But with coronavirus as an established risk, refund claims that are linked to that disease - even fear of the disease, are generally being excluded for standard travel insurance coverage.
If you're planning a trip and haven't purchased ticket yet, consider a coverage called "Cancel For Any Reason". It's just like it sounds. The typical cost is 5% to 10% of your entire trip. Depending on the company, you must buy the policy within 5 to 21 days of your first deposit.
Terms and conditions differ, so ask lots of questions and read the fine print carefully. Be sure you're clear on what you're getting and the procedures for filing a claim. Cancel For Any Reason policies typically cover up to 75% of your trip costs if you have to make a claim.
As an example of how to rapidly the rules are changing about coronavirus one insurance company reportedly just announced it will no longer sell "Cancel For Any Reason" coverage in the state of New York. At the same time, another company just changed it's mind, and says it will now honor certain standard insurance claims- if a coronavirus cancellation or delay causes you to miss 50% of your trip.
Insurance aside, if you have travel plans, stay connected with your travel agent, carrier or cruiseline. Many are trying to be flexible as we all adjust to the unknown. And, as one travel agent put it, if you're planning a future trip, especially outside the United States, have a back-up plan.