You may need more than a passport, plane ticket to travel, according to insurance expert

Some countries will now require COVID insurance if you plan to travel abroad from the United States. It’s making for a complicated and sometimes costly getaway.

Rich Davidson and Natalie Whitty said they’re planning to head overseas at some point in 2022.

“I want to go to places like Australia, Tahiti,” Davidson said.

29% of Americans also plan to travel abroad, according to Trip Advisor. You’re likely to need more than just your passport and plane ticket.

“Two years ago, we didn’t know there would be such a thing as COVID-19 insurance,” Omar Kaywan said. “But, it does exist now.” Kaywan is the CEO for Goose Insurance. He said many touristy destinations, including Jamacia and Aruba, are asking for proof of COVID insurance. “Now a lot of a lot of countries are making this a requirement for entry. Right now we’re seeing a lot of demand for the Philippines, for example”

Kaywan said Goose insurance’s plan is $150 and good for up to a year. Most plans cover up to $500,000 worth of COVID costs.

“If you’re going somewhere and you test positive and you cannot come back home and you have to self-isolate, [the] policy will cover you for meals and accommodations,” Kaywan said.

These are some of the other recommended companies that offer COVID insurance as a part of its plan, according to Forbes.

• Trawick International
• Nationwide
• John Hancock insurance
• Tin Leg
• Seven Corners
• AXA Assistance USA
• Cat 70

“I flew American, and they offered the insurance. It wasn’t a lot of money,” Whitty said. “And, I’m at an age where you never know what’s gonna happen.”

Whitty said she believes it’s worth it for flight cancellations. However, in the instance of a positive test result abroad, she and Davidson would rather take their chances.

“If I flew more often, I’d consider it,” Davidson said. “I’m going to live on the edge.”

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