February Edition: Coronavirus, Travel Insurance, Travel Health Notices, and more

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Travel: Because of the novel (new) coronavirus outbreak, CDC recommends that travelers avoid travel to mainland China, South Korea, and reconsider cruise ship travel to or within Asia. The recommendation to avoid travel to China applies only to mainland China and does not include Hong Kong, Macau, or the island of Taiwan. CDC has posted several country-specific travel health notices for coronavirus. These notices are also listed in the travel health notice section below. The coronavirus situation is evolving rapidly, and CDC is following it very closely.

During travel: CDC does not currently recommend that the general public or travelers wear facemasks or respirators to prevent spread novel coronavirus if they are healthy.

Although facemasks are commonly worn in many countries, little evidence supports their use in a community setting. People sick with respiratory symptoms (coughing, sneezing), however, can consider wearing a facemask to prevent the spread of germs to others. This is especially important if seeking care in a healthcare setting, such as a hospital or clinic.

The use of facemasks is crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility). Take everyday preventive actions to help slow the spread of respiratory illnesses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Do not travel when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

After travel: If you do not feel well after your trip, call your doctor and tell them where you traveled and your symptoms. 

Travelers should continue to monitor the CDC website for updates. More novel coronavirus frequently asked questions.

Travel Tip: Travel Insurance

Planning an international trip? Consider buying travel insurance to cover yourself against accidents or illness while you’re abroad. Have medical insurance back home? Your domestic policy may not cover you when traveling outside the United States. And even if it does, the coverage may not be enough.

Know your options
1. Travel Health Insurance. If you need to go to a hospital or clinic overseas, you will probably be asked to pay out-of-pocket for any services. If you have health insurance in the United States, find out if it covers emergencies that happen abroad. If your health insurance coverage is not adequate, consider buying a short-term supplemental policy.

2. Medical Evacuation Insurance. This insurance will pay for emergency transportation from a remote or poor area to a high-quality hospital – medical evacuations can cost $100,000 or more. Make sure the policy provides world-wide 24-hour physician support.

3. Trip Cancellation Insurance. Trip cancellation insurance covers your financial investment in your trip, such as flights, cruises, or train tickets. Examine policies to make sure they cover what you need, including cancellation if you or a close family member gets sick. Full article.

Travel Health Notices 1/21-2/25

Level 3: Avoid Nonessential Travel Novel Coronavirus in China January 27, 2020 Coronavirus in South Korea February 24, 2020

Level 2: Practice Enhanced Precautions  Coronavirus in Japan February 22, 2020 Coronavirus in Italy February 23, 2020 Coronavirus in Iran February 23, 2020

Level 1: Practice Usual Precautions Meningococcal Disease in Benin January 28, 2020 Coronavirus in Hong Kong February 19, 2020

Clinician Updates

Update and Interim Guidance on Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-2019)

What to Know: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to closely monitor an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) initially detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019. 

This CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) Update provides a situational update and interim guidance to state and local health departments. This update adds guidance for:

• Clinicians caring for patients with 2019-nCoV,
• Public health officials on the evaluation and testing of patients under investigation (PUIs) for 2019-nCoV, and 
• Updated infection prevention and control guidance specific to 2019-nCoV.

Information for Healthcare Professionals

What to Know: Limited information is available to characterize the spectrum of clinical illness associated with COVID-19. No vaccine or specific treatment for COVID-19 infection is available; care is supportive. The CDC clinical criteria for a COVID-19 patient under investigation (PUI) have been developed based on what is known about MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV and are subject to change as additional information becomes available. Healthcare providers should obtain a detailed travel history for patients being evaluated with fever and acute respiratory illness. See complete guidance. 

CDC Yellow Book 2020

Featured Chapter: Travel Insurance, Travel Health Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance

What to Know: Severe illness or injury abroad may result in a financial burden to travelers. Travelers can substantially reduce their out-of-pocket costs for medical care received abroad by purchasing in advance specialized insurance policies for their trip, regardless of whether they have a domestic health insurance plan. The three types of travel insurance are explained in this chapter.