Michael C.
Quarantine Does Not Mean What You Think It Means
I purchased a travel insurance plan that covers trip cancellation due to quarantine. I was subjected to a "stay-at-home" order (issued by state government subject to criminal penalty) which strictly isolated me in my household of one. It clearly meets the definition in the policy contract for "quarantine." After mischaracterizing my claim as "concerns around the Coronavirus," it was denied. On appeal, AON continued to argue that my trip's cancellation is not covered based on terms and conditions that are not enumerated in the policy -- namely (1) that the quarantine has to apply to me specifically -- not a general statewide quarantine; and (2) that the quarantine exceptions allowing me to get groceries or walk my dogs is not "strict isolation." This is a once a 100-year pandemic, which is exactly the thing you would think insurance would cover. AON claims this strict interpretation is being directed by their underinsurer, Nationwide (apparently they are not on my side). Awaiting the result of further appeals. If I don't receive satisfactory results by the end of the week, I will be filing a complaint with the state insurance commissioner. This is fraud plain and simple. Everyone, read your contract and dispute if they try to claim that your fear of traveling due to pandemic is not covered.



