The Zika virus and travel insurance: What you need to know

28 January 2016: The Zika virus is currently plaguing various Central and South American countries, and at least one Pacific Island (Samoa). As the virus continues its rapid spread, countries around the world have started to issue travel advisories for the affected nations.

There is currently no vaccine or treatment for the Zika virus, which has been causally linked to the birth defect microcephaly. Microcephaly is the technical term for babies that are born with abnormally small heads.

The Zika virus was contained to the African continent until outbreaks were reported on the island nation of Yap (2007) and French Polynesia (2013). In 2015, Brazil attracted global media coverage as a spate of babies were born with microcephaly.

If you're planning a trip to an affected area, it's important that you check if your travel insurance will cover you. We've rounded up the current policies for major Australian brands. The bottom line? Many policies won't cover pandemics, especially when travel warnings have been issued.

Do any travel insurance brands cover the Zika Virus? Claims for pandemics and epidemics

Brand	Conditions	Apply
1cover	To the extent permissible by law, 1Cover will not pay if: Your claim arises from, is related to or associated with and actual or likely epidemic or pandemic or the threat of an epidemic or pandemic	More info
American Express	No mention	More info
Budget Direct	Under section A, cancellation and amendment fees, if you have to cancel your trip because you cannot travel because of government restrictions after an epidemic, Budget Direct will pay up to the amount shown in the table of benefits.	More info
Columbus Direct	There is no cover for trip cancellation to avoid Zika, unless the Australian government issues a regulation that prevents you from travelling. You will not be covered if you abandon your trip or move locations as result of a Zika outbreak unless you are forced to do so, e.g. by government decree.	More info
fastcover	Fast Cover will not pay for any claim or loss under any circumstances if your claim arises from or is related to or is associated with: An actual or likely epidemic or pandemic The threat of an epidemic or pandemic	More info
Insureandgo	InsureandGo will pay a benefit under section A,cancelling your trip before departure, if the cancellation of your trip is necessary and unavoidable as a result of: You being unable to travel because of government restrictions after an epidemic	More info
iTrek	Itrek will not pay under any circumstances if: An actual or likely epidemic or pandemic The threat of an epidemic or pandemic	More info
Ski-insurance	Skiinsurance.com.au will not pay under any circumstances if: An actual or likely epidemic or pandemic The threat of an epidemic or pandemic	More info
Tick Travel	Tick Travel Insurance will pay a benefit under section A,cancelling your trip before departure, if the cancellation of your trip is necessary and unavoidable as a result of: You being unable to travel because of government restrictions after an epidemic	More info
Travel Insurance Saver	No mention	More info
Travel Insuranz	Travel insurance provides cover under section one (1), cancellation fees, lost deposits and curtailment, you're covered up to the maximum benefit in the event your trip is necessarily and unavoidably cancelled prior to departure or curtailed before completion because: A Government regulation following an epidemic or natural disaster that stops you from travelling Travel Insurance also provides cover under section 12, catastrophe cover, you're covered up to the maximum benefit reasonable additional travel and accommodation expenses incurred if: Local medical epidemic or directive from the responsible Government or local authority directly affecting the area where your pre-booked accommodation is located	More info
Virgin Money	To the extent permitted bylaw Virgin Travel Insurance will not pay if your claim arises from, is related to or associated with: An actual or likely epidemic or pandemic The threat of an epidemic or pandemic	More info
Worldcare	Worldcare Travel Insurance will not pay under any circumstances if: An actual or likely epidemic or pandemic The threat of an epidemic or pandemic	More info
youGo	No mention	More info

Note: Information is correct as of September 2019

Key facts

• Cause. A virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.
• Symptoms. Mild fever, skin rash and conjunctivitis.
• Duration. Symptoms generally dissipate between two to seven days.
• Treatment. There is currently no specific treatment.
• Vaccination. There is currently no vaccine.
• Prevention. Avoid affected areas. If you must travel, wear protective clothing that protects against mosquito bites.
• Affected areas. The virus is present in Africa, central and South America, Asia and the Pacific.

Advisories from various nations and health organisations

As Zika continues to spread, various government agencies and health organisations have begun to issue warnings:

Where do I need to be on alert for Zika?

Countries that have reported cases of the ZIka virus are:

^{_{Source: The Department of Health}}

Countries affected by the Zika virus

How can I prevent being affected by the Zika virus?

Was to avoid being affected by the Zika virus include:

• Only sleeping in rooms with air conditioning and fly screens on the window
• Use insect repellent
• Wear long clothing (shirts and pants), and avoid exposed skin
• Sleeping under a bed net
• Avoid travel to affected areas

Where did the Zika virus come from?

The Zika virus first appeared in rhesus monkeys in Uganda in 1947 and it wasn't until 1952 that the Zika virus was reported in humans in both Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. Since this time outbreaks of Zika have been identified in Central and South America, Africa, Asia and in the Pacific

How do I know if I have Zika?

While there is not a lot known about the Zika virus, its symptoms include:

What should I do if I feel sick?

If you've travelled to an affected area and think you may have contracted the Zika virus you should:

• Contact your doctor immediately
• Avoid any further mosquito bites
• Keep up your fluid intake
• If you are exhibiting symptoms such as fever or headaches, you should take paracetamol
• Avoid medications such as aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen

Compare how travel insurance brands treat epidemics and pandemics

Picture: Shutterstock