they are concerned about exposure to COVID-19, there may not be coverage.  

“For Minnesotans who may not have coverage under their trip insurance, it might make more sense to ask the airline or cruise operator for a credit, rather than cancelling and filing a trip insurance claim,” Steve Kelley added.  

Minnesotans with questions or concerns about travel insurance may contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Consumer Services Center, which they can reach by calling 651-539-1600.

With You Every Day

Wherever you are in Minnesota, the Department of Commerce is with you every day. Whether you’re filling up on gas, purchasing a home, working to reduce energy consumption or rebuilding after a disaster—we are with you, no matter what.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce oversees more than 20 regulated industries, ensuring that Minnesota businesses are strong and Minnesota consumers are protected. Our mission is to protect the public interest, advocate for Minnesota consumers, ensure a strong, competitive and fair marketplace, strengthen the state’s economic future and serve as a trusted public resource for consumers and businesses. Learn more at mn.gov/commerce.

Media Contact:
Leah Wilkes
Director of Outreach
leah.wilkes@state.mn.us
651-539-1460