Are insurance companies covering travellers against the possible impacts of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)? The situation is, to put it mildly, confused at present as travel insurers mull over what to do. The Insurance Council is urging travellers to Asia and Canada – the two areas most affected – to contact their travel insurer for advice and assistance before they travel.

There’s certainly no co-ordinated response from the industry, and there isn’t likely to be until the situation becomes clearer. Obviously if the pandemic spreads further and faster, the insurers will get tougher. US and Canadian travel insurers are telling their clients they won’t have a claim if they cancel their trip for fear of contracting the disease, but they will be covered for medical expenses provided people seek treatment while travelling – and not when they return…

Locally, the Insurance Council of Australia says it’s important for policyholders to contact their insurer to receive the most up-to-date and accurate information. Major insurers including AIG, CGU and QBE have set up hotlines to deal with the influx of SARS-related calls. For a full list of companyies offering this service and their hotline numbers, go to www.insurancecouncil.com.au.