New COVID-19 variant strains detected- Should You Plan Your Winter Vacation Now?

Posted on: Jan 6, 2023 | | Written by:

New COVID-19 variant strains detected- Should You Plan Your Winter Vacation Now?

Published on January 5, 2023. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

With almost all the travel restrictions uplifted across the globe, people were eager to start ticking off their bucket lists and travel far and wide. However, many are contemplating a trip with caution this winter after the reported surge in COVID-19 cases in China and other Asian countries. The detection of new variants - Omicorn BF.7 and XBB 1.5 are forcing people to put travel plans on the back burner yet again. If you still wish to plan a vacation at this time, don’t forget to get travel insurance that secures your trip and gives medical cover overseas. For instance, HDFC ERGO’S INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL INSURANCE covers coronavirus hospitalisation and reimbursement for baggage loss and delayed flights.

Should you plan a trip while Omicorn BF.7 and XBB 1.5 cases are on the rise?

To begin with, none of the countries has closed borders to tourists, nor has the World Health Organisation announced any travel restrictions. Except for some guidelines for travellers from China and other Asian countries. For instance, countries like the US, Italy, Australia, Canada, UK, Israel, Japan South Korea have made it mandatory for travellers from China to get a negative RT-PCR test done at least two days before departure. India has also asked travellers from China, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Singapore to get a negative RT PCR test done 72 hours before departure from 1st January 2023 onward.

So, check the travel rules and guidelines of the country you plan to visit before departure. Also, check the visiting country’s government website and tourism board updates to avoid missing crucial travel guidelines. Apart from this, you should follow good hygiene practices, maintain social distancing and wear a mask in public places.

Nature has a lot to offer during this season – snow, hail, ice, lush green foliage – and much more. So if you are planning to go on a vacation now or have to travel for work make sure to get a travel insurance , which will ensure that you are covered against any unplanned expenses due to medical emergencies.

Travelling during winters

Be cautious if you are planning to visit colder places this winter amid the surge in COVID-19 cases. Because of the drop in temperatures, many of us quickly catch a cold or flu and the new COVID variants are the bad boys of this season.

Many viruses and germs thrive in cold weather and replicate quickly. Viruses are more stable in low temperatures and low humidity. They can stay in the air for longer, increasing the chances of a person catching a viral infection.

In an unknown destination, falling sick could be a nightmarish experience. One way to avoid falling sick during winter is to build immunity while planning your trip (eat healthy, exercise and sleep well). However, matters of the body and that of the virus could be tricky. Despite your best attempts and intentions, a viral can get hold of you anywhere, which could lead to a doctor’s visit or even hospitalisation. This is why getting travel medical insurance is advisable.

In case of sickness or any other medical emergencies, travel insurance will help in

Cashless hospitalisation

Hospital reimbursements due to accident or sickness

Cover hotel stay for extended medical emergency

Cover expenses for moving to the nearest hospital for appropriate treatment

Diagnostic tests required to be done while holidaying

International travel insurance also protects you from lost or delayed baggage, flight delays, dental emergencies and other predefined conditions. Read your policy document closely to know what benefits you can avail of.

Word of caution

While winters can be fun to play and dance in the snow, know that a drop in temperature also affects immunity and the respiratory system making one prone to cold and flu. This could also make one vulnerable to the new COVID-19 strains. While we hope your winter vacation is a memorable one, getting international travel insurance will ensure that you don’t face any financial troubles if you feel under the weather on your vacation.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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