Brazil reopened to tourists

[Riobard]

The months-long entry ban was not renewed and air borders are now open, counterintuitively given the CoV incidence rate. It has joined a few other nations, however, in the requirement of health insurance to cover medical costs that could arise. 

[Walker]

I would like to know which health insurance covers COVID-19 treatments in foreign countries.

Edited July 30, 2020 by Walker

[Latbear4blk]

8 hours ago, Walker said:

I would like to know which health insurance covers COVID-19 treatments in foreign countries.

Yeah! Specially when the health care system in the country you are visiting is overwhelmed. Very tempting, but I think I must pass. Will I?

[Riobard]

Certainly not a good time to travel, and getting the treatment you can pay for is a potential problem, but insurers now have more info to develop their price/profit algorithms and are opening up policy options. One popular Canadian company is offering full winter season locked-in rates for the many elderly retired ‘snowbirds’ that stay in southern USA ... no need to remind what’s happening there. 

For every 3 Covid-19 deaths in Brazil to date there has been 1 non-SARS-CoV-2 influenza/pneumonia death. And the latter has vaccination options to mitigate incidence. Let’s assume for the sake of illustration that medical costs are fairly equal pre-mortality for the two disease scenarios. Has your insurer ever asked about your vaxx uptake? Mine hasn’t.

You will probably pay more currently but if there is money to be made by companies at a time when sales are low they will chase the almighty. 

[Bucknaway1614502762]

Covid is going to be with us for the end of time.  I don't know when I'll get on a plane again.  I think I'll wait months to fly, not years.

[floridarob]

I priced travel insurance for a possible Dec trip to BKK....1 month with 100k/250k was 67/92 usd with Covid coverage....

[tassojunior]

20 minutes ago, floridarob said:

I priced travel insurance for a possible Dec trip to BKK....1 month with 100k/250k was 67/92 usd with Covid coverage....

company?

This is a big isssue that needs to be addressed by governments. Medicare non-coverage out of the US is tough. They should at least pay the US rates for emergencies. And Europeans are reluctant to visit the US when they are not covered here, even by Medicaid. The US needs some sort of reciprocal agreement with countries 

Edited July 30, 2020 by tassojunior

[Riobard]

The 5 states marked with an orange X are excluded from the newly defined international tourist arrivals permission but it is likely that the only relevant city for purposes of this forum is Porto Alegre. I do not know if a foreign national can domestically transfer to one of those state-located airports following arrival at an acceptable city ... my interpretation is that it is allowable. The reopening is also only for one month, to be reviewed. That is how things seem to go these days and it may be advisable to not plan too far ahead of time. 

Edited July 30, 2020 by Riobard

[Latbear4blk]

https://g1.globo.com/politica/noticia/2020/07/29/governo-prorroga-restricao-a-entrada-de-estrangeiros-no-brasil-ate-o-fim-de-agosto.ghtml

[Bucknaway1614502762]

Insuremytrip.com

They offer coverage

 

Travel Insurance & Coronavirus

 Last updated on 04/29/2020

We are currently experiencing a high volume of calls and emails from customers over concerns due to COVID-19. We apologize for any delay in communication and are working to respond as soon as possible.

If you have questions about an existing policy, please reach out to your insurance provider for assistance.

Does Travel Insurance Cover the Coronavirus Pandemic?

On January 21, 2020, the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) became a named event, which affects the travel insurance coverage available for new policies purchased.

For those purchasing travel insurance AFTER 1/21/2020 (exceptions may apply if traveling to a country with a Travel Health Notice issued by the CDC) benefits included in comprehensive coverage may apply in the following unforeseen scenarios:

• Emergency Medical Coverage: a sick traveler must see a doctor and/or go to the hospital during a trip.
• Emergency Medical Evacuation Coverage: in rare cases, a sick traveler requires an emergency medical evacuation to the nearest appropriate hospital or back home for recuperation.
• Trip Interruption: an extremely sick traveler cannot continue with a trip and must return home.
• Cancel For Any Reason: Currently, if you are looking for trip cancellation coverage because you are concerned about the coronavirus, you will now need to purchase a plan that includes Cancel For Any Reason since the travel warnings are now foreseen. This benefit is time-sensitive and has other eligibility requirements, so not all travelers will qualify.

Some plans may exclude epidemics/pandemics and may not provide coverage for related issues. Please be sure to read the plan details carefully before purchasing.

Remember that travel insurance helps to cover unexpected events. Similar to a weather event, once an event becomes a "known" event, it may not be a covered reason for cancellation if a traveler purchases insurance after that date. Trip Interruption and Cancel For Any Reason are not available to non-U.S. citizens/permanent residents.

For travelers who purchased a policy BEFORE 1/21/20 and need to make a claim or have questions about how your existing policy will cover you, please reach out to your insurance provider. Travelers can read further on how to file a travel insurance claim here.

My Trip was Canceled by My Travel Supplier. Can My Travel Insurance be Refunded?

Unfortunately, travel insurance is non-refundable after the review period listed on the policy (usually 10-14 days from the purchase of the plan). However, in typical situations, many insurance providers will offer to transfer your policy to a future trip.

How is International Travel Affected by the COVID-19 Outbreak?

There are confirmed cases of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) widespread across the world. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Coronavirus outbreak constitutes a pandemic. Because of this, many countries are implementing travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines, closing borders, and prohibiting non-citizens from entry with little notice in advance.

In the United States, the Department of State has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory and recommends that U.S. citizens avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. Airlines have canceled many international flights and several cruise operators have suspended operations.

Presidential Proclamations from March 11 and March 14 of 2020 restrict travel to the United States from foreign nationals who have recently been in certain European countries including the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.

On March 8, 2020, U.S. State Department issued a Travel Alert stating that "U.S. citizens, particularly travelers with underlying health conditions, should not travel by cruise ship." Those still planning to cruise should be aware that this is a dynamic situation and they may be impacted by travel restrictions affecting their itineraries or ability to disembark, or may be subject to quarantine procedures implemented by the local authorities. Many cruise lines have canceled operations.

How is Coronavirus Spread?

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is mainly spread person-to-person, or from contact with infected surfaces or objects. This is based on knowledge about similar coronaviruses. The virus (SARS-CoV-2) becomes airborne when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and respiratory droplets produced can travel up to six feet. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or can possibly be inhaled. A person can also get the disease by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. The virus seems to be highly contagious and community spread in some affected areas. This information is changing as more is learned about the virus so travelers are encouraged to check the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.

Why is Coronavirus Dangerous?

The coronavirus, sometimes written as "corona virus," is a highly contagious, pneumonia-causing illness that infects the respiratory system. Symptoms can include a fever and cough that may progress to a severe pneumonia, which causes shortness of breath and difficulties breathing. Symptoms of this disease may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure. The situation is evolving as more information becomes available. For the latest information, refer to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

How Can I Prevent Contracting Coronavirus?

Being proactive is the best method of prevention - wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands, and avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, prevent the spread of illness by staying home, avoiding contact with others, cleaning surfaces and objects with disinfectant, and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze. There are currently no vaccines available. Please refer to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the latest information on prevention.

What If I Get Sick While Traveling?

If concerned about contracting the coronavirus while traveling, medical coverage options are available. We are in constant communication with our providers, and have confirmed they will continue to cover travelers who need medical care due to COVID-19.

Travel medical insurance is offered either as part of comprehensive travel insurance plans or can be purchased as a stand-alone plan. These plans only offer coverage while traveling outside of your home country. Before purchasing emergency medical coverage, we strongly recommend that you first contact your regular health insurance provider to inquire about global benefits and how your benefits apply when you are outside of your home country.

Emergency Medical Evacuation Coverage provides transport assistance in the event that you become seriously ill or injured while traveling. Generally, these plans provide emergency medical evacuation to the nearest appropriate care facility if the assistance company and the physician feel you’d be better suited at a different facility.

Trip Interruption Coverage is included in travel insurance comprehensive plans. It’s a benefit that offers travelers reimbursement of their pre-paid, non-refundable expenses should they unexpectedly need to cut their travels short. However, there are exclusions for this, so be sure to review your policy carefully.

Travelers with specific questions about coverage should contact our Customer Care team at 800-487-4722 for assistance in finding the right coverage for their unique travel plans.

What If My Travel Supplier Goes Out of Business?

The impact of the coronavirus goes beyond medical as concern grows over the long term financial impact on the travel industry. Travelers may consider seeking financial default coverage as a precautionary measure in the event their travel supplier becomes financially insolvent. This specific coverage is already included in many comprehensive travel insurance plans and is designed to help travelers in the event their travel supplier has stopped business operations due to financial reasons. Usually, airlines, cruise lines, and tour companies are the kind of suppliers whose financial default would be covered under your travel insurance plan. Financial default coverage reimburses in-full only if you are unable to make alternate arrangements to continue with your travel plans. If you’re able to book another flight, for example, your benefits would then be adjusted according to the specific terms of your policy. This benefit is time-sensitive and the time period varies by plan and provider. Review your policy carefully or call our Customer Care team with questions about this type of coverage.

Coronavirus & Cruises - Common Traveler Questions

On March 8, 2020, the U.S. State Department issued a Travel Alert stating that "U.S. citizens, particularly travelers with underlying health conditions, should not travel by cruise ship" due to the increased risk of infection of COVID-19 in a cruise environment. The situation remains fluid. Passengers with cruise travel already booked should contact their travel supplier for the latest information and their position on this statement. Some cruise companies, such as Royal Caribbean, are allowing cancellation up to 48 hours before sailing. Travelers who choose to cruise may consider travel medical insurance for their trip.

If I get sick and quarantined on a cruise ship, does travel insurance cover me?

Possibly. Companies have different requirements for what is considered "quarantined", so it is important to read your policy or call to clarify coverage.

If I'm not sick and quarantined on a cruise ship, does travel insurance cover me?

Possibly. Like cruisers who get sick and are quarantined, those who are not sick but are still quarantined are subject to the same guidelines as defined by the provider and policy.

If I get sick with coronavirus on a cruise ship, will travel insurance help evacuate me?

It is extremely rare for travel assistance companies to arrange for evacuation off of a cruise ship. Typically, you have to be hospitalized first and the assistance company will work with the attending physician to arrange transportation to another hospital, or back home if required.

If I get sick with coronavirus on a cruise ship, who pays my medical bills?

If a traveler gets sick on a cruise ship and requires medical care, he or she may be able to file a claim with their travel insurance company to request reimbursement. It is important to keep all receipts and detailed documentation related to medical care received while on your trip.

If my cruise line cancels a cruise due to coronavirus, does travel insurance cover me?

Cancel For Any Reason selected, they may be able to be refunded a portion (typically 50-75%) of their insured pre-paid non-refundable trip cost if the cruise line cancels the cruise prior to departure and they decide to cancel their entire trip. Cancel For Any Reason is a time-sensitive benefit with some eligibility requirements, and you must cancel at least 2 days prior to departure.

What if I'm afraid to go on an upcoming cruise due to coronavirus?

Coverage is very limited, as typical travel insurance policies don't cover fear of travel. If the traveler has purchased a plan with optional Cancel For Any Reason selected, they may be able to be refunded a portion (typically 50-75%) of their insured pre-paid non-refundable trip cost if there is fear of traveling due to coronavirus prior to departure. Cancel For Any Reason is a time-sensitive benefit with some eligibility requirements, and you must cancel at least 2 days prior to departure.

Additional Travel Advice for Coronavirus

Stay informed of the latest information on the Novel Coronavirus by referring to:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Center for Disease Control & Prevention
• U.S. State Department

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article serves as a general overview of benefits and should only be used for informational purposes. Refer to your individual certificate of insurance for specific coverages, exclusions, and benefits. When in doubt, please contact one of our licensed agents for additional assistance.

Edited July 31, 2020 by Bucknaway

[msclelovr]

I may have posted this on here before…I have an annual global travel policy with Allianz. It does cover Covid-19, but new such policies do not. And the new policies are costing approximately double the price I paid earlier.

With no disrespect to what others have posted, I don’t see the “problem” as being the cost of whatever medical treatment is needed. With hospitals in Brazil being under such pressure, I would guess that it may be very difficult to access private treatment no matter what you can afford. 
 

Of course, this issue applies to other countries too. In South Africa, where first-world health care is available if you can pay, part of the private healthcare sector has been effectively nationalized (as the State-run healthcare system had too few ventilators).  
 

I will remain wary of travelling outside of the developed world (and its good healthcare systems) for some time, even if national governments open their borders.

[Latbear4blk]

On one hand, I agree with @msclelovr and I feel I should refrain my impulse to go South as soon as possible. On the other hand, this is a unique time for traveling. Visiting the places that are normally overrun by tourism would now be a radically different experience. In that corner, my survival instinct pushes me to stay locked down at home; in this corner my curiosity and adventurous spirit want to travel. I think my adventurous spirit is getting old and tired and losing the fight. 

[Manly69]

The link is about Emirates covering all costs if you catch the virus when flying with them.

 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwixxLHk2PfqAhXixzgGHcjBCOEQFjAIegQICRAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.com%2Fnews%2Fbusiness-53563276&usg=AOvVaw0SQ7Kj0fDu2c4uO_g-4VZO

Edited July 31, 2020 by Extractor
left out info

[Riobard]

2 hours ago, msclelovr said:

SNIP:

With no disrespect to what others have posted, I don’t see the “problem” as being the cost of whatever medical treatment is needed. With hospitals in Brazil being under such pressure, I would guess that it may be very difficult to access private treatment no matter what you can afford. 
 

Of course, this issue applies to other countries too. In South Africa, where first-world health care is available if you can pay, part of the private healthcare sector has been effectively nationalized (as the State-run healthcare system had too few ventilators).  
 

I will remain wary of travelling outside of the developed world (and its good healthcare systems) for some time, even if national governments open their borders.

I second this emotion. Also, many of us do not travel with a support system similar to what we may have at home. Power-of-attorney for finances, care, etc, advocacy in the foreign locale, etc. Having had a bad case of dengue fever in South America, I can attest that it is hell-ish to be on your own with a spiked body temperature and other debilitating symptoms. 

[tassojunior]

When did Europe stop providing healthcare for visitors? When I was a young student I went to the doctor twice there and no one thought about " payment".

Edited July 31, 2020 by tassojunior

[msclelovr]

AFAIK healthcare in an emergency in Europe has always been available to foreign visitors. But it has never been and is not generally free. 
 

In the EU, citizens and legal migrants are registered for and carry a European Heath Insurance Card. I have one myself; if for instance I need medical attention in Spain, I must produce the card  to get free treatment. If I do not have it with me, I am presented with a bill; I can later claim a refund from the central authority. Some private hospitals in Spain not only require you to produce the card but also a credit card to pay the supplemental expenses that the State will not reimburse.
 

In the UK, citizens and legal migrants benefit from the National Health Service (NHS) with all treatments and drugs being free. Foreigners were generally treated for free after an accident/emergency and a bill was sent later - the overwhelming majority of foreigners never paid. Also it became clear after some years that foreigners were visiting the UK specifically to get free treatment for their conditions - the resultant controversy led to a slogan that the NHS is not an InterNational Health Service. This has now caused hospitals to check first that you are entitled to use the free services. 

[Riobard]

UK, Australia, and New Zealand have reciprocal emergency health care agreements among these 3 CANZUK countries. Canada should be in it, by rights as a Commonwealth country on par in development, but its health care is run by province/territory and even interprovincial coverage can be a headache if you happen to be away from your jurisdiction. 

By the way, I may as well here disabuse you of the notion that Québecois receive free universal health care. On top of paying about the highest income tax rate in North America, I pay the province close to $700 annually for medication coverage whether used or not (and a substantial portion of prescription meds beyond the annual pharmaceutical fee), $500 annual GP user fee, many lab fees, $180 per consult with a decent urologist, and I have paid $990 apiece for required standard diagnostic MRIs. Travel medical insurance is a lot less than the aforementioned tally. 

Australia also has agreements with about 10 European countries but they are not uniform contracts and it is still recommended to travel with private insurance. I think the main impediment is that these agreements do not cover everything that is covered locally. Then it comes down to figuring out legally who is, or should be, the obligatory first payer versus residual payer, the government system or third party private insurer. Because residual-needs premium costs are often similar to fully insured private single-payer premiums, why benefit private corporations with savings for them that amount to dollars out of taxpayers’ pockets? 

Edited July 31, 2020 by Riobard

[Kevie770]

I’ll probably go out there in a few weeks.  I will let the group know how everything is. I’m going to plan to stay for a week but that might change depending on how everything is out there. 

[msclelovr]

When you say “there” @Kevie770 do you mean Brazil and which cities specifically would you visit?

[yellowheart]

The ban has just been recently lifted.. if anyone is adventurous enough to go; please post about the process.  To enter; you have to show proof that you dont have COVID.  Negative test results or a doctor's note must be presented upon entry. 

[Kevie770]

4 hours ago, msclelovr said:

When you say “there” @Kevie770 do you mean Brazil and which cities specifically would you visit?

Honestly, I plan on staying a week in Salvador and a week in Rio but that could change.  My company has us working remote until 2021.  So I might stay longer if I want to.  I had Covid a couple months ago and got over it without symptoms so it’s not a concern of mine. 

[Latbear4blk]

1 hour ago, yellowheart said:

The ban has just been recently lifted.. if anyone is adventurous enough to go; please post about the process.  To enter; you have to show proof that you dont have COVID.  Negative test results or a doctor's note must be presented upon entry. 

Where did you find that you need proof of neg. test for covid? What I read is that you need proof of health coverage for covid.

[Latbear4blk]

48 minutes ago, Kevie770 said:

Honestly, I plan on staying a week in Salvador and a week in Rio but that could change.  My company has us working remote until 2021.  So I might stay longer if I want to.  I had Covid a couple months ago and got over it without symptoms so it’s not a concern of mine. 

Hey, keep us posted but make well informed decisions. Do not feel overconfident about being immune, there is a lot of debate about whether or not you can be reinfected. 

[Kevie770]

42 minutes ago, Latbear4blk said:

Hey, keep us posted but make well informed decisions. Do not feel overconfident about being immune, there is a lot of debate about whether or not you can be reinfected. 

Yes, I will definitely keep up and make an informed decision. I would use the same safety measures I do here in Atlanta. Mask up, wash my hands and social distance when possible. Ga has more Covid cases than the state of Rio does and is reporting twice as many cases daily. So it’s not like I’m going from one safe space to a dangerous space. More like going from dangerous to slightly more dangerous lol. But I will definitely be contacting you about Salvador! I’ve been binge reading your blog the last few nights and I would def like to meet Marcelo! 

 

Edited August 1, 2020 by Kevie770

[Riobard]

3 hours ago, Latbear4blk said:

Hey, keep us posted but make well informed decisions. Do not feel overconfident about being immune, there is a lot of debate about whether or not you can be reinfected. 

There may also be an inverse relationship between symptom severity and antibody protection strength and durability. In other words, get off lightly in infection, longterm immune response light on its feet. 

In addition, the earlier utilized antibody tests may not have the best sensitivity (not a problem unless the result was negative) and specificity (a problem if it detected a different coronavirus). Worthwhile to repeat antibody testing that was done months ago.

In the absence of clear answers, this is where I am at in terms of my risk tolerance for my both my own and others vulnerability and susceptibility, as someone not yet personally infected/protected:

Without evidence of my own immunity protection, either natural through infection or artificial through vaccination, I won’t chance intimacy with anyone at all, even if they themselves can demonstrate either natural or artificial apparent immunity. As there may be a window in which an “immune” person can host coronavirus and be infectious while their body’s previous exposure or vaccination status is mounting its defence, including memory cells to trigger a better antibody response at a point in which significant antibody decay had already occurred, I risk picking up coronavirus. It pains me to write this because the guy with an ‘immunity passport’ hot enough to tempt me may be behaviourally more likely to have the kind of transient re-exposure I outlined ... he is definitely not monogamish. 

The virus does not float around in the air with selective radar like we see in space alien films; it will take its best shot anywhere. I think, as well, a big factor in my thinking about this is how the virus is shed; could somebody be harbouring recently reacquired viral particles in their mucous membranes while re-mounting immune response? Until more is known about these factors, I prefer to defer until I am confident of my own safety ... and of not playing transmission middle-man ... brings to next point.

Similarly, if I have reasonably known protective immunity based on infection or on (future) vaccination, at this point I would want the sexual partner to have the same immune status for his own sake, until such time in our knowledge evolution there is greater certainty about my potential for transient contagion. There is evidence that immunity to many other diseases protects both sides, including the unexposed, but the jury is not out on SARS-CoV-2 and understandably the scientific community hedges judgement on such questions, more so they would say “How the fuck should I know?!” if asked about our promiscuity abroad.

Currently for me this means maintaining precautionary measures in non-sexual situations and being monogamish in whoring even if I have apparent immunity and I am comfortable travelling.

[Sorry: I had drafted this elsewhere and the paste function is not giving font options this time]

Edited August 1, 2020 by Riobard